LBCF 1:9-10 - The Interpretation of Scripture

LBCF 1:9-10

9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.

10. The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.

Survey of Scripture

The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly. (2 Pet 1:20-21; Act 15:15-16)

The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved. (Mat 22:29,31-32; Eph 2:20; Act 28:23)

Differences Between WCF and LBC

Paragraph 9: WCF says, it may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.

Paragraph 10

WCF: can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.

LBCF2: can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.

What Does This Teach Us?

The only infallible rule for the interpretation of Scripture is Scripture itself.

The best and only infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture, is the Scripture itself.

Some things that are briefly and obscurely handled in one place, are more fully and clearly explained in other places; and, therefore, when we would find out the true sense of Scripture, we must compare one passage with another, that they may illustrate one another; and we must never affix a sense to any particular text that is incorrect to broader revelation and the general scheme of divine truth.

The compilers of the Confession affirm, that the sense of Scripture is not many, but one.

No doubt, many passages of Scripture have a complex meaning,—as some prophecies have several steps of fulfilment, in the Jewish nation, the Christian Church, and the heavenly state, and some passages have one thing that is typical of another. Yet these only make up that one and entire sense intended by the Holy Ghost.

No Scripture can have two or more meanings properly different, and nowise subordinate one to another, because of the unity of truth, and because of the perspicuity of the Scripture.

This certainly does tie back to the prior lesson on translations: if you misunderstand a passage it can cause you, and others, harm because a wrong interpretation is not in agreement with God.

There will be times where we fail to incorrectly understand a passage, and it is done out of ignorance; God is gracious towards us but we must strive to understand the true sense of God’s Word or we do harm.

In our day, plurality is elevated to a higher esteem than singleness, this is wrong and there is one true sense of Scripture.

Where Reformed Theology really shines is it views Scripture as a whole but we bring our past errors with us; we must seek to have strong Theology (Systematic Theologies help here as well as Biblical Theology studies). Our study of the Confession should “fix” much of our incorrect Theology if we truly use it as intended.

The Scriptures are the supreme judge in all controversies respecting religion

That the Scriptures are the supreme standard of religious truth, is asserted in opposition to the Socinians, who maintain that reason is the standard by which we are to judge of the doctrines of revelation, and that we are bound to receive nothing as true which reason does not comprehend.

Does Reason Play a Role?

There is, no doubt, much use for the exercise of reason in matters of religion. We pour ourselves over the Scripture that we might understand them and apply them - a reasonable person is able to do this.

Reason cannot

Try the scriptures by man’s standards

Approve or disapprove, as they agree or disagree with it; for this would be to treat it as if it were not a revelation, at the moment when we acknowledge it to be such.

Put it on trial looking for independent proof.

Reason can

Examine the evidence exhibited to show that it is his Word, and to investigate its meaning by rules which are used in determining the sense of any other book.

Link together complex passages and glean from them what one must believe and do.

Take the Holy Scriptures and make judgements or decisions that apply to specific settings, especially controversies in religion by the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.

This was in opposition to the Papists, who maintain that the Church is an infallible judge in religious controversies; though they do not agree among themselves whether this infallible authority resides in the Pope, or in a council, or in both together. Now, the Scripture never mentions such an infallible judge on earth.

Neither Pope, nor councils, possess the properties requisite to constitute a supreme judge in controversies of religion; for they are fallible, and have often eyed, and contradicted one another.

Although the Church or her ministers are the official guardians of the Scriptures, and although it belongs to them to explain and enforce the doctrines and laws contained in the Word of God, yet their authority is only ministerial, and their interpretations and decisions are binding on the conscience only in so far as they accord with the mind of the Spirit in the Scriptures. (Hodge)

By this test, the decisions of councils, the opinions of ancient writers, and the doctrines of men at the present time, are to be tried, and by this rule all controversies in religion must be determined. Isa. 8:20; Matt. 22:29. (Hodge)

Isaiah 8:20 NKJV

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

This passage was in the context of when judgment will fall on Israel.

The people will respond that their leaders should consult mediums and wizards for guidance.

The Lord’s response was, “Should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?” Upon the heels of this statement comes Isaiah 8:20.

Matthew 22:29 NKJV

Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.

This passage was in regards to the questions by the Sadducees who thought they might confuse Christ by an elaborate story of a woman who married all seven brothers by reason of the husband dying.

Jesus argument to them was they were being myopic in their view of the Scriptures - taking one truth and yet forcing it over other Scriptures and their clarity.

We are absolutely dependent on the Holy Spirit who uses good logic and reason to guide us, we are dependent on both.