Scripture is eminently clear, at least about the important things. Some things, such as the precise year Jesus died, are matters of debate (much heated, far too often). Paragraph seen of the first chapter reminds us of an important principle, however. What is plain is what is necessary for salvation. Knowing the exact year Jesus died might be helpful for a variety of reasons, but it is not necessary to my faith.
Everything that is necessary is made plain, however much we may have to search for it. The clarity of Scripture does not mean that we will not have to put in any effort! We are called to search the Scriptures far and wide to learn what is the will of God for us and for our salvation - and we are to trust that in so doing we will come to such a right understanding.
This section also speaks of three categories of information that can be obtained by study of Scripture. First are things we are to know. This reminds us that however helpful the sociological background of Colosse may be to our wider understanding of Paul's epistle to the church in that city, such knowledge will not trump a plain and thoughtful reading of the text of Colossians. This is not to disparage background information, just to put it in its proper place. The second and third things can be dealt with together: things to believe and observe. Here the confession is adumbrating topics it will deal with later, particularly related to our freedom of conscience. For now, note that what we are to do and believe relative to our salvation are what the text of Scripture teaches about such things. There is no secret chamber or text that reveals all to the initiated. Our constant response to new revelation (in whatever form it may take) should be complete rejection.
Lastly, this paragraph speaks of our "due use of the ordinary means." This reminds us that God has ordained certain activities through which we will come to a right understanding of his will. These ordinary means are the Word read, proclaimed and conscionably heard, Prayer and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We will deal more with these later, but here particularly the divines are speaking of the reading and proclamation of his Word. We are invited - no, required - to search the Scriptures that we might be wise unto salvation.
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