Belgic Confession – Article 3

One of the things that distinguishes the Westminster from the Belgic, is that the Westminster begins Chapter 1 with the Word of God. Since this is God’s means to pass down his detail revelation and message of salvation to us it’s a great place to begin. The Belgic places it here after previously introducing God and his General Revelation. The next few Articles will go on to provide more details.

Article 3 – OF THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD.

We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of man, but that holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, as the Apostle Peter saith. And that afterwards God, from a special care which he has for us and our salvation, commanded his servants, the Prophets and Apostles, to commit his revealed Word to writing; and he himself wrote with his own finger the two tables of the law. Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.

Pastor Ganger’s sermon can be found here.

The Word of God

Preacher: Rev Joghinda S. Gangar

Series: Belgic Confession 2022

Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-21

Service Type: Evening Service

2 Peter 1:12-21 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

19 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: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Key point: The Bible is the Word of God.

Don’t fall into the trap of Leopard Theology, The Bible contains the Word of God, but also has the words of men. So you have to filter it, and try to Spot the words that are actually of God.

Even worse whole portions of the Bible, like the Old Testament can be ignored, does apply today. Terrible ideas. A popular pastor Andy Stanley, today often says bizarre things about it’s ok to not believe the Old Testament teachings or even the miracles of both Testaments. very sad. Jesus said it differently.

Luke 24:25-27 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:44-45 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone