Augustine points out in his work On the Spirit and the Letter, that “God does not measure the precepts of his law according to human powers, but where he has commanded what is right, he freely gives his elect the capacity to fulfill it.” (NPNF V. 83 – 114)
The Knowledge of Providence
Calvin points out in his Institutes that “if you pay attention you will easily perceive that ignorance of providence is the ultimate of all miseries; the highest blessedness lies in the knowledge of it.” (Institutes, I. 17. 11)
Proving Ourselves
If we really wish to be reckoned among the number of the children of God, the Holy Spirit teaches us, that we must show ourselves to be such by a holy and an upright life; for it is not enough to serve God by outward ceremonies, unless we also live uprightly, and without doing wrong to our neighbors. (Calvin, Commentary on the Psalms, Psalm 15)
Augustine’s Principle of Providence
Augustine lays down a simple principle for providence. He says, “nothing is more absurd than that anything should happen without God’s ordaining it because it would then happen without a cause.” In other words, God is the cause alone of all things and he maintains all things.
The Hope of Glory
The Christian life and experience cannot be lived vicariously. This means that you cannot live the Christian life by clinging to the coat-tails of another Christian, nor can you live your spiritual life through someone else. Nobody lives your life, but you. Reading your Bible with your spouse or children is no substitute for reading the Bible on your own. Praying with others is no substitute for praying alone before God. These activities are important, but they do not replace your personal responsibility towards God. There are many, however, who think like this and live like this. [Read more…]
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