Calvin:
Institutes of the Christian Religion

Chapter 1: "The Knowledge of God the Creator."

Chapter 2: "What it is to know God, and to what purpose the knowledge of Him tends."

Chapter 3: "The Knowledge of God has been naturally implanted in the Minds of Men"

Chapter 4: "This Knowledge is either Smothered or Corrupted, partly by Ignorance, partly by Malice"

Chapter 5: "The Knowledge of God shines forth in the Fashioning of the Universe and the continuing Government of it."

Chapter 6: "Scripture is needed as Guide and Teacher for anyone who would come to God the Creator."

Chapter 7: "Scripture must be confirmed by the Witness of the Spirit. Thus may its Authority be established as certain; and it is a Wicked Falsehood that its Credibility depends on the Judgment of the Church."

Chapter 8: "So far as Human Reason goes, sufficiently firm proofs are at hand to establish the Credibility of Scripture"

Chapter 9: "Fanatics, abandoning Scripture and flying over to Revelation, cast down all the principles of Godliness"

Chapter 10: "Scripture, to correct all superstition, has set the True God alone over against all the gods of the Heathen"

Chapter 11: "It is unlawful to attribute a visible form to God, and generally whoever sets up idols revolts against the True God."

Chapter 12: "How God is to be so distinguished from idols that perfect honor may be given to Him alone.."

Chapter 13: "In Scripture, from the Creation onward, we are taught one essence of God, which contains Three Persons"

Chapter 14: "Even in the Creation of the universe and of all things, Scripture by unmistakable marks distinguishes the True God from false gods."

Chapter 15: "Discussion of human nature as created, of the faculties of the soul, of the image of God, of free will, and of the original integrity of man’s nature.."

Chapter 16: "God by His power nourishes and maintains the world Created by Him, and rules its several parts by His providence."

Chapter 17: "How we may apply this doctrine to our greatest benefit."

Chapter 18: "God so uses the works of the ungodly, and so bends their minds to carry out his judgments, that He remains pure from every stain."

1. Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God.
A man who truly knows himself will discover his own lack, which causes the man to become discontent. Conversely, a man who does not know himself, will not discover his own lack and therefore be content in what he has. Furthermore, if man is content with himself he will not look outside himself for contentment. Conversely, if a man is discontent with himself he will tend look outside himself for contentment.

Calvin then goes on to say, that a content man will remain as he is, whilst a discontent man seeks God. Hence the knowledge of ourselves will bring about a discontentment which will cause us to seek contentment (and hence knowledge) in God.

Comments:
Augustine once said, that God has made a hole in man, and man is discontent until it is filled by Him.

This idea, can be extended to a general principle, in that for a man to seek or to do something, he must first recognize his lack thereof. For what man would seek or do something if he is not convinced of his own lack. (Example: The preaching of sin before the preaching of repentance.)

2. Without knowledge of God there is no knowledge of self.
Man never truly knows himself as he is, unless he has as his basis of comparison God, since God is all in all. (1Co 15:28). Man, in his fallen nature, thinks of himself as righteous, never sees his unrighteousness, and is therefore content in that. So in being content with what we see in ourselves, we never compare those with God’s goodness. However when we have seen the Sun of righteousness (Mal 4:2), and then compare our righteousness with His, we see our lack thereof.

Thus, without a true knowledge of God we cannot truly know ourselves. This is not in contradiction with 1) above, for the order of events are as follows: we first examine ourselves, we see our lack, we become discontent, we seek God, we see God as He is, we then with that Reference can examine ourselves as we are.

Comments:
It is difficult for a man (even a Christian) to see God as He is. God does not reveal Himself as he has in the past to some men. On the other hand woe is that man whom God has revealed Himself to! It is a fearful thing to see God as He is...

3. Man in God’s majesty.
The dread and fear when men (and men of God too) have seen God as He is. Examples are: Job, Isaiah (Isa 6:5), Abraham, and Jacob. In particular is to Job, when God allowed those severe calamities to fall on Job, (Job 1), and God’s discourse after it (Job 38-41).

Comments:
Thus the first thing for a man to learn is the exceeding greatness of God. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. (Pro 9:10). That is, a man truly has understanding when he begins to fear God.

1. Piety is requisite for the knowledge of God.
True piety (and hence religion) is bred from a two-fold aspect of the knowledge of God. The first is that God not only has created this universe but also continually governs and sustains it. The second is that all Good (i.e. truth, wisdom, righteousness, etc.) come only from Him. That is, before God created anything, all the Good was in Him and no where else. Hence these virtues, which are evidenced in his creation, have their origin exclusively from Him.

Comments:
An important concept to note is the following: Before anything was there was nothing, except God. Therefore He is the Truth of which every other thing gets its truth. Therefore, a man who searches for truth, should go to Him to find out what is truth and what is error.

2. Knowledge of God involves trust and reverence.
A man’s understanding of the two-fold aspect of the knowledge of God written above, causes him to develop trust and reverence towards God. Trust in God, because He created and continually governs this universe, and that all Good comes from Him, and particularly towards those that are His. Reverence towards God, because He is Creator of all and hence man owes his life to Him.

Comments:
Calvin’s explanation of trust and reverence is in the context of a man who has the knowledge of God the Creator. This trust and reverence is further magnified and brought to maturity of a man who has the (divinely given) knowledge of God the Father, which is only possible by Christ the Mediator, and planted (born again) by God the Holy Spirit. (This second knowledge of God is dealt at length, in Book II, of Calvin’s "Institutes of the Christian Religion.")

1. The character of this natural endowment.
All men have been given a knowledge of God. This knowledge consists of that God exists, and is their Maker, whom worship is due. Even remote civilizations, which under obvious circumstances could have some probability of ignorance of God, show by their worship of idols (i.e. idolatry), of this internal knowledge of God. Even, modern man, with his sophistication and advances, through religion, pleasure seeking, materialism, hedonism, e.t.a.

Comments:
Although man has this innate knowledge of God, it is corrupted and of itself cannot lead a man to a right relationship with God. (That is, this type of knowledge does not lead to a mans conversion.) The purpose of this innate knowledge is that God is just, and hence would not condemn man for unbelief in Him without man having something which certifies of His existence.

2. Religion is no arbitrary invention.
Religion could not have been invented by man for the purpose of controlling and holding large groups of people, unless, there had been this innate knowledge of man. Also, the men who conjecture this idea, are generally those who are outwardly the most hardened against belief in God, but inwardly are the most easily convicted by God who strikes their conscience more violently than others. Hence it is no wonder that some of them are most startled by the rustle of a falling leaf (Lev 26:36), not to mention the sound of thunder. (Psa 77:18)

Comments:
For the first point, if this innate knowledge of God had not been implanted in man, (false) religion could not flourish. That is, one can plow, fertilize and water the ground, but unless the "seed" is there, no growth results (1Co 3:5-9). On the second point, regarding men who do not belief in God, how true it is of them, that when one speaks of religion, that these are the most vehement and ridiculing (as if convicted) of those who listen.

3.Actual godliness is impossible.
This innate knowledge, as mentioned before, does not lead man to a right relationship with God. For by experience, we see many who reject it, some who with a hot iron have seared this knowledge (1Ti 4:2), and yet a few who accept this innate knowledge and acknowledge God, but do not (as yet) know Him. (Jer 24:7; 31:34)

Comments:
This innate knowledge, is not the knowledge as referred to in the Jeremiah passages (see above). The purpose of the innate knowledge, which is implanted in all men, is that no man can justify unbelief in God. Of course, this knowledge has been abused, in the many false religions which are based on it. The second type of knowledge (see Jeremiah passages), is that which is given only by the Holy Spirit, and only to whom He has chosen. Men with this second type of knowledge, are those who will eventually (i.e. in their lifetime) be lead into a right relationship with God. This is the knowledge of which true religion is born.

1. Superstition.
Superstition, in relation to what men think of God, is primarily based upon empty speculations, vanity and pride. Hence, it is no wonder that men fashion a God after there own heart, rather than that of which God reveals Himself as. Hence out of this superstition they cannot truly worship or service their "god" since it is but a figment and dream of their own heart.

Comments:
Even as Christians, it is easy to imagine a "god" which is a part representation of what is revealed in the Scriptures. For example, there is a "god of love" without the "god of wrath" today, which is the "god" preached from not-a-few Christian pulpits. The God of Love cannot be truly known, without the knowledge of the God of Wrath, which are both characteristics of the One God, and both are revealed in the same Scriptures. (Furthermore, neither the Love or Wrath of God cannot truly be known without the other.) Yet many Christians err on this point who have the same Scriptures. This exemplifies why Scripture alone is not sufficient for a Christian - the Holy Spirit must work in the readers heart, regarding the True meaning thereof. (John 15:26,27; 16:7-15).

2. Conscious turning away from God.
Men who turn away from God, are those who have extinguished this innate knowledge of God, and then by habitual sinning their hearts are hardened such that repel all remembrance of God. Or those who are still compelled to recognize Him say God is idle in the heavens, and does not care nor see the wickedness of men.

Comments:
Those, who out of necessity of the blatant facts of nature (although they wish these facts did not exist), are forced to recognize some sort of god. However they are not willing to submit (nor acknowledge Him based upon the facts of nature), strip Him of his power or authority or even concern over men, leaving Him as a dead and empty idol in their minds. This type of belief system is well know, in the philosophies or theories of life, as the "clock work universe". The clock work universe, is characterized by men who belief that some super-natural Creator initially created the universe, "wound" up the spring of life, and left it to "unwind" itself, with no concern or regard to its events nor eventual end, nor has active and continual control over it, but rather as a spectator in the game of life.

3. We are not to fashion God according to our own whim.
True religion is that which is joined with Truth. Religion which is based upon superstition or the will of man, cannot possibly please God, for the worship and service they perform for their god, is based upon their false premise of God’s being. (Jer 9:24; Exo 34:5-7; Psa 146:7-9).

Comments:
In Jeremiah 9:24 (and other Scriptures), God declares the things which are the things He delights and hence of His essential nature:

Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

Loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness. (See also Isa 58).

4. Hypocrisy.
Men who cannot escape from God’s influence on their lives, although they greatly desire to, perform some semblance of religion, which they think will pacify God’s vengeance on them. However this is only an outward and false shadow of true religion. Where they ought to serve God as He wants them to, men devise observances and trivialities which God never mentioned anywhere in Scripture to observe nor do. Likewise, when all is well they make fun of God, or belittle His authority and power, and continue in their sin. However when darkness comes, they seek Him with much ardor and desire, repenting from the many sins they have previously repented of (in an attempt to win His favor). This is religious hypocrisy.

Comments:
How true this is of with Christians today. Many Christians (particularly Catholics), put on their "Sunday best" both clothing and appearances and do all in the power to please and approved by God. Yet during the other six out of seven days of the week, they behave just as wickedly as those who call themselves unbelievers. Indeed, it is not surprisingly, to find it extremely difficult, to distinguish between those who are Christians and those who are not, and even more, to be shocked when one hears of such a such person being a Christian!

(God manifested in his created works 1 - 10)

1. The clarity of God’s self-disclosure strips us of every excuse.
In addition to the "seed of religion" which God has implanted in all man’s heart, He reveals Himself in the visible universe, or the "revelation of nature." No where can man look in this universe and not find his handiwork. Hence the revelation of nature, provides an additional evidence of the Creator.

Comment:
It has been stated by a top professor in science, that in the scientific world, there are very few real scientists who are atheists. This is because the revelation of nature contradicts that position. Rather the majority of scientists can fall into the following categories: some acknowledge the beauty and order of the universe they study, some do not know to whom to attribute this to, some of these acknowledge the Author of this universe as a Supreme impersonal Being, others as God.

Actually to be an atheist, one must be like God (i.e. omniscience, omnipotent e.t.a.) which is a contradictory statement. For the atheist must have searched all the universe (and outside of it) and not have found God to say that God does not exist. Rather an atheist does not want to believe in God, and hence justifies his position by saying "Where is God?" Hence the position of an atheist - in itself - is really a contradiction in terms.

2. The divine wisdom displayed for all to see.
The wisdom of God’s creation can be seen by humans of all types of intelligence, training and knowledge. For example, the fields of science of astronomy, medicine, natural science, and even of art, all in their own ways penetrate into God’s creation. Even those who are dumb and or have little or no training, can via their sight, teach themselves of God’s wisdom in His creation. Hence, there is no none who cannot know God’s wisdom in His creation.

Comment:
I would take this a little further and say that even those who are blind, and dumb can by their God given ability to do things of which humans can do, such as: touch, smell, taste, think, e.t.a. Thus by these things prove the wisdom of God’s creation in that they can (even) do these things, since they were born.

3. Man as the loftiest proof of divine wisdom.
If man were to honestly and truthfully look in himself (i.e. self examination) he will see God’s wisdom in his own self. For there are innumerable wonders, amazement’s and would of necessity, invoke an awe and respect for one self. Babies have tongues which declares God’s wisdom, in particularly when they are hungry! This proves the divine Wisdom in creation in that who taught them to do that!

Comment:
Men who have truthfully examined themselves, and acknowledge the divine wisdom in their own bodies, learn to respect themselves. This respect can be displayed in those (and they need not be religious or naturally moral) in things such as: promiscuity (immoral sex)
1Co 6:18, drinking, smoking, swearing, lying, gluttony, laziness, e.t.a., all of which are sins against the body or mind and soul of a man.

4. But man turns ungratefully against God.
Even though man has within himself the divine Wisdom of God in his own body, they do not acknowledge Him nor worship Him. Rather they bury (if indeed they have seen) this self-revelation, rather attributing the designer as unknown, or unknowable, or as a result of chance (i.e. evolution).

5. The confusion of creature with Creator.
There are three separate entities (1Th 5:23) in man: spirit, soul and body. However there are some who combine the soul and body (and reject the spirit) of man. Their reasoning is that since the soul has functions which are used only for the body, then the soul and body are inseparable. This means when the body dies so does the soul and the existence of that man ceases to exist. (Hence there is no need for heaven nor hell, and possibly no need of God.) However, Calvin argues that because the soul has actually functions which the body does not use, then it implies those functions are for a higher or outside of the body purpose. These functions include the measurements of the heavens, dreams, imagination e.t.a., which serve no bodily purpose.

Comment:
There is an important point to mention: Today, there is a tendency for man, to categorize experiences, phenomena, dreams, healing and some things of the universe, e.t.a. - of which there is no scientific answer, into things which have their origin from the mind. That is, most secular men have as a fundamental belief that it is impossible for these things to come from a spiritual origin (i.e. God, devil, demons, spirits, e.t.a.), hence they always attribute these events to imaginations of the mind, the undiscovered (or secret) powers of the mind.

It may be true that they originate from the mind, for the mind is capable (under severe pressure) to imagine (or see) things which are not real, but on the other hand they may be real and have a spiritual origin.

On the other, other hand there is a tendency for religious (even Christians) to categorize natural events as spiritual. This may be due to a lack of knowledge, lack of experience or plain presumption. In other words, events which could be demonstrated scientifically and repeatable, are attributed to some miracle or work of God. In these cases they are usually not a special intervention of God, rather a demonstration of His natural laws (of which He continually sustains).

So there is a balance, between believing a special event is always natural or always spiritual. In Christians terms, there are some who believe miracles were for the Apostle age and God will not and does not do them today (and if they cannot deny a miracle they attribute it to the devil), and there are some who believe that any "miracle" (however small) must be a special intervention from God. Hence the need for the spiritual man to judge all things (1Co 2:15).

6. The Creator reveals his lordship over the creation.
Thus there is one God who governs all things and at the same time by His many manifestations reveals Himself to men. That they should acknowledge that there God is and that He is all in all. God’s lordship over His creation is seen in a small example, relating to the weather. God, in a single nod, can and does cause a quiet, clear sky to bring forth dark, heavy clouds which bring rain and lighting (and for some people fear), whilst in the same way cause this turbulence to diminish and return to its original state. (1Sa 12:16-18; Exo 9:22-24; Gen 7:4).

Comment:
It is quite a fearful thing to stand in a midst of a fierce thunderstorm.

7. God’s government and judgment.
God is kind and beneficent toward all men, however He does not accept the sins of men. With the wicked, and in most cases, he lets them go their own sinful way, which in itself is a form of punishment for it is like a man kicking himself against a wall. This does not mean they will not be unpunished, but rather that their punishment is deferred.

Comment:
To the righteous, this delayed punishment may seem resentful (although it shouldn’t). For the righteous experience is that as soon as they have committed sin they are immediately rebuked by their Father who’s motivation for them is out of love, and not vengeance. For a father that truly loves a son will rebuke him (even if it hurts his father to do it), rather than let the son go on, hoping that he will correct himself. (Pro 3:11-12, Heb 12:5 - 11). And likewise does God the Father.

God punishes the wicked out of vengeance, and not love. Woe is him for whom God punishes! However although their punishment is delayed, it is not forgotten. Indeed, a righteous man should not loose his righteousness because he sees the wicked continue in their wickedness with no punishment. But rather, a man should keep his righteousness because he loves God, and God loves the righteous and changes not (Mal 3:6).

8. God’s sovereign sway over the life of men.
God’s hand over the life of His creation, and in particular his control over men, is evidenced in the many circumstances and events man experiences. Although these events may, from man’s point of view, seem to stem from natural coincidences or circumstances, they all have their origin from God (Psa 107). Even those men who vehemently despise and deny God, He is even over control their lives as well.

Comment:
No where, from the viewpoint of men, is the sovereign power of God demonstrated over the lives of men, than that of conversion. Some of the vilest God-hating men have been converted over to that they once cursed and ridiculed, and some of these have become the most saintliest and productive men that have ever entered the Kingdom of God. (The Apostle Paul is one such man, see Acts 9:1-21.) It takes the sovereign power of God to do this.

9. We ought not to rack our brains about God; but rather, we should contemplate him in his works.
Men ought not to understand and devise intelligent proofs of God’s existence, because the proofs are clearly seen all around them. From the smallest to the greatest of them, God declares Himself, each to his own. Likewise, men should not contemplate about idle and time consuming speculations about God, which even if were perceived correctly, would not benefit them in any way.

Comment:
In other words, God must be understood by men, in the way He wishes to disclose Himself. Not by men with arrogant minds, who thinking themselves wise, try to penetrate into domains of which God has never disclosed. For there is no doubt, that of which God has not disclosed, men will also neither find out, no matter how intelligent nor knowledgeable they are, for God is greater than all. Likewise that which God has disclosed, those with the right heart and mind attitude will find out.

As Blasé Pascal (brilliant Christian mathematician) once said: "The whole point of reason is to show that there is an end to reason." This means that man’s mind cannot ever know everything he wants or wishes to know, hence he should reason that since he cannot know this, he should no longer pursue it.

10. The purpose of this knowledge of God.
Hence this knowledge obtained from God’s creation, should cause men to worship God, and to hope for the future life. Just as the punishment of the wicked is postponed to the future so is the reward (and hope) of the righteous.

(Man nevertheless, failing to know and worship him, falls into superstition and confusion, 11 - 12)

11. The evidence of God in creation does not profit us.
Even though the knowledge of God is evidenced in His creation, man does not see nor comprehend it. Likewise, to how many men who even acknowledge of God’s providence actually live by it? Indeed this knowledge, as from man’s viewpoint, might just as much profited us as if this universe operated in a by-chance fashion.

Comment:
Interesting is that even though all this revelation of God in His Creation is available, how many actually become worshippers of God because of it? As mentioned before, there are many when confronted by this knowledge, acknowledge some divine Being, but not many find the Living God from it...

12. The manifestation of God is choked by human superstition and the error of the philosophers.
Most men, if not all, have formed some resemblance of God’s nature in the form of idols and gods. This idolatry reflects the depth of blindness of the human mind. Likewise, the philosophers with their intelligence, learning and knowledge, who have tried to unmask God’s character, have such numerous opinions and theories as to leave a simple man totally bewildered, between the idols and the philosophers!

(Persistent in error, we are without excuse, 13 - 15)

13. The Holy Spirit rejects all cults contrived by men.
Those who separate themselves from the one and true God, or those who fell into open idolatries or even those few who did not do these things there is still the doctrine which states that the true Religion is not understood by the mind of man (1Co 2:8).

Comment:
Calvin here, states that the Holy Spirit rejects any religion or idea thereof which has its origins from man’s mind, because it is either false or it will lead to errors.

14. The manifestation of God in nature speaks to us in vain.
The multitude of witnesses God has placed in His Creation for man to see of His works, is of no redeeming purpose. For even though these witnesses are blatantly before men’s eyes, they have not the ability to see them.

Comment:
Not only are the witnesses of God in His Creation, of no use to men, but God has also given them blindness, so that they cannot see them. (See Mat 13:10-17; Joh 12:37-40; Rom 11:7-10.)

15. We have no excuse.
Although man has an inability to see God’s witnesses, he also has no excuse. For if a man pleas ignorance, his conscience convicts him, if a man pleas lacks ears to hear, there are mute creatures with melodious voices to declare it, if a man pleas blindness, there are creatures which have not eyes, or if a man pleas dullness of mind the irrational creatures will give instruction!

1. God bestows the actual knowledge of himself upon us only in the Scriptures.
As was mentioned previously, the witnesses God has placed in His Creation of His existence, are not enough to guide us into a right knowledge of Himself. For even though these witnesses shine brightly, men’s eyes are blinded, and therefore cannot see this. Hence, God has given the Scriptures which shows men the One and True God.

There are two sorts of knowledge of God in Scripture: the first is that God founded and governs the universe, and the second is that knowledge which God is known also as the Redeemer or Mediator.

Comment:
Scripture is not enough to lead a man into a right relationship with the Lord (although it is vitally important for all believers). The Lord must first give the man a new heart before he will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord. Once a new heart is given, then the man (with the help of the Holy Spirit) will begin to have a true understanding of the Scriptures.

Although there are two distinct knowledge of God, they are intermingled throughout both the Old and New Testaments. For God the Founder is seen right from the start until the end, likewise God the Redeemer is seen straight after the fall of man.

2. The Word of God as Holy Scripture.
God put in the hearts of the authors of the Scriptures that which He desired. Likewise it was also God’s pleasure, so that men of future ages might know of His revelation, to put down the revelation on tablets. Again, it was God’s intention not only to reveal Himself as the Redeemer but also as the Founder of the universe, and hence the only True Authority of which the Scriptures (because of their content) obtain their validity.

For man to rightly understand Scripture he must be a pupil of it (i.e. be teachable). A man who comes to Scripture reverently and with an accepting heart will obtain the right knowledge of God.

Comment:
The are two points worth mentioning here:

The first, is that, unless a man is completely convinced of the authenticity and veracity of the Scriptures as of coming from the one and only True God, he will be no means completely submit to it nor learn from it. For example, there be a commandment for a believer to do, and their be some doubt in a man whether the Scriptures be entirely inspired, he will (depending on the "severity" of the commandment) typically resort to his doubt for not doing that commandment.

The second, is that, a true believer will of necessity be given faith and confidence that the Scriptures have emanated from God. A believer who does not believe (to a substantial degree) in the authenticity of the Scriptures and submits himself to it, is a sure sign that that believer has not been born from God.

3. Without Scripture we fall into error.
Considering the depth by which man has sunk into blindness and spiritual darkness, as discussed previously, it is easy thing to see how necessary was the writing of Scriptures. Also, God who foresaw the universe as He had created but without the Scriptures, knew that although He had put multitudes of witnesses of Himself in His Creation, man would never come to a right knowledge of Himself.

If a man who has turned aside from following the Scriptures, will find that he will never reach the Eternal Goal. He will be like a man walking within the midst of a labyrinth unable to get out, unable to know where he is, and hence unable to deliver himself.

Comment:
Hence, Scripture is also a guide for a man to walk his life in. It can be considered a guide by which, if followed, will lead a man back to His Creator. It is a guide written from the knowledge of man and the universe he lives in, it looks outside of man, looks at man, and it is for man to follow. Thus, the need for man, as mentioned before, for a reverent and obedient attitude towards the Scripture, for even as believers there are passages within the Scriptures which at first glance seem strange or incomprehensible, but as believers obey (or as they accept the truth of these passages) because they acknowledge the authenticity of the Scriptures, God will bless them by revealing them the Truth of the passages. For Jesus said,

Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

4. Scripture can communicate to us what the revelation in the creation cannot.
Although Creation in itself cannot reveal to men God as he is, Scripture can point men to Creation and reveal to men by words what God meant visually. Also Scripture guides and corrects what men interpret, of their own accord, of what they see visually of God’s Creation.

Comment:
In a way the two entities, namely, Scripture and Creation are inseparable: Scripture in that it reveals correctly (because of its authenticity) what Creation was supposed to demonstrate, and Creation because it visually demonstrates what is revealed in the Scripture. And because man, by his very design, puts much value into what he sees, both Scripture and Creation work together to reveal God’s workmanship and nature, in a more real and correct way what either of the two by itself could not do.

1. Scripture has its authority from God, not from the church.
The Scriptures obtain their Authority from God and not by the consent and whim of man. This also includes those who are authorities within the church. For the assurance that the Word of God comes from God is not dependent upon the decision of men but rather on the Holy Spirit who works within a man’s life.

Comment:
Calvin, was probably referring to the Church of Rome, but in any case, the general principle can be applied to any church or denomination. But the point is that the Scriptures do not have to be defended by man or the church, but are witnessed by the Holy Spirit. As Spurgeon once said: "I rather defend a lion than the Bible. For the Bible is well able to defend itself."

2. The church is itself grounded upon Scripture.
Those who believe that the Authority of the Word of God comes from the church are refuted by the single passage namely:

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

For the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, which did not (and could not) obtain their authority from the church since it had not yet been established.

In the same fashion, is the argument refuted, that the Scripture itself, is to remain in doubt until decided upon the Church. Again, because the church had not yet been established, it did not (and could not) have given its authority of the validity and authenticity of Scripture

3. Augustine cannot be cited as counterevidence.
The church has, in an attempt to demonstrate its authority, used the statement Augustine once said, namely: "For my part, I should not believe the gospel except as moved by the authority of the catholic church." Augustine’s intention was not to say that the Scriptures depended upon the judgment of the church. But rather the authority of the church is an introduction through which we are prepared for faith in the gospel.

Comment:
In other words, the church is a tool by which the Holy Spirit uses to bring men unto Himself.

4. The witness of the Holy Spirit: this is stronger than all proof.
Although rational arguments can to some degree prove that God is the Author of the Scriptures, it is not sufficient if believers are to establish a firm and sure faith, or not to beset by those "intellectuals" who come against us with their doubts and difficult questions. Rather the witness of the Holy Spirit should be our seal and guarantee of God as the Author of the Scriptures.

Comment:
This is so true, for a believer’s rational arguments on the Authority of the Scriptures are only as sure as they seem to be. Hence believers should receive their confirmation and assurance from the Holy Spirit who is above all men’s arguments or rationality.

5. Scripture bears its own authentication.
Although Scripture in itself bears its own testimony, it really only effects men when the Holy Spirit has sealed it upon their hearts. An by this sealing or conviction, men seize the Scriptures, willing to be taught from it, and obey it as truth. Thus this conviction is beyond reason, beyond disputes and it gives rest and comfort to the weary soul, who has been continually tossed by doubts and contradictions.

(The unique majesty and impressiveness, and the high antiquity of Scripture, 1 - 4)

1. Scripture is superior to all human wisdom.
It is of little use to demonstrate the Authority of the Scriptures, by human arguments alone, by the church or with other helps. Rather, the Authority of the Scriptures must be established by He who wrote it, namely the Holy Spirit. Once this intimate knowledge is endowed unto a man, then those human based arguments, or other helps, will become very useful. (See 1Co 2:1-6)

Also, this "power" of the Scripture, is not evident in other human writings, no matter how well they are written and polished. Indeed, the Scripture is, in most parts, written with lowly words, so that men could not say that its power was derived from the use of powerful and eloquent words. In comparison with the mighty books of man, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, these may effect one to some level, but when compared to the effects of the Scripture they quickly diminish. For the Scripture effects even to the marrow of man, whilst these other books the mind and maybe even to the heart.

Comment:
It is important to disassociate the "power" of the Scripture with the Scripture itself. For some groups, believe that their is power in the Scripture only. For it is important to remember that the power does not come from the words themselves, but He who wrote it. For example, when the Scripture reads:

Rom 10:17 So <G686> then <G686> faith <G4102> [cometh] by hearing <G189>, and hearing <G189> by the word <G4487> of God <G2316>.

Superficially speaking, it does not simply mean that if a man hears the word of God, i.e. through preaching that he will receive faith (for experience itself shows this to be true). Rather, the word "word" (Strong number G4487, or "rhema"), actually means "that which is uttered by the living voice"; in other words, the Scriptures must be made alive by the Spirit of God, before faith is to develop. Thus, simply preaching the Scriptures is not enough for man to receive faith - but, of course, preaching is required as decreed by God.

2. Not style but content is decisive.
As mentioned previously, Scripture is, in most parts, written with lowly words, so that men could not say that its power was derived from the use of powerful and eloquent words. However, in some other parts, the Scripture is written by men who were brilliant, speaking elegantly and clear. This too, shows the Holy Spirit at work, for He did not want men to think He lacked eloquence or otherwise. But in all parts, the Scripture shows itself to be written by the same Spirit, for in all these parts, none will be found that does not exceed human measure.

3. The great antiquity of Scripture.
The antiquity of Scripture exceeds all other books written for men. For Moses, referred to the doctrine and covenants given by God to the great patriarchs of old (i.e. Abraham), Hence he did not introduce new doctrine but simply recalled that from history.

Comment:
Calvin here shows that even though the oldest writer, in the Scriptures, may have been Moses (although some scholars mention Job), the doctrine that God gave him to write was none other than that which was given to the patriarchs. Thus, the Scriptures is the oldest book man has.

4. The truthfulness of Scripture shown by Moses’ example.
Even though the older parts of Scripture which [may] have been written by Moses, he did not in any way glorify or lift himself up. For he was to first to condemn his own family and tribe about their iniquity (Gen 49:5-6), also he condemned his own brother and sister (Num 12:1), and finally, being the highest authority, why did he delegate them to the lowest place and not leave the role of high priest to his sons?

(Refutation of objections regarding miracles and prophecy, 5 - 10)

5. Miracles strengthen the authority of God’s messengers.
Moses, himself, was commended by God, as His chosen man, by the many miracles Moses performed. Such miracles as: living on top of a mountain for forty days and nights without food and water, his face shown as light, lightning, thunder and a trumpet heard around the mountains, the rebellion (and death) of Koran, the gushing of the water from a rock and manna from heaven at Moses prayer.

6. Moses’ miracles are incontestable.
There were those that said Moses miracles were performed by magic, but Moses himself condemned magicians by commanding that they should be stoned to death (Exo 7:11; 9:11). But, the miracle of manna, is simply incontestable, for what magician could do this. Likewise, many of those whom he lead rose up against him with conspiracies to overthrow him. By what strength and ability could he have fought off the rebels? Thus by all these miracles (and hence proofs), is the authority of Moses established.

Comment:
The principle of preaching and miracles following is also taught in the New Testament. For the preaching of the word is confirmed by the signs, (and not the other way around). See Mar 6:7-13; 16:14-17. This is also shown by experience, where preachers who have preached the Scriptures truthfully and correctly, are confirmed by God by the miracles He performs.

7. Prophecies that are fulfilled contrary to all human expectations.
The divine Authority of Scriptures is also shown in the fulfilled prophecies. For example, the fulfilled prophecy of: the primacy of the tribe of Judah, the consecration of Saul, David anointed King, the election of the Gentiles into God’s covenant.

8. God has confirmed the prophetic words.
Hence, these and other fulfilled prophecies point the confirmation of the prophets words, and hence the Authority of the Scripture. For no man, however able, could predict to the detail and accuracy, without the inspiration of God, as these prophets have done.

9. The transmission of the law is to be trusted.
The [original] Scripture is to be revered as coming from God. But in addition, the same God who wrote it, has also preserved it down through the ages.

Comment:
A (valid) argument given by unbelievers upon the Scriptures, is that even though they may have originally come from God, how can we be assured that our current translation is what was originally received? The most reassuring answer, is that because God is Sovereign and has everything under control, He has kept the Scriptures from error, that His name may be preserved.

10. God has marvelously preserved the Law and the Prophets.
An argument that how could we have the Scriptures today, if Antiochus IV (of Syria, 176 - 164 BC, oppressor of the Jews), destroyed all the books? But it was well known, in particular with the godly, that immediately after the persecutions ceased, the books were in existence. For God caused godly priests and others to hide their books, even at the expense of their own lives. Then, immediately after persecutions ceased, the Greek translation followed which was transmitted to the known world.

(Simplicity and heavenly character and authority of the New Testament, 11)

11.
The simplicity, heavenly character and authority of the New Testament, are evidenced within the three evangelists books, namely Matthew, Mark and Luke. Likewise, in John, Paul and Peters writings.

(Consent of the church, and fidelity of the martyrs, 12 - 13)

12. Unvarying testimony of the church to the Scripture.
The church as a visible demonstration of the faithfulness of God, with the many methods the Satan and the world has come up against it, has withstood all the trials and remains unassailable. By this very fact, (with the many cultural, and geographical members of) the church is confirmed to be from God, because with all these vicious and evil attempts to bring its downfall, it has remained.

Comment:
It is the power of God, that His church, has both by the severe tests and tribulations, and also the actual members of the church, coming from so many different cultural (and religious) backgrounds, have remained, throughout the two thousands years, as a (somewhat) unified people.

13. Martyrs died firmly for Scripture doctrine.
Likewise, the martyrs of the church, have by their courage, and zeal towards God, demonstrated the reverence they have towards the Scriptures by their sure conviction, which is evidenced in their dying for it.

Comment:
It is one thing to believe in something and another to die for it! It is said that when the Christians were thrown to the lions (in the Roman arenas as a form of sport), by their steadfast conviction in what they believed, they actually presented a powerful witness to the spectators. It is said that some of these spectators became Christians because of it!

Similarly, there is a story told of an argument between a Christian and a Muslim: after arguing for some time about each others "proofs" of the authenticity of their religions and over the inspiration of their sacred books, the Christian said: "Yes, but I am willing to die for Christ? Are you of Allah?" The Muslim said nothing and left!

Both of these examples, show the type of conviction Christians should have...

1. The fanatics wrongly appeal to the Holy Spirit.
There are those, who despise and ridicule them that follow the dead and killing letter. For they have exalted the teaching office of the Spirit above that of His Word. But the Scripture plainly teaches that (namely Isa 59:21) that the Spirit and Word are bound together by an unbreakable bond. Also, the Scripture states that:

2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Thus the Holy Spirit was not sent to invent new and unheard-of revelations, or new doctrines, but rather of sealing to men’s’ minds the doctrine contained within the Scriptures.

Comment:
This is further confirmed by Jesus in John 16:7-15, with particular emphases on verse 14.

2. The Holy Spirit is recognized in his agreement with Scripture.
For in the same Scripture it is mentioned that believers are to discern between Good and evil Spirits. And they should discern by the most sure mark that if the spirit does not speak as is given in the Scriptures, then that spirit is lying and deceptive kind. Although it may seem irreverent for man, to judge the if the spirit at work is indeed the Holy Spirit, the Spirit Himself has ordained in the Scriptures that spiritual men should judge all spirits.

Comment:
In this respect, it is important to know the Scriptures, and the doctrine thereof. For there are many "Christian" doctrines, experiences e.t.a., today which have risen lately which call themselves Scriptural correct. But being guided by the Holy Spirit with the Word of God will reveal the true colors of these doctrines and experiences. Hence the great importance for believers to acknowledge the absolute importance and respect required towards the Scriptures.

3. Word and Spirit belong inseparably together.
The Scriptures in themselves, in particular the Old Testament, in particular, is dead and leaves the hearer with his heart untouched. But when the Holy Spirit quickens it and makes it alive, the Scriptures, in particular the New Testament, becomes the word of life. This Word of Life converts souls and gives wisdom to little ones (Psa 18:8). So the Holy Spirit who had given the Word also has been sent to confirm it in the hearts of His people.

1. The Scriptural doctrine of God the Creator.
Although the knowledge of God as Creator is revealed in His Creation, it is more intimately and vividly described within the Scriptures. This is a long task to show thoroughly, so it is sufficient to constrain the search to show God the Creator and His Providence in sustaining it. Together with this it will be shown his Fatherly Goodness, beneficial will towards man, and examples of His severity which show Him to be the righteous avenger of evil deeds.

2. The attributes of God according to Scripture agree with those known in His creatures.
The knowledge of the attributes of God known in His creatures has the same goal as the knowledge of the attributes of God in His Scripture. This goal is that men should first fear Him, and then to trust Him. From this we can learn to worship Him and then to depend wholly on His Goodness.

3. Because the unity of God was also not unknown to the heathen, the worshippers of idols are the more inexcusable.
Men who worshipped many gods, when speaking with a "real feeling of nature", often called their gods under the singular name "God." This shows the unity of God which has been engraved upon the hearts of all. Although the worshippers of idols with this real feeling of nature acknowledged the unity of God, it was to no use, except to make them inexcusable for their idolatry. For they also often felt the need to invoke other gods which is evident in their prayers.

Comment:
Not only has God declared in the Scripture who He is and is His nature, He has also revealed it in His Creation. Thus man is inexcusable in his unbelief or in his creation of an idol and to worship it as God.

(Scriptural argument for rejecting images in worship, 1 - 4)

1. We are forbidden every pictorial representation of God.
Although Scriptures uses idols which where created by men it was to show that such idols are in no way comparable to the only True God and to show the utter folly and stupidity of man in his attempt to find God. Rather God clearly refutes any idols whatsoever in Exo 20:4:

Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:

2. Every figurative representation of God contradicts His being.
The making of idols is contradictory to His being in the following ways:

His invisibility, God is invisible so making any visible idol is an immediate contradiction,

His Spirit, God is Spirit and hence making inanimate objects is contradictory, and,

His awesomeness, God cannot be contained by the heavens and earth (2Ch 2:6; 6:18; Jer 23:24), so how much less an idol made of wood, metal or other?

2Ch 2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

2Ch 6:18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

3. Even direct signs of the divine Presence give no justification for images.
In the visible manifestations God revealed Himself as read in the Scriptures, the representation He showed Himself in (such as clouds, fire, a dove, tongues of fire, e.t.a.), caused men to be bridled in their imagination. For all those manifestations had a restraining effect upon men’s minds so that they could not attempt to penetrate too deeply into His Nature.

4. Images and pictures are contrary to Scripture.
Gods which have been made from gold and silver, or less valuable of clay, stone or wood cannot be gods. Because the material is dead matter it cannot ever be a god in any shape or form. Even the use of precious gold and silver does not add value nor can it win reverence for the idols.

In Psalms 115:4-8, particularly verse 8, the Spirit justifies His Anger in that men who God endowed with intelligence to know all things call upon dead and insensible things for help. The Spirit thus judges that:

Psa 115:8 They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Comment:
It is simple to see why God’s glory is corrupted by idols. God created everything, and anything that man has at his disposable (e.g. ability to create things, intelligence, imagination, physical materials, e.t.a.) has been given by God. Hence, anything that man creates is a very low subset of God’ creation. In the context of idols (both physical and imaginary), of which its design is to make a form of God, it can never reach to the "full" image of God. Thus, it is an abomination and utterly foolish for man to make an idol, not to mention worshipping it as God!

Also, the final characteristics of the idols contradict that of which men tried to represent, thus resulting in a much smaller (and dishonoring) representation of what nature God is. Even pictures of heaven or of God are condemned for they cannot represent His majesty.

(Pope Gregory’s error in this refuted from Scripture and the fathers, 5 -7)

5. Scripture judges otherwise.
Pope Gregory once said "...images are the books of the uneducated." (Gregory the Great, Letters IX. 105; XI. 13. - and in many other letter he wrote.) But if the pope had been educated by the Spirit of God he would of never have said this. For the Scripture plainly teaches the contrary (see also Jer 10:8; Isa 41:29; Hab 2:18; Zec 10:2; Isa 44:19; Hos 4:12):

Jer 10:14 Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.

From this and the other Scripture references, the Scripture teaches the images are a fountain of vanity, confusion and falsehood.

6. The doctors of the church, too, partly judged otherwise.
The doctors of the church also agree:

Augustine once said that it is not only wrong to worship idols and images, but to set them as a God,