Understanding God’s word: Clarity of Scripture
By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
I briefly mention the beauty and consistency of God’s creation, as observed in nature and the changing seasons. Then I move to the topic: I emphasize that scripture, while sometimes challenging our interpretations, remains clear on sin and the truth of Christ’s love. Civil dialogue should pursue mutual understanding, not ambiguity, as has been the case during the emergent church movement and other movements.
I hope this fine summer week has offered you beautiful glimpses of God’s creative intellect and His wonderful power. It is warming up here in north Georgia. We always enjoy the march of the seasons. “He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.” (Psalm 104:19, KJV). Wherever we are in the world, we see and understand the times and seasons. We look for the birds’ return, the leaves shooting out in full green, the drone of the lawnmower in the distance, the sprinklers ticking. The orderliness and consistency of the seasons since His ordination of them is a comfort.
I’ve always been interested in language, and how language, particularly through media, influences the mind. How it can clarify or obfuscate (to render unclear). The Emergent Church’s penchant for insisting on ‘respectful dialogue’ was part of the tactic of purposeful unclarity. It brought muddiness to the clarity of scripture and it is simply a defense mechanism for satan to deflect dogmatic truth.
Scripture is clear. Additionally, we have an interpretive aid dwelling in us, if we are saved. He is the Holy Spirit. The clarity of scripture is called the Doctrine of the Perspicuity of Scripture.
Scripture being clear does not mean that all scripture is equally as easy to understand. Even Peter wrote that Paul sometimes writes things that are hard to understand. Scripture can be misunderstood, so we need to wrestle with it individually, and discuss with each other in order to come to the proper understanding that the author intended.
Phil Johnson has said,
“Let’s just agree to disagree.” Well, no. How about we just argue until one of us actually refutes the other and we come to a common understanding of God’s Word?
I’ve heard much of what John MacArthur has said or written on the subject. Here is his explanation of the tendency toward “tolerant dialogue” in his essay “The perspicuity of scripture“
“A new movement is now arising in evangelical circles. Apparently, the main object of attack will be the perspicuity of Scripture. Influenced by postmodern notions about language, meaning, subjectivity, and truth, many younger evangelicals are questioning whether the Word of God is clear enough to justify certainty or dogmatism on points of doctrine. Ironically, this new movement to a certain extent ignores all the previous debates. Instead, its proponents are more interested in dialogue and conversation. As a result, they scorn and rebuff propositional truth (which tends to end dialogue rather than cultivate it) as an outmoded vestige of twentieth-century modernism.”
He’s right. Proclamation of an incontrovertible truth tends to shut down conversation. It’s supposed to, because there is no debating it. Strong’s Concordance says the authoritative (binding) word of God, brings eternal accountability to all who hear it.
Do you really believe that scripture is so unclear about what is a sin? It isn’t.
It is also just as clear on declaring Jesus’ love for us. People will accept that incontrovertible truth, while dismissing the truth of sin. God sent His Son into the world to die for our sins. Jesus is the best person to ever live, die and live again. He is superlative, beautiful, and perfect. He saves us from our sins. Scripture is clear on that.
Further Reading
The Perspicuity of Scripture, The Master’s Seminary paper
What is the doctrine of the perspicuity of Scripture?, GotQuestions essay
The Clarity of God’s Word, Ligonier devotional
