When we see that the whole sum of our salvation, and every single part of it, are comprehended in Christ, we must beware of deriving even the minutest portion of it from any other quarter. If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that he possesses it; if we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, we shall find them in his unction; strength in his government; purity in his conception; indulgence in his nativity, in which he was made like us in all respects, in order that he might learn to sympathise with us: if we seek redemption, we shall find it in his passion; acquittal in his condemnation; remission of the curse in his cross; satisfaction in his sacrifice; purification in his blood; reconciliation in his descent to hell; mortification of the flesh in his sepulchre; newness of life in his resurrection; immortality also in his resurrection; the inheritance of a celestial kingdom in his entrance into heaven; protection, security, and the abundant supply of all blessings, in his kingdom; secure anticipation of judgment in the power of judging committed to him. In fine, since in him all kinds of blessings are treasured up, let us draw a full supply from him, and none from any other quarter. Those who, not satisfied with him alone, entertain various hopes from others, though they may continue to look to him chiefly, deviate from the right path by the simple fact, that some portion of their thought takes a different direction. No distrust of this description can arise when once the abundance of his blessings is properly known.
Wow, Persis. So much to chew on. I'm assuming every bit of the Institutes is like this. :) Have you made yourself a reading schedule? Or are you just reading what you can when you can? Have you been happy with this translation? Gearing up to buy a copy of this for me and Ink to go through, and probably Jake, too.
ReplyDeleteIt would be better to have a reading plan, but I'm reading when I can. I got this translation because it was the most reasonably priced. :)
DeleteThere's a lot that is over my head, particularly when Calvin refutes various philosophers and heresies. Although this is not on par with Scripture, it gives me a greater appreciation for sound theology and those in the past, including Calvin, who have fought for the truth. He's very detailed in his defense of doctrine.