Series: Systematic Theology Part 1
Title: The Clarity and Necessity of Scripture
Purpose: To determine who can understand the Bible rightly, for what purposes are the Bible necessary, and how much can be known about God without the Bible
Date: September 29, 2024
I. The Bible frequently affirms its own clarity
A. Psalm 19:7; 119:130 - “so even the simple can understand”
B. Have you not read…
II. The moral and spiritual qualities needed for right understanding, not just intellectual ability
III. Definition of clarity of scripture
IV. Why do people misunderstand scripture
A. Hermeneutics - “to interpret” - the study of methods of Biblical interpretation
B. Exegesis - actual Biblical interpretation for application
V. Practical encouragement from this doctrine
VI. The role of scholars
A. Teach scripture clearly
B. Explore new areas of understanding
C. Defend teachings against attacks by non-believers
D. Supplement study of scripture for church
VII. Bible is necessary for knowledge of the Gospel
A. Romans 10:13-17
B. John 3:18
C. Acts 4:12
D. The Word is the key
VIII. Bible is necessary for maintaining spiritual life
IX. Bible is necessary for certain knowledge of God’s will
A. Without the Word, any assumed knowledge of God would be speculation
B. Deuteronomy 29:29 - “God has secrets but He has revealed His will to us”
X. Bible is not necessary for knowing that God exists
A. Psalm 19:1 - “heavens declare the glory of God”
B. Romans 1:19-21 - “He has made it obvious to them…through earth and sky”
C. Natural revelation - everyone can know that God exists
XI. Bible is not necessary for knowing something about God’s character and moral laws
A. General revelation - all have some sense of right and wrong
B. But there is no way people can come to salvation through general revelation
C. No religion in the world offers forgiveness for sins
