How can Scripture be shown credible to natural reason without replacing the deeper certainty given by the Spirit? Calvin carefully answers by pointing to the unmistakable marks of divine majesty woven throughout the Bible itself—its power, simplicity, harmony, and authority—qualities that surpass every human work and pierce the heart in a way no rhetoric can achieve (1 Corinthians 2:4–5). He then turns to the Old Testament, showing how the antiquity, integrity, miracles, and prophecies surrounding Moses bear public, historical witness to God’s hand, from the manna in the wilderness to the judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and from the preservation of Israel’s law to the long-delayed fulfillment of Judah’s royal promise (Deuteronomy 32; Genesis 49; 1 Samuel 16). These evidences do not replace faith, but serve as strong confirmations once Scripture has been received reverently, showing that God has never left His Word without testimony in history, conscience, and the unfolding of redemption.

Readings:

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 8, Sections 1–7

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Today’s reading presses to the heart of one of Christianity’s most decisive claims: Scripture does not gain its authority from human approval, argument, or institutional endorsement, but from God himself through the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit. John Calvin argues that while Scripture bears unmistakable marks of divine majesty and coherence, no amount of reasoning alone can produce the certainty true faith requires. That certainty comes only when the same Spirit who spoke through the prophets and apostles seals God’s Word upon the heart. Against both skeptics who demand rational proof and religious authorities who claim to validate Scripture by decree, Calvin insists that believers rest in Scripture not by blind submission or borrowed judgment, but by a living encounter with God’s own voice—an assurance deeper than argument and firmer than opinion (Isaiah 59:21; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 54:13).

Readings: John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 7, Sections 4–5

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Why should Scripture be trusted as God’s Word? Calvin argues that the Bible does not receive its authority from the Church, but from God Himself, confirmed inwardly by the Holy Spirit. While the Church bears witness to Scripture, it does not stand above it; rather, the Church is built upon the Word, not the other way around (Ephesians 2:20). Calvin insists that Scripture is self-authenticating—recognized by the believer much like light is known by sight or sweetness by taste—and that resting its authority on human approval would leave troubled consciences without true assurance. Addressing a frequently misused quote from Augustine, Calvin clarifies that even Augustine grounded certainty not in ecclesial decree but in divine illumination, showing that the Spirit alone confirms the Scriptures as the very voice of God speaking to His people.

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