calvin’s institutes, book 1, chapter 7

 

 

Ch 7: The Spirit and the Church in relation to Scripture

(follows from previous post)

 

How can we know that the Word of God is the Word of God?

Not because the Church says so.  It cannot be: “What is to become of miserable consciences in quest of some solid assurance of eternal life, if all the promises with regard to it have no better support than man’s judgement?”  (This also applies to the breadth of the canon.)  

Nor because discussion can persuade us.

Paul supports this in Ephesians 2:20: the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets”, not the other way round.  

Augustine is often quoted to support the authority of the Church in this respect, but Calvin argues that he was quoted out of context and believed that man’s judgement is insufficient.  Instead, “Scripture bears upon the face of it as clear evidence of its truth, as white and black do of their colour, sweet and bitter of their taste.”

“The highest proof of Scripture is uniformly taken from the character of him whose word it is.”

The apostles & prophets appeal not to man’s reason, or any qualities that would please man, but to the name of God.  

“Our conviction of the truth of Scripture must be derived from a higher source than human conjectures, judgements, or reasons; namely, the secret testimony of the Spirit.”  The Spirit is superior to reason!  “The only true faith is that which the Spirit of God seals on our hearts.”