“We must have complete transparency”

Book 3 Chapter 12 Section 1-8

For those of us in the UK the last few months have been dominated by one news story – the MP’s expenses scandal. A number of MPs have now stood down from office and some are potentially even facing charges for abusing the expenses system. While it seems that the rules allowed a certain degree of flexibility, when viewed in the cold light of day many of the legally-claimed expenses appear ridiculous.  So, after much finger-pointing and public displays of contrition, there is to be a full review of the expenses process. The man leading this review, Sir Christopher Kelly, stated that “we must have complete transparency” in a recent interview, so that MPs can be held accountable for what they claim.

Transparency is a funny thing, its great when you are the detective investigating a crime, but not so great when the alleged criminal turns the tables and claims an illegitimate arrest. This happened last weekwhen the BBC had to respond to a Freedom of Information request asking for its expenses, as a publicly funded body. No doubt enjoying the irony (and the view from the moral high ground), Conservative MPs say the BBC should publish details of all salaries on the grounds of “transparency”.

Calvin is all for complete transparency. In fact he believes that if we are truly transparent with our own hearts we will be forced to see the futility of trying to be justified by works. In this chapter Calvin challenges us to “look to ourselves without flattery or blind self-love.” He believes that if we can see the heavenly tribunal that is awaiting all of us we will not be tempted to measure ourselves by human standards of perfection. “For if the stars which shine most brightly by night lose their brightness on the appearance of the sun, what think we will be the case with the highest purity of man when contrasted with the purity of God?”

A true understanding of our condition forces us to give up any hope of our own righteousness before our Creator. Outward appearances will count for nothing, the only thing that will count will be “the true intent of the will”. This is a greater level of righteousness than outward observance of the law, it has to do with the inner man – our thoughts, desires and intentions.  External comparisons will count for nothing as each of us stands alone, our every thought exposed to the penetrating eye of our judge. Which of us then will have the nerve to claim we are not deserving of the just punishment of a holy God?

What is Calvin’s solution to this predicament? Therefore “if we would make way for the call of Christ, we must put far from us all arrogance and confidence.” For “when we have entirely discarded all self-confidence and trust solely in the certainty of his goodness, we are fit to apprehend and obtain the grace of God.”

Response

Everybody loves a scandal, its sells papers and writes headlines. But in the hysteria that followed the recent expenses revelations we would do well to remember that one day all our secrets will be revealed and all our thoughts laid bare. It’s good to want transparency,  but we need to be prepared for what it will reveal. Every action, thought and intention of every day of our lives will be completely transparent for all to see. Not just where we may have bent the rules a bit, but where we outright broke them, thought about breaking them, and lived in rebellion to God’s kindness.

But before we despair of hope we must remember that there is a solution. For our greatest danger is not that we are stand before our Maker exposed, shamed and guilty – our greatest danger is that we enter the dock before we recognise there is a remedy. For at that point it will be too late. There is a Saviour for sinners, may we run to Him for forgiveness while we still can.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1.15

Under the robe

Book 3 Chapter 11 Section 1-23

This chapter begins seven chapters on the topic of justification by faith. The first thing Calvin does is to define his terms (would we expect anything else by now?). He begins by explaining the meaning of the expression to be justified in the sight of God. Calvin states that “a man is said to be justified in the sight of God when in the judgement of God he is deemed righteous, and is accepted on account of his righteousness.” The key question then becomes how can this happen? Well, there are two possible ways, and two only, either by faith or by works.

Regarding the latter, he describes a man who is justified by works “if in his life there can be found a purity and holiness which merits an attestation of righteousness at the throne of God.” On the contrary, a man will be justified by faith “when, excluded from righteousness of works, he by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, and clothed in it appears in the sight of God not as a sinner, but as righteous.”

Calvin quickly moves to refute a popular heresy of the time called “essential righteousness“. This teaching is ascribed to a man called Osiander and sounds very similar to the orthodox position, but differs in one important aspect. If we put Calvin and Osiander side-by-side and compare their different answers we can see the subtle distortion that Osiander has introduced into the doctrine of justification by faith:

Calvin:

• Define: To be justified – Answer: being reconciled to God by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness
• Define: To be made just of ourselves – Answer: not yet, but one day, when we are transformed by Christ (1 John 3.2 & 1 Corinthians 15.51-53)

Osiander (essential righteousness):

• Define: To be made just of ourselves – Answer: at the point of regeneration by the infused essence of Christ
• Define: To be justified – Answer: being reconciled to God by the infused essence within us - God justifies not only by pardoning but by regenerating.

Osiander is claiming that we are justified because we receive an infusion of the divine essence that makes us worthy of God’s love and forgiveness – we are justified because of who we are rather than who Christ is. For, he claims “it would be insulting of God, and contrary to His nature, to justify those who still remain wicked.” But this is the wonder of grace, it is that we were, are and will remain sinners for the rest of our earthly lives, sheltering under the wings of a pure, spotless Saviour until He finally transforms our character.

Calvin quotes from Ambrose regarding Jacob stealing Esau’s birthright to illustrate the nature of justification by faith. He says that “he who did not merit the birthright in himself personated his brother, put on his garments, which gave forth a most pleasant ordour, and thus introduced himself to his father that he might receive a blessing to his own advantage, though under the person of another, so we conceal ourselves under* the precious purity of Christ, our first-born brother, that we may obtain an attestation of righteousness from the presence of God.”

Response

The footnote from this last quotation (*) states that the French here literally means “under the robe” – a beautiful description of our position before God, sheltering under the robe of Christ. Although we have a new nature within us and the presence of the Holy Spirit, our natures are not changed to become totally sinless and thus deserving of God’s approval. No, we are only justified because we hide under the robe of Christ, we take refuge from the wrath that our wickedness accumulates by sheltering under the protection of our Saviour. It is His righteousness that saves us from first to last. We are still full of sin even after our hearts have been regenerated, but praise God that we can hide under the shadow of the Son of Man’s wings until that day when we will finally become like Him.

“Dear friends, now we are the children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself.” 1 John 3.2+3

Because you’re worth it!

Book 3 Chapter 10 Section 1-6

If there is a motto for the 21st century Brit, this is it! Our media screams out day after day as a mantra for modern day living, “Go on spoil yourself you deserve it”. We know that we don’t really need that flat screen TV, ipod, new mobile phone, anti-aging cream, Nintendo wii (delete as appropriate!) but we buy them, why? “Because we are worth it”. We deserve the best that life can offer and no one has the right to tell us otherwise. Restraint and moderation have been forgotten and our society has embraced materialism with a religious fervour – that is until the credit crunch hit.

Calvin takes a very different approach to our possessions. He poses the refreshing suggestion that we should use the various things in creation for the purpose they were created. Why did God make food, clothing, flowers, or precious stones? Not only for our sustenance but also our enjoyment. But this enjoyment should not go to excess, so that we over-indulge our appetites and end up abusing the God-ordained purpose of the object. We should bear in mind that “the object of creating all things was to teach us to know their author, and feel grateful for his indulgence.” In regard to food, Calvin asks “where is the gratitude, if you so gorge or stupify yourself with feasting and wine as to be unfit for offices of piety, of the duties of your calling?”

If we become so obsessed with the gifts and forget the Giver we risk becoming like the gifts. As Calvin says “for many are so devoted to luxury in all their senses, that their mind lies buried: many are so delighted with marble, gold and pictures that they become marble-hearted…The kitchen, with its savoury smells, so engrosses them that they have no spiritual savour.” Rather we should view ourselves as stewards of all that we have, recognising that in fact we really own nothing (1 Cor 7.29).

Response

How refreshing it would be for us all to use things for the way they were created, if we all used food for the pleasure and nourishment it provided without becoming anorexic or obese. What would society look like if we all used clothes for the simple purposes they were created? No fashion industry would be needed, no sweat shops in Asia, no competing to keep up with the latest look.

While some may say Calvin is advocating an Amish-type existence, he is no kill-joy. He is all for enjoying the good things in life, but framing that enjoyment within the purposes of the Creator. What advice would Calvin have for us regarding our possessions? I think he would say, use it, enjoy it, but don’t let it master you or abuse it beyond its natural purpose. Best of all, be content with whatever God has given you, patiently bear hard times, use what you have to bless others and realise that you have these things, not because you are worth it, but because He entrusted you with it.

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of God.” Proverbs 30.8-9

A couple of billion heartbeats later

Book 3 Chapter 9 Section 1-6

2.5 billion – that’s the estimated number of heartbeats of someone who lives until they are age 70, at 35 million heartbeats a year. That means if I live until 70 I only have some 1.2 billion heartbeats to go. That’s all that separates us from eternity – just the thump, thump, thump of our cardiac muscle. Obviously many never reach the ripe old age of 70, and a few find that their tired heart can keep going for a few more million beats.

Calvin’s message in Chapter 9 is that Christians should look forward to the end of this life, not from a morbid fascination with death, but because this is when life really begins. He’s not just saying this to make us feel better, he really believes that the best is yet to come. It reminds me of CS Lewis’ play The Great Divorce, when the people in heaven were more real and joyful than they had ever been on earth. There is something coming on the other side of death that will make this life seem like a rainy bank holiday weekend in Llandudno (no offence meant, but you can’t argue with childhood memories!).

Calvin ties this topic into the theme of bearing our cross that we were looking at last time by pointing out that one of the effects of the many afflictions that we bear is that they make us despise the present life. We yearn for an end to our sufferings that sometimes almost make us hate our earthly life. Calvin says that this is one of the legitimate goals that God would has in giving us a cross to bear. The cross is our remedy to an over-indulgence in this life, Calvin recognises the danger that “our minds being so dazzled with the glare of wealth, power and honours, that they can see no further.” In fact, “the whole soul, ensnared by the allurements of the flesh, seeks its happiness on the earth.” So God shows us the “vanity of this present life, by a constant proof of its miseries.” 

But alongside the danger of becoming too besotted with the glitter of earth, is the other extreme of becoming so disillusioned that we begin to hate our life on earth. As someone once said, we risk becoming so heavenly-minded to be of no earthly use. Calvin warns against ingratitude to God who has given us numerous divine blessings in this life that we should be thankful for. These are a foretaste of what is to come – “before openly exhibiting the inheritance of eternal glory, God is pleased to manifest Himself to us as a Father by minor proofs – i.e. the blessings which He daily bestows on us.” We must never let our weariness of the troubles of life become a weariness of life itself. 

And yet how few believers truly live in the light of these realities, having a desire to depart, while also having proper thankfulness and joy at the simple pleasures of this temporary life? How infrequently we meditate on the reality of the brevity of this life and the certainty of our future life. As Calvin says “there is no fact which we ponder less carefully, or less frequently remember.” But our attitude in this area is a sure sign of the depth of our Christian maturity, for “no man has made much progress in the school of Christ who does not look forward with joy to the day of death and final resurrection.”

Response

Chapters 9 & 10 form two bookends of the Christian life – the former driving us to meditate on the glory of the future life, the latter reminding us of the importance of our stewardship in the present life. It’s vital we hold the present and future life in balance. Without a right focus on both we will become inbalanced and unstable, either becoming intoxicated with the futility of this present life or overly comfortable with our temporal blessings. How hard it is to be both content with what we have, as well as eager to leave the body and be with the Lord. There are many times when I have been more than ready to go, but now with the blessings of a young family and a faithful companion my heart desires to see them grow.

How little we ponder these things, even as Christians. Do we dwell on the reality of the temporary nature of everything we see? Have we grasped that one day, even though none will realise it, there will be the last ever Premiership season, the final Wimbledon Championship, the final season of Formula 1 (this may be nearer than the others!!)…there will be the last house sold but never lived in, the last person poked on Facebook, the final Twitter tweeted. Our task is to live in the constant reality of these truths, while simultaneously finding joy and delight in the momentary sparkle of creation.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1.3+4

Father, we know our lives are fleeting in our heads, but we sometimes convince ourselves us we are here to stay. Help us to number our days aright and avoid either extreme. Inflame our hearts until we meet, that every heartbeat would be full of love for you, Amen.

Potrait of Calvin now available

This was the book that first got John Piper hooked on John Calvin. Now reprinted by Desiring God Ministeries you can either buy it or download it for free.

Piper says this in his foreword:

Desiring God is publishing T. H. L. Parker’s Portrait of Calvin out of theologically and historically informed nostalgia—and a sense of mission. The mission is to make much of the majesty of God. And the nostalgia is that this book was my first serious exposure to Calvin. I paid fifty cents for the book in a used rack. That was four decades ago.

Parker’s Portrait was first published in 1954. But it’s not the kind of book that goes out of date, because it’s only trying to be current with the sixteenth century. If you get it right, it stays right. When I saw the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth coming (July 10, 2009), I thought that maybe others would enjoy the same introduction to Calvin I enjoyed.

Our willful, joyful, costly submission

Book 3 Chapter 8 Section 1-11

In this second chapter on self-denial, Calvin focuses our thoughts on what it means to “bear the cross”. He begins by stating that our example and model in this should come from our Lord, who, despite being the most beloved Son and completely sinless, was subjected to a “perpetual cross” while on earth. The only reason He carried His cross was “to testify and prove his obedience to the Father.” On the contrary, there are many reasons which make it necessary for us to bear our cross:

• To reveal our false confidence in the flesh – because we estimate our virtue above its proper worth
• To prove to us our great weakness and frailty – thus teaching us true humility
• To learn to invoke His strength – teaching us to daily rely on the grace of God, not our own strength
• To try our patience and train us in obedience – that we might “display striking proofs of the graces” He has given us to withstand such trials
• To prevent us from becoming corrupted by His indulgence – and so not become like the children of Israel who kicked against the father who reared them (Deut 32.15)
• To correct our past faults – treating us as children who are rightly disciplined (Heb 12.8)
• To suffer for the sake of righteousness – which is singled out as being particularly glorifying to God (Mat 5.10).

Calvin goes on to say that without trials there would be no such thing as patience. For patience only grows in adversity, never peace. God would have us display the glory of the gifts He has given us, that His grace and power may be demonstrated to the world. As Calvin says “But if God Himself, to prevent the virtues which He has conferred upon believers from lurking in obscurity, nay lying useless and perishing, does aright in supplying materials (i.e. trials!) for calling them forth, there is the best reason for the afflictions of the saints, since without them their patience could not exist.”

However, knowing that there are so many good reasons to undergo trials does not mean that believers possess a “total insensibility to pain” as if there feelings were desensitised. Our goal is not to be like the Stoics who aim to be so divested of humanity that nothing in life can affect them – treating adversity and prosperity, grief and joy all the same as if they were a stone. Even Christ himself experienced grief and “shed tears for his own and others’ woes.” We are caught between wanting to obey God and trying to avoid suffering. We by nature recoil from trials, but knowing that this is often the path we must take to obey our Father we press on, not knowing what lies ahead.

Response

With so many good reasons for undergoing trials and tribulation its a wonder that we complain so much when we go through them! Seriously though, how hard it is for us to hold on to these truths in the midst of our sufferings. Most of the time it is only when looking back, often after many years, that we can see any positives from our ordeals. And yet Calvin reminds us that is in the midst of these trials, when they are at their fiercest, that we are virtue shines the brightest. Our patience, thankfulness and graciousness at the time of testing glorifies God and demonstrates to the world the reality of our faith.

Some trials are common to believer and unbeliever – for example disease, bereavement, redundancy and natural disasters. In addition when the believer takes a stand for his Lord he will often face persecution. In all these things, whether they come to us because we are believers or because we are living on a broken planet, we can view them all as the cross that we must bear. They can all be redeemed by embracing them for the sake of Christ. This is where the difference comes – not in the nature of the trials themselves, but in our offering of ourselves willing to God to bear them for His pleasure.

“Everyone who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3.12

The Promise of Providence

My blogging has taken a back seat over the last two weeks as I prepared a message on the Providence of God from Romans 8.28. Although its a well known verse I tried to bring something of the wonder and majesty of the Providence of God from what I have been reading in Calvin to it, together with an exposition of the text. I worked through the verse from the perspective of a spiritual journey, beginning with the end of the verse and working through to the beginning.

The basic theme was that as we begin in the family of God (”those who love him”), we start a journey. We must begin by understanding where we are headed (”God works for the good”), but along the way we will face trials that will test our faith, particularly when bad things happen. We will wonder how He can use everything (”all things”) for our good, but these trials will strengthen our faith so that eventually we will be able to know the assurance of this promise in our lives (”we know”).

Click here to go to Tayside Christian Fellowship’s website for a list of their recent sermons.

Slides: The Promise of Providence – Romans 8.28

I will upload the audio as soon as I have figured out how to do it!

No other will

Book 3 Chapter 7 Section 1-10

In this chapter Calvin continues his contemplation of the Christian life by doing a two-part exposition of Matthew 26.24, looking at the practice of self-denial. He begins by reminding us that we are not our own:

• “We are not our own: therefore, neither is our own reason or will to rule our acts and counsels
• We are not our own: therefore, let us not make it our end to seek what may be agreeable to our carnal nature
• We are not our own: therefore, as far as possible, let us forget ourselves and the things that are ours”

So who do we belong to now?

• “We are God’s: let us, therefore live and die to Him
• We are God’s: therefore let His wisdom and will preside over all our actions
• We are God’s: to Him, then, as the only legitimate end, let every part of our life be directed”

Calvin would have us realise that it is only in giving away our lives that we can rescue them from destruction, for “the only haven of safety is to have no other will, no other wisdom, than to follow the Lord wherever He leads. Let this then be the first step, to abandon ourselves and devote the whole energy of our minds to the service of God.”

Calvin divides the rest of this chapter into two parts, namely how self-denial has respect to our fellow man and, most importantly, to God.

• Our fellow man – while keeping ourselves humble by a diligent examination of our faults we should “behold the gifts of God in others, so to reverence and respect the gifts, as also to honour those in whom they reside. God having been pleased to bestow honour upon them, it would ill become us to deprive them of it.” Denial of self also means we do not use our gifts for our edification or promotion, rather “whatever we obtain from the Lord is granted on the condition of our employing it for the common good of the church, and that, therefore, the legitimate use of all our gifts is a kind and liberal communication of them with others.”
• God - our self-denial calls us to “resign ourselves, and all we have, to the disposal of the Lord.” Calvin recognises our “frenzied desire” for wealth, prosperity, honour and power, but the Christian is to seek none of these things as an end in themselves. Rather we do not “think of any prosperity apart from the blessing of God.” We are not to trust our own “dexterity and assiduity” (i.e. ingenuity) or leaning on the favour of men (i.e. networking) or empty imagination of fortune (i.e. visualisation techniques). Rather than standing on anyone who gets in our way, this way of thinking will mean “we will only follow such fortune as we enjoy with innocence.”

Response

How refreshing this attitude toward our fellow man is! How easy it is to focus on the weaknesses and faults of those in Christian leadership – both in the local church and those with a global profile. Calvin warns us against have a critical spirit against them, not because of the perfection of their Christian character, but because they have been appointed by God to their position for the good of the church. Keeping our own faults at the forefront of our mind should keep us humble, but how well do we do at this? Do we lift up those in leadership among us in our conversation or do we bring them down? Its interesting to think of the parallels with David’s attitude to Saul in this regard. Knowing Saul was “the Lord’s anointed”, David abhorred the thought of inflicting the slightest injury on him. Do we really believe that our leaders were appointed by God for the good of His people? If so then this is not a million miles away from David’s attitude to Saul. We would do well do emulate David’s holy respect and loyalty to his (weak and tormented) king.

Self-denial is something much bigger than a private battle against besetting sins. It encompasses our entire lives – are they directed to the call of God, or are we living our lives on our agenda, with only the most fleeting acknowledgment of our Lord? Self-denial only makes sense when we understand that the reason we are called to lay down our own will and desires is that we might learn the will and desires of our Lord and Saviour. Only then do we learn that we have actually sacrificed nothing of any value, and yet we have gained the most priceless of all pearls.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot. 

Radio Scotland goes to Geneva

I heard this on the radio last Sunday morning, its an hour long trek through the highlights of Calvin’s Geneva. Particularly interesting is its focus on the effect Calvin had on church government and how John Knox was influenced by Calvin during his three years in Geneva. It also examines some of the sterotypes that people have of Calvin and Calvinism and find that, strangely, many of them have nothing to do with reality.

Highly recommended, particularly for those of us living in Scotland.

Click here to listen to the radio broadcast.

No ordinary life

Book 3 Chapter 6 Section 1-5

Calvin groups chapters 6 to 10 of Book 3 under the banner of “The Life of the Christian”. Beginning with this short chapter on how the bible exhorts us to live a holy life, he then moves onto a study of Matthew 16.24 in two part – self-denial (7) & carrying the cross (8) and finishes with two meditations on the future (9) and present life (10).

Calvin first of all presents the call of God to personal holiness. Scripture would have two things focus our attempts at holiness – 1) the love of righteousness and 2) the denial of self. Calvin reminds us that we are to be holy because God is holy. He states that holiness must be the bond in our union with God “not that by the merit of holiness we come into communion with him, but because it greatly concerns His glory not to have any fellowship with wickedness. Again “for to what end were we rescued from the iniquity and pollution of the world into which we were plunged, if we allow ourselves, during our whole lives, to wallow in them?”

While the philosophers can only exhort us to live agreeably with nature, we have a higher goal. For God “has impressed His image upon us, to which He would have us to be conformed.” And that image is His Son. Calvin presses us to live a holy life and gives numerous reasons for holy living, all originating in the blessings of God:

• Ever since God exhibited Himself to us as Father…
• Ever since Christ purified us by His blood…
• Ever since He ingrafted us into His body…
• Ever since He who is our head ascended to heaven…
• Ever since the Holy Spirit dedicated us as temples to the Lord…
• Ever since our soul and body were destined to heavenly incorruptibility and an unfading crown…

“These, I say, are the surest foundation of a well-regulated life, and you will search in vain for anything resembling them among the philosophers.”  He finishes this chapter by considering the challenge before us to be holy as God is holy. He admits that although all true Christians will aspire to a completely pure life, none will achieve it.  Nevertheless, we should be resolved to “set this before our eye as the end at which we ought constantly to aim.” We must seek to always make progress, even in some small way – “let us not despair because of the slender measure of success.”

Response

It is encouraging to see the compassionate Calvin in this chapter recognising the frailness of our nature and our lack of progress in genuine godliness. We must hold these two things in tension throughout our entire pilgrimage – the unadulterated call of God to complete purity and the frailty of the human nature in progressing in holiness. To over-emphasise the former leads to despair and inner condemnation, to over-emphasise the latter leads to over-indulgence and self-justification.

In all our teaching and preaching we should never water down either truth, but rather we should preach with all our heart that what is impossible with man is possible with God. Only with the Spirit’s enabling can we ever make progress in a holy life. As He enables, we are able to walk with the Spirit and as we do we find that we suddenly are not so inclined to satisfy our selfish desires. Does God call us to do the impossible? Yes, humanly speaking. But as Peter could walk on water as long as he kept his eyes focussed on Christ, so we too are able, in some measure, to live a God-honouring life.

“So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5.16+24-25

Father, enable us to keep our eyes focussed on Jesus for more of each day, every day. May we grieve the Spirit less and quench the Spirit less each day of our lives. We know we will never be perfect, but keep us from willful sins and keep us pressing on. Amen.