Holy Scripture

In article VI of the 39 Articles, we read, "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation." In the ACNA catechism we are told that, "The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament form the whole of Holy Scripture, which is also called the Bible and the canon." The catechism also notes that Scripture is, "given by the Holy Spirit through prophets and apostles as the revelation of God and his acts in human history, and is therefore the Church's final authority in all matters of faith and practice." The Jerusalem Declaration reaffirms this historic understanding of Holy Scripture in saying, "We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God written and to contain all things necessary for salvation. The Bible is to be translated, read, preached, taught and obeyed in its plain and canonical sense, respectful of the church’s historic and consensual reading." Thus, a thorough knowledge of Scripture--its basic content, its narrative unity, and its historic interpretation--is essential for ordained ministers.

Examinees taking the Canonical Exams for ordination will write one essay set on Holy Scripture, answering one question on the Old Testament and one question on the New Testament. These essays will focus on integrating Holy Scripture into ministry practice and will focus on the themes listed below.

In addition, examinees will take online quizzes covering content aspects of Holy Scripture.

Canonical Areas

Holy Scripture

Content of Scripture

a. Books of the Bible & Category b. Major Biblical Figures c. Major Biblical Themes

Historical background

a. Cultural context of Bible and passages b. Salvation History and the Story of the Bible c. Sitz im Leben of books and passages

Interpretive Methods

a. Modern Critical Methods b. Exegesis for sermon/preaching c. Scripture interprets scripture d. Patristic Interpretive Methods e. Theological Interpretation of Scripture