Vain Jangling
I am a Biblicist.
Being called a Biblicist is not a bad thing. A Biblicist is someone who believes the Bible is to be taken literally, word for word. They claim to hold to its authority, as the Word of God, over their own.
However, sometimes a Biblicist can dismiss Creeds and Confessions as if they are of little or no importance, with little or no value. Because Creeds and Confessions are not the Word of God, they are not the authority but are rather the words and works of men. But this is merely vain jangling.
Creeds and Confessions have been written by those who hold to the authority of Scripture. Their works do not provide a new authority outside of the Word of God, but an explanation and defense of the doctrines within the Bible. Thus, their works can be read, studied, argued for/against, as presented to those who desire to know spiritual things.
If one easily dismisses Creeds and Confessions by claiming to be a Biblicist, then it could potentially lead to an authoritarian leadership. How so? With no defined Confession, only the pastor, teacher, or person’s beliefs may become the authority of what Scripture teaches. And when their beliefs change, all are expected to follow without question.
Vain Janglings 