We know what the Incarnation is—the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. But what does it mean for us to be or become incarnational? What is it of ours that can take on flesh the way the Lord did, even if it is a dim imitation? There are two things to note at …
The Spirit Went Out of Her
The Queen of Sheba had heard about Solomon’s glory, and so she came to visit him in order to see if it was true. The fact that she came a great distance means that on one level, she certainly wanted the reports to be true. And yet she was resistant. It is very interesting to …
The Folly of Wandering
Our Father and God, You have established Your Church as a royal priesthood in this world, and so we intercede for the nations of men now, confessing on their behalf so that the grace of Your forgiveness will soon be extended to them all. Father, among the nations of men we acknowledge that not one …
On Getting Town Halled
As most of us know, politics is the art of pushing and shoving. And in recent weeks, Democrats were interrupted in the middle of their earnest exhortations to Sarah Palin (to stop her whining) because they needed to start whining about how pushing and shoving broke out in various congressional town hall meetings. This occurred …
No Idle Balcony
Book 3/Chapter 21 Jacob’s blessing (section 6) 1. Why was Jacob’s blessing not to be considered as merely to earthly prosperity? 2. What does it mean that God has mercy on whom He will have mercy? 3. From what vantage does God not watch the future? Christ’s testimony (section 7) 1. What is the beginning …
Amen and Amen
Amen is probably the most universally-used and universally-recognized word throughout the world. Each of us probably uses it daily, and perhaps we even understand it. But when we consider what it means, and consider how we usually say it, or respond to it, we may have to reevaluate. Jerome commented that in the early church, …
Jesus the Elect One
Book 3/Chapter 22 Election or foreknowledge (section 1) 1. What do some do because God chooses some and passes over others? 2. What do Calvin’s opponents needs to explain and answer? 3. Who is the principal beneficiary of election? Prior distinction (section 2) 1. What distinction can be made among those who do not yet …
Two Degrees of Election
Book 3/Chapter 21 The second degree (section 6) 1. What is the second, more limited degree of election? 2. What then are the two degrees? Election proper (section 7) 1. What is only half explained? 2. How does Calvin explain what makes up this individual election? 3. What enables the elect to persevere to the …
Unleashing Your Inner Fundamentalist
Suppose that John R. Rice, during his Sword of the Lord days, accidentally took a couple hits of acid, and prophesied wildly about what would happen down the road if women quit wearing their hair in a bun, and started wearing slacks like crazy. Suppose he got really out there, and promised us all that …
Audio Reading of Post
What Shall We Then Say?/Romans 30
INTRODUCTION: We come now to the beating heart of what has been nicknamed Calvinism. But of course, Calvin—a faithful servant of God—did not concoct these doctrines. He taught that where Scripture is silent, we ought not to pry (Dt. 29:29). But he also taught, following Augustine, that Scripture is always a safe guide. The same …