Exposition and Theology of WCF 1.4: The Authority of Scripture

Exposition

1. The Source of Scripture's Authority:

   • The Westminster Confession asserts that the authority of Scripture is inherent and divine, derived solely from God, "who is truth itself." This means that the Bible does not derive its authority from human approval, ecclesiastical endorsement, or tradition (e.g., the testimony of the Church or any individual).

2. God as the Author of Scripture:

   • Because God is the ultimate author of Scripture, and He is truth itself (John 17:17; Titus 1:2), the Bible carries the same authority as God’s spoken word. Its commands and doctrines are to be "believed, and obeyed" because they represent God's revealed will.

3. Rejection of Human-Centered Authority:

   • The Confession directly counters Roman Catholic teaching, which held that the Church's magisterium (teaching office) was essential to recognizing and validating the authority of Scripture. The Reformers emphasized that Scripture’s authority is independent of any external validation; it is authoritative because it is the Word of God.

4. The Obligation to Believe and Obey:

   • Scripture is not merely an informative document but a divinely binding revelation. Its authority compels belief in its teachings and obedience to its commands (Ps. 119:4; Matt. 4:4). The believer’s submission to Scripture is an act of submission to God Himself.

Theology of WCF 1.4

1. The Self-Authenticating Nature of Scripture:

   • The authority of Scripture rests on its own nature as God’s Word, not on external evidences or human institutions. The Holy Spirit’s internal witness to the believer confirms this authority (John 10:27; 1 Cor. 2:12–14).

2. God as Truth:

   • The statement that God is "truth itself" underscores the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture. It reflects God's character: just as God cannot lie, His Word cannot fail or deceive (Num. 23:19; Heb. 6:18).

3. Rejection of Roman Catholic Doctrine:

   • The Confession opposes the idea that the Church is the arbiter of Scripture’s authority. While the Church may testify to the authenticity of Scripture, it does not grant Scripture its authority. This places the Bible above human and institutional judgment.

4. The Normative Role of Scripture:

   • Scripture is the ultimate norm, governing the Church’s beliefs and practices. As such, every claim of truth, doctrine, or moral command must conform to the authority of God’s Word (Isa. 8:20).

5. Faith and Obedience:

   • True faith involves receiving Scripture as God’s Word, not because of external proofs, but because God speaks through it. This faith naturally leads to obedience, as Scripture demands conformity to God's will.

Questions for Study Group

1. Why does the Confession emphasize that Scripture’s authority depends solely on God and not on the testimony of men or the Church? How does this protect the Church from error?
2. What does it mean to say that Scripture is "self-authenticating"? How does the Holy Spirit help believers recognize this truth?
3. How does the understanding that God is "truth itself" impact our confidence in Scripture's reliability and sufficiency?
4. In what ways does the rejection of human-centered authority (e.g., Church validation) challenge both Roman Catholicism and modern relativism?
5. How should the knowledge that Scripture must be both believed and obeyed influence the way we read and apply the Bible in our daily lives?