Per bonam consequentiam: The status of exegetical deductions The importance of Hermeneutics in ecclesiastical discussions must be recognised. In such discussions, people attempt to substantiate their views with arguments from the Bible. The status of such exegetical deductions remains a problem, also in view of the maxim from the Reformation: The preaching of God’s Word is God’s Word. This problem is discussed with reference to the origin of the rule of “good and necessary consequence” and to related articles of the Belgic and Westminster Confessions. The fallibility of human interpretation must be taken into account in all ecclesiastical discussions.