But since it is one thing to say, that the knowledge of God, which is derived from scripture, is sufficient to salvation in an objective way; that is, that it is a sufficient rule to lead us to salvation, and another thing to say, that it is made effectual thereunto: we are now to inquire when it is made so. In answer to which, let us consider, that the doctrines contained in scripture are made effectual to salvation; not by all the skill or wisdom of men representing them in their truest light, nor by all the power of reasoning, which we are capable of, without the aids of divine grace, but they are made effectual by the Spirit; and this he does,
(1.) By the internal illumination of the mind, giving a spiritual discerning of divine truth, which the natural man receiveth not, as the apostle says, 1 Cor. ii. 14. and it is called, 2 Cor. iv. 6. a shining into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ.
(2.) By subduing the obstinate will of man, and so enabling it to yield to a ready, chearful, and universal obedience to the divine commands contained in scripture; and, in particular, inclining it to own Christ’s authority, as king of saints; and to say, as converted Paul did, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts ix. 6.
(3.) He works upon our affections, exciting in us holy desires after God and Christ, and a very high esteem and value for divine truth, and removes all those prejudices which are in our minds against it, opens and enlarges our hearts to receive the word, and comply with all the commands thereof, thus, Acts xvi. 14. The Lord opened the heart of Lydia, that she attended to the things that were spoken of Paul. So David prays, Psal. cxix. 18. compared with v. 5. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Quest. III.
Quest. III. What is the Word of God?
Answ. The holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.
In speaking to this answer, we shall consider the several names by which the scripture is set forth with the import thereof, and more particularly that by which it is most known; to wit, the Old and New Testament, and then speak of it as a rule of faith and obedience.
I. There are several names given to the word of God, in Psalm cxix. one of which is found in almost every verse thereof.
It is sometimes called his law, statutes, precepts, commandments, or ordinances,[[15]] to signify his authority and power to demand obedience of his creatures which he does therein, and shews us in what particular instances, and how we are to yield obedience to it.