Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 6, point 7, point 9, point 12, point 13, point 14, point 15, point 17. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
1. Although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased.
Scripture proofs: Rom. 2:14-15; Rom. 1:19-20; Ps. 19: 1-3; Rom. 1:32 with 2:1; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13-14; Heb. 1:1; Prov. 22:19-21; Luke 1:3-4; Rom. 15:4; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Isa. 8:19-20; 2 Tim. 3:15; 2 Pet. 1:19; Heb. 1:1-2.
2. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these:
Of the Old Testament:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Of the New Testament:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation
All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.
Scripture proofs: Luke 16:29, 31; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 22: 18-19; 2 Tim. 3:16.
3. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.
Scripture proofs: Luke 24:27, 44; Rom. 3:2; 2 Pet. 1:21.
4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God.
Scripture proofs: 2 Pet. 1:19, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 5: 9; 1 Thess. 2:13.
5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.
Scripture proofs: 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 John 2:20, 27; John 16: 13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; Isa. 59:21.
6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.
Scripture proofs: 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 2: 2; John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:9-12; 1 Cor. 11: 13-14; 1 Cor. 14:26, 40.
7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.
Scripture proofs: 2 Pet. 3:16; Ps. 119:105, 130.
8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), 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 authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. 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 and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, 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.
Scripture proofs: Matt. 5:18; Isa. 8:20; Acts 15:15; John 5:39, 46; 1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11-12, 24, 27- 28; Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:4.
9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one) it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.
Scripture proofs: 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Acts 15:15-16.
10. The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined; and in whose sentence we are to rest; can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
Scripture proofs: Matt. 22:29, 31; Eph. 2:20 with Acts 28:25.
Words to know
- Inspiration
- God’s work guiding the biblical writers so their writings are his truthful Word.
- Authority
- The rightful power to tell us what to believe and do.
- Interpretation
- Understanding what a passage means in its context.
WCF 1.1 · Why we need the Bible
The world God made shows his goodness, wisdom, and power. But nature alone cannot tell us how to be saved. God revealed himself and his will, then gave us his written Word to preserve that truth and strengthen his church. The earlier ways of giving this revelation have ended. We need the Bible to know and follow him.
Romans 2:14-15; Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 19:1-3.
What can creation show us, and what do we need Scripture to learn?
WCF 1.2 · Which books belong in the Bible?
The Bible contains the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament. God inspired all of them. Together they are the rule for what we believe and how we live. The Old Testament prepares us for Christ; the New Testament tells us about his coming and the life of his church.
Luke 16:29; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 22:18-19.
Why should we listen to both the Old and New Testaments?
WCF 1.3 · What about other religious books?
Some books are called the Apocrypha. They can be studied like other human writings, but God did not inspire them as Scripture. They do not belong among the Bible’s books and cannot set the church’s beliefs or duties.
Luke 24:27; Romans 3:2; 2 Peter 1:21.
How is a helpful human book different from Scripture?
WCF 1.4 · Who gives the Bible its authority?
The Bible has authority because God is its author, and God is always truthful. A person or church does not make it God’s Word by approving it. We should believe and obey it because God speaks through it.
2 Peter 1:19; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 5:9.
Does the Bible become true only when someone approves it?
WCF 1.5 · How do we become sure it is God’s Word?
The church’s teaching and the Bible’s wisdom, unity, and message give us strong reasons to honor Scripture. Yet our full confidence comes from the Holy Spirit. He works through the Word in our hearts so that we recognize and trust God speaking to us.
1 Timothy 3:15; 1 John 2:20; John 16:13-14.
How does the Spirit help us trust Scripture?
WCF 1.6 · Does Scripture give us what we need?
The Bible gives everything we need to know for God’s glory, salvation, faith, and faithful living. Some things are stated directly; others follow necessarily from what it teaches. We must not add new revelation or human traditions to it. The Spirit helps us understand it. Practical arrangements, such as meeting times, require wisdom guided by Scripture.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; Galatians 1:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:2.
How is choosing a meeting time different from inventing a new doctrine?
WCF 1.7 · Can ordinary people understand it?
Some Bible passages are difficult, and people understand them differently. But its teaching about salvation is clear enough for ordinary people to learn. We should read carefully and use the help God provides, including teaching, prayer, and study. You do not need to be an expert to understand the gospel.
2 Peter 3:16; Psalm 119:105.
What can you do when a passage is hard to understand?
WCF 1.8 · Why do we have Bible translations?
God gave the Old Testament chiefly in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. He has preserved his Word, and those original-language writings are the final standard for checking translations. Since everyone should read Scripture, it should be translated into languages people understand. Reading it helps us worship God and find comfort and hope.
Matthew 5:18; Isaiah 8:20; Acts 15:15.
Why is it important to have the Bible in a language you understand?
WCF 1.9 · Let the Bible help explain the Bible
Scripture helps us understand Scripture. When a passage is hard to understand, we should compare it with clearer passages about the same subject. We seek the meaning God intended, rather than making a passage mean whatever we want.
2 Peter 1:20-21; Acts 15:15-16.
How could a clearer passage help with a difficult one?
WCF 1.10 · The final authority
Church meetings, teachers, older books, and personal impressions can be mistaken. We must test them by the Bible. The highest judge in questions of faith is the Holy Spirit speaking through Scripture. His Word is where we should rest our confidence.
Matthew 22:29; Ephesians 2:20; Acts 28:25.
What should we use to check a teacher’s claim?
1. God has revealed Himself in His works, called natural or general revelation, and His Word, called special revelation. This self-revelation contains all that man needs to know about God. The revelation of God in His works is clear, but it does not make known the covenant purposes of God. Hence, God began, from the creation of man, to make known the covenant relationship He had established between Himself and man. These matters could not have become known to man except by special (verbal) revelation. 1 Cor. 2:9; Gen. 1:28; Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 1:19-20.
2. These two forms of revelation, His works and His Word, are complementary. Any apparent obscurity of either of them, or alleged confusion or contradiction between them, arises from the natural limitations of man, and especially from his sinful state of rebellion against God, and the resultant curse of God upon him and the whole creation. The Scripture reveals that both the works of God and the written Word of God have been spoken into being by the Son, the living Word of God, the Creator, who also, as the incarnate Mediator and risen Savior continues to uphold the universe by His powerful Word. Ps. 19; Job 38-41; Ps. 139:6; Rom. 1: 19-32; John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:1-3.
3. The revelation of God’s works can be rightly understood only in the light of the written Word. 1 Cor. 1:21.
4. The living Word became man, Jesus Christ. In His life, death and resurrection He fulfilled the covenant broken by man’s disobedience and did most completely reveal God and His purpose for man. The Son makes the Father known to man; yet the Son is not known by man except by the Spirit through the Scripture. Hence, the Scripture is the final word of God to man for faith and life. Matt. 11:27; John 1:18; John 14:24-26; 1 Cor. 2:10-13.
5. God gave His written revelation progressively by holy men whom He chose, and inspired and infallibly guided to write inerrantly and completely the revelation of His will. No further such revelation is to be received. The human authors with differing skills expressed themselves in the peculiar idioms and a variety of literary forms common to their times. They used human sources of historical information and they recorded interpretations of those events and prophecies concerning the future that God revealed to them. In all they wrote, however, they were guided by the Holy Spirit as to matter and manner so that their writings are indeed the Word of God. Gen. 2:4; Gen. 5:1; Gen. 6:9; 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:29; 2 Sam. 23:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; Jer. 36:32.
6. We reject any view of Scripture that denies the objective truth of the Bible by making the authority of its message dependent on the circumstances or the subjective experience of the reader.
7. We reject the notion that the process of revelation was a mechanical one in which the writers were reduced to mere stenographers.
8. We also reject all theories of composition that make the writers mere editors or collectors of human tradition and liturgy, so that their writings are but human accounts or interpretations of religious development under God.
9. We reject the teaching that prophecy is history written after the event.
10. The Old Testament is the word of Christ and is of equal authority with the New Testament. Nor are the earthly words of Christ quoted in the Scriptures in any way of greater authority or of greater significance to the Church than the rest of God’s Word. It is the triune God who speaks with equal and absolute authority in and through every part of Scripture.
11. The truthfulness of God, and not the reasonableness of any doctrine, is the ground of our faith. It is the work of the Gospel to cast down reasonings against the knowledge of God, and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:15; 2 Cor. 10:5.
12. We reject the view that the Bible sets forth truth in the form of myth.
13. We reject the view that the Bible is only partially inspired, that inspiration pertains only to “revelational” matters, or “saving” truth, or that the Bible as originally given contains any inaccuracy in fact or history.
14. We reject the view that the Holy Spirit gives personal revelations or that He leads men apart from the general principles of the Word or contrary to its teachings.
15. We reject the concept that there is continuing revelation of God in the actions, decisions or decrees of the Church.
16. There are in the Scripture doctrines which unassisted reason could never have discovered; and yet, when revealed, are perfectly intelligible by the human mind. Other doctrines are taught in Scripture which human reason cannot fully comprehend and which must be received on the authority of God. Isa. 40:13; 1 Cor. 1:20; Ps. 119:130; 1 Cor. 2:6-16.
17. We reject any suggestion that God uses human reason on a level with Scripture to reveal His truth.
18. Bible translations must combine faithfulness to the original text with the idiom of the native language, and thus will always be imperfect. The Church is responsible to examine the documents available to determine as far as possible what was originally written, and to study the translations as to their accuracy in conveying the meaning of the original, and to advise the public concerning them. Paraphrases, which interpret rather than translate, must be used with great caution.
19. All men have the right to read the Bible, to inquire into its meaning, and to adopt the doctrines it teaches. In studying the Bible men must depend upon the illumination of the Holy Spirit. They must use God-given human faculties and search in earnest for the truth, in submission to the authority of Scripture. In interpreting the Bible consideration must be given to the historical situation in which the passage was written, to the grammatical structure, and to the literary form. The instruction and counsel of fellow believers, of teachers of the Word, and creeds and confessions of the Church should be given due consideration. When men understand the message of the Bible, they must earnestly seek to obey that message in all that they think and do. Acts 2:42; John 5:39; 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11.
Words to know
- Inspiration
- God’s work guiding the biblical writers so their writings are his truthful Word.
- Authority
- The rightful power to tell us what to believe and do.
- Interpretation
- Understanding what a passage means in its context.
- Covenant
- A relationship God establishes with promises and responsibilities.
- Revelation
- God making himself and his will known to us.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
Testimony 1.1
Creation shows us that God exists, but his spoken and written Word tells us about his covenant promises and our relationship with him.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.2
God’s creation and his Word agree. When they seem to conflict, the problem is our limited or sinful understanding; Christ is the source and sustainer of both.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.3
We need Scripture to understand the meaning of God’s creation correctly.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.4
Jesus reveals the Father and fulfills God’s covenant purposes. The Spirit makes him known through Scripture, our final authority for belief and life.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.5
God used real human authors and their different styles to give a completely truthful written Word. The Testimony also says this kind of revelation is complete.
Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.6
The Testimony rejects the idea that the Bible becomes true or authoritative only when a reader feels it is meaningful. Its authority does not depend on our experience.
Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.7
The Testimony rejects the idea that the biblical writers were merely taking dictation without using their own minds, styles, or personalities.
Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.8
The Testimony rejects treating the Bible as only a collection of human religious traditions. Its writers were guided by God, rather than simply reporting how religion developed.
Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.9
The Testimony rejects the claim that biblical predictions were written only after the events happened and then presented as prophecy.
Read original point 9 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.10
The Old and New Testaments have equal authority. Jesus’ quoted words are not more authoritative than the rest of Scripture; God speaks through all of it.
Read original point 10 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.11
We believe God because he is truthful, even when his teaching challenges our reasoning. Our thoughts must submit to Christ.
Read original point 11 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.12
The Testimony rejects treating the Bible’s truth as myth rather than God’s truthful revelation.
Read original point 12 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.13
The Testimony rejects limiting inspiration to religious or saving ideas. The Bible as originally given is also truthful in its factual and historical statements.
Read original point 13 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.14
The Testimony rejects claims of personal revelation or spiritual guidance that bypass Scripture’s principles or contradict its teaching.
Read original point 14 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.15
The Testimony rejects treating church decisions or decrees as new revelation from God.
Read original point 15 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.16
Some biblical truths could not be discovered by reason alone. Some remain beyond our full understanding, but we receive them because God has spoken.
Read original point 16 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.17
The Testimony rejects putting human reasoning on the same level as Scripture as a source of revealed truth.
Read original point 17 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.18
Translations should accurately express the original text in understandable language. The church should assess their accuracy, and readers should use paraphrases cautiously.
Read original point 18 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 1.19
Everyone may read and study the Bible. We should seek the Spirit’s help, consider context and language, listen to sound teaching, and obey what we learn.
Read original point 19 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-10, A-11.