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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.

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.

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...

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