1689:1.7: The Scripture is Clear

Confession:

7. Some things in Scripture are clearer than others, and some people understand the teachings more clearly than others.12   However, the things that must be known, believed, and obeyed for salvation are so clearly set forth and explained in one part of Scripture or another that both the educated and uneducated may achieve a sufficient understanding of them by properly using ordinary measures.13

122 Peter 3:16. 13Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:130.

Commentary:

The Bible is clear. The clarity of Scripture speaks to the sufficiency of Scripture. If the Word isn't clear it cannot be sufficient. Because the Scripture is commended to us as sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17), then clarity follows. Someone that wrongly divides the Scripture doesn't do so because the Scripture is unclear, but because their understanding is limited. However, it is fair to say that some passages of Scripture are clearer than other passages of Scripture. Thankfully, the best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself. Therefore, we can often utilize the Scripture to help us interpret more difficult passages.

Now, in regards to the scope of clarity, anything one must know, believe, and obey for eternal life is plain. Those doctrines which follow become more clear as a person grows in their knowledge and understanding of the Scripture.

So trust the Word as a clear means by which to evangelize. And stick to reading the Scripture. Ask someone more mature than you to come along side of you and help you grow in your ability to rightly interpret the Word so that you can be more conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.