God and His Word

1.1. The Only God

We all believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that there is a single and simple spiritual being, whom we call God- eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good.

Proof texts

• Rom. 10:10 — [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
• Deut. 6:4 — [4] “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
• 1 Cor. 8:4, 6 — [4] Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” [6] yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
• 1 Tim. 2:5 — [5] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
• John 4:24 — [24] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
• Ps. 90:2 — [2] Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
• Rom. 11:33 — [33] Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
• Col. 1:15 — [15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
• 1 Tim. 6:16 — [16] who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
• Jas. 1:17 — [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
• 1 Kings 8:27 — [27] “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!
• Jer. 23:24 — [24] Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.
• Gen. 17:1 — [1] When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
• Matt. 19:26 — [26] But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
• Rev. 1:8 — [8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
• Rom. 16:27 — [27] to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
• Rom. 3:25-26 — [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
• Rom. 9:14 — [14] What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!
• Rev. 16:5, 7 — [5] And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. [7] And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”
• Matt. 19:17 — [17] And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
• Jas. 1:17 — [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Rom. 10:10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 21 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. HC Q1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

HC Q1 · HC Q2

1.2. The Means by Which We Know God

We know God by two means: First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: God's eternal power and divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20. All these things are enough to convict humans and to leave them without excuse. Second, God makes himself known to us more clearly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for God's glory and for our salvation.

Proof texts

• Ps. 19:1-4 — [1] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. [2] Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. [3] There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. [4] Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
• Rom. 1:20 — [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
• Ps. 19:7-8 — [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
• 1 Cor. 1:18-21 — [18] For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” [20] Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [21] For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 19:1-4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. HC Q1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

HC Q1 · HC Q2

1.3. The Written Word of God

We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered "by human will," but that "men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God," as Peter says. (2 Pet. 1:21) Afterward our God- with special care for us and our salvation- commanded his servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit this revealed Word to writing. God, with his own finger, wrote the two tables of the law. Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.

Proof texts

• 2 Pet. 1:21 — [21] For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
• Ex. 34:27 — [27] And the LORD said to Moses, “Write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”
• Ps. 102:18 — [18] Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:
• Rev. 1:11, 19 — [11] saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” [19] Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.
• Ex. 31:18 — [18] And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
• 2 Tim. 3:16 — [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Pet. 1:21 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?

1.4. The Canonical Books

We include in the Holy Scripture the two volumes of the Old and New Testaments. They are canonical books with which there can be no quarrel at all. In the church of God the list is as follows: In the Old Testament, the five books of Moses- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth; the two books of Samuel, and two of Kings; the two books of Chronicles, called Paralipomenon; the first book of Ezra; Nehemiah, Esther, Job; the Psalms of David; the three books of Solomon- Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song; the four major prophets- Isaiah, Jeremiah*, Ezekiel, Daniel; and then the other twelve minor prophets- Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. In the New Testament, the four gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles; the fourteen letters of Paul- to the Romans; the two letters to the Corinthians; to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians; the two letters to the Thessalonians; the two letters to Timothy; to Titus, Philemon, and to the Hebrews; the seven letters of the other apostles- one of James; two of Peter; three of John; one of Jude; and the Revelation of the apostle John. * "Jeremiah" here includes the Book of Lamentations as well as the Book of Jeremiah.

For discussion

1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

1.5. The Authority of Scripture

We receive all these books and these only as holy and canonical, for the regulating, founding, and establishing of our faith. And we believe without a doubt all things contained in them- not so much because the church receives and approves them as such but above all because the Holy Spirit testifies in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they prove themselves to be from God. For even the blind themselves are able to see that the things predicted in them do happen.

Proof texts

• 1 Thess. 2:13 — [13] And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
• 2 Tim. 3:16-17 — [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.
• 1 Cor. 12:3 — [3] Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
• 1 John 4:6 — [6] We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
• 1 John 5:7 — [7] For there are three that testify:
• Deut. 18:21-22 — [21] And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’ — [22] when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
• 1 Kings 22:28 — [28] And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
• Jer. 28:9 — [9] As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.”
• Ezek. 33:33 — [33] When this comes — and come it will! — then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 Thess. 2:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?

1.6. The Difference Between Canonical and Apocryphal Books

We distinguish between these holy books and the apocryphal ones, which are the third and fourth books of Esdras; the books of Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Jesus Sirach, Baruch; what was added to the Story of Esther; the Song of the Three Children in the Furnace; the Story of Susannah; the Story of Bel and the Dragon; the Prayer of Manasseh; and the two books of Maccabees. The church may certainly read these books and learn from them as far as they agree with the canonical books. But they do not have such power and virtue that one could confirm from their testimony any point of faith or of the Christian religion. Much less can they detract from the authority of the other holy books.

For discussion

1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

1.7. The Sufficiency of Scripture

We believe that this Holy Scripture contains the will of God completely and that everything one must believe to be saved is sufficiently taught in it. For since the entire manner of service which God requires of us is described in it at great length, no one- even an apostle or an angel from heaven, as Paul says- (Gal. 1:8) ought to teach other than what the Holy Scriptures have already taught us. For since it is forbidden to add to the Word of God, or take anything away from it, (Deut. 12:32, Rev. 22:18-19) it is plainly demonstrated that the teaching is perfect and complete in all respects. Therefore we must not consider human writings- no matter how holy their authors may have been- equal to the divine writings; nor may we put custom, nor the majority, nor age, nor the passage of times or persons, nor councils, decrees, or official decisions above the truth of God, for truth is above everything else. For all human beings are liars by nature and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore we reject with all our hearts everything that does not agree with this infallible rule, as we are taught to do by the apostles when they say, "Test the spirits to see whether they are from God," (1 John 4:1) and also, "Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching." (2 John 10)

Proof texts

• 2 Tim. 3:16-17 — [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.
• 1 Pet. 1:10-12 — [10] Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, [11] inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. [12] It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
• 1 Cor. 15:2 — [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you — unless you believed in vain.
• 1 Tim. 1:3 — [3] As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,
• Deut. 4:2 — [2] You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.
• Prov. 30:6 — [6] Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
• Acts 26:22 — [22] To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
• 1 Cor. 4:6 — [6] I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
• Rev. 22:18-19 — [18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
• Ps. 19:7 — [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
• John 15:15 — [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
• Acts 18:28 — [28] for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
• Acts 20:27 — [27] for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
• Rom. 15:4 — [4] For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
• Mark 7:7-9 — [7] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ [8] You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” [9] And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!
• Acts 4:19 — [19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,
• Col. 2:8 — [8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
• 1 John 2:19 — [19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
• Deut. 4:5-6 — [5] See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. [6] Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
• Isa. 8:20 — [20] To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
• 1 Cor. 3:11 — [11] For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
• Eph. 4:4-6 — [4] There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
• 2 Thess. 2:2 — [2] not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
• 2 Tim. 3:14-15 — [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [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.
• Gal. 1:8 — [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.
• Deut. 12:32 — [32] “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.
• Ps. 62:9 — [9] Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
• 1 John 4:1 — [1] Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
• 2 John 1:10 — [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Tim. 3:16-17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 29 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?