“The way to heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh. We should follow Christ; the path he traveled was the right way to heaven. We should take up our cross and follow him, in meekness and lowliness of heart, obedience and charity [love], diligence to do good, and patience under afflictions.”
-- from The Christian Pilgrim, Jonathan Edwards
In all the creatures, indeed, both high and low, the glory of God shines, but nowhere has it shone more brightly than in the cross, in which there has been an astonishing change of things, the condemnation of all men has been manifested, sin has been blotted out, salvation has been restored to men; and, in short, the whole world has been renewed, and every thing restored to good order. (From Commentary on the Gospel According to John)
HT: Ligonier
The Reformer John Calvin was born 500 years ago today in Noyon, France. Much is being made of this historic occasion. You can read more at Calvin 500.
W. Robert Godfrey, President of Westminster Seminary in California has a great article, Calvin: Why He Still Matters which I found very helpful.
It has been interesting to see the outpouring of good articles about Calvin and also to observe the bile that comes from others at the mention of his name. I blog over at WORLD magazine in my alter ego. One blogger cannot let go of the Servetus issue and has been very uncharitable, even to the extent of implying since Calvin did not repent of the execution of Servetus he may not be in heaven.
Well, we celebrate his birth even though Calvin himself would be appalled at the fuss. Happy 500th John Calvin!
No matter how many strong enemies plot to overthrow the church, they do not have sufficient strength to prevail over God’s immutable decree by which he appointed his Son eternal King. (From Institutes of Christian Religion) HT: Ligonier
