It seems many undermine the authority and value of the scriptures. In this passage Calvin briefly speaks about the truth of the scriptures and the unmovable foundation they present for what we know about God.

This is part of my series on Calvin’s Institutes.

Quote

Hence the office of the Spirit promised to us, is not to form new and unheard-of revelations, or to coin a new form of doctrine, by which we may be led away from the received doctrine of the gospel, but to seal on our minds the very doctrine which the gospel recommends.

2. Hence it is easy to understand that we must give diligent heed both to the reading and hearing of Scripture, if we would obtain any benefit from the Spirit of God (just as Peter praises those who attentively study the doctrine of the prophets (2 Pet. 1:19), though it might have been thought to be superseded after the gospel light arose), and, on the contrary, that any spirit which passes by the wisdom of God’s Word, and suggests any other doctrine, is deservedly suspected of vanity and falsehood. (Calvin, Instit. 1.9.1-2)

Comment

Calvin helpfully comments on our need to remain true to what the scripture says. Rather than sway from falsehood to falsehood with creative stories and plausible arguments.

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