Creation leaves us without excuse, but it does not leave us with clarity—and John Calvin explains why God never intended nature to stand alone as our guide. In today’s reading from Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 6, Calvin shows that although God’s glory shines clearly in the heavens and the earth, the human mind is too corrupt, forgetful, and inventive to remain anchored there. Without Scripture, we wander into superstition, false religion, and confusion; with Scripture, God gathers the scattered impressions of His majesty, speaks with His own voice, and leads us safely through the labyrinth of error. From the patriarchs to the prophets to the Psalms and the words of Christ Himself, this reading argues that true knowledge of God—whether as Creator or Redeemer—begins, grows, and endures only where God has chosen to  ...