The Bondage of the Will

Section 3: Revealed, Not Hidden: The Clarity of Christian Truth in Scripture

By Martin Luther

This article is based on the translation made in 1823 by Edward Thomas Vaughan. The language has been modernized with the assistance of CoPilot AI, with further alterations and final approval by Thirdmill’s editorial staff.

It’s true that some parts of Scripture can feel difficult or unclear. But that’s not because the truths themselves are too vast or mysterious—it’s often just our limited understanding of language and interpretation. Still, these challenges don’t stop us from grasping the essential messages of Scripture.

Think about it: what greater mystery could remain hidden, now that the tomb has been opened and the resurrection proclaimed? The core truths have been made known—Christ, the Son of God, became human; God is both Three and One; Christ suffered for us and will reign forever. These aren’t secrets—they’re celebrated, preached, and even sung in the streets. Remove Christ from Scripture, and what meaning would remain?

So yes, while some verses may still seem obscure due to wording, the truths they contain are fully visible. It’s misguided to claim that Scripture itself is unclear just because a few words are hard to understand. If one passage is difficult, another will clarify it. The same truth is often expressed both plainly and poetically, depending on the verse.

And really, does it matter if one testimony is harder to grasp when many others shine with clarity? It’s like saying a public fountain isn’t visible just because someone in a narrow alley can’t see it—while everyone in the town square can.