Let Scripture Speak: One Scripture, One Teacher
Theology Tuesday #10
Ever stumble upon a challenging Bible passage and think, “Where do I even start?” At Redeemer, we definitely appreciate godly teachers and solid commentaries, but our doctrinal statement (Chapter I, Section 9) emphasizes the Bible’s unique ability to interpret itself—it’s “the infallible guide… Scripture itself.” When we face ambiguity, we look to other passages for clarity, recognizing that one unified Scripture and one ultimate Teacher—the Holy Spirit—reveal God’s truth.
John 5:39 reminds us that all Scripture points to Jesus. It’s a single story woven by many authors across centuries yet threaded by Christ’s redemptive work. That unity gives us confidence: a difficult verse in the Old Testament can often be understood by cross-referencing a clearer New Testament passage, and vice versa. This self-interpreting dynamic helps ensure we’re not just chasing opinions but letting Scripture speak with the Holy Spirit as our guide.
Practically, this means we hold Scripture in higher esteem than any external commentary or personal intuition. We certainly learn from faithful voices, but “One Scripture, One Teacher” sums up our approach: the Holy Spirit, who inspired the text, illuminates it, often using one biblical author’s words to clarify another’s. This principle anchors us against doctrinal drift and helps us see the big picture of God’s redemptive plan.
So if you’re stuck in a confusing passage this week, start by turning to other parts of the Bible that address the same theme. You might be amazed by how a New Testament letter explains an Old Testament prophecy, or how a parable in the Gospels clarifies a tricky epistle. At Redeemer, we encourage each other to dive deeper into God’s Word, trusting that “Scripture lights its own path—Redeemer follows.”
Next Tuesday, we’ll explore how the Bible also stands as final authority in all matters—outweighing councils, traditions, or opinions. Until then, remember this: in a world of competing voices, let God’s voice through His Word be the loudest, and the Spirit your faithful Teacher.
