John Calvin (1509–1564), a central figure in the Protestant Reformation, articulated a robust and influential theology of Scripture that shaped Reformed Christianity. His definition of the Bible emphasized its divine authority, inspiration, and sufficiency, grounded in his theological framework.
Calvin taught that the Bible is the "Word of God," authored by the Holy Spirit through human writers. He described Scripture as "dictated by the Holy Spirit" (Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.7.4), though he acknowledged the human authors' distinct styles and contexts.
He taught that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and godly living (Institutes 1.6.1). No additional revelations or traditions are required beyond what Scripture provides.
He stressed that proper understanding depends on the illumination of the Holy Spirit, not just intellectual effort (2.2.20–21).
Original Manuscripts:
While Calvin did not use the modern term "inerrancy," he held that the original Scriptures, as God-breathed, were free from error in their teachings. He acknowledged apparent contradictions or challenging passages but attributed these to human interpretive limitations, not divine error.
He recognized the Bible’s human dimensions (e.g., cultural idioms, authorial styles) but maintained that God’s message remained pure and undistorted.
Calvin’s view of Scripture laid the groundwork for Reformed orthodoxy and influenced later Protestant movements, including Puritanism and evangelicalism. His emphasis on divine authority, the Spirit’s role, and biblical sufficiency remains central to Reformed theology today.
Calvin defined the Bible as the inspired, authoritative, and self-authenticating Word of God, sufficient to guide believers in faith and practice, with its truth confirmed by the Holy Spirit. His teachings sought to restore Scripture as the foundation of Christian life, free from ecclesiastical corruption.
Conclusion:
Presbyterianism is a subset of Calvinism, defined by both theology (Calvin’s teachings) and structure (elder governance). Thus:
1. Churches that agree with Calvin and adopt his polity should call themselves Presbyterian.
2. Churches that disagree with Calvin (in doctrine or governance) should not use the label, as it would misrepresent their identity.
John Calvin's teachings on the Bible should be upheld by all Presbyterian churches, and dissident Bible instructors like Jeffrey Khoo, Quek Suan Yew, and Prabudas Koshy should be avoided.
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