To Whom Shall We Go?

The Christian life, according to John Calvin (1509-1594) is to be one marked by holiness. Indeed, for a Christian to continue on and on in a life of impurity is simply unChristian. Calvin says the one who dwells before God in his Sanctuary (which is done only through the blood of Jesus!) must strive to do so with increasing growth in holiness. Here is the great quote with which Calvin summarizes this idea: "For it is highly unfitting that the sanctuary in which [God] dwells should like a stable be crammed with filth." With the Spirit's help, rooted in the Scriptures, let us strive towards ever-increasing Christ-likeness. In other words, don't be crammed with filth! By the way: in case it's not clear, "Sanctuary" doesn't refer to the place where we gather on Sunday mornings. Rather, Calvin is speaking of the very throne room of God into which Christ brings us when we repent and believe in Christ. The book of Hebrews especially unpacks this.

Well another busy month has passed without a post. Now that I am flat on my back with some kind of flu-like bug I actually have the time and opportunity to post something! But I am worn out from being sick, so I have very little to say. In fact, all I will say is that being sick is a helpful, humbling reminder of humanity. I truly am a dependent, not independent, being. I am grateful to read in Hebrews 1 of Jesus, "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" who "upholds the universe by the word of his power." I am wonderfully dependent on him.