Article V

I. The Bible:

A. We receive the books of the Bible as truth.

1. Not as a matter of conviction through human reasoning.

2. But this is also by faith.

B. We receive ALL these books AND THESE ONLY.

1. This emphasis distinguishes us from others–particularly Rome.

a. Rome has accepted as Scripture some of the appcryphal books.

b. We receive only those 66 which are included in our Bible.

2. Thus “authority and dignity” are recognized only in these.

C. These are both “holy” and “canonical.”

1. Holy also in distinction from other “good” books–they are free of error and set apart for our instruction and guidance.

2. Canonical–which was considered in an earlier lesson.

II. Its authority.

A. Evident from the fact that the church receives and approves them.

1. We must not use this expression in the sense of Roman Catholicism.

a. The Romish Church declares that the authority of Scripture rests upon the Church.

1) The Church can add to Scripture by the power of its infallibility.

2) The Church only can rightly interpret scripture.

3) In some cases, the Church must add doctrines which are not found in Scripture.

b. The authority of Scripture is not derived from the fact that the church is willing to recognize it.

2. Nevertheless it is important that the Church recognize and confess the Scripture.

a. It has done this in the past (cf. past lessons)–and we believe this was done under the guidance of the Spirit.

b. And it bears weight with the Christian that not just I, but the Church throughout the ages has recognized what is the infallible Word of God.

B. The testimony of the Spirit in my heart.

1. Not some sort of mystical “voice” which conceivably could speak differently to different individuals.

2. But:

a. The Spirit applies the Word as preached and read in Scripture itself.

b. So that within the Christian there is the certainty: This is God’s Word.

1) Natural man does not have this certainty–rather he scoffs at it.

2) But this is worked within the heart of the regenerated.

C. The testimony of Scripture itself.

1. Seripture has survived all the many attacks upon it throughout the ages.

2. Christ and the apostles recognized the authority of Scripture Lu. 24:44, etc.

3. Some 3, 800 times Scripture declares: Thus saith the Lord (and similar expressions).

4. Its Word of prophecy is being fulfilled.

a. The prophecies of the O1d Testament are fulfilled (concerning the coming of the Messiah; prophecies concerning various nations as Babylon; prophecies concerning men as Cyrus).

b. The signs of the times mentioned in the N.T. are clearly being fulfilled.

III. Its relation to faith:

A. It guides faith in an understanding of what is the lie and what is the truth. (Regulates)

1. Man can not simply have his own standards.

2. But must have this revelation to know WHAT he is to believe.

B. It is the foundation of our faith–our faith rests upon this.

C. It confirms our faith:

1. God uses His Word to strengthen and encourage our faith.

2. Therefore also we are called to use this Word diligently.

Worksheet

Questions for study and consideration:

1. If the Bible is as important and significant as this article maintains, why did not God also provide us with the original documents of this Scripture–so that there could be no doubt concerning any part of it?

2. What is the idea of the heading of the article which speaks of the “dignity” of Scripture?

3. Is there not a danger that we begin to worship the Bible?

4. How can or how does doubt begin to arise with respect to Scripture?

5. What is the relationship between the three points which reveal the authority of Scripture? Can any one exist independently of the others?

6. Find some of the prophecies fulfilled in the Old Testament.

7. Which prophecies of the New Testament are in process of fulfillment now?

8. Is the testimony of Scripture about itself (“Thus saith the Lord”) to be considered a valid testimony?

9. If the “very blind are able to perceive”, how is it that all men do not believe that Scripture itself is the Word of God?