Reformation Principles and Biblical Illumination: Scripture's Sufficiency and Clarity

Sufficiency of Scripture

Scripture contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly.

The ultimate authority for your life

The Word of God.

Sola Scriptura

Martin Luther's cry that became one of the rallying cries of the Reformation.

The Reformation's view on extrabiblical tradition

The Reformation rejected the unbiblical elevation of extrabiblical tradition.

The limitation of human reason regarding truth

Reason is limited in its abilities, and it cannot determine truth.

Relationship between general revelation (science) and the Bible

General revelation studied by scientists always conforms to the truths found in God's Word.

The sufficiency of the Bible regarding ethics

The Bible is sufficient in addressing every ethical issue at some level or another.

The sufficiency of the Bible regarding modern life

God's Word is sufficient to tell you how to speak in person and how to post on social media.

The sufficiency of the Bible regarding private life

God's Word is sufficient to tell you how to think in private and how to behave in public.

The sufficiency of the Bible regarding personal choices

God's Word is sufficient to show you what kind of friends to have and what kind of career to pursue.

Clarity of Scripture

The Bible's meaning is accessible to all who come to it in faith.

Implication of Deuteronomy 6:6 (Teaching children God's law)

This command implies that even children can understand the Scriptures.

Reason people accuse the Bible of being unclear

Sin is the biggest reason that people accuse the Bible of being unclear.

The Bible to the unbeliever (1 Cor. 2:14)

The message of the Bible is foolish.

Regeneration

Being born again through God's gracious work.

Regeneration's role in understanding the Bible

It is a prerequisite for understanding the Bible correctly.

Illumination

The work of the Spirit that enables people to understand God's revelation and to know how to apply it to their lives.

How illumination occurs

The Spirit shines the light of Scripture into our hearts.

Condition that may prevent a person from understanding Scripture (1 Cor. 3:1-3)

Tolerating sin in their life.

The means God expects believers to use to understand the Scriptures

Study the Scriptures. Meditate on the Scriptures. Pray for understanding. Listen to the preaching and teaching of the Word. Talk with other Christians.

One of the tools given by the Spirit for illumination

Study scriptures for ourselves in a careful and organized way (observe, interpret, and apply).

One of the tools given by the Spirit for illumination

Gifted teachers.

One of the tools given by the Spirit for illumination

Prayer.

4 Reasons to be Excited about Interacting with the Scriptures

Confidence, Expectation, Peace, Faith