6/10/14- Scripture Over the Experts

When controversy then happens, for the right understanding of any place or sentence of scripture, or for the reformation of any abuse within the kirk of God, we ought not so much to look what men before us have said or done, as unto that which the Holy Ghost uniformly speaks within the body of the scriptures, and unto that which Christ Jesus himself did, and commanded to be done.136 For this is a thing universally granted, that the Spirit of God (which is the Spirit of unity) is in nothing contrary unto himself.137 If then the interpretation, determination, or sentence of any doctor, kirk, or council, repugn to the plain word of God written in any other place of scripture, it is a thing most certain, that there is not the true understanding and meaning of the Holy Ghost, supposing that councils, realms, and nations have approved and received the same. For we dare not receive and admit any interpretation which directly repugns to any principal point of our faith, or to any other plain text of scripture, or yet unto the rule of charity. (Scots Confession 18c).

3being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-6)

Thoughts:  One survey noted in the Presbyterian Outlook Magazine this month noted an 11% drop in people who believe scripture is divine (from God) or the Word of God among those who go to church in America.  Why is that?  It is surely not just b ecause of Darwin- for many have noted the poetic nature of Genesis.  Barth and the Neo-orthodox taught us that.  It may be because we have stopped believing in the power of God and are trusting instead in our own technology (be it cell phones, Google, or modern medicine) to save us.  It may also be that we seek to rationalize and excuse our disobedience- our adulteries, our cold hearts, our Sabbath breaking, our licentiousness.
    So in many churches in America today, the question is not what do the scriptures say so that we may obey them..  The question is not what even has the church said in the past.  We have forsaken all tradition and scripture for the sake of a false sense of tolerance (that doesn't tolerate those who disagree).  In our admitted pride, we have turned away from God to go our own way- to proudly make our own religion.  This is a religion that will be found false, disobedient, and displeasing to God.
    Knox and our confessions remind us of sola scripture- that scripture alone is the voice we need to hear.  Even councils, general assemblies, experts in the law/philosophy, theology/science do not hold sway over the Word of God.  The Reformers brought us back to it.  Revivals bring us back to it.  The Spirit calls us always away from disobedience and to reform "according to the Word of God."   It is to this word that we need to listen today. Debates are settled by the final word.  The Final Word is God's eternal Word. 

Prayer: Lord give me ears to hear and a heart to respond to you. 

Knox debating the scholars