Chapter 9: Fanatics, Abandoning Scripture and Flying Over to Revelation, Cast Down All the Principles of GodlinessIn this chapter, Calvin addresses the hazards of separating the Holy Spirit from the bible. He strongly urges that any teaching of the Holy Spirit which does not point to the words of Scripture is a false teaching of the Spirit. For the Spirit points to the word of God and the word of God teaches us about the Spirit:
When then do we do? Ensure we never separate the words of God from the work of the Spirit of God, and that we spend time in his word:
You might also want to see Cathy's post on this chapter, it was helpful.
And Meredith - hope you noted my referencing!
the Spirit, promised to us, has not the task of inventing new doctrine, to lead us away from the received doctrine of the gospel, but of sealing our minds with that very doctrine which is commended by the gospel (I, ix, 1, p94)
[God] sent down the same Spirit by whose power he has dispensed the Word, to complete his work by the efficacious confirmation of the Word. (I, ix, 3, p95).
When then do we do? Ensure we never separate the words of God from the work of the Spirit of God, and that we spend time in his word:
we ought zealously to apply ourselves both to read and to hearken to Scripture if indeed we want to receive any gain and benefit from the Spirit of God (I, ix, 2, p94)
the Holy Spirit so inheres in His truth, which He expresses in Scripture, that only when its proper reverence and dignity are given to the Word does the Holy Spirit show forth His power. (I, ix, 3, p95)
You might also want to see Cathy's post on this chapter, it was helpful.
And Meredith - hope you noted my referencing!
Gold star and an elephant stamp for the referencing. Well done!! :-)
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