Post Tenebras Lux | The Perspicuity of Scripture

Redemption Hill Church Sermons

In this episode, we continue our Reformation series titled "Post-Tenebrous Lux," which translates to "After Darkness, Light." We delve into the lives of early Reformers who sacrificed greatly to make the Reformation possible, focusing on the theme of the power and sufficiency of God's Word, encapsulated in the doctrine of sola scriptura—Scripture alone. We begin by reading Psalm 119:129-136, which emphasizes the importance of God's testimonies and the understanding they provide. This sets the stage for our discussion on the significance of Scripture in the lives of Reformers like John Wycliffe and John Huss, who were profoundly impacted by the availability of the Bible in the common tongue. Today, we spotlight William Tyndale, a gifted scholar and linguist who was pivotal in translating the New Testament into English. Tyndale's work was driven by the belief that Scripture should be accessible to everyone, allowing even the simplest among us to understand God's Word. We explore the historical context of Tyndale's life, including the oppressive laws against Bible translation and the invention of the printing press, which enabled the widespread distribution of his translations. Tyndale's commitment to making Scripture available in English led to his eventual martyrdom, but his legacy endures. His translations laid the groundwork for future English versions of the Bible, including the King James Version, which retains a significant portion of his original work. We also discuss the doctrine of the perspicuity of Scripture, which asserts that while some parts of the Bible may be difficult to understand, the essential truths necessary for salvation are clear and accessible to all. This clarity is vital for sharing the gospel confidently, knowing that the Holy Spirit aids in understanding. In closing, we reflect on the importance of engaging with Scripture, encouraging listeners to spend time reading and studying the Bible, as it promises to illuminate our paths and deepen our understanding of God's will. We express gratitude for the Reformers who paved the way for our access to God's Word and pray for continued illumination through the Scriptures. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Reading of Psalm 119 00:01:50 - Continuing the Reformation Series: Post-Tenebrous Lux 00:02:12 - The Power and Sufficiency of God's Word 00:03:40 - Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone 00:04:34 - The Importance of Scripture in the Reformation 00:05:50 - Introducing William Tyndale 00:06:02 - Historical Context: Events Leading to Tyndale's Life 00:07:08 - The Impact of the Printing Press 00:09:25 - Tyndale's Education and Linguistic Skills 00:10:30 - Tyndale's Early Convictions and Scholarship 00:12:07 - The White Horse Tavern Meetings 00:13:12 - Tyndale's Translation of the New Testament 00:14:18 - The Church's Response to Tyndale's Work 00:15:32 - Tyndale's Continued Efforts and Legacy 00:16:26 - Tyndale's Martyrdom and Its Significance 00:17:30 - Tyndale's Influence on English Translations 00:19:07 - The Clarity of Scripture: Perspicuity 00:20:54 - Understanding the Doctrine of Perspicuity 00:22:41 - Scriptural Support for Clarity 00:24:06 - The Role of Children in Understanding Scripture 00:27:08 - Scripture's Sufficiency for Salvation 00:28:42 - The Importance of Access to Scripture 00:29:53 - The Impact of the Reformation on Scripture Availability 00:31:13 - Challenges in Understanding Scripture 00:32:38 - Conclusion: The Depths of Scripture 00:34:04 - Closing Prayer and Reflection