Calvin on Piety

How do you define "piety?" It is a definition that I continue to struggle with in light of the Gospel. So many explanations seem to point inward to one's self rather than outward towards one's neighbor and God. The best definition of piety that I have found comes from that master theologian John Calvin.

"Thus we learn to await and seek all these things from him and thankfully to ascribe them, once received, to him. For this sense of the powers of God is for us a fit teacher of piety, from which religion is born. I call 'piety' that reverence joined with love of God which the knowledge of his benefits induces. For until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his fatherly care, that he is the Author of their every good, that they should seek nothing beyond him -- they will never yield him willing service."[emphasis added] John Calvin, Institutes of The Christian Religion, Chapter II

In my reading, the key here is the Gospel. The engine that drives "that reverence joined with love of God" is compelled by "the knowledge of his benefits." Oh yes. . .I will take some more of that!

The Potter and the Clay

In his post entitled Don't be Stingy, John Hendryx, over at Reformation Theology (one of my favorite blogs), responds to Brian McLauren's assertion that anyone who believes in election must be so self-absorbed in their standing before God that they view themselves as having what he calls 'exclusive privilege' over others. Here are a few nuggets from his response. . .

"If Jesus died for all our sins, this includes the sin of unbelief. So even the very heart and new life needed to apprehend the excellency of Christ are granted to us. Our unregenerate wills are not sufficient to pull ourselves out of our own hostile nature. In other words, the moment we remove divine election from Christianity is the moment we remove salvation by grace alone in Christ alone."

"Let me say this, if you reject election, EVEN if, in word, you say that all glory goes to God, your theology loudly declares otherwise, for it is not the grace of Jesus Christ alone that saves but grace plus some additional element you wish to keep back for yourself. So in actuality it is those who reject the biblical doctrine of election that can boast of privilege due to some factor in their natural selves."

Steven Camp, of the Calvinist Gladfly, has called for the discipline of McLauren for his heretical beliefs, i.e. his challege to "the veracity and authority of Scripture; justification by faith alone; imputation of the righteousness of Christ; substitutionary atonement; the omniscience of God, Hell-eternal punishment, etc." While I second the motion, I doubt the Emergent Church folks have the courage or the structure to begin such a task.

The Gospel at Dairy Queen

. . .Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:9. (ESV)

I have found that the Gospel goes well with cheeseburgers and fries. Recently, on a return trip from vacation, my family stopped a Dairy Queen for supper. It is interesting how the Holy Spirit prompts little hearts to ask deep eschatological questions that are difficult for adults to answer. One of those is, "What is the Gospel?" How do you explain it to a three (3) year old or a thirty (30) year old for that matter? I have taught my girls that the Gospel is simply this, "Jesus will make sure you are at the party." They seem to understand it quickly. They love parties! I want to remind them in the same sentence that it is Christ's work, not their merit, that will get them there. I want to emphasize the promises of God, if you will. Now, they ask me all the time, "What will the party be like?" and "Who will be at the party?" I even overheard my oldest daughter, who was five (5) at the time, ask her cousin, who was her same age, "Do you love Jesus?" He responded, "Yes." My daughter replied, "Then you will be at the party!" I think she gets it.

How do you explain the Gospel to your little ones? How do you explain it to yourself?

Ferguson on Piety

I found this quote on the Monergism, regarding growing in grace, and thought it was excellent.

"This first thing to remember, of course, is that we must never separate the benefits (regeneration, justification, sanctification) from the Benefactor (Jesus Christ). The Christians who are most focused on their own spirituality may give the impression of being the most spiritual ... but from the New Testament's point of view, those who have almost forgotten about their own spirituality because their focus is so exclusively on their union with Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished are those who are growing and exhibiting fruitfulness. Historically speaking, whenever the piety of a particular group is focused on OUR spirituality that piety will eventually exhaust itself on its own resources. Only where our piety forgets about ourself and focuses on Jesus Christ will our piety nourished by the ongoing resources the Spirit brings to us from the source of all true piety, our Lord Jesus Christ."

- Adapted from Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

Rad Rod on Pietism

I ran across a great two (2) part program on Issues, Etc. entitled "Pietism: Experiential, Legalistic & Individualistic Spirituality." It features Dr. Rod Rosenbladt who is a co-host on the White Horse Inn. It is worth finding the time to listen to both Hour 1 and Hour 2.