Let God bear witness - 6 November 2009 |
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These are some of the questions for week 5 of the Guided Reading Course.
1. What, precisely, is the nature of the ‘pernicious error’ that Calvin identifies in I.vii.1?
2. How does Calvin refute this error? What, precisely, does Calvin believe is established by the text he cites? (I.vii.2) Do you find Calvin’s argument here persuasive?
3. How has Augustine been misinterpreted by Calvin’s opponents? How, in Calvin’s view, should Augustine be understood here? (I.vii.3)
4. How, in Calvin’s view, is the divine authorship of Scripture properly established? Why? (I.vii.4-5) Do you agree?
5. If Calvin’s argument in I.vii is correct, how should we seek to persuade unbelievers that Scripture is God’s authoritative word?
6. How significant, in Calvin’s view, are the arguments for the authority of Scripture outlines in I.viii? In what context are they significant?
7. Which of Calvin’s arguments in I.viii do you find most persuasive? Which do you find least persuasive?
8. What is the error of those whom Calvin criticises in I.ix.1? Where might similar views be found today? How does Calvin respond?
9. How do the texts alluded to in I.ix.2 support Calvin’s argument?
10. In what ways does Calvin express the relationship between God’s word and the ministry of the Spirit? (I.ix.3)
Don’t forget to reflect a little on these questions before you begin.
‘God alone is a fit witness of himself’ (Calvin, Institutes, I.vii.4).
Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Guided Reading Course, Minister's Blog