“We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe, unto salvation, is sufficiently taught therein. For, since the whole manner of worship, which God requires of us, is written in them at large, it is unlawful for anyone, though an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: nay, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul saith. For, since it is forbidden, to add unto or take away anything from the word of God, it doth thereby evidently appear, that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects. Neither do we consider of equal value any writing of men, however holy these men may have been, with those divine Scriptures, nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, for the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars, and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore, we reject with all our hearts, whatsoever doth not agree with this infallible rule, which the apostles have taught us, saying, Try the spirits, whether they are of God. Likewise, if there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house.”
I. General Outline. This article teaches:
A. that the Holy Scriptures are complete and perfect in themselves; and that they are therefore sufficient unto salvation;
B. that no human writings are or may be considered of equal value with them;
C. that whatever disagrees with them is to be rejected, and all other writings are to be judged according to their criterion.
II. Particular contents.
A. The perfection and completeness of Scripture:
1. They fully contain:
a. the will of God, i.e.,
1) the counsel of God with respect to all things,
2) the will of God concerning the faith and walk of believers.
b. all that must be believed unto salvation:
1) the full revelation of the gospel, the counsel of God concerning salvation in Christ.