The Word will not find acceptance in men’s hearts before it is sealed with the inward testimony of the spirit. The same Spirit, therefore, who has spoken through the mouths of the prophets must penetrate into our hearts to persuade us that they faithfully proclaimed what has been divinely commanded….

Even if it wins reverence for itself by its own majesty, it seriously affects us only when it is sealed upon our hearts through the Spirit. Therefore, illumined by his power, we believe neither by our own or by anyone else’s judgment that Scripture is from God; but above human judgment we affirm with utter certainty … that it has flowed to us from the very mouth of God by the ministry of men. – (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion)