[1] Clarity of scripture is an important doctrinal and Biblical interpretive principle for historical Protestants and, today, for many evangelical Christians; it is adhered to by the Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican and Methodist churches.
[8] As a result of this, no one needs to wait for any clergy, and pope, scholar, or ecumenical council to explain the real meaning of any part of the Bible.
Yet, those things that are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or another, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.
"[11] Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury who led the English Reformation, thus establishing Protestant theology within the Church of England taught:[12] Peradventure they will say unto me, "How and if we understand not the deep and profound mysteries of scripture?"
For the Holy Ghost hath so ordered and attempered the scriptures that in them as well publicans, fishers and shepherds may find their edification, as great doctors their erudition.
But the apostles and prophets wrote their books so that their special intent and purpose might be understanded and perceived of every reader, which was nothing but the edification or amendment of the life of them that readeth or heareth it.