I believe it was somewhere in Thomas Boston that I read that the Holy Spirit is the Scripture’s Commentator. I love that.
How Many Words Are True in Scripture?
“Every word of God proves true: he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Prov. 30:5)
We take refuge in the Lord because he is reliable and trustworthy. He does not and cannot lie. In every situation, God’s Word accomplishes and states perfectly what is required.
Beware: “Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Prov. 30:6). What a great antidote to the vanity and self-sufficiency of man.
The Only Sufficiency
According to the opening lines of the Confession (1689.1.1, Of The Holy Scriptures), Scripture is the only sufficiency. Before speaking of its certainty and infallibility, the authors communicated sufficiency. And also this entire opening phrase in the 1689 is not in the the Westminster Confession. Well, how interesting! I like this. Here is an immediate statement about the Word of God – what it is. It makes sense because the phrase beginning with “although” (see Westminster) should follow some introductory clause. And so we have the 1689’s opening lines. How beautiful and right.
Why Written Scripture is Necessary
We must acknowledge that we have a great tendency towards false doctrine and error. Not only this, but we lust increasingly so toward the fashioning of new religious ideas. This constant pursuit of ours to change truth to suit our passions and wants is evidence that we need a Word that we cannot change and is unchangeable. Scripture written is there to keep us from error and falsehood. So stay close to the Word and receive it for what it truly is – the Word of God.
The Secret
Calvin points out in his commentary on Psalm 18 (vv. 21 – 24) that “whoever, therefore, would desire to persevere in uprightness and integrity of life, let them learn to exercise themselves daily in the study of the Word of God; for, whenever a man despises or neglects instruction, he easily falls into carelessness and stupidity, and all fear of God vanishes from his mind.”