What things are chiefly contained in the holy scriptures?
The holy scriptures chiefly contain what man ought to believe concerning God, and what duty God requireth of man.
Proofs
- The holy scriptures chiefly contain what man ought to believe concerning God, and what duty God requireth of man. (2 Timothy 1:13; 3:15–16)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Are men by nature ignorant of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: And they know not me, saith the Lord, (Jeremiah 9:3)
And of duty?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They know not to do right, (Amos 3:10)
Does ignorance lead to sin?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I did it ignorantly, (1 Timothy 1:13)
But is it an excuse for sin?
Answer: No.
Proof: Pour out thy fury upon the heathen, that know thee not, (Jeremiah 10:25)
And are the scriptures appointed for our instruction?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The entrance of thy words giveth light, (Psalm 119:130)
Section 2
Are all things profitable and necessary contained in the holy scriptures?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They are able to make us wise unto salvation, (2 Timothy 3:15)
Do the scriptures teach plainly?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We use great plainness of speech, (2 Corinthians 3:12)
Do they teach powerfully?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the word of God is quick and powerful, (Hebrews 4:12)
Do they teach sinners?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: O ye simple understand wisdom, O ye fools be of an understanding heart, (Proverbs 8:5)
Do they teach saints?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I speak as to wise men, (1 Corinthians 10:15)
Section 3
Is it necessary that men should know God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Acquaint now thyself with him, (Job 22:21)
Does grace and peace come to the soul in this way?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, (2 Peter 1:2)
And is ignorance of God a great reproach?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but Israel doth not know, (Isaiah 1:3)
Can men know God aright without his word?
Answer: No.
Proof: Remember that at that time ye were without God in the world, (Ephesians 2:13)
May all that may be known of God without the word, be better known in and by the word?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, (Hebrews 11:3)
Should we therefore have recourse to the scriptures for the knowledge of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For if we receive his words, then shall we find the knowledge of God, (Proverbs 2:5)
Section 4
Is obedience to God a due debt?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Therefore brethren we are debtors, (Romans 8:12)
Is it a debt due from all?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The commandment of God is made known unto all nations for the obedience of faith, (Romans 16:26)
But especially from the saints?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They which have believed in God, must be careful to maintain good works, (Titus 3:8)
And are the duties of obedience best learned from the divine word?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)
Section 5
Do the scriptures teach us to obey without hesitating?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, (Galatians 1:16)
And without reserve or exception?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left, (Deuteronomy 5:32)
And without reluctance?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I delight to do thy will, O my God, (Psalm 40:8)
And without assuming?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When ye have done all these things, say we are unprofitable servants, (Luke 17:10)
And without fainting?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Let us not be weary in well doing, (Galatians 6:9)
And will other methods be ineffectual for instruction where the written word fails?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead, (Luke 16:31)