Of Faith and Obedience
A. Three things may be hence inferred. First, The perfection of the scriptures, which being the only rule given by God, must therefore be perfect. Secondly, That it is the right of common people to read them; John 5:39. Search the scriptures, Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Thirdly, That we owe no obedience to the injunctions of men farther than they are sufficiently warranted by the written word; Matth. 15:9. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Of Faith and Obedience Quest. 3. WHAT do the scriptures principally teach?
A. The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
Q. 1. Why is faith conjoined with obedience, and put before it?
A. Because faith is the principle from whence all obedience flows; and no man can perform any duty aright in the estate of unbelief;
Heb. 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is.
Q. 2. Can there be no saving faith where the scriptures are not known and preached?
A. No; for the apostle saith, Rom. 10:14, 15. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent?
And ver. 17. So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.