A. The Word of God, which is found in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only standard to direct us how we might glorify and enjoy Him.
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:9-11)
Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:38)
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)
Thoughts: Human opinions are plentiful. How do we know which one(s) to believe when it comes to how we should live? For many the scriptures of the Bible are just one opinion among many. However, the Bible has been experienced by many as God's Word through the centuries. But even such wide and common approbation is not enough. The Bible claims to be inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus calls the Word of God found in scripture "truth" (Jn. 17:17). But even such testimonies- ring hollow unless we are convicted inside that the Scriptures are God's Word to us.
Centuries ago a "foot" was simply the measure of the king's foot- (not twelve inches). One king might have a ten inch foot, while another might have a 13 inch foot. Finally someone decided it made sense to have a standard foot of twelve inches so that there might be consistency. God sees one philosopher saying one thing, and another saying something different, and so He comes and gives us a revelation of the truth- a Word. It alone is the standard for how we should live. The scriptures give us practical ideas on how we might honor and please God, and in the process enjoy our lives.
Of course, it takes faith- a gift given by the Holy Spirit to believe that the Bible is the standard for our lives. It is in a sense God's Word because God the Spirit inspired the writing of it; God the Spirit providentially preserved it over the centuries; God the Spirit illuminates it to us today- helping us to believe its truth and applying it to our lives.
When other opinions are seen as the same standard as scripture- then not only do we get into needless controversy with no real basis for debate (like which king's foot is best); but we also may rationalize away what scripture says-- giving into our own tendencies toward selfishness and disobedience toward God. God has given us instructions- a map- a word. Our response is to believe and heed them.
Prayer: Give me grace, O Lord, to submit my will to your will- my standard to your standard. Forgive me when I stray away from your path and forget what is real and true to life.
[Westminster Shorter Catechism 1647]
Q. 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 Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
[Shorter Catechism in Modern English 1986 by Douglas Kelly, Philip B. Rollinson]
Q. 2. What authority from God directs us how to glorify and enjoy Him?
A. The only authority for glorifying and enjoying Him is the bible, which is the word of God and is
made up of the Old and New Testaments.
[Note- that the word "authority" is different from the original "rule"- which implies a standard/law to go by.
Note that the original says that the Word is contained in the Scriptures; while the Modern version has the word identified with the Scriptures].
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