Authority and Interpretation of Scripture
We affirm our belief in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the primary source and ultimate standard of Christian faith and life... "(pg13) "We receive the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, given by inspiration from God, as containing the only infallible rule of faith and life, a faithful record of God's gracious revelations, and as sure witness of Christ... "(pgl4) (From the Manual of The United Church of Canada, 1995 edition).
We find the "Authority and Interpretation of Scripture" document produced by The United Church of Canada to be such that it undermines the faith upon which it was founded. It does this by describing Holy Scripture as a book among other books, commanding only the authority that any individual wishes to grant it. It reduces Christ from the Divine Son of God, to a caring and loving man who set an excellent example for us to follow. As such we find the document not only lacking but destructive in matters that are central to our faith.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17).
We support what the United Presbyterian Church in the United States has to say about the Authority of Scripture: "The one sufficient revelation of God is Jesus Christ, The Word of God incarnate, to whom the Holy Spirit bears unique and authoritative witness through the Holy Scriptures, which are received and observed as the Word of God written. The Scriptures are not a witness among others, but the witness without parallel. God's Word is spoken to His Church where Scriptures are faithfully preached and attentively read in dependence on the illumination of the Holy Spirit and with readiness to receive truth and direction".
We believe that the great moments of God's revelation and communication of Himself to us are recorded in the Scriptures of the Old and New testaments. But the fullness of God's truth and grace were, perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ.
We believe that, while God spoke His Word to people progressively in many portions, the whole is sufficient to declare God's mind and will for our salvation. The Writings were collected, preserved and shared by the Church.
We believe that the underlying theme of all Holy Scripture is the redeeming purpose of God for all His people, and that herein lies its unity.
We believe that in Holy Scripture, God claims the complete allegiance of our heart and mind; and that full understanding and acceptance of the authority and purpose of the Word of God contained in Scripture is the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts; that, using the Holy Scripture, the Spirit opens the revelation and teachings of Jesus Christ for our spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.
So we acknowledge Holy Scripture to be the true witness to God's Word and the sure guide to Christian faith and conduct.
We are firm in our belief that the Holy Bible remains the greatest source of reforming power in our world. While we in the church may not reasonably expect either church or state to enforce all its spiritual and moral demands, neither ought we to expect that they will undermine them.
This pamphlet is one of a series prepared as commentaries on issues and topics which are of interest and concern to individual members of member congregations. They are provided with the intent of stating the traditional Christian Faith and Morality which are upheld by the congregations of the NACC.