The Sufficiency of Scripture

Sermon 1 Timothy 3, Belgic Confession, Article 7 – The Sufficiency of Scripture

The Sufficiency of Scripture
We believe
that this Holy Scripture contains
the will of God completely
and that everything one must believe
to be saved
is sufficiently taught in it.

For since the entire manner of service
which God requires of us
is described in it at great length,
no one—

even an apostle
or an angel from heaven,
as Paul says—2

ought to teach other than
what the Holy Scriptures have
already taught us.

For since it is forbidden
to add to the Word of God,
or take anything away from it,3
it is plainly demonstrated
that the teaching is perfect
and complete in all respects.

Therefore we must not consider human writings—

no matter how holy their authors may have been—

equal to the divine writings;
nor may we put custom,
nor the majority,
nor age,
nor the passage of times or persons,
nor councils, decrees, or official decisions
above the truth of God,

for truth is above everything else.

For all human beings are liars by nature
and more vain than vanity itself.

Therefore we reject with all our hearts
everything that does not agree
with this infallible rule,

as we are taught to do by the apostles
when they say,

“Test the spirits
to see whether they are from God,”4

and also,
“Do not receive into the house
or welcome anyone
who comes to you
and does not bring this teaching.”5

2Gal. 1:8
3Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19
41 John 4:1
52 John 10