The Authority of the Scriptures
As we believe and confess the Scriptures of God sufficient to instruct and make perfect the man of God, so do we affirm and avow their authority to be from God, and not to depend on men or angels. We affirm, therefore, that those who say the Scriptures have no other authority save that which they have received from the Kirk are blasphemous against God and injurious to the true Kirk, which always hears and obeys the voice of her own Spouse and Pastor, but takes not upon her to be mistress over the same.
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How tempting it is to try and control Scripture! How alluring it might be to be able to claim authority over the Scriptures, to aver that we have complete authority over how the Scriptures must be interpreted!
One of my favorite aspects of the Presbyterian church is that we each have the ability to interpret Scripture, because it is inspired by God and no one has control over Scripture. I can say what I believe it to mean, but others within the church can claim that it means something else, in which we must both enter into dialogue with humility, recognizing the gifts and abilities of each other. We do not elevate the pastor above the others; instead we acknowledge our common humility before God!
It's what makes Bible study so much fun for me--I love to lead the discussion, but it is a treat to hear how others read the Scriptures, how they hear the words and what they mean to them--for so often it means something different to another than it does to me, and in the discussion my horizon is broadened, and I see and understand in a new light. The Holy Spirit works through us all, as long as we are willing to do the hard work of study, as long as we are willing to be led by God.
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