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We believe
that this Holy Scripture contains
the will of God completely
and that everything one must believe
to be saved
is sufficiently taught in it.
For since the entire manner of service
which God requires of us
is described in it at great length,
no one--
even an apostle
or an angel from heaven,
as Paul says--2
ought to teach other than
what the Holy Scriptures have
already taught us.
For since it is forbidden
to add to or subtract from the Word of God,3
this plainly demonstrates
that the teaching is perfect
and complete in all respects.
Therefore we must not consider human writings--
no matter how holy their authors may have been--
equal to the divine writings;
nor may we put custom,
nor the majority,
nor age,
nor the passage of time or persons,
nor councils, decrees, or official decisions
above the truth of God,
for truth is above everything else.
For all human beings are liars by nature
and more vain than vanity itself.
Therefore we reject with all our hearts
everything that does not agree
with this infallible rule,
as we are taught to do by the apostles
when they say,
"Test the spirits
to see if they are of God,"4
and also,
"If anyone comes to you
and does not bring this teaching,
do not receive him
into your house."5
2 Gal. 1:8
3 Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19
4 1 John 4:1
5 2 John 10 |
