Book 3 Chapter 25 Section 1-12 In the final chapter in Book 3 Calvin brings us back to the heart of the gospel and the subject of the last resurrection. After the complex sections on election and predestination, this is a welcome return to the centre of Christianity and a great way to finish off … Continue reading »
Filed under Book III …
He loves me, he loves me not…
Book 3 Chapter 24 Section 1-17 In the last two chapters we have considered God’s actions before the world was created – his electing purposes before the dawn of time. We can spend our days searching the scriptures to try and discern what God determined back then, but a more pressing question is, how do … Continue reading »
Where angels fear to tread
Book 3 Chapter 23 Section 1-14 I would doubt that there is any other topic in Christianity that draws forth such strong emotions as the topic of election. Love it or hate it it is the doctrine with which the name of Calvin has become synonymous. After reading these chapters in the Institutes I can … Continue reading »
The Good, the Bad and the Elect
Book 3 Chapter 22 Section 1-11 In Calvin’s second chapter on election and predestination we are taken through the scriptural justifications for this doctrine. Calvin begins by challenging us to remember that God is ultimately free in every regard – even including the incarnation. Why do we not complain that it was unfair of God … Continue reading »
How to adore the silence of God
Book 3 Chapter 21 Section 1-7 “As we know, there are known knowns. There are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don’t know we don’t know.” … Continue reading »
Read less, pray more
Book 3 Chapter 20 Section 1-52 In this epic chapter on prayer (a total of 52 sections over 58 pages) Calvin outlines his four golden rules for entering the throne-room of God. But before these four steps to heaven, Calvin outlines the reasons why we should pray at all. Firstly, we should pray so that … Continue reading »
When dad lets go of the bike
Book 3 Chapter 19 Section 1-16 Three weeks ago I reached a milestone in my parental life. At the start of the summer I had taken the stabilisers off my daughter’s bike and had been teaching her how to ride on her own. Over the summer I have been running alongside her holding onto the … Continue reading »
The whispered promises of a betrothed groom
Book 3 Chapter 18 Section 1-10 How willingly we make promises to each other when we are in love. Nothing compels us to commit ourselves to each other apart from our desire to intertwine our lives so they can never be separated. On the marriage day we say our vows that promise provision, protection and … Continue reading »
Don’t forget to count your laps
Book 3 Chapter 17 Section 1-15 My highlight from a great weekend for British sport was Alistar Brownlee’s victory in the Hyde Park Triathlon World Championship Series. A fellow Yorkshireman, Brownlee is only 21 and already tops the world ranking. He ran a fantastic race and was simply too good for the competition. However, the race … Continue reading »
There is no such thing as safe grace
Book 3 Chapter 16 Section 1-4 In this very short chapter on Justification by Faith Calvin addresses two objections that people raise against this teaching – firstly that this doctrine destroys our motivation for good works and secondly, by making salvation too easy, people will be emboldened to sin more. The question at the heart … Continue reading »
