by William Twisse
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Updated to Modern English
That a Christian may be infallibly certain of his Faith and Religion by the Holy Scriptures.
"The Scriptures Sufficiency To Determine All Matters of Faith" by William Twisse is a work that addresses the critical question of whether Christians can attain infallible certainty in their faith and beliefs through the Holy Scriptures. Twisse, a notable Puritan figure in the Church, engages in a comprehensive and intricate theological discussion, challenging and responding to various religious viewpoints, particularly those of the Roman Catholics. He asserts the sufficiency and clarity of the Scriptures in guiding believers to truth, while critically analyzing the arguments posed by different denominations. This book is a significant contribution to the theological debates of its time, offering deep insights into the role of the Bible in Christian faith and practice.
Here are five key lessons Twisse teaches in the book:
1. The Scriptures have a profound impact on the believer's life, transforming their understanding and bringing them closer to God. Twisse emphasizes that the Law of God is more precious than material wealth and leads to true wisdom and salvation.
2. The Bible is likened to a river where both a lamb may wade and an elephant may swim, indicating that it offers both simple truths for beginners and profound depths for the more advanced. This dual nature caters to all levels of understanding and spiritual maturity.
3. The Christian journey is one of perpetual growth in knowledge and faith. As believers, we are encouraged to continually seek deeper understanding and wisdom in our faith, recognizing that we never fully attain maturity in Christ during our earthly lives.
4. Twisse argues that spiritual knowledge and understanding, especially concerning salvation, are attainable for those who earnestly seek it. This pursuit of knowledge requires diligent study and a heartfelt desire to understand God's Word.
5. Twisse highlights the difference between personal opinion and absolute truth. He argues that true knowledge is demonstrable and elicits consensus, unlike personal opinions which are subjective and can vary widely. This underscores the importance of grounding beliefs in objective truth rather than subjective interpretations.
"Our Saviour requires us to search the Scriptures which means to study them diligently and seek the true meaning within them. No one searches for what is right before their eyes. Furthermore, we are commanded to seek wisdom as one searches for gold and silver and people are willing to search deeply for treasure. It has been said that 'in profundo latet veritas' truth lies in the depths. How much more should we be willing to" - William Twisse
"Those who have true faith through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will not lack spiritual insight. Nevertheless, natural knowledge, even if it is superior because it is based on faith, will not make a person learned. And even if a person is highly learned, if they lack grace, their religion will be in vain. They may be able to defeat others in argument, but they will never be able to undermine the true religion of any child of God, no matter how weak or uneducated, because our faith and religion are not based on clever words but on the power of the Spirit as Saint Paul says 'My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom but on God's power' (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)" - William Twisse
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Table of Contents
THE APPROBATION OF That Reverend Father of the Church
A Perplexing Question: OR, A doubtful Case of CONSCIENCE,
The Doubting Conscience Resolved. In Answer to a (pretended) Perplexing Question.