The great reformer, theologian, and pastor, John Calvin wrote a massive work called Institutes of the Christian Religion. I am working my way through it with a small, but growing, group of men at the moment. It is much easier to tackle a work of such magnitude when others are tackling with you. I may, from time to time (and indeed, already have), share some of Calvin’s extraordinary work with you on this blog.
Calvin writes of sin that it’s root can be found in “unfaithfulness” (2.2.4). This is interesting, as the common expression of the root of sin, the very cause and foundation of sin, is usually pride. He quotes Augustine as saying as much; “pride was the beginning of all evils.” He then moves on to stating that , since Eve was deceived to contravene God’s command, then “disobedience was the beginning of the fall.” And then he says the following; that “the first man revolted from God’s authority,” not only because of Satan’s deception, but also because he was “contemptuous of truth.” He rejected what God had clearly and authoritatively said. “And surely” writes Calvin, ” once we hold God’s Word in contempt, we shake off all reverence for him.” Continue reading
