Church Quote by John Calvin
“But a most pernicious error widely prevails that Scripture has only so much weight as is conceded to it by the consent of the church. As if the eternal and inviolable truth of God depended upon the decision of men!”
About This Quote
The quote warns that divine truth is not subject to human approval; God's eternal truths remain constant regardless of ecclesiastical endorsement.
In simple terms: Divine truth is independent of church consensus.
Key Takeaway
Authority of scripture is intrinsic, not granted by institutions.
Themes
theology
authority
interpretation
ecclesiology
epistemology
Mood
solemn
critical
defiant
Type
theological assertion
critical observation
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- church council decisions
- biblical scholarship
- faith communities
- academic theology
Key Concepts
scripture
church
truth
divine authority
Practical Applications
- defending scriptural authority
- critiquing institutional control of doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect modern church authority?
- What are the implications for personal interpretation of scripture?
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
