Calvin Synod Herald, 2009 (110. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2009-01-01 / 1-2. szám
6 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD The Why of Protestantism - Continued from page 5 of the Reformation churches has been called traditionally - “the priesthood of all believers.” Perhaps no sentence in the Gospel can better suggest what dignity and responsibility reside in being truly Christian. For in one instance Jesus said: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12); but He lifts His followers up to the same level with Himself by telling them “Ye are the light of the world. “ (Matthew 5:14). Here, then we may well remind ourselves that no earthly light is original - that all light, all energy come from another world - the sun. So while we may rejoice in the proud privilege of being light-bearers, wherever there is darkness in the world - our light really comes from Him, who is the light of the world. Bible reading, prayer, public worship, the association with Christian friends dare not be neglected; for our light will bum only as long as we do not break connections with Him who is the source of spiritual light and power. To the aged and troubled, to all who are beaten down by life, He is the incarnation of a human being’s refuge, strength and present help. And to all who wander far from God, let it be known that He is the type and shadow - of the everlasting mercy. Dr. Bela Daniel Bonis 365 Days with Calvin A Unique Collection of 365 Readings from the writings of John Calvin Selected and edited by Joel R. Beeke, Jointly published 2008 by Reformation Heritage Books, Grand Rapids, MI. In honor of the upcoming Calvin Quincentenary of John Calvin’s birth on July 10th, 1509, Rev. Dr. Joel Beeke has produced what will be one of the finest and most “accessible” works for individuals wanting to sample and experience the breadth of John Calvin’s thought by means of a daily devotional guide. While Calvin is known for his work The Institutes of the Christian Religion and their character makes him known today as a systematic theologian, during his lifetime Calvin was known by the “man on the street” in Geneva and by his students as much or more as a preacher and Bible expositor. Accordingly, this work concentrates on presenting key passages from Calvin’s commentaries and sermons to modem people in language that is faithful to Calvin’s form and intent as while intelligible to today’s reader. Here’s how Dr. Beeke has described his selection methods: This compilation has been organized in a simple, straightforward manner. The selections from January through May are drawn from Calvin’s Old Testament commentaries; June through September, from his New Testament commentaries; October, from his sermons on Ephesians; November 1-16, from his sermons on Timothy and Titus; November 17-30, from his sermons on 2 Samuel; and December, from his sermons on Galatians. To promote readability for today s reader, the selections have been edited in a contemporary but sensitive way that still remains true to Calvin. When quoting the day’s text being expounded, the style of using italics without quotation marks, as utilized by the translators of Calvin's commentaries, has been retained. Each day s selection contains four parts: the text, a suggested further reading, Calvin s comments, and a meditation on those comments designed to stimulate further reflection, examination, and action. To gain the most from each reading, don’t neglect reading both the chapter from which the daily text is taken as well as the suggestedfurther reading. Readers of Dr. Beeke’s work know he excels in identifying and communicating the Gospel essence of each of his subjects in a compelling way both through the actual works selected and, as importantly, the use of historic narrative to put the subject in its proper context. This work is no different in that regard. It begins with an illuminating and fascinating 10 page biography of Calvin with co-author Michael Haykin. The discussion of Calvin’s conversion after being “steeped” in the Roman system is a wonderful reminder of the issues at stake in the Reformation and today. While Roman apologists at Trent would deny that Rome taught salvation by works, the prevailing “faith” taught “on the street” against which Calvin and his fellow Reformers rebelled was a very real form of delusion that resulted in spiritual bondage and servitude. The Reformation was not, in other words, the result of a “misunderstanding” wherein ignorant men misunderstood what Rome taught. Calvin was an educated man who through an act of divine grace and insight realized that the faith of Rome was not the living faith revealed in Holy Scripture. This insight alone is crucial because many in the American Church imagine our situation to be “Post Protestant” and talk of “Reformation” to be passe. They consider the fact that a modem Pope quoting scripture to signal that the end of the struggle for Biblical Christianity is near its end on that front. Thankfully the Papacy is not as corrupt apparently as in the days of the Reformation. But sadly, as the works of Pope John Paul II reveal, amidst the admitted reference to scripture, there remains a deep-seated Mariolatry that never vanished. This is precisely the type of idolatry our fathers in the Reformed faith found so shocking because it effectively replaced Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the World. When considered closely, the newest Catechism of Rome reveals that the same issues remain, however much we might wish these matters were resolved. In noting this, no ill will is meant in any way to our Roman Catholic friends. But faithfulness to their souls’ well being and our own demands we recognize these legitimate differences and exalt Jesus Christ anew. Knowing John Calvin’s conversion experience is most helpful in this regard. First, it means our efforts at differentiation are still essential, and, secondly, it reminds us to seek the convicting and illuminating power of the Holy Spirit instead of trusting in our arguments alone. Beeke’s book deserves a wide reading. Ministers, elders, deacons, theological students and sincere Christians of every description will benefit from spending time with Calvin’s work. This work will be available soon at HeritageBooks.org. More information is available on the Calvin Quincentenary related events http://www.calvin500.org/ Rev. Chuck Huckaby
