Third, from the disagreement of those who acknowledge Scripture as the judge.
Third, from the disagreement of those who acknowledge Scripture as the judge.
§ 468. (III) From the disagreement of those who acknowledge Scripture as the judge. “If the judgment of Scripture were sufficient, why has there not yet been agreement among those who acknowledge Scripture alone as the norm and judge?” We respond. (1) Many people listen to human dreams and the dictates of blind reason rather than the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures. (2) Many bring their own preconceived opinions into Scripture but are not seeking the true meaning from the Scriptures. As Hilary says, “They force what they presumed to be the meaning before reading it to appear to be contained by the words” (De Trinit., bk. 1). (3) Many people, according to the apostle (Titus 3:11), are “self-condemned” because for the sake of keeping their authority, power, glory, and wealth, they are unwilling to acknowledge and confess the truth when it has been shown to them from the Scriptures (John 12:43). (4) There are many who allow their eyes to be closed by external splendor and pomp so that the light of truth does not shine upon them. (5) There are many who, despite the fact that Scripture condemns them, appeal to Scripture, just as the Jews appealed to Moses, who nevertheless kept accusing them (John 5:45). (6) We must distinguish between potentiality and actuality. Potentially, by its own nature and because of its perfection and perspicuity, Scripture is suitable and sufficient for settling controversies. Because of the fault of human wickedness, however, it happens that in actuality the effect does not always nor among all people follow, just as the Gospel is “the power [potentia] of God to salvation for all who believe” (Rom. 1:16), though not all people are in actuality converted and saved through the preaching of the Gospel. Medication is suitable and effectual for driving away an illness, though the effect may not result because of some other cause that hinders its strength.