But to be brief. The clearness of the Scripture is…
““But to be brief. The clearness of the Scripture is twofold; even as the obscurity is twofold also. The one is external, placed in the ministry of the word; the other internal, placed in the understanding of the heart. If you speak of the internal clearness, no man sees one iota in the Scriptures, but he that hath the Spirit of God. All have a darkened heart; so that, even if they know how to speak of, and set forth, all things in the Scripture, yet, they cannot feel them nor know them: nor do they believe that they are the creatures of God, nor any thing else: according to that of Psalm xiv, 1. "The fool hath said in his heart, God is nothing." For the Spirit is required to understand the whole of the Scripture and every part of it. If you speak of the external clearness, nothing whatever is left obscure or ambiguous; but all things that are in the Scriptures, are by the Word brought forth into the clearest light, and proclaimed to the whole world.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spiritual understanding requires both external clarity of Scripture and internal illumination by the Spirit; mere intellect is insufficient.
In simple terms: Spirit needed to truly grasp Scripture.
Key Takeaway
Seek spiritual insight, not just intellectual study.
Themes
faith
interpretation
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
educational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Bible study groups
- personal devotion
- seminary coursework
- preaching preparation
Key Concepts
theology
exegesis
inner transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the Spirit illuminate your reading of sacred texts?
- What practices deepen internal understanding?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on intellect can lead to superficial belief.