1689 1.7

1.7. Of the Holy Scriptures

All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for Salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.

Proof texts

• 2 Peter 3:16 — [16] as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
• Psalms 19:7 — [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
• Psalms 119:130 — [130] The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Peter 3:16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 3 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