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 … Continue reading »
Posted in June 2009 …
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 … Continue reading »
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, … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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) & … Continue reading »
Chinese Calvinism flourishes
Interesting article posted last week in The Guardian on the rise of Calvinism in China.
