Calvin is very firm in arguing that the truth of the Scriptures comes only when one embraces the Scriptures as having "sprung from heaven" and "whole and intact to this very day" AND when combined with the witness of the Holy Spirit.
In other words, the truth will not be gained if one were simply to read the Bible: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;" (1 Cor 1:18)
Madelyne Murray O'Hair knew the scriptures far better than the vast majority of Christians. But that didn't bring her to the truth.
This is also why emphasizing simply relying on a specific Bible translation is vain.
The words of Scripture are "foolishness" to the natural man.
Furthermore, the truth will not be gained if we rely ONLY on the "witness of the Holy Spirit" apart from the Scriptures. This tendency, as we often see in charismatic circles, leads to much confusion and unbiblical doctrines taking root.
No, as Calvin says, we need both the Scriptures AND the "witness of the Holy Spirit" to bring us to the truth in those Scriptures. (1 Cor 1-3)
Jean
Agreed My 1st Bible was a "Good News for Modern Man " a terrible translation and it made my heart leap for joy....