I0304-Image of God in the Soul of Man 1.15.3ff

This post is part of our group read of the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin.

What is meant by "Image of God" in the Scripture which reads?:

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

To the one who understands this to refer the idea that our bodies are made to look like God. As though the image of God refers to external appearance Calvin writes:
"...extending the image of God indiscriminately as well to the body as to the soul, confounds heaven with earth."

Looking at what it is that man is restored to in Christ sheds some understanding on what it means to be made in the "image of God."

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

To these verses Robert L. Reymond writes:

"The allusion in these verse to Gen 1:26-27 is inescable, and the renewal through Christ is described in terms of true righteousness and holiness in the former verse and in terms of knowledge in the latter verse. " Robert L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theolgy of The Christian Faith, Thomas Nelson Publishers, P 429.
And the Westminster Confession of Faith affirms that this was their understanding as well:
"Chap 4. II. After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female,[4] with reasonable and immortal souls,[5] endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after His own image;" click here

SO CALVIN Further adds: "To the same effect Paul elsewhere says, that beholding the glory of Christ with unveiled face, we are transformed into the same image (II Cor 3:18). We now see how Christ is the most perfect image of God, into which we are so renewed as to bear the image of God in knowledge, purity, righteousness, and true holiness."

Once again Calvin writes a denial that this IMAGE refers to bodily form:
"This being established, the imagination of Osiander, as to bodily form, vanishes of its own accord. "

Futher (and note the explanation of John 1:4)
"The same thing, in different terms, is declared by St John when he says, that the light which was from the beginning, in the eternal Word of God, was the light of man, (John 1:4.) His object being to extol the singular grace of God in making man excel the other animals, he at the same time shows how he was formed in the image of God, that he may separate him from the common herd, as possessing not ordinary animal existence, but one which combines with it the light of intelligence."

But with the FALL ruined, corrupted, tainted with impurity:
"Therefore, as the image of God constitutes the entire excellence of human nature, as it shone in Adam before his fall, but was afterwards vitiated and almost destroyed, nothing remaining but a ruin, confused, mutilated, and tainted with impurity, so it is now partly seen in the elect, in so far as they are regenerated by the Spirit. Its full lustre, however, will be displayed in heaven."
Concerning the Worlds View of man unenlightened by scripture:
"Thus they always presuppose in man a reason by which he is able to guide himself aright."

The World's wisdom confounds the two states of man, before and after the fall:
"For philosophers, being unacquainted with the corruption of nature, which is the punishment of revolt, erroneously confound two states of man which are very different from each other."

An attempt to describe the will and the intellect as the two parts of which the soul consist:
"Not to lose ourselves in superfluous questions, let it be enough to know that the intellect is to us, as it were, the guide and ruler of the soul; that the will always follows its beck, and waits for its decision, in matters of desire."
SO WHY DID ADAM FALL OR WHY WAS HE ABLE TO FALL:
"Adam, therefore, might have stood if he chose, since it was only by his own will that he fell; but it was because his will was pliable in either directions and he had not received constancy to persevere, that he so easily fell."

"There was soundness of mind and freedom of will to choose the good. If any one objects that it was placed, as it were, in a slippery position, because its power was weak, I answer, that the degree conferred was sufficient to take away every excuse. For surely the Deity could not be tied down to this condition, - to make man such, that he either could not or would not sin. Such a nature might have been more excellent; but to expostulate with God as if he had been bound to confer this nature on man, is more than unjust, seeing he had full right to determine how much or how little He would give."

Further more - if you would charge God with not giving Adam enough power so as not to fall:
"Why He did not sustain him by the virtue of perseverance is hidden in his counsel; it is ours to keep within the bounds of soberness. Man had received the power, if he had the will, but he had not the will which would have given the power; for this will would have been followed by perseverance. Still, after he had received so much, there is no excuse for his having spontaneously brought death upon himself. No necessity was laid upon God to give him more than that intermediate and even transient will, that out of man's fall he might extract materials for his own glory."

So What does it mean to be created in the image of God?

What have we fallen from and to what will we be restored in Christ but this same image of God which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

I0304-Proof of the Existence of the Soul 1.15.2

This post is part of our group read of the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin.

Just a few highlights from Book I, Chapter 15, Section 2.

Thesis: the soul, "an immortal though created essence, which is his nobler part. Sometimes he is called a spirit."

Observe:
The soul is immortal.
The soul is created.
The soul is the nobler part of man.
The soul equivalent with spirit when these words are used by themselves alone.

DIGRESSION:
This section did raise a question for me which I have not fully solved. Is man a body, soul and spirit? Or does man consist of only two parts: Body and Soul? Soul and Spirit being synonymous terms. From the reading of section two, I gathered that Calvin is saying almost both, though I think best to understand him meaning that man consists of two parts only body and soul. Spirit and soul are equivalent terms. But when they appear together the spirit is not referring to a 3rd component of man but his intellectual faculty.

"But though the two terms, while they are used together differ in their meaning, still, when spirit is used by itself it is equivalent to soul."

Soul and Spirit are used synonymously in scripture, and yet there is also a distinction between the two. For my part, this description fairly well describes my own position. I'm uneasy being absolutely dogmatic that there is no distinction between soul and spirit on the one hand but on the other one must be very careful when making this distinction.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

This comes to the point of this little digression. It has been my experience that some teachers assure us in very strong terms that man consists in three parts and then they go on to define exactly what is body, and especially what is spirit and what is soul. Then based on this precise and full distinction between the three a whole ministry is established. And again without casting too wide a net (for some do hold this distinction without the errors I'm to which I'm referring), I want to add that such a ministry established upon such a premise has answers for us which cannot be found in the Bible. Since the spirit is such and such these teachers make such and such a prescription and likewise with the soul. Since they know exactly where spirit stops and soul begins another set of remedies is prescribed to treat the soul. Again, I am speaking of ministries that base their answers to those three questions on how they view the soul and the Spirit:

1) Who Am I?
2) Why do I do what I do?
3) How can I change?

Their description of soul and spirit applies to questions one and two. And how can I change arises from their view of soul and spirit.

So what to do? I would be careful, when a teaching approaches me, purporting to know exactly how to divide asunder soul and spirit. And then having so divided builds a whole new set of answers to the above three questions. Let's be careful understanding that like Calvin wrote, these terms when used together do have a difference but when by itself is equivalent to the soul.

I appreciate these words from Calvin's commentary on Heb 4:12: click here

The word soul means often the same with spirit; but when they occur together, the first includes all the affections, and the second means what they call the intellectual faculty. So Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, uses the words, when he prays God to keep their spirit, and soul, and body blameless until the coming of Christ, (1Th_5:23,) he meant no other thing, but that they might continue pure and chaste in mind, and will, and outward actions. Also Isaiah means the same when he says,

“My soul desired thee in the night; I sought thee with my spirit.” (Isa_26:9.)

What he doubtless intends to show is, that he was so intent on seeking God, that he applied his whole mind and his whole heart. I know that some give a different explanation; but all the sound­ minded, as I expect, will assent to this view.

ALSO John Gill on Heb 4:12:
...the apostle's meaning seems to be this, that whereas the soul and spirit are invisible, and the joints and marrow are covered and hid; so sharp and quick sighted, and so penetrating is the divine Word, that it reaches the most secret and hidden things of men: and this sense is confirmed by what follows,

Matthew Henry also:
... it pierces to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, the soul and its habitual prevailing temper; it makes a soul that has been a long time of a proud spirit to be humble, of a perverse spirit to be meek and obedient. Those sinful habits that have become as it were natural to the soul, and rooted deeply in it, and become in a manner one with it, are separated and cut off by this sword. It cuts off ignorance from the understanding, rebellion from the will, and enmity from the mind, which, when carnal, is enmity itself against God.

Perhaps also we should learn from Heb 4:12 that the very impossibility of dividing between soul and spirit is so great and that this is a magnification of the power of the Word of God which alone is able to divide them.

END OF DIGRESSION:

Proof of the existence of the soul separate from the body:

Conscience:
"Conscience, which, distinguishing, between good and evil, responds to the judgement of God, is an undoubted sign of an immortal spirit."

The workings of the human mind:
"But the swiftness with which the human mind glances from heaven to earth, scans the secrets of nature, and, after it has embraced all ages, with intellect and memory digests each in its proper order, and reads the future in the past, clearly demonstrates that there lurks in man a something separated from the body."

Manifold Scriptures:
"Were not the soul some kind of essence separated from the body, Scripture would not teach that we dwell in houses of clay (Job 4:19), and at death remove from a tabernacle of flesh; that we put off that which is corruptible, in order that, at the last day, we may finally receive according to the deeds done in the body."

Job 4:19
2Cor 5:4
2Peter 1:13
2Cor 5:10
2Cor 7:1 Cleaning both flesh and spirit, "showing two parts where taint of sin resides."
1Peter 2:25 Shepherd of souls "how absurd if there were no souls to shepherd."
1Peter 1:9
1Peter 2:11 fleshly lusts warring against the soul, certainly shows the separate existence of the soul.
Heb 13:17
2Cor 1:23
Matt 10:28
Luk 12:5
Heb 12:9
Luk 16:22
2Cor 5:6
Acts 23:8 the Sadducees believing in neither angel or spirit. Jesus cites this grievous error.

This little section is a wonderful demonstration of reasoning from and drawing our truth from the scripture alone. I'll close this post with the entire quote, not only so you can read Calvin's proofs for separate existence of the soul which has an essence but also so we can learn by example to found all doctrine upon the Word of God alone:

"Again, when Paul exhorts believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit (II Cor. 7:1), he shows that there are two parts in which the taint of sin resides. Peter, also, in calling Christ the Shepherd and Bishop of souls (I Peter 2:25), would have spoken absurdly if there were no souls towards which he might discharge such an office. Nor would there be any ground for what he says concerning the eternal salvation of souls (I Peter 1:9), or for his injunction to purify our souls, or for his assertion that fleshly lusts war against the soul (I Peter 2:11p); neither could the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews say, that pastors watch as those who must give an account for our souls (Heb. 13:17p), if souls were devoid of essence. To the same effect Paul calls God to witness upon his soul (II Cor 1:23), which could not be brought to trial before God if incapable of suffering punishment. This is still more clearly expressed by our Saviour, when he bids us fear him who, after he has killed the body, is able also to cast into hell fire (Matt 10:28; Luke 12:5). Again when the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews distinguishes the fathers of our flesh from God, who alone is the Father of our spirits (Heb. 12:9), he could not have asserted the essence of the soul in clearer terms. Moreover, did not the soul, when freed from the fetters of the body, continue to exist, our Saviour would not have represented the soul of Lazarus as enjoying blessedness in Abraham s bosom, while, on the contrary, that of Dives was suffering dreadful torments (Luke 16:22-23). Paul assures us of the same thing when he says, that so long as we are present in the body, we are absent from the Lord (II Cor. 5:6,8). Not to dwell on a matter as to which there is little obscurity, I will only add, that Luke mentions among the errors of the Sadducees that they believed neither angel nor spirit (Acts 23:8)."

Happy Birthday Boomer in the Pew

The blog, Boomer in the Pew, is celebrating one year of blogging by giving away a calfskin ESV Study bible. Boomer in the Pew's author, David Porter, has visited us a couple of times and left a couple of comments. He is also blogging his way through the Institutes throughout 2009.

To see how it works click here:
http://www.boomerinthepew.com/2009/02/win-a-calfskin-version-of-the-esv-study-bible.html

Morningside Baptist Church: Sermon Audio Online

Morningside Baptist Church: Sermon Audio Online


The link above is the blog for Morningside Baptist Church. This blogsite features a player loaded with the most recent sermon by Pastor Dave Sowers. Each week the player is ready with the latest sermon.

We are currently going through a series on First Peter.

The Contemporary Calvinist: Failed Gospel Tract

The Contemporary Calvinist: Failed Gospel Tract

MBC-03/01/09 Sermon on 1Pe 1:3-5

This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. Pastor Sowers pictured to the left. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast. [This post partially corrected for grammar and spelling from orig posting on 3/2/09]

Continuing in our Series on 1 Peter, and being reminded that this letter written to aliens, those who are not in their own homeland, whose citizenship is in heaven Phil 3:20, those who are facing opposition and persecution, was written to them and to us to give us assurance, hope and encouragement. This also is the design of today's text in our second look at 1Peter from 1Pet 1:3-5.

1Peter 1:3-5
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Note the verb tenses from this passage:

Have been born again (past)
To Obtain an inheritance (future)
Are being kept. (present)

Q. What does it mean to be born-again?

Referred variously in different translations as born-again, born from above, born of the Spirit.

John 3:1-9

KJV John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

It is not simply a "starting over."

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

In John Chapter 3, Jesus stresses the absolute necessity of regeneration, new-birth, to be born-again. Note the words: "YE MUST..."

That to be born-again is radical, and that being good does not come naturally, the following words from the Minnesota Crime Commission, a secular organization confirms:
"The Minnesota Crime Commission ... issued this report appointed by the governor back in 1926: "Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered. He wants what he wants when he wants it: his bottle, his mother's attention, his playmate's toys, his uncle's watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He's dirty, he has no morals, no knowledge, no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children but all children, are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy,given free reinto their impulsive actions to satisfy each want, every child would grow up a criminal, a thief, a killer, a rapist." click here for possible source reference, Grace-to-You website.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

For additional quotes, see online book by John Piper, Finally Alive. Click here
(search on "apart from amazing grace" or "our present condition")

In answer to the question, "what is it to be BORN-AGAIN?", some teach baptismal regeneration, while others teach there is something you must do to initiate this process. But Peter and the rest of the scriptures teach that this is a work of God.


God has caused us to be born again:
NAU 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Three times in John 1:12-13 John says it wasn't ultimately the excercise of my will to initiate the new-birth but God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Peter also stating it was God's abundant mercy given to us even when were were dead.
1Pet 1:3 "according to His great mercy"

We were dead - God makes us alive:
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

This new birth produces a living Hope. Before regeneration, we were without God and without hope.

1Pet 1:3 "born again to a living hope "

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

FUTURE TENSE:
Note the text says in the Past-Pefect tense: Have been born again. But now with a look to the Future. Shall obtain -- in the future an inheritance -- reserved in heaven.

NAU 1 Peter 1:4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Q. What is our inheritance? A. God Himself.
Psalm 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

From Thomas Brooks, A String of Pearls: click here for reference
"If all these things will satisfy souls, then surely the inheritance reserved in heaven for them will satisfy them; for that inheritance takes in these things, and many more. The good things that this inheritance is made up of are so many—that they exceed number; so great—that they exceed measure; so precious—that they are above all estimation; and therefore it must needs be a soul-satisfying inheritance. "

Inherit a kingdom prepared:
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Paul is praying we should get a taste of how glorious this inheritance truly is.
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

An Imperishable Inheritance - that does not perish.
It as Undefiled and Untainted by sin.
An Inheritance that does Not fade away - it does not grow old.

Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

PRESENT TENSE:

What about now -- I have been born again -- there is an inheritance I shall obtain. But what about now, can I blow it?

Now being kept:
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Being kept - present tense -- by the power of God.

Kept: garrisoned or guarded as the city in 2Cor 11:32
2Co 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

The city was surrounded by a military guard around it. Note -- God is using His power to KEEP us.

Both doctrines are true: We must keep believing to the end if ever we hope to be saved and God indeed will keep His Own unto the end - they will be the ones believing. He will lose none. They belong to him.

Verses affirming this truth of God's keeping power:
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (editors note: Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ by John Bunyan is an excellent extended exposition of this verse - highly recommended. click here for online version)

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Q. Can Christ lose one of his sheep given to him by the Father?
A. How can Christ lose what the Father has given.

Paul is convinced that God will keep:
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The Lord will rescue, the Lord will preserve:
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Preserved in Jesus Christ:
Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

God is the one who can keep us from falling:
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

God starts the work -- God completes it:
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

He is the author and finisher:
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising

RESPONSE:
Q. How should we respond to these realities?

First: Ask, "have I partaken? Do I have a living hope? Am I hoping in God alone? Not hoping I will make it but biblical hope which is a confident expectation? This is a question I cannot afford to be wrong on. There are eternal consequences.

So acknowledge you "I have forfeited all rights because of sin."

It is not good deeds, good intentions, nothing to offer to God for acceptance. Trust in Christ alone who is the only saviour. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Secondly for the child of God by Faith now: Note the language in 1Peter 1 and Eph 1, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be like Job, blessed be the name of the Lord who gives and takes away.
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Peter is rejoicing in what he is writing about and he wants us to join him in rejoicing.

The same with Paul in Eph 1:3, rejoicing in the content of what he is writing -- join him in blessing God, worshipping and praising God.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Such a message as the one you have heard this morning is not merely to pass on information. As though you were preparing for a quiz, making ready to answer the following:

1. What does it mean to be born-again?
2. What does it mean and what is a lively hope?
3. What inheritance awaits us?

No, our intention this morning is much greater. Knowing these things let us respond WITH WORSHIP. Thank you Lord, bless the Lord our God. Praise him. Praise to the Glory of His grace.

Yes, there ought to be praise and worship and blessing to God.

Glory to God, by His Grace and for His Glory.

I0228-Reading 1.15.1

This post is part of our group read of the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin.
15.1.1

Of no small importance is the following statement as we open this chapter concerning the two-fold knowledge of ourselves necessary to properly know God.
"first, to the condition in which we were at first created; and, secondly to our condition such as it began to be immediately after Adam's fall."

The condition in which man was created, which we were created in Adam as the first man, is a paramount truth we should not forget. That our Great God could say "let us make man in our image" and then upon completion look around at all His creation and say "it is VERY good" is no small truth and no small part of understanding the gospel.

Secondly of equal importance is understanding that we have fallen from that first condition.

There are three questions which interest us very much, questions that perhaps take different form in different cultural settings, but boil down to this.

1) Who am I? (this includes also, "why am I here, what is my purpose?)
2) Why do I do what I do?
3) How can I change?

These three questions are very much spiritual in nature and are answered spiritually. Not psychologically, not according to man's wisdom. For example in the negative: We should not answer saying "I am the center of the universe, I am very worthy of self-esteem and self-love and self-respect. I am basically good inside, I do what I do when I suppress my basic inner goodness. I do what I do because I do not love myself appropriately or because I do not have a high self-esteem. I can change by believing in myself, by listening to my heart, by loving myself, by thinking positive thoughts, etc.

The first two questions are dealt with in Calvin's opening statement regarding the two-fold knowledge of ourselves. 1) to understand our condition in which we were first created and 2) understanding our condition subsequent to Adam's fall.

The third question is answered in the gospel of grace. Ye must be born again.

With these three questions in mind, the glory of God ever before me (my purpose in being) I greatly look forward to continuing on in our daily reading.

These three questions and the biblical revelation that answers them impact our lives in multiplied ares. How we can be a good husband, a good father, understanding our children and how to raise them, conducting ourselves in business, even in the establishment of governments. (thinking of the check band balances of our own Republic necessary and arising from an understanding of the fallen nature of man.)

Thanks be to God who gives wisdom to understand ourselves and to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.