1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 1
Of the Holy Scriptures
The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving Knowledge, Faith and Obedience; Although the light of Nature, and the works of Creation and Providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and His will, which is necessary unto Salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that His will unto his Church; and afterward for the better preserving, and propagating of the Truth, and for the more sure Establishment, and Comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the World, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of Gods revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Timothy 3:1515From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:1616All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:1717so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 8:2020To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Luke 16:2929But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’
Luke 16:3131Then Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Ephesians 2:2020built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Romans 1:1919For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
Romans 1:2020For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.
Romans 1:2121For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.
Romans 2:1414Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.
Romans 2:1515So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them
Psalms 19:11The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
Psalms 19:22Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
Psalms 19:33Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard,
Hebrews 1:11On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.
Proverbs 22:1919So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.
Proverbs 22:2020Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
Proverbs 22:2121to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
Romans 15:44For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
2 Peter 1:1919We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:2020Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
Under the Name of Holy Scripture or the Word of God written; are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament which are these: Of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Pauls Epistle to the Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, to Titus, to Philemon, the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Epistle of James, the First and Second Epistles of Peter, the First, Second and Third Epistles of John, the Epistle of Jude, the Revelation. All which are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of Faith and Life.
Scripture references for paragraph 2
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Timothy 3:1616All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
The Books commonly called Apocrypha not being of Divine inspiration, are no part of the Canon (or rule) of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority to the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of, then other humane writings.
Scripture references for paragraph 3
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Luke 24:2727And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.
Luke 24:4444Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
Romans 3:22Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
The Authority of the Holy Scripture for which it ought to be believed dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth it self) the Author thereof; therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.
Scripture references for paragraph 4
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Peter 1:1919We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:2020Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
2 Peter 1:2121For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:1616All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Thessalonians 2:1313But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.
1 John 5:99Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church of God, to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the Doctrine, and the Majesty of the stile, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God) the full discovery it makes of the only way of mans salvation, and many other incomparable Excellencies, and intire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding; our full perswasion, and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our Hearts.
Scripture references for paragraph 5
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
John 16:1313However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
John 16:1414He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you.
1 Corinthians 2:1010But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1111For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1212We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1 John 2:22He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2020You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 2:2727And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
The whole Councel of God concerning all things necessary for his own Glory, Mans Salvation, Faith and Life, is either expressely set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new Revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God, to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church common to humane actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.
Scripture references for paragraph 6
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Timothy 3:1515From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:1616All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:1717so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Galatians 1:88But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!
Galatians 1:99As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!
John 6:4545It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me—
1 Corinthians 2:99Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:1010But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1111For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1212We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1 Corinthians 11:1313Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
1 Corinthians 11:1414Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
1 Corinthians 14:2626What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4040But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for Salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.
Scripture references for paragraph 7
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Peter 3:1616He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Psalms 19:77The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Psalms 119:130130The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.
The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the Native language of the people of God of old) and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the Nations being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and Providence kept pure in all Ages, are therefore authentical; so as in all controversies of Religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every Nation, unto which they come, that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.
Scripture references for paragraph 8
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Timothy 3:1515From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:1616All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:1717so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 8:2020To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Luke 16:2929But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’
Luke 16:3131Then Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Ephesians 2:2020built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Romans 3:22Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
Isaiah 8:2020To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Acts 15:1515The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
John 5:3939You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,
1 Corinthians 14:66Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
1 Corinthians 14:99So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
1 Corinthians 14:1111If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
1 Corinthians 14:1212It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:2424But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,
1 Corinthians 14:2828But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.
Colossians 3:1616Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture it self: And therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold but one) it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.
Scripture references for paragraph 9
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Peter 1:2020Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
2 Peter 1:2121For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 15:1515The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
Acts 15:1616‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
The supream judge by which all controversies of Religion are to be determined, and all Decrees of Councels, opinions of antient Writers, Doctrines of men, and private Spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.
Scripture references for paragraph 10
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Matthew 22:2929Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Matthew 22:3131But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you:
Ephesians 2:2020built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Acts 28:2323So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
Source and edition
1689 London Baptist Confession. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription
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