Refuting filthy calumnies

Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion

Book One - the Knowledge of God the Creator

Chapter 8 - So far as human reason goes, sufficiently firm proofs are at hand to establish the credibility of Scripture

Section 5-10 - Refutation of objections regarding miracles and prophecy

Section 5 - Miracles strengthen the authority of God's messengers

Moses' credibility as God's spokeman was confirmed by supernatural events.

Ex 24:18; 34:29; 19:16; 40:34; Num 16:24; 20:10-11; Ex 17:6; 1 Cor 10:3-4; Num 11:9; Ex 16:13.

Section 6 - Moses' miracles are incontestable

No one in Israel objected to the miracles as fraud

Section 7 - Prophecies that are fulfilled contrary to all human expectation

Jacob foretells Judah as the source of Israel's king (Gen 49:10).

Section 8 - God has confirmed the prophetic words

Isaiah prophesied Israel's exile and improbable return via Cyrus (Isa 39:6-7; 45:1), over 100 years before it happens.

Jeremiah prophesies 70 years before return, which happens (Jer 25:11-12; 29:10).

Jeremiah and Ezekiel say the same things, though separated by 1000 miles.

Daniel prophesies historical events with exact detail.

Section 9 - The transmission of the law is to be trusted.

The first 5 books of the Bible, with the rest of the OT, were rediscovered in their entirety by King Josiah (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chron 34:15). From then they have been handed down to each new generation "from hand to hand."

Section 10 - God has marvelously preserved the Law and the Prophets

...in the persecutions by Antiochus between the OT and NT. 

No one protests that the Jews substituted false copies after this.

Section 11 - Simplicity and heavenly character and authority of the New Testament

Matthew was a tax collector; Paul a persecutor of the church. The NT writers were greatly changed in character and ability before speaking and writing eloquently in Scripture.

Section 12 - Unvarying testimony of the church to the Scripture

Debunkers of every generation fail to topple Scripture.

It is not tied to national identity, further proving its truth.

Section 13 - Martyrs died firmly for Scripture doctrine

Not from reckless abandon, but intentional soberness.

These are all secondary proofs; the Spirit's testimony, giving us faith is needed first.

[Calvin and Van Til agree; apologetics must presuppose faith.