Dr. John Calvin on the Word of God

"Here, then, is the sovereign power with which pastors of the church , by whatever name they be called, ought to be endowed. That is that they may dare boldly do all things by God's Word; may compel worldly power, glory, wisdom, and exaltation to yield to and obey his majesty; supported by His power, may command all from the highest even to the last; may build up Christ's household and cast down Satan's , may feed the sheep and drive away the wolves; may instruct and support the teachable; may accuse, rebuke, and subdue the rebellious and stubborn: may bind and loose, finally, if need be, may launch thunderbolts and lightnings; but do all things in God's Word" Institutes of the Christian Religion 4.8.9