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Calvin's Institutes I.VI.1-4
Calvin now shows the place of Scripture given that man is utterly corrupted. Creation cannot be seen clearly and therefore God cannot be known. It is as though man is almost blind so that though all truth is before him he cannot see it. He needs spectacles. Scripture functions in this role. It is therefore appropriate that Scripture plays a central role in overcoming inner corruption. So Calvin says,

Now in order that true religion may shine upon us, we ought to hold that it must take its beginning from heavenly doctrine and that no one can get even the slightest taste of right and sound doctrine unless he be a pupil of Scripture. (p.72)

Many people seek various pathways to the presence of God, often very confusing and labyrinthine, but accompanied with great sound, fury and excitement. Again, Calvin says the approach to God,

is for us like an inexplicable labyrinth unless we are conducted to it by the thread of the Word; so that it is better to limp along this path than to dash with all speed outside it. (p. 73)

Thus Calvin affirms the central place Scripture must hold in the life of a believer. To be ambivalent towards it, to consider the possibility of other ways towards the face of God, or even to attempt what appear to be parallel paths, is simply to descend into the labyrinth without a guiding thread. It is a great challenge these days to take care personally, and to encourage others to keep hold of the “thread” as we seek God.