Hi
I am reading john calvin, institutes of the christian religion. I am definately enjoying this book even if i need to sometimes reread the same section 2-3 times at times. this one passage though has got me thinking and i would like your insight please.
In chapter 8, if i understood correctly, he attempts to argue the credibility of scripture. He argues that the examples in the book are sufficient because the prophesies happened very long after fortold and in no way elevate the one who told it. He argues about how the description of the Holy spirit is necessary for us to be able to distinguish who God is. He points out moments in story line that no one would ever want be told and thus renders the book authentic in its description due to humility. He also argues about the similitudes in the narratives of the gospels. He also argues about the fact that it is unchanged even if a long time ago bible were burned, clearly the bible was hidden and saved and the more ppl tried to supress the gospel the more it flourished by only what should be seen as Gods power. and so on.... But in the very end he says this : «These, however, cannot of themselves produce a firm faith in Scripture until our heavenly Father manifest his presence in it, and therby secure implicit reverence for it. Then only, therefore, does Scripture suffice to give a saving knowledge of God when its certainty is founded on the inward persuasion of the Holy Spirit. Still the human testimonies which go to confirm it will not be without effect, if they are used in subordination to that chief and highest proof, as secondary helps to our weakness. But it is foolish to attempt to prove to infidels that the Scripture is the word of God. This it cannot be known to be, except by faith. Justly, therefore, does Augustine remind us, that everyh man who would have any undersnding in such high matters must previously possess piety and mental peace.»
This intrigues me
First what does he mean when he says possess piety and mental peace.
Secondly it seems to me that the whole purpose of the bible is for us to know God and see him. This is more believable in light of the fact that in the previous chapter he explains how only through scripture is it possible to recognize God and in the next chapter he explains how scripture is never to be replaced by images because it lessens the fear of God and augments the desire to fall into superstition and thus idol worship. but then does it become close to absurdity to even argue or reason with anyone who does not beleive. What point is it if an unbeliever asks questions that we even show him anything in the bible or even ask him to take the bible as proof since ultimately it takes faith and faith only comes from God?
Thanks
I am reading john calvin, institutes of the christian religion. I am definately enjoying this book even if i need to sometimes reread the same section 2-3 times at times. this one passage though has got me thinking and i would like your insight please.
In chapter 8, if i understood correctly, he attempts to argue the credibility of scripture. He argues that the examples in the book are sufficient because the prophesies happened very long after fortold and in no way elevate the one who told it. He argues about how the description of the Holy spirit is necessary for us to be able to distinguish who God is. He points out moments in story line that no one would ever want be told and thus renders the book authentic in its description due to humility. He also argues about the similitudes in the narratives of the gospels. He also argues about the fact that it is unchanged even if a long time ago bible were burned, clearly the bible was hidden and saved and the more ppl tried to supress the gospel the more it flourished by only what should be seen as Gods power. and so on.... But in the very end he says this : «These, however, cannot of themselves produce a firm faith in Scripture until our heavenly Father manifest his presence in it, and therby secure implicit reverence for it. Then only, therefore, does Scripture suffice to give a saving knowledge of God when its certainty is founded on the inward persuasion of the Holy Spirit. Still the human testimonies which go to confirm it will not be without effect, if they are used in subordination to that chief and highest proof, as secondary helps to our weakness. But it is foolish to attempt to prove to infidels that the Scripture is the word of God. This it cannot be known to be, except by faith. Justly, therefore, does Augustine remind us, that everyh man who would have any undersnding in such high matters must previously possess piety and mental peace.»
This intrigues me
First what does he mean when he says possess piety and mental peace.
Secondly it seems to me that the whole purpose of the bible is for us to know God and see him. This is more believable in light of the fact that in the previous chapter he explains how only through scripture is it possible to recognize God and in the next chapter he explains how scripture is never to be replaced by images because it lessens the fear of God and augments the desire to fall into superstition and thus idol worship. but then does it become close to absurdity to even argue or reason with anyone who does not beleive. What point is it if an unbeliever asks questions that we even show him anything in the bible or even ask him to take the bible as proof since ultimately it takes faith and faith only comes from God?
Thanks
