1.1 Holy Scripture (written special divine revelation) is necessary, to give the saving knowledge of God, to preserve and propagate the truth, and to establish and comfort the church.
1.2 There is a fixed scriptural canon of sixty-six books, inspired by God, the rule of faith and life.
1.3 “The Apocrypha” is not inspired and therefore not canonical or authoritative.
1.4 Holy Scripture is authoritative because it is God’s Word, and is to be received, believed and obeyed as such, neither because of human testimony nor the church’s witness, but because of its author, God.
1.5 Ultimately the Holy Spirit persuades and assures us that the Bible is true, though it abundantly evidences itself to be God’s Word, and we may have a high regard for it because of the church.
1.6 Holy Scripture is completely sufficient to guide us faith and life, but we still need the illumination of the Holy Spirit for the saving understanding of it.
1.7 Not everything in Holy Scripture is plain and clear to everyone, but Holy Scripture is clear and understandable in imparting what must be known, believed and observed for salvation.
1.8 Holy Scripture has been providentially preserved authentically in the original languages, but should be translated into the common language of the people of God.
1.9 The infallible rule of Scriptural interpretation is derived from Scripture itself. Scripture interprets Scripture.
1.10 God himself speaking in Scripture is the sole final authority in all matters of theological controversy.