“For just as our eyes, when dimmed with age or weakness or by some other defect, unless aided by spectacles, discern nothing distinctly; so, such is our feebleness, unless Scripture guides us in seeking God, we are immediately confused.” (Calvin, Institutes I. 14. 1)
Inward Persuasion
According to Calvin in his Institutes (1.8.13), Scripture will ultimately suffice for a saving knowledge of God only when it’s certainty is founded upon the inward persuasion of the Holy Spirit…those who wish to prove to unbelievers that Scripture is the Word of God are acting foolishly, for only by faith can this be known.
The Threefold Use of the Law
The Threefold Use of the Law (triplex usus legis)
- The Civil Use (usus civilis, usus politicus)—the law is given to restrain sin = the Preparative use
- The Pedagogical Use (usus paedagogicus, usus elenchticus)—the law is given to convict of sin = the Preservative use
- The Normative Use (usus normativus, usus didacticus)—the law serves a rule of conduct = the Restorative use
The Word & Words
Believing the Words of Jesus cannot be done apart from believing the Word who is Jesus. This is why we read the Scriptures because to believe the Word of God is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
A Reason Why You Must Go To Church
Prov. 19:27 – “Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge”
Notice the verb – “hear”
Remember faith comes by hearing & hearing through the word of Christ – Rom. 10:17