The Clarity Of Scripture

Our church body has selected the name, “Church of the Lutheran Confession.” Those who joined in the selection of this name were united in the conviction that this shall not be an empty symbol, but shall be an open declaration of steadfast adherence to the principle that Scripture alone is the rule and guide for doctrine and life. This has been and will be the strength of true Lutheranism. The doctrine and practice of a church body, true to the Lutheran confession, is not determined by the resolutions of a synod nor is it established by theological opinions handed down by a seminary faculty. Churches which have become spiritually bankrupt resort, indeed, to various stratagems in order to hold the line in an attempt to maintain at least an outward display of unity.

When God’s Word, as the clear standard and rule, has been sidetracked, there is nothing left but the vain and empty attempts of men to hold together that which has already been rent asunder. In the process, those who accuse others of legalism have themselves become the crassest legalists. Faith in the Gospel as the only unifying force has been lost, while man-made laws and experts’ evaluations become the object of a man’s trust and hope for the future of the church. Under such conditions it is little wonder that organizational strength is held in such high honor that the number one assignment becomes the preservation of the federation.

A departure from God’s Word as a clear guide becomes evident when questions concerning doctrine are shifted from one committee to another, from one forum to another, while the simple “yes” or “no” answer is not forthcoming. A denial of the clearness of Scripture is shown when the refrain is heard, “This Scripture passage does not apply.” And so, while lip service is paid to sound statements, unscriptural practices are permitted without rebuke or discipline. It is nothing short of an insult to the Holy Name of God! This may be a shocking statement, but it is true.

The Lord God in His goodness and wisdom has given us His Holy Word in order that we might know what we are to believe and what we are to do. To say that this Word is not clear enough for us to know the direction we are to take in a given instance is to accuse God of not being able to cause His Word to be expressed clearly enough for us to follow. God has not only caused His will and counsel to be expressed clearly in every instance, but He has expressed it so that we might know it, believe it, and follow it. It is no mere academic thing when the Apostle Peter, under inspiration of God, says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)

“We believe, teach, and confess that the sole rule and standard according to which all dogmas together with (all) teachers, should be estimated and judged are the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament alone, as it is written: ‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.'” (Psalm 119:105) (The Formula of Concord. Epitome. Trig. p. 777.) God’s Word lights the way for us so that we may clearly see the goal. God’s Word lights the way for us so that the way of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord may not be obscured but may ever stand in the halo of light where shadows shall not fall. God’s Word lights the way for us so that our feet may walk the way of His commandments. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5b)