The NRBC School of Theology: Systematic Theology Course 2

5. OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES 1:8:
The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

This course is based on the text, 'The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith,' with notes by Kevin Matthews. Please feel free to print these notes to allow you to study the text online/offline. This lesson may be used in other study situations if you like (eg. Groups, Bible Studies, etc).

8. The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the native language of the people of God of old) (a), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them (b). But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read (c) and search them (d), therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come (e), that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope (f).

a. Rom 3:2.
b. Is 8:20.
c. Acts 15:15.
d. Jn 5:39.
e. 1 Cor 14:6,9,11,12,24,28.
f. Col 3:16.

5.1 The Preservation of Scripture

‘There is no need for you to defend a lion when he’s being attacked. All you need do is open the gate and let him out.’

C. H. Spurgeon.

The Bible was originally written in the Hebrew language (Old Testament), and in Greek (New Testament). These were the languages of the people to whom the Scriptures were originally given. The actual original Scriptures (called Autographs) were 100% inerrant, containing no mistakes what-so-ever, and therefore completely trustworthy.

The autographs are no longer extant, having been lost over the centuries. However, many copies were made by hand (manuscripts) from the originals in the earliest periods of the church. Though copyist mistakes were made from time to time, these can be identified through the labour of comparing manuscript with manuscript (lower criticism/textual criticism); thereby arriving at what is close to the original autographs. God in His providence has therefore kept the Scriptures, and these are they that have come down to us today.

‘All controversies of religion’ can be solved by going back to the original, for it is these that are inerrant (Ps 19:7; Prov 30:5; Is 8:20).

QUESTION: Why is it important for a preacher to develop a working knowledge of the original languages of Scripture?

Are our translations trustworthy? Explain?

5.2 The Translation of Scripture

Obviously not everyone is familiar with the original languages of the Scriptures; therefore it is necessary to have them translated into the language of the people. What is needed here is for the translation to be as reliable as possible, striving for exact accuracy in translation.

QUESTIONS: Why is it necessary for people to have the Bible in a language they can understand?

How can we know if a translation is reliable and accurate?

NOTE: If you wish to email me regarding your answers to this first lesson, please copy and paste them into an email (Attachments will not be opened). I will then get back to you as soon as I can (expect a delay due to various committments).

Links to Online Texts

• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

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