Calvin: Institutes Chapters 3.12.1. to 3.12.5.

INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION

By
John Calvin

BOOK THIRD.
THE MODE OF OBTAINING THE GRACE OF CHRIST. THE
BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE
EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT.

CHAPTER 12. NECESSITY OF CONTEMPLATING THE JUDGMENT-SEAT OF GOD, IN ORDER TO BE SERIOUSLY CONVINCED OF THE DOCTRINE OF GRATUITOUS JUSTIFICATION.

3.12.1.

One of the dangers when discussing righteousness and even the subject of our acceptability to God is to remember that He and the "heavenly Tribunal" are the standard of what is right. "It is certainly undervalued, if not recognized to be so perfect that nothing can be accepted that is not in every respect entire and absolute, and tainted by no impurity; such indeed as never has been, and never will be, found in man."

We can talk so glibly about our righteousness and the pursuit of it. But we must bring that discussion into the holy of holies where we find our tongues silenced before His presence:

"with a brightness which obscures the stars, a strength which melts the mountains, an anger which shakes the earth, a wisdom which takes the wise in their own craftiness, a purity before which all things become impure, a righteousness to which not even angels are equal (so far is it from making the guilty innocent), a vengeance which once kindled burns to the lowest hell ( Exod. 34:7 ; Nahum 1:3 ; Deut. 32:22 ). "

Calvin then makes this God-exalting proposition that even bringing our lives before the Law is insufficient to show us our need. We need to approach His holy presence.

Psa.m 130:3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

3.12.2.

It is only in the face of God that we get a true perspective of our true condition. When we view ourselves in comparison to others we tend to think of ourselves as equal or superior. But when we view ourselves before God we are faced with reality. Calvin likens this to the human eye that comfortably sees the world around it, but when it gazes at the sun the brilliance is blinding.

Luke records this condemnation: "15 And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.."

3.12.3.

"Thus Augustine says, 'Of all pious men groaning under this burden of corruptible flesh, and the infirmities of this life, the only hope is, that we have one Mediator Jesus Christ the righteous, and that he intercedes for our sins.'"

Calvin quotes extensively from Bernard who reminds me that whenever we think ourselves smug about our own merit we ought to remind ourselves that even forgiveness is given "for His own name's sake." (see Ezekiel 36: 22,32).

3.12.4.

The stars, notes Calvin, pale in comparison to the sun. How much more will we who will some day stand in the light of His brilliance. As Paul instructs us that when "the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his" just and right assessment. (1 Cor 4:5 ).

What a day that will be. All pretense, arrogance and pride will be gone. We will stand as we really are and all our righteousness will appear to be vile and filthy before a holy God.

3.12.5.

Proverbs 21:2 teaches us that "every way of a man is right in his own eyes." We also know from God's Word that "all the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes" Prov 16:2.

No, we desperately need the gaze and glory of God to show us who we really are. Without His light upon us we are left deluded.

Question to Consider:

1. You often hear of people ducking out of this or that relationship; seeking some renewal experience, etc. trying to "find themselves." How can a person, according to Calvin, truly know themselves?