John Calvin:
Suffering
Chapter 7 - Continuing by Grace
Return to Main Page
Continuing by Grace
- Calvin states - When our
faith is tested by suffering "as gold is tried in a furnace" and we
depend with confidence on God and rely entirely on his help, we will be granted
the most excellent gift of patience and through faith "we may victoriously
persevere to the end."
- Newton - "tis grace has brought me safe
thus far and grace will lead me home"
- Hebrews 12:1-3 - - 1Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not
grow weary and lose heart.
- Calvin states that the
answer to Paul's prayer to remove the thorn was renewed spiritual strength and
consolation, both gifts of divine grace.
- God answers us when he strengthens us inwardly
by his Spirit and sustains us by his consolation, so that we do not give up
hope and patience.
- Calvin in his writings constantly encourages us
to recline on God alone, to be aware of our own weakness, and to tranfer our
confidence to God, trusting in his help, so as to continue invincible to the
end, standing by His grace.
- Reliance on the grace of God and
the strength of the Holy Spirit guarantees our perseverance.
- The very best method for
obtaining relief when we are about to faint under he burden of adversities is
to call to mind the former lovingkindness of the Lord
Perseverance and endurance are gifts of grace
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - 8We are hard pressed on
every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but
not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
- 2 Thes 2:16-17 - 16May our Lord Jesus Christ
himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal
encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in
every good deed and word.
God's
grace even prevails over death
- Romans 8:39 - 39neither height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Psalm 69:1-3 - - 1 Save me, O God, for the
waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in the miry depths, where there is no
foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. 3 I am worn
out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.
- With the love of God supporting us, how can we
not endure all things and persevere in faith and hope to the very end of life?
The same God who sustained David in Psalm 69 maintains his true church
throughout the ages.
- Psalm 48:14 - 14 For this God is our God for
ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
- 2 Timothy 2:1-3 - 1You then, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in
the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be
qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of
Christ Jesus.
- Calvin says - Jesus is our captain and we need
not fear in the slightest; let our enemies do the worst they can, but we will
go on boldly and this is because we are safe in the hands that promised God He
will not lose eventhe smallest part of that which the Father has given Him, but
will keep it and give the Father a good account of it at the last day.
Endurance - Shackleton's voyage to the Antarctic
- By endurance we conquer - by God's continuing
grace
Return to Main Page