Calvin places Scripture and the Church in the right relationship. He challenges the view that the Church bestows authority on Scripture. The Church receives and gives a seal of approval to the Scriptures. But it does not confer authenticity upon them. Rather Scripture is self-authenticating under the witness of the Spirit.
Calvin tackles a then common misquotation of Augustine. Augustine appears to base his belief on the authority of the Church. However, Calvin is at pains to show that were the church divided on the content of the gospel then as an unbeliever he would not have come to faith. The settled position of the Church thus enables the new believer to learn the faith that he has obtained. Interesting that for Calvin faith comes before comprehension.
I think it is for this reason that Calvin says
… the scriptures obtain full authority among believers only when men regard them as having sprung from heaven. (I.VII.1)
It seems then that a body of believers, the Church, settled on the matter of the gospel provides the right environment for a new believer to be nurtured and taught.
He also challenges those who require rational proof for every step. Ultimately, rational proof will not lead one to faith. There will always be doubts. Only the inner testimony of the Spirit can give faith. Thus rational proof is of limited value.
Finally, a quote from Calvin that is quite pertinent for today:
Those whom the Holy Spirit has inwardly taught truly rest upon Scripture (I.VII.5)
If true, and I think the argument is compelling, where does this leave those who want the mystical leading of the Spirit, but at the same time treat Scripture as secondary, dispensable, only for certain Christians?
No comments:
Post a Comment