Essay 3 - Clarity of Scripture

Question 1

What do we mean when we say scripture has “clarity”?

Answer 1

The perspicuity of scripture means every Christian may come to scripture and glean a sufficient understanding of what scripture says.

Question 2

What are some general objections to the clarity of scripture claim?

Answer 2

1. Clarity of scripture can’t account for the vast amount of differences in belief in the Christian church.
2. Scripture contradicts this - 2 Peter 3:16 tells us there are things that are hard to understand.
3. Scripture is very vague on major points of doctrine. (i.e. predestination, trinity, etc.)
4. Individual Christians are not equipped to interpret scripture.
5. fails to take into account the role of tradition and history of the church.

Question 3

What is the primary objection from Rome on the clarity of scripture?

Answer 3

Rome teaches the Word of God is divided in two parts: Scripture and tradition.
(Tradition is the unwritten, oral teachings of the apostles.)

Rome also argues that scripture is inherently vague, and therefore the magisterium alone may interpret scripture.

Question 4

What is the protestant/reformed response to Rome’s teaching on the clarity of scripture?

Answer 4

1.) All things in scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor clear unto everyone.

2.) Those things necessary for faith and practice are clearly revealed.

3.) the things clear in scripture are clear in so far as we may obtain a sufficient knowledge of them.
(we don’t have an exhaustive knowledge of everything)

Question 5

What is the transformative clarity of scripture?

Answer 5

Transformative clarity says, if God’s word is clear it says something about its effectiveness.

• It transforms us. The clarity of scripture goes beyond our intellect.
• Many places in scripture talk about the illuminating power of scripture.

Question 6

What does scripture say about its clarity regarding doctrine?

Answer 6

Scripture teaches clarity for doctrine.

For example:

John 20 tells us “these are written so that you may believe…”

Acts 17 - Paul proclaimed the gospel to the Bereans and they searched scripture to see if these things were so.

Hebrews 5 - The author scolds them for not knowing their scripture, and having the maturity to discern right from wrong.

***This assume clarity if you expect understanding.

Question 7

What does scripture teach about its clarity for obedience?

Answer 7

Deuteronomy 30 - teaches the word of God is not too hard or far off. The word is very near you, in your heart , and in your mouth. SO YOU CAN DO IT.

1 Corinthians 10 - Paul goes through a list of things that Israel did and tells them these things are examples for us of what not to do.

Again, scripture is clear enough for us to act upon its teachings.

Question 8

What are some limitations on the clarity of scripture?

Answer 8

1.) There are secret things of God.
- Deut 29, - secret things and revealed things
- Luke 9 - “it was concealed from them.”

2.) Difficult things
- 2 Peter 3:16 tells us there are some things in paul’s writings that are difficult to understand.

3.) blinders of unbelievers
- 2 Corinthians 4 - talks about the gospel being “veiled.” and the god of this world has blinded them from seeing the light.

4.) misunderstanding of believers
- lasck of study, laziness, sin, etc. can prevent our understanding.