Today’s Readings Podcast Description

Can human traditions claim the authority of the Holy Spirit or the apostles simply because they are defended in the name of the Church? In these sections Calvin insists that the Church is forbidden to add to or take from the word of God in matters of worship and salutary precepts. The name of Church is falsely assumed wherever men break free from the limits of Scripture and invent new laws. The true praise of the Church is obedience, not the power to go beyond what her Lord has commanded. Claims that present ceremonies descend from the apostles are shown to be imposture; history itself reveals how simplicity under the apostles gradually gave way to curiosity, emulation, and a growing mass of rites. Even observances that may have ancient roots remain free, not binding, and may be set asid ...