The Perspicuity of Scripture

One of the liberating truths rediscovered during the Reformation is known as the Perspicuity of Scripture. Essentially, it means that the plain meaning of the scriptures is readily available to anyone who approaches the Bible with humility and faith. A special code is not required to understand the Bible; neither is a special priest. The ordinary believer, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is able to discover and submit himself to the simple and timeless truths contained in the written Word of God.

Jesus demonstrated, time and again, His devotion to the written Word. As His disciples, we too should maintain a high view of Scripture and expect it to enlighten, correct, train, and challenge us.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Tim 3:16

The deception in this late hour is intense. None of us should trust our intellect, our emotions, or our souls for navigation at this time. We shouldn’t trust our upbringing and certainly we shouldn’t trust the wisdom of this world. Rather, we should submit ourselves to the Word of Truth and allow our minds to be completely renewed.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:2

Be wary of any teaching that causes you to doubt the plain meaning of the Word of Truth. Deception always starts with the question, “Did God really say?” Deception starts with a doubting of God’s Word; a doubting of the plain meaning of the scriptures. It was with such a question that Satan led Eve into utter deception.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” Gen 3:1

Deception starts with a questioning of the plain meaning of Scripture. “Did God really say…?” Without a high view of Scripture and a belief in its perspicuity, we can twist the scriptures to suit our own preferences. Once we start down that road, we will start fashioning the Word into our own image. We will use the Word to justify a sinful lifestyle choice, or to make ourselves more acceptable to our worldly associates, or we will abandon the Word altogether for our own private revelations.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. 2 Tim 4:3

Beware of the temptation to abandon the plain meaning of Scripture for more exciting, private revelations or for more socially acceptable interpretations. Love and receive the Word in its simplicity, purity, and sharpness.

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9