Illumination
Internal Testimony of the Spirit
Bibliology · 6 verses
The Holy Spirit bears witness in the hearts of believers to Scripture's divine authority, producing a certainty beyond what mere rational arguments can achieve. This internal testimony is not a subjective feeling but the Spirit's objective work of conviction that Scripture is God's Word. Calvin rightly taught that the Spirit who inspired Scripture also testifies to its authority in the elect.
Scripture References
“This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,”