The sermon by Eric Bechler focuses on the first paragraph of the 1689 London Baptist Confession, emphasizing that the Holy Scriptures are the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule for saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. It contrasts general revelation, which is God's manifestation through nature, with special revelation, which is necessary for salvation and is provided through the Scriptures. The sermon highlights the unique, sufficient, certain, and infallible nature of the Bible, asserting that it is the only source of knowledge about Christ and faith in Him. The reliability of the Bible is supported by manuscript evidence, archaeological findings, fulfilled prophecies, and statistical analysis. The principle of sola scriptura is central, affirming that Scripture alone is the final authority in theological matters. The sermon challenges listeners to actively engage with the Bible, encouraging reading, study, and application of its teachings in daily life.

Our reading today from the 1689 London Baptist Confession comes from chapter one, paragraph one. We've completed last week getting through the whole confession. And we'll start again today and go through it. Paragraph one, 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 is to leave men inexcusable, 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 diverse manners to reveal himself and declare that his will unto his church and afterwards 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 holy unto writing which make it the holy scriptures to be most necessary those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased. We begin again our discussion of the confession this week with paragraph 1 of chapter 1 of the Holy Scriptures. I'll start with a comment from Dr. Sproel regarding the thought process of starting with Scripture. There was an internal debate as to where to begin the study of Reformed theology with the doctrine of God or with the doctrine of Scripture.

It is significant that the Westminster divines began their confessional statement with sacred Scripture. They were concerned about two principles, one which is at the very heart of Christianity is the concept of divine revelation. Christianity is a revealed religion constructed not on the basis of speculative philosophy but in response to what God himself has made manifest. Second is the principle of solo scriptura developed by the Reformers. It acknowledges that the final authority in all matters of theology and in all controversies of faith and life is not the decrees or traditions of the church but sacred scripture itself.

The Westminster Confession and subsequently the Second London Baptist Confession affirm the central importance and sufficiency of Scripture, a reformational concept. Our confession begins with the declaration that the Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. Although almost everyone would agree that there is something special about the Bible. There are many, even within some Christian communities, that would dispute its uniqueness, sufficiency, or infallibility, sadly. The Confession deems the Holy Scriptures unique, sufficient, certain, and infallible for salvation.

Unique means that it's the only means of the knowledge of Christ and faith in him. Sufficient means enough, nothing extra is needed. Certain means true, something accurate and trustworthy. And infallible means without error. We believe that there is nothing untruth throughout the entire scriptures.

There is only truth. God created out of nothing all things in six 24-hour days. A worldwide flood really did occur. Moses actually led his people through the Red Sea, and Jesus rose from the dead. Everything in the Bible is true.

It is truth. Scripture as the confession states is the only infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. It is our plumb line, our standard. It is the gold standard. It is the standard to test everything else by.

Thus, our favorite phrase, what sayeth the scriptures. And that's where we'll start. Paul confirms in his writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3, 16, and 17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. And also in this letter to the church in Thessalonica, when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God. 1st Thessalonians 2.13.

To the church in Rome, Paul also writes, for whatsoever things were written for time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15, 4. And the psalmist declares, the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making the wise Making wise the simple psalm 19 7 what is the law of the Lord and the testimony of the Lord? It is the word the holy word of God And it is perfect. It is sufficient.

It is certain and infallible. But some would argue, isn't that circular reasoning? The Bible's unique, sufficient, certain, and fallible because it says it is. Why should I believe what it says? Isn't there something more that can convince us?

Well, let's first look at the Bible. The Bible or the Holy Scriptures is a collection of 66 books written from approximately 1400 BC through about 96 AD. It was written by 40 or so people. It was written in three different languages. Yet despite this tremendous range of years, the various authors and languages used, there's one theme throughout, the revelation of Jesus Christ in our redemption.

It is singularly, a singularly remarkable book. But what about reliability? There is no other ancient book that is comparable in its reliability. Hank Hanegraaff offers four principles for establishing biblical reliability. He looks at manuscripts, archaeology, prophecy, and statistics.

And I'll mention a few things he presents for you to consider. And you can do a search online if you would like to dig in more on Hank and biblical reliability. First, how can we determine if the copies we have represent the actual original manuscripts? The quantity of copies in the span of time between the oldest copy and the original have an impact. For the Old Testament, there are more than 14, 000 manuscripts and fragments, some of them having only 150 years between the original and the closest copy.

The oldest of the Dead Sea Scrolls date back to 250 to 200 BC. For the New Testament, there are over 5, 500 manuscripts or portions and the shortest time between the original and the copy for the New Testament is only around 60 years. Contrast that with the seven copies of Plato that we have with about a 1300 year gap between the original and the earliest copy. Second, then there have been many archaeological discoveries that have validated the name, places, and events described in the Bible. As time goes on more and more, discoveries occur that only validate what the Bible says is true.

There are also many prophecies within scripture that have come true. This also helps to demonstrate the reliability of the Bible. Finally, statistics. Statistics relate to the numbers, the number of accurate copies of manuscripts and fragments, the relatively small number of years between the original and copies, the number of evidences from archaeology, the number of prophecies that have come true, the number of years over which the Bible was written, the number of authors, the number of languages, yet there is one constant consistent message or theme that runs throughout God's throughout scripture, God's redemption of his people. Our Bible, the Holy Scriptures, is truly an amazing God-breathed revelation.

It's a king's gift, one we should value and not take for granted. Francis Turriton addresses the question of whether the scriptures are authentic and divine. Regarding external marks, consider the wonderful preservation of the word against powerful and hostile enemies over the centuries, consider the highest candor and sincerity in the writers, not concealing even their own faults, but ingenuously confessing them. Consider the testimonies of adversaries and consider the consent of all people who, although differing in customs, have received this word as a valuable treasury of divine truth and we have regarded it as the foundation of religion and the worship of God. Regarding internal marks, consider the sublimity of the mysteries such as the Trinity, the incarnation, the satisfaction of Christ, the resurrection of the dead.

Consider the holiness and purity of the precepts regulating even the thoughts and internal affections of the heart and adopted to render man perfect in every kind of virtue and worthy of his maker. Consider the certainty of the prophecies concerning things even the most remote and hidden. Consider the divine majesty, the boldness of commanding all without distinction. Consider the divine agreement and entire harmony across the Testaments and consider the direction of all things to the glory of God alone and the holiness and salvation of men. These criteria are such as cannot be found in any human writing and prove scripture truly divine, especially when not each by itself, but all collectively are considered.

As we move forward in the paragraph, we come to a distinction between what I call general or what is called general revelation and special revelation. The phrase used the light of nature refers to general revelation. God has revealed himself through his creation, through nature, and through history. The psalmist tells us that heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." Psalm 19, 1-3. All men know that there is a God Some may deny this but this is an undeniable truth scripture affirms it Paul teaches that in That all men by nature know something of God's existence its characters power and deity because that which may be known of God is manifest in them. For God has showed it unto them, for the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1, 19 and 20. Furthermore, Paul in Romans 2, 14 through 15 speaks about God revealing his law inwardly through the heart so that everyone has a conscience.

God's law is written on our hearts. But why do we call this general revelation? Well, two reasons. First, God gives knowledge to himself, to everyone. The audience is general.

Second, the content of the revelation is general. Just enough to know of God and His power, His deity, His holiness, just enough to condemn us and render us without excuse. Is this general revelation, this general knowledge enough? Is it sufficient to secure our salvation? Revelation of God through creation or the light of nature is not enough to secure salvation or eternal life.

Without scripture, how can you know Jesus? How can you know God's will? How can you obey His commands? If you don't even know what they are, you can't. Paul tells us, the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto Him.

Neither can we know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1st Corinthians 2 14, And when they knew God, they glorified him not, not as God, neither were they thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 1 21. Salvation is not possible through only the revelation of God in nature, through his creation, only in God's Word. In the Holy Scriptures do we find the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.

We know that none can be saved unless they be born again by the incorruptible seed of the word of God which lives and abides forever. 1 Peter 1 23. We know that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no man cometh to the Father but by the Son, John 14 6. We know that there is no other name under heaven given to man whereby we must be saved but by the name of Christ, Acts 4 12. And we know that men cannot believe in Christ without supernatural revelation.

It is only by God's grace and faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified. Romans 3, 24 and 25. Special revelation is special, not general. It is not revelation to all mankind as a whole, but only to those who have heard it or read it in God's word. It is not a general knowledge of God but God's special plan of salvation concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Only special revelation is sufficient to reveal what is necessary for salvation. Paul tells us, it pleased God to reveal himself by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe that worldly wisdom was not enough. First Corinthians 1, 21. God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets has in these last days to us by his son whom he is appointed heir of all things. Hebrews 1 1 through 2.

How wonderful it is that we have a God who is pleased to reveal himself to us. Historically many cultures pass knowledge down through stories and songs. Inevitably, these oral transmissions of history can evolve, be embellished, parts forgotten, and parts added that never happened. We're all probably aware of the telephone game and the ridiculous and silly results that can happen, but by writing down and painstakingly making sure each copy is identical, the scriptures would be better preserved and propagated. Have not I written to thee excellent things, and counsels, and knowledge that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that sinned unto thee?

Proverbs 22, verse 20 and 21. These writings provide a permanent record to remind us of God's instructions. Luke writes, it seemed good to me also to write unto thee in order that thou might know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed." Luke 1, 3, and 4. Peter has the same sentiment, and I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times. Second Peter 1, 15.

These writings provide hope for 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. Romans 15, 4. These writings provide guidance as found in Peter's second letter. We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed by doubt, 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 heart." 2nd Peter 1 19.

These writings provide the content of God's special revelation. They provide the instructions for the establishment of the church. They offer strength and comfort to the church. Furthermore, they provide a means for the church to stand firm against the corruption of the flesh, Satan, and the world. They are, as we mentioned before, the standard with which we hold all things up against.

In the final part of our paragraph today emphasizes the point that only that the Holy Scriptures are completed, emphasizes the point that the Holy Scriptures are completed. God's special revelation is complete. There is no new information necessary for salvation beyond what is included in scripture. We confess that that former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people are now ceased. What exactly are these former ways which God has revealed His will?

As we read in Hebrews 1, 1 through 2, scripture has come from writings of the prophets and the apostles over a period of 1, 500 years or more. The Orthodox teaching of Christianity has always affirmed that God's special saving revelation to mankind is restricted to the teaching recorded in the scriptures. Being now ceased means that what God has revealed is sufficient. No more revelation is necessary, nor more will be forthcoming. The confession raises this point because there are those who believe otherwise.

I'll quote an excerpt from John MacArthur from the Master's Seminary Journal. If the Bible is complete, then it represents a closed system of truth. If it entails a fixed and absolute standard of truth, then the teachings of scripture may be ascertained and dogmatically asserted. If God is still granting new revelation, then the truth of God is still being progressively revealed. And if this were the case, our duty would be to faithfully listen to today's prophets as they unravel God's truth in new and clearer representations than what we find in Scripture.

We find in Scripture itself that we are not to add nor take away anything from this book. John makes that clear in Revelation 22, 18, and 19. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.

It's pretty clear and the repercussions are serious. Scripture is a closed system of truth. It is the only sufficient, certain and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience and is not to be added to nor diminished. Therefore, how do we respond? How do we bring this back to ourselves?

Do you really believe it? Do you really believe this is God's holy words? All that you need for saving faith. Do you believe it? If you believe it, why aren't you reading it?

Why aren't we studying it more? Why aren't we memorizing more of it? If we have kids, why aren't we forcing them to memorize God's Word as well? If you're doing that, that's great. Keep it up.

This is God's Word. But I won't stop there. Are you living out what it teaches? Every day. Are you loving your neighbor as yourself?

Are you in a hurry? Are you too busy? Are you like the Samaritan who stops and helps those in needs, even when you're busy or it's inconvenient? It's hard. There's a real cost for serving and helping and loving your neighbor.

But I would have you think about what Christ did for you. Was it hard? Was there a cost? Yeah, it was. More than we'll ever understand fully.

What is God calling you to do right now? What is He calling to you to do? I would say do it. Get started. Do it.

We can't do everything, but do something. Make up your mind today to do something. Do it in love and to remember to love your neighbor. Remember to love one another just as Christ loved us. Amen.