The Clarity of Scripture Explained
By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The essay explains the term “perspicuity of scripture,” stating that the Bible is intelligible to all believers through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. While some passages may be complex, overall understanding is accessible to everyone with diligence and prayer. This concept counters the need for exclusive interpretations or codes, promoting personal exploration of scripture.
Some years ago, I heard John MacArthur use the term perspicuity of scripture. I got curious as to its meaning. Once I learned it, I got protective of the phrase. Knowing and understanding our historical theological words helps the next generation continue the thread of common understanding of our great faith. These are important words.
Do we need “Bible codes”? Is scripture unclear enough so that only a few, more intelligent or higher-ups, can understand it? It is too much to expect that the layman study it?
No. No. And no.
The perspicuity of scripture means that the Bible can be understood by anyone.
Cambridge Dictionary says-
“Definition: Perspicuity is the ability to be easily understood, often referring to the clarity of a statement or writing.
Synonyms: Clarity, lucidity, transparency, intelligibility”
The Holy Spirit illuminates scripture to believers. The non-believer won’t understand it. and is saved, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” 2 Corinthians 4:3, also 2 Corinthians 3:14. He or she can read it, absorb the English words, but not understand its spiritual depths. To the believer, scripture is clear, if one studies it properly.
Yes, Peter said that Paul wrote some things that are hard to understand, (2 Peter 3:16), but scripture itself can be understood clearly with diligence and prayer – without codes, mystics, or pretzel logic.
THE PERSPICUITY OF SCRIPTURE
Larry D. Pettegrew
Professor of Theology
The basic doctrine means that the Bible can be understood by people through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit and that people need to search the Scripture and judge for themselves what it means. Scripture itself attests its own perspicuity, but not to the point that it cannot be misunderstood or is in every point equally simple and clear. The doctrine does not rule out the need for interpretation, explanation, and exposition of the Bible by qualified leaders.
The doctrine does mean that Scripture is clear enough for the simplest person, deep enough for highly qualified readers, clear in its essential matters, obscure in some places to people because of their sinfulness, understandable through ordinary means, understandable by an unsaved person on an external level, understandable in its significance by a saved person through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, and available to every believer whose faith must rest on the Scriptures.
Further reading
Grace to You: The Clarity of Scripture part 1
Ligonier: The Clarity of Scripture
