1689 1.6

1.6. Of the Holy Scriptures

The whole Councel of God concerning all things necessary for his own Glory, Mans Salvation, Faith and Life, is either expressely set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new Revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God, to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church common to humane actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.

Proof texts

• 2 Timothy 3:15-17 — [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
• Galatians 1:8, 9 — [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. [9] As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
• John 6:45 — [45] It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me —
• 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 — [9] But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” — [10] these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. [11] For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
• 1 Corinthians 11:13, 14 — [13] Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? [14] Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,
• 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40 — [26] What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. [40] But all things should be done decently and in order.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Timothy 3:15-17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q1 · WSC Q2 · WSC Q3 · WLC Q1 · WLC Q2 · WLC Q3 · WLC Q4 · WLC Q5 · WCF 1.1 · HC Q1 · HC Q2 · BC 1.1 · BC 1.2 · BC 1.3 · BC 1.4 · BC 1.5 · BC 1.6 · BC 1.7 · SD 1.1