Second, from its principal efficient cause.
Second, from its principal efficient cause.
§ 369. (II) We prove the perfection of Scripture from its principal efficient cause, which is God most wise and most perfect. From a voluntary, perfect cause that wants to produce a perfect effect and is not hindered in this intent there proceeds a perfect effect. God is such a cause of Scripture. In fact, He wanted the Scriptures to be written and to exist for this purpose: that they might instruct us fully about His essence and will for our salvation. No hindrance to the production of this effect intervened nor could intervene. Therefore Scripture, as the effect of such a perfect cause, is perfect. Irenaeus, Adv. Haeres., bk. 2, c. 47: “The Scriptures are perfect; in fact, they have been dictated by the Word of God and His Spirit.” Elsewhere the Papists are accustomed to prove the perfection of works from the perfection of their cause, namely, the Holy Spirit, from whom those works have their beginning, though this cause is hindered from producing a perfect effect by the weakness of the flesh in the reborn (Rom. 8:3). How much more correctly do we conclude the perfection of Scripture as a result of the perfection of its perfect cause, which wishes to produce a perfect effect and is not hindered in this intent!