xix. The means of finding out the true meaning of scripture are: constant prayer, knowledge of the language, examination of originals, consideration of the argument and purposes of the passage, distinction between literal and figurative passages; understanding of causes, circumstances, and consequences; logical analysis, comparison of obscure passages with clear ones, of like with like, and unlike with unlike; and finally, the analogy of faith [analogia fidei].
Johannes Wollebius,Compendium theologiae christianae, 1.19 in Reformed Dogmatics, trans. John W. Beardslee III (New York: Oxford University Press, 1965), 35.
R. Scott Clark
R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.
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That is why God gives us pastors and teachers in the Church, to preach and explain the Word, which He gave us through prophets and apostles. God has ordained that salvation should ordinarily come through the means of grace which He provides through the Church. Eph. 4:11-16