Sixth, from the condition of a norm.
Sixth, from the condition of a norm.
§ 444. (VI) From the property and condition of a norm. A norm of faith and dogmas in the Church ought to be (1) accepted by public authority; (2) common to all; (3) certain, immovable, and infallible, not like a Lesbic rule,75 but always invariable and similar to itself, perpetually fixed in every part; (4) first; and (5) adequate in every respect for anything it has measured or normed.
** The characteristics of a norm are these: (1) Public authority. Supreme and divine authority must have ordained it. (2) Unity, immutability, and infallibility. (3) Authority of principle and its generality. The norm of religion must be a general principle to which all things in its class are brought back. (4) Sameness or equality with that which it has normed. (5) Between the norm and the normed must exist a homogeneity or identity. **
These characteristics, however, fit Scripture alone; for: (1) It is God-breathed and set forth publicly in the Church (2 Tim. 3:[16]). (2) It is common to all because access to it is always open to all. (3) It is sure and of no doubtful veracity, for it has come from God Himself (1 Tim. 1:15). It is invariable and unswerving (Matt. 5:18). It is immovable and unbreakable (John 10:35). It is always similar to itself, for the books of the New Testament are consonant with those of the Old Testament, and there is no genuine contrariety in the entire codex of the Bible (specifically speaking), that is, in the canonical books. (4) It is first because all things are reduced to it, as to the first truth and supreme principle of believing (Matt. 17:5; John 5:39; John 14:6). (5) It is adequate for what it has measured because it teaches all things necessary for salvation completely and clearly (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore Scripture must surely be acknowledged as the only rule of faith in the Church.