Overture 09

On the Authority of Holy Scripture—From the Presbytery of Mississippi.

The Presbytery of Mississippi overtures the 217th General Assembly (2006) of the PC(USA) to approve the following:

1. In the belief that the Holy Scripture is the Word of God and God’s guide to us for worship and life, the 217th General Assembly (2006) does confirm that the authority of Holy Scripture is “... most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.”1

2. The 217th General Assembly (2006) also confirms that “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.”2

3. The 217th General Assembly (2006) also confirms the belief that “Insofar as Christ’s will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed. In the worship and service of God and the government of the church, matters are to be ordered according to the Word by reason and sound judgment, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”3

4. The 217th General Assembly (2006) does urge all members of the church to search the Holy Scripture to determine God’s revealed Word regarding any and all issues that may touch the church; and, to be diligent in determining God’s will and living in accordance with that will.

Rationale

Proper conclusions regarding issues that result in serious concern and debate within the church can be best settled by searching, studying, and prayerfully ascertaining God’s will as disclosed in His revealed Word. To adapt, mold, or confirm the church in accordance with contemporary mores and patterns of sinful life will separate us from God, from God’s will.4

The system of doctrine revealed in the Holy Scripture does reveal God’s will.

Endnotes

1. The Book of Confessions, The Westminster Confession of Faith 6.001

2. Ibid. 6.004

3. Book of Order, G-1.0100c.

4. Romans 12:2