All Christian theologians will admit that free will does not enable people to do good works unless they are assisted by God's grace, specifically, the grace which the elect receive through regeneration. Do not even consider the views of those who say that grace is offered equally and lavishly to all (Lomb. lib. 2 Dist.…
Blogging the Institutes | 2.2.5 | Different Kinds of Free Will According to Some Christians
In general, most Christian theologians who believe in free will do not believe that people can save themselves. They believe that truly righteous living must come from God's grace and spiritual regeneration. For example, the author of the work, On the Calling of the Gentiles, describes the will as threefold: sensitive, animal, and spiritual. The…
Blogging the Institutes | 2.2.4 | Early Christian Views of Free Will: Too Much Like the Philosophers
Through church history, all Christian theologians have acknowledged that human reason was seriously injured by sin. Moreover, they also taught that the human will was entangled by evil desires. Unfortunately, too many of them took the same approach as the non-Christian philosophers. Some of the ancient Christian writers appear to me to have exalted human…
Blogging the Institutes | 2.2.3 | Can Reason Really Reign? Calvin vs. the Philosophers on Free Will
Sometimes these philosophers won't deny how hard it is for someone to control themselves through reason, especially as they reflect on their own experience. People call prey to giving into their basest desires for many different reasons. Sometimes, they're seduced by pleasure. Other times, they think what they are doing is good, when it's really…
Blogging the Institutes | 2.2.2 | How Philosophers Think about the Soul and its Abilities
Let's see how far the power of the soul, which is located in the heart and mind, extends. Philosophers generally maintain that our reasoning ability is in our mind. They argue that, like a lamp, it illuminates all of the minds thoughts. They also liken reason to a queen who governs our will. They think…
2 Corinthians 7:5-16 (Godly Sorrow; Apostolic Joy)
After an introduction (1:1-2) and meditation of suffering (1:3-11), Paul launches into the body of his letter, focused on the marks of genuine apostleship for the purpose of reconciling with the Corinthians (1:12-7:16). The overall literary structure of the section seems to be a chiasm: A 1:12-2:13 - Boasting, Letter, Titus B 2:14-4:6 - Genuine…
2 Corinthians 6:3-7:4 (Paul’s Appeal: Open Your Hearts!)
According to Paul, true apostles have been given a “ministry of reconciliation,” which is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (5:11-6:2). Paul now wraps up his description of true apostleship by speaking about his integrity in ministry and the various afflictions he endured (6:3-10). He uses the recounting of his suffering as a bridge…
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 (The Ministry of Reconciliation)
Paul has been implicitly defending his ministry by demonstrating how true apostles conduct themselves (2:14-5:10). They speak with sincerity, confidence and boldness (2:14-3:18). They do not lose heart but persevere despite suffering (4:1-5:10). Now, Paul brings this section to its theological high point explaining that he has received the ministry of reconciliation from God (5:11-6:2).…
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 (Courage & Confidence)
After explaining the glory of the new covenant, Paul speaks to why he can endure in ministry despite suffering (4:1-5:10). He had two matching sections that begin with “we do not lose heart” followed by a theological reflection: 4:1-6 “we do not lose heart” 4:7-15 Reflection on how God uses frail ministers 4:16-18 “we do…
2 Corinthians 4:7-15 (Jars of Clay)
Paul defends his ministry by pointing out how real apostles live and speak (2:14-7:4). True apostles speak God’s word with sincerity (2:14-17), with confidence (3:1-6), and with boldness (3:7-18). Because of the power of God’s word, Paul is able to persevere in the midst of suffering (4:1-5:10). He does not lose heart even if some…
Raising Lazarus 