The Development of a Theological Process: John Calvin pt. II

With the original text in hand, Calvin moves to the diligent study of the text. His hermeneutic is based on two major components: the illumination of the Holy Spirit and the use of Scripture interpreting itself. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is foundational in Calvin’s theological method. Just as the Spirit was central in the ministry of incarnate Word (Christ) so, too, the Spirit is central in the interpretation and use of the written Word (Scripture). Human understanding and reasoning is fundamentally flawed and, therefore, insufficient in grasping the nature and scope of the Word. The Holy Spirit must illumine the mind and heart of the believer to enable him to grasp Scripture (3.2.33). Since correct understanding comes only through the illumination of the Spirit, right interpretation and theology is limited only to believers, or “the elect.”
Through the Spirit’s illumination, Scripture testifies to and interprets itself. Throughout the selected passage, whenever Calvin arrives upon a difficult text he seeks other passages in the Bible that speak to the same subject. Employing the entire scope of the Word, Calvin derives his doctrine from the holistic Biblical treatment of the subject, rather than from any one passage. While no one man’s interpretation is ever perfect or fail-proof, Calvin’s hermeneutical emphasis on the unity of Scripture helps protect him from inserting personal opinions or postulations not warranted by Scripture.
Finally, only after extensive exegetical study on the Scriptural treatment of a given topic, Calvin searches the annals of Church History for support and corroboration. In his treatment of the doctrine of sanctification, Calvin employs the writings of Augustine to reinforce the notion of the sinfulness of believers (3.3.13). Furthermore, writing on the mode of repentance in regards to the process of faith, he employs the sermons of Bernard of Clairvaux for support (3.3.15).
Calvin’s theological method, as demonstrated in the selected passage of his Institutes, attests to the exegetical centrality of Calvin’s doctrine. He rightly places hermeneutics at the forefront of his method, committing towards the faithful interpretation of Scripture for the development of a “systematic” theology. More than providing a bulk of Scripture references to back his positions, Calvin allows Scripture in its entirety to direct his theology.