Kyle and Denny,

I appreciate your quotes from Calvin's Institutes. It’s amazingly beautiful how Calvin articulated these things in his commentary and in the Institutes. His reverence for God’s Word is lacking in many writers in our day. Even Scripture itself speaks to the trustworthiness of God’s Word as delivered by the Prophets and exemplified in God’s Son.

The church does not have the authority to add to God's Word nor establish new traditions as the RC church has done. Rather it has the responsibility to conform to it. This is primarily where the church goes wrong both historically and in our day.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

The Trustworthy Prophetic Word:

2 Peter 1:16-21 (NKJV)

"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Quote
Matthew Henry wrote:

Those who would learn the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the Holy Scriptures, for they are the Divine revelation. The age of children is the age to learn; and those who would get true learning, must get it out of the Scriptures. They must not lie by us neglected, seldom or never looked into. The Bible is a sure guide to eternal life. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but delivered what they received of God, 2 Peter 1:21. It is profitable for all purposes of the Christian life. It is of use to all, for all need to be taught, corrected, and reproved. There is something in the Scriptures suitable for every case. Oh that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them! Then shall we find benefit, and at last gain the happiness therein promised by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the main subject of both Testaments. We best oppose error by promoting a solid knowledge of the word of truth; and the greatest kindness we can do to children, is to make them early to know the Bible.

God has revealed Himself, His will, and His plan for our salvation in His Word. Unfortunately we live in a generation where even many churches have a very low view of Scripture. I believe this is the primary reason the church has such a poor witness to the Gospel in our day.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts