The Clarity of Scripture

The Bible is not a riddle book. It is not a code to crack or a mystery to solve. The doctrine of the Clarity of Scripture—sometimes called perspicuity—affirms that the essential message of the Bible is clear and comprehensible to all people through ordinary means. Scripture is clear enough for every believer to grasp what is necessary for salvation and faithful living (2 Tim. 3:15-17).

This does not mean that all Scripture is equally easy. Some passages require effort and maturity to understand. Peter acknowledged that some things in Paul’s writings are “hard to understand” (2 Pet. 3:16). But difficulty is not the same as obscurity. God’s Word is meant to be read, heard, believed, and obeyed—so it is clear and accessible.

In the Old Testament, parents were commanded to teach God’s Word to their children—implying even the young could understand it (Deut. 6:6-7). Later, Moses told Israel that God’s commands were “not too hard… but very near” (Deut. 30:11–14).

Jesus reinforced this in the Gospels, asking, “Have you not read?” (Matt. 12:3-5; 22:31). He never blamed Scripture for confusion, but held people accountable for ignoring it (Matt. 22:29; Jn. 5:39-40). Even centuries removed from Moses, Jesus assumed the Old Testament was intelligible.

The clarity of Scripture does not eliminate the need for teachers (Eph. 4:11-12), study (2 Tim. 2:15), or the Spirit’s illumination (1 Cor. 2:12-14). But it does mean God’s Word is fundamentally accessible. Through faithful reading and prayer, believers can hear God’s voice clearly.

Still, clarity doesn’t guarantee comprehension. Sin blinds the mind (2 Cor. 4:4), and pride resists truth (Jn. 8:43). The natural person rejects what is spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). Only the Spirit can open the heart to see (Ps. 119:18).

To affirm the Bible’s clarity is to affirm God’s character. He is not a God of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). He wants to be known—and has spoken plainly. The issue is not whether the Bible is understandable, but whether we will listen and obey.

Verses for Further Reflection

• Deuteronomy 30:11-14
• Psalm 19:7-11
• 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
• 2 Peter 3:16

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