Calvin on "the anchor" of Faith

Excellent quote by Calvin on the nature of faith. Commenting on the phrase "anchor of the soul" in Hebrews 6:19 (“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain"), Calvin writes:

"It is a striking likeness when he compares faith leaning on God’s word to an anchor; for doubtless, as long as we sojourn in this world, we stand not on firm ground, but are tossed here and there as it were in the midst of the sea, and that indeed very turbulent; for Satan is incessantly stirring up innumerable storms, which would immediately upset and sink our vessel, were we not to cast our anchor fast in the deep. For nowhere a haven appears to our eyes, but wherever we look water alone is in view; yea, waves also arise and threaten us; but as the anchor is cast through the waters into a dark and unseen place, and while it lies hid there, keeps the vessel beaten by the waves from being overwhelmed; so must our hope be fixed on the invisible God. There is this difference, — the anchor is cast downwards into the sea, for it has the earth as its bottom; but our hope rises upwards and soars aloft, for in the world it finds nothing on which it can stand, nor ought it to cleave to created things, but to rest on God alone. As the cable also by which the anchor is suspended joins the vessel with the earth through a long and dark intermediate space, so the truth of God is a bond to connect us with himself, so that no distance of place and no darkness can prevent us from cleaving to him. Thus when united to God, though we must struggle with continual storms, we are yet beyond the peril of shipwreck. Hence he says, that this anchor is sure and steadfast, or safe and firm. It may indeed be that by the violence of the waves the anchor may be plucked off, or the cable be broken, or the beaten ship be torn to pieces. This happens on the sea; but the power of God to sustain us is wholly different, and so also is the strength of hope and the firmness of his word." (Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews)

Father, may the anchor of our faith be securely grounded on You and the truth of Your Word.

Grace & Peace,

Jonathan

Al Mohler Blog Post - International Blasphemy Day

Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, has blog that offers excellent cultural commentary and theological insight. I highly recommend it to you. Today I was struck by the post linked below. It offers a good example of the kind of issue Mohler frequently examines and the solid biblical approach he brings to such an issue. The topic is sincerely disturbing, but the wisdom he offers is equally encouraging.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/09/25/why-do-the-heathen-rage-international-blasphemy-day/

I pray that we will engage the culture in which we find ourselves with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace,

J

Reflections on a Life Cut Short

Today I learned that a co-worker's wife lost her baby. This news is always sad, but I find myself sympathizing with them more than I often do. The past few weeks Emma has been growing stronger and stronger, kicking more and more. The realization that God has formed a new life within Karen is washing over me daily. As I place myself in this co-workers shoes, I am drawn to tears at the loss he and his family must be experiencing. Life is indeed a frail and temporary gift from God.

Jonathan Edwards offers some vivid insight on this issue. He writes, "The world tries to prove that a man is not on the very brink of eternity, and that the next step will not be into another world, but to no avail. The unseen, unthought-of ways and means by which people suddenly go out of the world are innumerable and inconceivable. Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering, and there are countless places in this covering that are so weak that the covering will not bear their weight, and these places are not seen. The arrows of death fly unseen at midday; the sharpest sight cannot discern them" ("Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God").

Life is a trust. It is an opportunity to recognize our Creator and Redeemer and live lives for Him and His purposes. He has granted us a few years in which to live for His glory and to declare His glory to everyone we know.

Father, grant Your peace and comfort for this grieving family. May they place the faith and hope in You and Your goodness in the midst of their pain. Help us to recognize that we constantly walk "on the brink of eternity." Help us to see that life is a gracious gift and not an entitlement we receive by virtue of some inherent good in us. May we be good stewards of these few days together. May we never throw a day away as though we will have a million more. May we urgently share the good news of the Gospel of Your grace in light of the bad news of ours/others sinfulness and condemnation apart from that grace. May we fear and honor You and be found in Christ when he comes or You call us home.

Grace and Peace,

J

ho apseudeœs theos - The God Who Never Lies

Our pastor is preaching a ten-part series on the core values of our church. This morning's sermon was on the importance of doctrine and one of the key texts was Titus 1:1-2.

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” (Titus 1:1-2 ESV).

Over the last 4-6 months I have been drawn to the book of Titus. In three brief chapters Paul lays forth one of the clearest explanations of the gospel and its implications for good works, relationships, and worship. Today I was reviewing the verses from the sermon cited above and was struck by the great hope that is contained in the title Paul ascribes to God: ho apseudeœs theos - "the God who never lies."

God is worthy of our worship simply by virtue of his position (i.e., creator of the universe and the ground of all being). However, it is wonderful to know that God's character is worthy of praise and honor as well. We are able to honor Him for His goodness as well as His position!

This thought finds great contrast when I think of the limited amount of authority God has given me in the workplace. Those who work under that authority are called to respect that authority by virtue of my position. However, I am weak and fleshly and often fail to lead with clarity, vision, gentleness, etc. (the list could go on and on). In short, there is a disconnect between the honor owed to my position and the honor warranted by my character, person, and work. For God the honor owed His position is synonymous with that owed to His character, person, and work. He is worthy of infinite honor and worth, a worthiness that exceeds our ability to express in its fullness.

He is the God who never lies and who has promised eternal life to all who are in Christ. What He promises will surely come to pass. May we praise Him for his character and for the great work of salvation He has accomplished through Christ and given to all who place their faith and trust in Him.

Grace and Peace,

J