The people who know the depth of their sin, inability to please God, and spiritual misery know themselves the best. People don’t harm themselves in thinking of themselves completely devoid of any spiritual good, as long as they realize that everything they need is recovered through God. Unfortunately, most people cannot think about themselves for very long without getting consumed with pride. They easily transfer divine honor to themselves, becoming guilty of a great sin. If we think any ounce of goodness resides in us rather than in God, we can be reassured that such a thought has been suggested to us by the devil who enticed our first parents to aspire to be like gods, knowing good and evil. It certainly feels comforting to rest in our own abilities. But many passages of Scripture should deter us from indulging in this vain confidence. For example, Jeremiah writes, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength,” (Jer. 17:5). The Psalmist says, He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindnes” (Ps. 147:10-11). Isaiah writes, “He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength” (Isaiah 40:29-31). All of these passages demonstrate that we should not entertain thoughts that we can accomplish anything in our own strength, if we would like to enjoy the favor of God, who “resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Therefore, let us also call to mind the promises of God. God promises in Isaiah, “I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground” (Isaiah 44:3). ““Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;
And you who have no money come, buy and eat” (Isaiah 55:1). These passages show that only those who understand their own spiritual poverty will enjoy the blessings of God. Another passage says, “
“Your sun will no longer set, Nor will your moon wane; For you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And the days of your mourning will be over” (Isaiah 60:19). Even created things we think are most excellent like the sun and moon pale in comparison to Lord’s glory and we should not place any confidence in them.

“Blogging the Institutes” is my on-going attempt to paraphrase John Calvin’s work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. You can find out more about the series in the Introduction. For all the posts in this series, check out the Master List.