Counseling

Clarity and Authority of Scripture – Counseling from the WCF 1.7-10

Posted on by Dan Dodds

WCFParagraphs 7-10 of Chapter 1 of the WCF deal with the issue of Scripture “perspicuity” and “authority”. Paragraph 7 teaches us that some Scriptures are more difficult than others but that the basic teachings of the Word are understandable by everyone who is a believer. This is the doctrine of “perspicuity”.  Paragraph 8 teaches us that God has preserved the Scriptures, ordained the translation of the Scripture for His people, and that they are authoritative for all things. Even the passages of Scripture that are hard are to interpret are to be interpreted by those that are more easily understood. Additionally, as the Scriptures are the final authority (paragraphs 9-10), no man or denomination has final say in its interpretation. How does this apply to counseling?

Not only has God given us everything we need for life and godliness, but God has given it to us in terms and propositions that we can understand. This should encourage us to know and use the Word in counseling as well as to prescribe its reading to those we counsel. It is not too hard for them to grasp and so they should be encouraged to read and reflect on its contents throughout the counseling process.

Dan Dodds
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Dan Dodds
Dan is a native of Detroit, Michigan; a graduate of Hillsdale College in Michigan and Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Dan has worked in the financial area as a CPA and controller as well as in international business and sales. In 1995 Dan entered into the ministry in a Florida church as Sr. High and Singles Pastor. In 2001 he was brought on staff at Woodruff Road. Dan and his wife Christy have two daughters, Anna and Jenna and two sons, Will and Wyatt.