Sermon 54, Job 14:5-12
Today’s sermon reassured me that I am understanding and I am in agreement with much of John Calvin’s world view.
Calvin once again speaks of how totally corrupt I am to which he says “Now, the main battle we will have is against ourselves and our vices, and that is where we must put all our strength.”
We are in agreement on the “grey man” theory. Calvin says “Consequently, we must not engage in evil even as we withdraw from this world little by little until we are completely gone.”
Everything is under God’s control. There are no coincidences, to which Calvin writes “…our days are determined.” Actually, Job says this!
Our lives suck. Calvin says “Let us consider the condition of the faithful while they live in the world. Not only are they equal to unbelievers, but they are also weaker and more wretched…”
It is also interesting that this sermon is, in large part, about how our lives are in God’s hand and how he has decided when we will die and how. It’s funny that I have put such effort into this, although that has helped focus my mind somewhat.
New things which have resonated are in some new language that I have just picked up on. Calvin says “…for God us making us participants in his own life…” (S53), and today “…that we are participants in his life.” (S54). These are amazing ways of thinking about the joy of this life and the one to come, being a participant in God’s life! WOW!