Of the Scriptures as our Rule
Q. 10. What is the first truth inferred hence?
A. That God hath dignified man above all other creatures on earth, in giving him a capacity of glorifying God here, and of enjoying him hereafter.
Q. 11. What is the second truth inferred hence?
A. That the soul of man is not annihilated by death, but advanced by it; Phil. 1:21. To die is gain. V. 23. Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better.
Q. 12. What is the third truth inferred hence?
A. That it is the duty and wisdom of every Christian to renounce, deny, and forsake all inferior interests and enjoyments, when they come in competition with the glory of God, and our enjoyment of him: Luke 14:33. So likewise whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Q. 13. What is the fourth inference hence?
A. That we are to abhor and renounce all those doctrines and practices, that debase the glory of God, and exalt and magnify the creature.
Of the Scriptures as our Rule Quest. 2. WHAT rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and new Testament, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
Q. 1. How can the Scriptures be called the word of God, seeing the things contained there were spoken and written by men?
A. They are truly and properly called the word of God, because they came not by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1:21.
Q. 2. What are the principal arguments to persuade us that the scriptures are of Divine authority and inspiration?
A. Three things especially convince us: First, The holiness of the doctrine therein contained. Secondly, The awful efficacy thereof on the soul. Thirdly, The uncontrollable miracles by which they are sealed, put it beyond all rational doubt that they are the very words of God.
Q. 3. What is the holiness of the scriptures; and how doth that prove them to be God's word?.
A. The holiness of the scriptures doth appear in two things: First, In commanding and encouraging whatsoever is pure, and holy; Phil.
4:8. Whatsoever things are pure. Secondly, In forbidding all unholiness, under pain of damnation; 2 Cor. 6:9. Know ye not, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God, &c. This shews that they came not from Satan, being cross to his design; nor from man, it being against his corrupt nature; and therefore from God only.
Q. 4. What is their authority and efficacy on the soul? and how doth that prove them divine?
A. Their authority, and efficacy on the soul, consists in three things:
First, In the power they have to search and discover the secrets of men; Heb. 12:4. The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Secondly, In their converting
efficacy, changing and renewing the soul; Psalm 19:7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Thirdly, In their cheering and restoring efficacy, when the soul is cast down under any inward or outward trouble; Psal. 19:8. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. No human power can do such things as these;
John 17:17. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.
Q. 5. How do miracles confirm it?
A. Because all proper miracles are wrought only by the hand of God:
John 3:2. And no man can do these miracles that thou dost, except God be with him: and so are his seal to whatsoever he affixes them, and it consists not with his truth, and holiness to set it to a forgery.
Q. 6. What was the end of writing the word?
A. That the church to the end of the world might have a sure, known, standing-rule, to try and judge all things by, and not be left to the uncertainty of traditions; John 5:39. Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.
Q. 7. Doth not the authority of the scriptures depend on the church, fathers, and councils?
A. No, the scriptures are not built on the authority of the church, but the church on them; Eph. 2:20. And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. And as for councils and fathers, the scriptures are not to be tried by them; but they by the scriptures; Isa. 8:20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Q. 8. What may be fairly inferred from this proposition, that the scriptures are the word of God?