The Doctrine of the Perspicuity of Scripture
The doctrine of the perspicuity (or clarity) of Scripture teaches that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help and being willing to follow it. The key points of this doctrine are:
1. The Bible is sufficiently clear and understandable for all that matters concerning salvation and living according to God’s will. While some parts may be hard to understand, what is necessary for salvation and faith is clear.
2. The Holy Spirit enables true believers to understand Scripture. God gives wisdom and insight to those who belong to Him through the inward working of the Holy Spirit.
3. Interpreting Scripture requires effort, knowledge, and wisdom from God. Simply reading the Bible does not automatically result in understanding. Diligent study, prayer, meditation, and seeking the Spirit’s guidance are required to properly understand and apply God’s Word.
4. Scripture interprets Scripture. The Bible is a unified revelation from God, so unclear passages can be understood in light of clearer passages teaching on the same subjects.
5. There are no contradictions in Scripture. Apparent contradictions and difficulties in interpretation are due to the limitations of human understanding, not defects in God’s Word. Careful examination and study resolves alleged discrepancies.
6. Perspicuity does not mean total clarity on all matters. Some teachings of Scripture are difficult to understand and have been disputed throughout church history. Christians should humbly acknowledge where Scripture leaves room for differences in interpretation on secondary matters not essential to salvation.
7. Perspicuity does not preclude the need for human teachers and expositors. God gifts the church with pastors and teachers to preach, teach, and explain the meaning of Scripture. Their ministry does not undermine the clarity of God’s Word but helps others apply and live it out.
8. Perspicuity pertains to the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Since God inspired the very words of Scripture, the most precise understanding requires knowledge of the original languages. Translations can adequately communicate the message but are not as transparent.
9. The Holy Spirit and an obedient heart are necessary for true understanding. Human sin and stubbornness can distort comprehension of God’s plain truth. Scripture is clear to those who approach it humbly, dependent on the Spirit.
The perspicuity of Scripture does not mean the Bible is equally clear in all places or on all topics. Some parts are undoubtedly hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16). Early readers of Scripture recognized difficulties in Paul’s letters (2 Peter 3:15-16) and Old Testament prophecies (1 Peter 1:10-12). Certain teachings require maturity and spiritual wisdom to fully grasp. Scripture itself attests that study, meditation, and illumination from the Spirit are required for insight into God’s Word.
Nevertheless, the Protestant Reformers were right to assert Scripture’s essential clarity on matters of salvation and godly living. The basic way of salvation – repenting and believing in Christ – is laid out plainly. Essential teachings on the nature of God, human sin and redemption, Christ’s atoning death, and the call to follow Christ through faith working by love permeate the Bible. These matters are clear enough for all believers in every age to understand, even if specific passages remain open to interpretation. Perspicuity means Scripture is sufficiently lucid in its purpose of instructing people unto salvation and training in righteous living (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Several biblical passages support the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture:
Psalm 19:7-9 describes God’s Law as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, sure, altogether righteous and clear. “The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
Psalm 119 repeatedly praises God’s Word and Law as clear, enlightening, a lamp for the path, and imparting understanding to the simple. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Deuteronomy 30:11-14 emphasizes the nearness and accessibility of God’s Word: “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven…No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”
Luke 24:25-27 shows Jesus expected the Old Testament prophecies about Himself to be comprehended by His disciples. “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 indicates that the Gospel is hidden only to unbelievers blinded by the god of this world. For followers of Christ, “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” enlightens them (v. 4).
2 Timothy 3:15 affirms from childhood Timothy knew the “sacred writings” which make one wise for salvation in Christ Jesus. The message of salvation in Scripture is plain enough for a child to understand its essence.
2 Peter 1:19 commends paying attention to the prophetic word as to a lamp shining in a dark place. Scripture gives light and hope amidst confusing times.
2 Peter 3:15-16 acknowledges Paul’s letters have “some things that are hard to understand.” But Peter attributes this to the “ignorant and unstable” who distort and twist Scripture rather than lack of clarity in God’s Word itself.
The doctrine of biblical clarity does not imply:
– The Bible is equally clear in all places. Explicit didactic passages are clearer than parables, poetry, prophecies and apocalyptic visions. But even the difficult passages contribute to the overall message communicated through the whole of Scripture.
– Everything in Scripture is immediately and equally comprehensible to modern readers. Facts about ancient history, geography, cultures, writing styles and language must be learned for full understanding.
– Christians will always easily agree on interpretation of every passage. Humility acknowledges where Scripture leaves room for differences in application not touching the core doctrines.
– Study and diligent effort are unnecessary or unimportant. Scripture commends searching out and wrestling with the meaning of God’s Word.
– External teachers and expositors are not vital. God gifts the church with pastors and teachers to help explain and apply His Word. Their ministry complements and reinforces the clarity and authority of Scripture (Ephesians 4:11-14).
– Translations can fully substitute for learning the original languages. While translations convey the essential message, knowledge of the original words and nuances provides a significant layer of richness, precision and depth.
In summary, the perspicuity of Scripture teaches the Bible is clear and understandable regarding salvation in Christ and living according to God’s will. With the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the effort of study, and utilization of ordinary means, Scripture equips common believers to grasp and apply God’s Word. The doctrine does not deny or minimize the need for skillful interpretation and Spirit-filled exposition. But it affirms Scripture’s essential clarity and power to accomplish its purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11).