Book I/Chapter 3 Natural Knowledge (section 1) 1. Does the human mind have a natural and innate knowledge of God? 2. In Calvin’s mind, is this up for dispute? 3. What effect does this knowledge have upon sinful men? 4. How is idolatry a testimony to this knowledge of God? Religious Invention (section 2) 1. …
No Drop of Wisdom or Light
Book I/Chapter 2 Piety (section 1) 1. What is a necessary prerequisite to knowledge of God? 2. Would natural revelation be possible in an unfallen world? 3. Is it possible in our fallen condition? 4. What is the distinction Calvin makes between having right notions about God and “embracing the grace of reconciliation?” 5. How …
Dual Knowledge
Knowledge of Self (section 1) 1. In what sense can we say that Calvin’s epistemology has dual starting points? 2. Does Calvin argue for God’s existence, or does he assume it? 3. Would Calvin agree that in order to know God a man must know himself as knowing? 4. Would Calvin agree that this means …
Prayer for the King
Prefatory Address to King Francis 1 of France Tumults Alleged to Result from Reformation Preaching (7) 1. When the Word of God is active, what is the response of Satan? 2. What did Satan try first to oppose the Reformation? What was his second move? 3. What examples from Scripture does Calvin produce with regard …
Walking Like a Two-Year-Old With His Chin Up and His Chest Out
Lane does a good job summarizing my views on law/gospel applications, and my rejection of a law/gospel hermeneutic. Now I have no problem in accepting that the historic Reformed, particularly in early years, accepted the law/gospel distinction. As do I. But where is the distinction? In my view, it is not to be found in …
Back to the Fathers
Prefatory Address to King Francis I of France Charges of Antogonists Refuted: Newness, Uncertainty, the Value of Miracles (3) 1. How does Calvin respond to the charge that the teaching of the Protestants is a novelty? 2. If it is new, in what way is it new? 3. In response to the charge that this …
Their Rule Intact or Belly Full
Prefatory Address to King Francis I of France Circumstances in Which the Book Was First Written (1) 1. What was Calvin’s first intention in writing the first edition of the Institutes? 2. What made it necessary to expand the work so that it also became a defense to the king on behalf of the Protestants? …
A Wiseacre Turk
“Dad, what is a parable anyhow?” the young fellow asked. His father, who had fortunately read something about this just recently, answered him on this wise. “Well, kid, let me tell you.” “Well, dad, tell me. That’s why I asked.” “The word parable comes from two Greek words, which together mean to ‘cast or throw …
Day One
This new year, 2009, marks the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. This milestone is being marked in many different ways, by different institutions and organizations the world over. For just one example, over the course of this next year, New St. Andrews is planning a series of lectures on all things Calvin, and other …
Brief Response
Green Baggins continues our discussion, for which I am grateful. This installment, at least from me, will not be very long. Just a few comments. First, the FV statement on “Union with Christ and Imputation” does affirm the central Protestant view of imputation, as opposed to justification by infusion. The second part of the statement …