I. The Use of Scripture in Deciding Doctrinal Controversies (p. 349, et.seq.)

A. A familiar assertion of Rome that the Scripture is incapable of deciding doctrinal issues, hence church needs:

1. A visible head.

2. A visible vicar of Christ.

3. Who will determine per his personal authority the meaning of the Scriptures.

B. Also, “moderns”, through denial of its infallible divine authority.

C. Scriptures teach the contrary.

1. Requires teachers and all Christians to use Scripture as iudex controversiarum (the arbitrator of doctrinal disputes).

2. Example of Christ.

a. “It is written”, e.g. Mt 4:4,7.

b. Thereby overcame Satan.

3. re: Teachers of the Church.

a. Tit 1:9-11.

b. 2Co 10:3-5.

c. 2Ti 1:13.

4. Christians in general.

a. Jn 6:45.

b. Mt 7:15.

c. Ro 16:17.

d. Able to judge.

e. Jn 8:31,32.

f. Luther: “The right to judge, and pronounce on, matters of doctrine belongs to each and every Christian, so much so that he is doing an accursed thing who impairs this right by a hairbreadth”. (quoted p. 350)

D. To settle a doctrinal controversy, two rules:

1. Define exactly the question at issue.

2. When that is done, let those Scripture passages speak which treat of the controversial point.

3. Thus, Scripture itself will decide the issue.

4. Tit 3:10,11.

5. Jn 19:24 (Scripture speaks).

6. Ro 3:21 (it testifies).

7. Jn 5:45 (it accuses).

8. Jn 12:48 (it judges).

9. Gal 3:22 (it concludes under sin).

10. Ro 3:19 (it stops the mouth).

E. Then why do doctrinal debates seldom achieve the desired end?

1. Issue not defined or lost sight of, resulting in talking about different things to each other.

2. Issue not placed in the light of Scripture.

a. “Interpretation” taking the place of Scripture.

b. Passages quoted which treat of a different doctrine.