LBCF 1:1 - The Necessity of Scripture
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Why This Study?
Why This Study?
This might be a funny question but why study the LBCF?
I want you to consider the first three questions of the Shorter Catechism as they are quite foundational to our lives.
What is the first question of the Shorter Catechism?
What is the first question of the Shorter Catechism?
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
What is the second question of the Shorter Catechism?
What is the second question of the Shorter Catechism?
Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures, of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
What is the third question of the Shorter Catechism?
What is the third question of the Shorter Catechism?
Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach? A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
Why are these important [Discussion]?
Question 1 orients us in our life - we are not here by chance, we are not here by mistake, we are here by design and with a purpose.
Question 2 tells us where to find our answers
What you think isn’t necessarily right; in fact, we are so scarred by sin we often think wrongly.
Notice how Q 1 and Q2 are linked together - the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
If you do not believe your chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever you have no need of the Scripture as God has given them to be your only rule in life.
Question 3 tells us the purpose of the Scriptures: what to believe about God and what He requires of you.
Survey of Scripture
Survey of Scripture
The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience ,(Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29; Eph. 2:20; 2 Tim. 3:15-17)
Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; (Ps. 19:1-3; Rom. 1:19-21, 32; 2:12a, 14-15)
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.
because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will which is necessary unto salvation. (Ps. 19:1-3, 7-11; Rom. 1:19-21; 2:12a, 14-15, 1:16-17, 3:21)
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.
for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; (Heb. 1:1-2a)
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, (Prov. 22:19-21; Luke 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:12-15; 3:1; Deut. 17:18ff, 31:9ff, 19ff.; 1 Cor. 15:1; 2 Thess. 2:1-2,15; 3:17; Rom. 1:8-15; Gal. 4:20; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:14ff.; Rev. 1:9,19; 2:1; Rom. 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you.
Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased. (Heb. 1:1-2a; Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:7-8; Eph. 2:20)
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
What Does This Teach Us?
What Does This Teach Us?
The Unique Place of Scripture
The Unique Place of Scripture
Nothing is its equal
What I mean by the unique place of Scripture is nothing is its equal
that includes your perspectives, thoughts, and opinions
Scripture has a unique place as the sole authority
Only Scripture tells us saving knowledge, faith and obedience
Nothing can replace it
Nothing else can accomplish God’s purposes of telling us saving knowledge, faith and obedience.
This means our worship, our focus as a church, must always remain focused on Scripture as its center: this is why we have a call to worship, Scripture readings and Scripture based messages.
The Indispensibility of Scripture
The Indispensibility of Scripture
These points from from Samuel Waldron, A Modern Exposition 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith
Waldron focuses on the indispensibility of Scripture: meaning that we cannot find these truths any place else and this was in direct contrast to Roman Catholicism.
The sphere of its indispensability: ‘all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience’
While this statement contradicts Roman Catholic dogma, in two instances at least (paras 1 and 6), it contradicts the radical Anabaptist claims to direct revelation and the gift of prophecy.
This would apply to the modern day Charismatic movement; who claims ongoing revelation.
This also applies to cults who believe they have ongoing relation: this is true of Mormonism as well as Jehovahs Witnesses.
This shows that the confession has value to enlighten basic issues of the faith to this day.
Men must come into contact with Scripture for it to accomplish its end.
As the necessary means to this necessary end the Scriptures are themselves necessary.
2 Timothy 3:15 states, for instance, that the wisdom which leads to salvation is given via the sacred writings.
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The basis for its indispensability.
Waldron says, Men have been saved without the Scriptures, but not without redemptive revelation.
People may not have a Bible but they have have revealed to them the salvific contents of the Bible.
The primary truth revealed from Scripture is that Christ died for sinners, and that He rose again, ascended to Heaven, and will return one day
This means that one cannot speak without qualification of the necessity of the Scriptures.
The Limitation of General Revelation
The Limitation of General Revelation
What general revelation does do
General revelation is Creation and other elements of our Word, it is all that outside of Special Revelation.
Special revelation is restricted to the Word of God.
General revelation reveals to us the existence of God
General revelation makes us accountable to God by the law written in nature (Romans 1:18-32)
What general revelation cannot do
General revelation cannot reveal to us Christ
General revelation cannot reveal to us the saving Work of Christ.
Where in general revelation do you have the promise of Genesis 3:15?
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
The Necessity of Preservation of Scripture
The Necessity of Preservation of Scripture
Because of the preservation of special revelation
The preservation of redemptive revelation brings us back to its redemptive purpose.
The salvation of men depends on their being in possession of a trustworthy record of redemptive revelation.
The background to preservation of redemptive revelation
The Confession says that ‘the truth which is necessary unto salvation’ was committed unto writing ‘for the better preserving of the truth’, with the further end of being ‘for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and of the world’.
It was for the preservation of truth from the corruption of the flesh — human weakness — and the malice of Satan and the world — human wickedness — that God gave us the Scriptures.
We have indications of this purpose in the Scriptures themselves. Certainty about the exact content of the divine revelation was the purpose of the Scriptures. Writing was necessary for certainty because of the weakness of a fallen world.
The description of preservation
Its period
There were faithful men who recorded as they were led by the Holy Spirit.
The Old Testament had Moses, prophets, etc. but the NT was, primarily, the Apostles.
This has not continued - with the writing of Revelation the communication of the person of Christ and His saving work was completed.
We are not lacking in the revelation of Christ - we have sufficient revelation.
Waldron, The clarity of the biblical evidence is such that the authors certainly could not have intended to teach that all redemptive revelation was committed to writing. It is not that everything once revealed is written, but that everything now revealed is written.
Its purposes
The purpose of Scripture is to reveal to us God’s saving plan
Nowhere, outside of Scripture, do have have Christ revealed and all He accomplished.
The Old Testament prophesied and pictured what Christ would accomplish and the New Testament contains His success and the ramifications.
The impact of preservation
We have no other rule for faith and practice.
We have no other source of salvation.
Furthermore, this also requires we understand that God has preserved His Word. More than any other work, the Word of God has been preserved and what you and I can read IS the Word of God.