Category: The Church

“The Reformers all interpreted the power of the keys as the Church’s preaching.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 43

“This is why Calvin calls the pulpit the throne of God: voila the pulpit, which is the throne (le siege) of God, from which he wills to govern our souls.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 42

“The preacher needs courage — not courage to believe but courage to proclaim the truth, however unpalatable, and to rebuke where rebukes are necessary. It is inevitable that he will arouse opposition. ‘They that intend to serve God faithfully and to proclaim his Word will never lack enemies.’”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 40

“It would be better for him to break his neck going up into the pulpit if he does not take pains to be the first to follow God.”

Calvin, in Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 40

“The qualifications of a preacher, according to Calvin, arise out of this single-minded, single-hearted adherence to Scripture. The first is humility, and that in two senses. Faith, or trust, in Scripture implies submission . . . And what is submitted to inwardly is also treated as sovereign in the pulpit.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 39

“Reason, that necessary guide in things earthly, is out of its depth in the realm of revelation and must submit to the infinite superiority of God’s wisdom.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 38

“Correspondingly, the preacher is the servant of that message. As preacher he is committed completely to the Bible.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 35