Introduction: The Self Attestation of Scripture and the Work of the Holy Spirit
Calvinism is sometimes misunderstood as a cold or overly rational faith. However, John Calvin was, in fact, a theologian deeply committed to the work of the Holy Spirit.
He emphasized that, since the Holy Spirit is the author of God’s Word, Scripture must be interpreted under the Spirit’s illumination. This principle is fundamental to Calvin’s approach to biblical interpretation.
John Piper echoes this idea, stating,
“God’s purpose for our lives is that the work of the Spirit is accomplished through His Word, and that the work of the Word is achieved through His Spirit.”
Calvin maintained that God alone can be the proper witness of His own Word. Therefore, without the inward testimony of the Spirit, God’s Word cannot be received in the heart. Calvin stated, “The person who is inwardly taught by the Spirit truly trusts the Scriptures.”
The assurance of Scripture comes from the testimony of the Spirit, an essential doctrine that stands against the modern trend of focusing on experiences over Scripture.
Calvin believed that all teachings and experiences should be tested against Scripture, similar to how the Bereans examined all things against the Scriptures.
Calvin affirmed that Scripture reveals God’s divine authority, which stirs believers’ hearts to conscious and willing obedience.
He argued that while the Spirit testifies to Scripture, Scripture also confirms the Spirit’s work.
This interdependence reflects Calvin’s commitment to true Reformed piety, which integrates experience with Scripture, recognizing spirituality through both the Word and the Spirit.
The Unity of the Word and Spirit
Calvin emphasized that the Spirit, as the author of Scripture, is inseparable from the Word.
In Institutes of the Christian Religion, he wrote that the Lord has united the certainty of the Word with the certainty of the Spirit, so that when the Spirit shines light upon our hearts, faith in the Word resides within us.
As we recognize the Spirit within the Word, we can welcome Him without fear. This inseparability underscores that separating the Spirit from Scripture to pursue experience alone is misguided.
According to Calvin, those who reject the Word and mock its teachings will not be left unpunished. God holds His Word in high regard and will not tolerate its corruption or misuse.
This warning calls for a careful, respectful approach to Scripture, as God’s Word is not something to be taken lightly or dismissed in favor of personal experiences.
The Role of Scripture and Creation in Knowing God
Puritan pastor Obadiah Sedgwick once noted that there are two ways to know God: through creation and through Scripture.
While creation reveals God, it is through Scripture that we can know Him more clearly and certainly.
Scripture, being the infallible Word of God, is also testified to and interpreted by the Spirit.
The tendency today to prioritize experience over the language of Scripture is not only unscriptural but also illogical. Such attitudes undermine the authority of Scripture, ultimately harming both the church and broader society.
Calvin’s teachings remind us that the primary pursuit of believers should be knowledge of God.
This knowledge not only glorifies God but also benefits believers by guiding them toward a pious life in accordance with His will.
Calvinism teaches that a true understanding of God, enabled by the Spirit and grounded in Scripture, leads to a life that honors Him.
