Exposition and Theology of WCF 1.8: The Preservation of Scripture

Exposition

1. The Original Languages of Scripture:

   • WCF 1.8 affirms that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, "the native language of the people of God of old," and the New Testament in Greek, which was widely understood in the Roman Empire during the time of its composition.
   • These languages were chosen by divine providence for the original writing of Scripture, ensuring clarity and accessibility to the people to whom God first revealed His Word.

2. Divine Preservation of Scripture:

   • The Confession emphasizes that the Scriptures have been "kept pure in all ages" through God’s "singular care and providence." This reflects the doctrine of preservation, which teaches that God has safeguarded His Word so that the Church always has access to His inspired truth (Ps. 12:6–7; Matt. 5:18).
   • As a result, the Hebrew and Greek texts remain "authentical" and authoritative, serving as the ultimate standard in all "controversies of religion."

3. The Necessity of Translation:

   • Since most believers do not know Hebrew or Greek, WCF 1.8 asserts that the Scriptures must be translated into the "vulgar" (common) language of every nation. This ensures that all believers, who have a "right unto, and interest in the Scriptures," can read, understand, and obey God's Word (2 Tim. 3:15–17; Col. 3:16).
   • The goal of translation is to make the Word of God dwell richly among God’s people, enabling them to worship "in an acceptable manner" and find comfort, instruction, and hope through Scripture.

Theology of WCF 1.8

1. The Authority of the Original Texts:

   • While translations are important and beneficial, the Hebrew and Greek texts are the ultimate authority for resolving theological disputes. This doctrine guards against errors that might arise in translation or interpretation (Isa. 8:20; Matt. 4:4).

2. The Doctrine of Preservation:

   • The Confession emphasizes that God actively preserves His Word, ensuring that His people always have access to the inspired Scriptures. This reflects God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness to His covenant people (Isa. 40:8; Matt. 24:35).

3. The Importance of Translation:

   • The insistence on translating Scripture into the common language of every nation affirms the Reformation principle that God's Word is for all believers, not just an elite clergy class. It reflects the Protestant commitment to making Scripture accessible to all (Ps. 119:105; John 5:39).

4. The Role of the Church:

   • The Church is responsible for ensuring accurate translations and promoting the widespread use of Scripture. This reflects the Church's mission to equip believers with God’s Word for worship, discipleship, and hope (Rom. 15:4).

5. Rejection of Exclusivity:

   • The Confession rejects the Roman Catholic practice of restricting Scripture to Latin, which limited access to God’s Word for most people. Instead, it affirms that Scripture belongs to all God’s people and must be made available to them in their own language.

Historical Debates Surrounding Preservation and Translation

The preservation and translation of Scripture were critical issues during the Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church often emphasized the Latin Vulgate as the official version of Scripture, resisting vernacular translations that could empower laypeople. The Westminster divines, following the Reformers, rejected this exclusivity, insisting that Scripture must be available to all believers in their own language.

Additionally, debates about the preservation of Scripture were tied to textual criticism and the assurance that the manuscripts faithfully represent the original autographs. The divines emphasized divine providence in preserving the authenticity of Scripture across generations.

Questions for Study Group

1. What does it mean that Scripture was written in Hebrew and Greek, and why is this significant for its authority and preservation?
2. How does the doctrine of preservation reflect God’s care for His people? Why is this important for our confidence in the Bible today?
3. Why does WCF 1.8 emphasize the need for translations of Scripture into the common languages of all nations? How does this impact the Church’s mission?
4. In what ways does the doctrine of preservation challenge skepticism about the reliability of Scripture’s transmission through history?
5. How does the accessibility of Scripture in the common language empower believers in their personal faith and corporate worship? What responsibilities does this place on the Church today?