Book 1/Chapter 13 Difference Within the Godhead (section 18) 1. Why must we be cautious in discussing this subject? 2. What are the characteristics of each person within the Trinity? 3. What Scripture does Calvin use in defense of the filioque? Relations Within the Godhead (section 19) 1. Is the Father the same person as …
Some Olive Branch Talks in the UK
Later this week, I will be giving a couple of lectures in Oxford on the Federal Vision. This is not any kind of attempt to stir up trouble, but rather the opposite. The FV has been promising to become something of a controversy over there, and in these talks I will be attempting to explain …
Still More on the Trinity
Book 1/Chapter 13 Miracles (section 13) 1. What is Calvin’s argument from the miracles of Christ? 2. What does he say about the fact that prophets and apostles also did miracles? 3. Is this response satisfying? 4. Would Calvin be willing to say that Christ did miracles because He was miracle? Is this parallel to …
Unless They Don’t Need It
Once there was woman who would get overwhelmed with her housework from time to time. She was industrious, and not lazy at all, but there were times when it just got away from her. Her husband was considerate and thoughtful, and so he surprised her one day with the news that he had hired someone …
The Sin of Secularism
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 and God, we confess to You now that nations of …
The Eternal Word
Book 1/Chapter 13 The Eternal Word (section 8) 1. How do false teachers undermine the deity of Christ? 2. At what point do they think the Word began? 3. What passage of Scripture does Calvin use to contradict this? Christ our God in the Old Testament (section 9) 1. What is the significance of Psalm …
More on the Trinity
Book 1/Chapter 13 The Limits (section 5) 1. What is the fundamental affirmation about the Trinity which Calvin requires? 2. Have the church fathers spoken on this with one voice? 3. What are the dangers of speaking about this at all? 4. What is the essential attitude of the false teachers? 5. Can someone scruple …
The Trinity and the Language of Scripture
Book I/Chapter 13 God & Reason (section 1) 1. What are two different kinds of errors that arise concerning God’s spiritual and infinite essence? 2. Why does God speak “sparingly” of His essence? 3. How must we not measure God? 4. What does Calvin mean when he says that God “lisps” to us? 5. What …
Latria and Dulia
Book I/Chapter 12 True Religion (section 1) 1. What does the knowledge of God not consist of? 2. What does Calvin hold “religion” to mean? 3. What is the value of religion? 4. Is it enough to concede the supreme honors to God? 5. What does Calvin mean by the “vast throng” surrounding God? Latria …
Righteous Vengeance/Romans 11
INTRODUCTION: Paul is walking the world through the meaning of honest confession before God. The unbelieving Gentiles don’t want to honor God as God, or give Him thanks, and so Paul set the grandeur of God right in front of them, as displayed in every created thing. The Jews don’t want God, and so Paul …