Posted in Apologetics, Catechism Buzz
Catechism Buzz: The Effective Reveal
14 January 2011
by FX Turk
Q. 2. How does it appear that there is a God?
A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.
A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.
So the main advantage man has is his nature and God's work in creation, but it turns out that this is also our first place in which to find idols -- that is, in ourselves, and in the one place where God actually did put His image for our sake.
And as I said last time, everybody is willing to assume "God" as long as God doesn't say something specific to us -- but He has said something specific to us, and it puts our opinions about this image of Himself in us to shame.
The Larger Catechism does a fine job of working out the meaning of God's word, but here is the one thing all of us miss -- especially us "Calvinists": the only place God effectively reveals himself so that our errors can be overcome is in His word, and by the power of His Spirit. That means our arguments with people are not very likely to change their minds; our nice activities which may clothe and feed them are not the way God reveals himself to people; our books and conferences aren't going to reform us or anyone else in the world; and may God forbid that our politics, of all things, save even a single soul.
The way by which God effectively reveals himself so that men may be saved is through His word, and by the power of His Spirit. Think on that as you worship Him this weekend.
Labels:
Apologetics,
Catechism Buzz
Support Us with Commerce
The Calvinist Gadfly character is an avatar created and rendered using NCSoft's City of Heroes gaming platform, and as such is co-owned by Frank and NCSoft. Reproduction of the Gadfly character without explicit written consent from both Frank and NCSoft is expressly forbidden. All other images found on this site are the property of their respective owners and subject to restrictions under copyright law.
© 2005-2013 - Frank Turk
The Calvinist Gadfly is proudly powered by Blogger
© 2005-2013 - Frank Turk
The Calvinist Gadfly is proudly powered by Blogger
Comments
Anonymous
I get no kick from champagne, mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all, but I get a buzz out of you.
By the time you work through the entire cat's meow, you're gonna need new wings.
John D. Chitty
I was given this advice once, that all the debating in the world isn't finally what convinces those we so want to convince, only the Word of God preached. It brought great comfort and confidence to me as I agonized over a certain loved-one's refusal to deal with the issue. Knowing that it's God's Word and Spirit that are effectual encourages me to wait for his harvest, as the watering goes on...
Leave Comment
The Calvinist Gadfly doesn't generally offer open comments for these blog posts. These posts are reflection and commentary on historical Christian documents and theology offered as affirmation of our faith.
However, from time to time we open the comments for the sake of giving our readers the opportunity to discuss the items posted in the same spirit the items are provided -- for encouragment and self-assessment so that those in the Christian faith can live for the sake of the truths we believe.
Mind your manners; interact with each other charitably and thoughtfully. The contributors to this blog may or may not respond to questions, but they may also use editorial good judgment on comments out of line without comment or appeal.