Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - Scriptures is Needed as Guide and Teacher for Anyone Who Would Come to God the Creator
The Word, which the sources consistently refer to as Holy Scripture, plays an indispensable and multifaceted role in humanity's understanding of God, acting as a direct and certain guide that general revelation cannot provide on its own.
It primarily functions as "spectacles" for humanity's "weak vision," clarifying our inherently confused knowledge of God and enabling us to clearly see the true God, rather than merely "a god." The Word provides a more direct and certain mark for recognizing God, distinctly adorn[ing] the one true God with unmistakable tokens, thus preventing Him from being mistaken for "false gods."
Crucially, Scripture reveals two essential kinds of knowledge: first, God as the Creator and Governor of the universe, and second, a deeper, "inner knowledge, which alone quickens dead souls," revealing God as Redeemer in the person of the Mediator. This redemptive knowledge, "founded in Christ," is what has always separated believers.
The Word is also vital for preserving truth and combating humanity's tendency to forgetfulness, error, and the creation of "new and artificial religions." It serves as "written proof of the heavenly doctrine," acting as a "thread" to guide us through the "inexplicable labyrinth" of God's majesty, ensuring we pursue a "straight path" to true contemplation and avoid spiritual "stagger[ing] about in vanity and error." It is the "very school of God’s children," converting souls, giving wisdom, and enlightening eyes. Without the Word, God's calls through creation become "in vain," as it is the ultimate means to attain sound doctrine, right knowledge, and salvific understanding.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
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