The Clarity of the Word of God

The clarity (sometimes called perspicuity) of the Word needs to be emphasized because Satan is a master of a thousand arts in attacking the Word.

Clergy often try to capture the Word of God and hold it captive. They claim to have such a deep knowledge of ancient languages that they alone can interpret the Scriptures properly.

However, the Scriptures are so clear in their message, in any language, that the saving doctrines of the Word can be read and understood.

The basic doctrines of the Apostles Creed are clearly taught throughout the Scriptures and repeated in a wide variety of ways, so no one is left with the excuse of saying, “But that was obscurely taught in only one passage.”

Ever since the Age of Rationalism, the 18th Century, certain intellectuals have placed their intellects above the revealed Word. Often they scoff at the simple language of Scripture. The Gospel of John is written so plainly that someone can learn a new language by reading the Fourth Gospel in that language, absorbing vocabulary and grammar.

Heretics love to find new teachings in the Bible, often stirring up all heresies to attract open-mouthed sheep to be slaughtered. These heretics are always charming, articulate, and unfazed by opposition. Their ability to deceive is matched only by their self-deception. They do not like the clarity of the Word.

The plain Word of God defeats heretics, who must twist and bend the Scriptures, making “a wax nose out of them,” as Luther said. For that reason, we need to know the Word better than the heretics and to quote it back at them with the same conviction.

I asked Mormon missionaries if their Book of Mormon was in perfect harmony with the Bible. They said it was. I asked them if they believed the Trinity consisted of three separate gods. They said it did. So I said, “Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God is One.”

The Mormon response was rage. The senior missionary said, “I am not going to take any more of your crap.” Notice the efficacy of the Word. Using his confessed faith in Book of Mormon/Bible harmony, I pointed out one obvious exception. Suddenly the Word of God quoted was manure to him.

The same thing happens when quoting the Confessions or the Word to Church Growth heretics, who are really atheists posing as God’s favored saints. When the truth of God’s Word is quoted, they rage against the Book of Concord or the Word—or better yet—the personal deficiencies of the confessor. That is the cross we bear, to be scorned by the world but lashed by God’s favored saints.

St. Therese, the Little Flower, said to God, “You would have more friends if You treated them better.” In contrast, Luther pointed out that God did not spare His disciples, not even His Son, who said, “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.”