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Deal of the Week

from Heritage Booktalk by Michael Dewalt

A Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism

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Ames’s method in this book is not an analysis of the Catechism itself. Rather, he chooses a particular text of Scripture that supports the main thoughts for a given Lord’s Day. While the exposition is directly from the Bible, Ames’s doctrinal conclusions interact with the corresponding Questions and Answers of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Joel R. Beeke and Todd M. Rester’s introduction provides valuable background on Ames and his work. Rester’s fresh translation from the Latin opens several avenues of interest for modern day English readers. Historians of 16th and 17th century thought will value the critical English translation of a much neglected text, and the fact that it demonstrates the interaction between English Puritanism and the Dutch Further Reformation. Reformed pastors will also take interest in this, as it provides another important resource on a classic doctrinal standard.

Classic Reformed Theology

Ames’s Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism is the inaugural volume of the Classic Reformed Theology series, edited by Dr. R. Scott Clark. This series seeks to produce and provide critical English translations of some of the more important but generally neglected texts of the orthodox period. It is the sincere hope of the editor and the board that at least one volume shall appear annually.

We call this series Classic Reformed Theology because, by definition, a period is classical when it defines an approach to a discipline. During the period of Protestant orthodoxy, Reformed theology reached its highest degree of definition and precision. It was in this period when the most important Reformed confessions were formed, and when the Reformed churches took the form they have today.

There are at least three reasons why classic Reformed theology ought to be studied and thus why this series of critical English translations should exist. First, Reformed orthodoxy forms the intellectual background of modern theology. Second, Reformed orthodoxy merits attention by those who identify with the Reformed confessions because it is their heritage and thus shapes their theology, piety, and practice. Third, contemporary scholarship has shown that it must be regarded as a vital intellectual and spiritual movement, and thus an important subject for continued study.

The madness and frustration of not viewing your life from God's providence

Calvin writes with great insight here when he strives to show how intolerable it would be to view your own life not from God's providence. This is probably my most favorite portion of Calvin's Institutes:

10. Here we are forcibly reminded of the inestimable felicity of a pious mind. Innumerable are the ills which beset human life, and present death in as many different forms. Not to go beyond ourselves, since the body is a receptacle, nay the nurse, of a thousand diseases, a man cannot move without carrying along with him many forms of destruction. His life is in a manner interwoven with death. For what else can be said where heat and cold bring equal danger? Then, in what direction soever you turn, all surrounding objects not only may do harm, but almost openly threaten and seem to present immediate death. Go on board a ship, you are but a plank’s breadth from death. Mount a horse, the stumbling of a foot endangers your life. Walk along the streets, every tile upon the roofs is a source of danger. If a sharp instrument is in your own hand, or that of a friend, the possible harm is manifest. All the savage beasts you see are so many beings armed for your destruction. Even within a high walled garden, where everything ministers to delight, a serpent will sometimes lurk. Your house, constantly exposed to fire, threatens you with poverty by day, with destruction by night. Your fields, subject to hail, mildew, drought, and other injuries, denounce barrenness, and thereby famine. I say nothing of poison, treachery, robbery, some of which beset us at home, others follow us abroad. Amid these perils, must not man be very miserable, as one who, more dead than alive, with difficulty draws an anxious and feeble breath, just as if a drawn sword were constantly suspended over his neck? It may be said that these things happen seldom, at least not always, or to all, certainly never all at once. I admit it; but since we are reminded by the example of others, that they may also happen to us, and that our life is not an exception any more than theirs, it is impossible not to fear and dread as if they were to befall us. What can you imagine more grievous than such trepidation? Add that there is something like an insult to God when it is said, that man, the noblest of the creatures, stands exposed to every blind and random stroke of fortune. Here, however, we were only referring to the misery which man should feel, were he placed under the dominion of chance.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvii, 10). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

How should we respond to wrongs from others?

Calvin writes with great wisdom and from a pastor's heart:

8. If any thing adverse befalls him, he will forthwith raise his mind to God, whose hand is most effectual in impressing us with patience and placid moderation of mind. Had Joseph kept his thoughts fixed on the treachery of his brethren, he never could have resumed fraternal affection for them. But turning toward the Lord, he forgot the injury, and was so inclined to mildness and mercy, that he even voluntarily comforts his brethren, telling them, “Be not grieved nor angry with yourselves that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life.” “As for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,” (Gen. 45:5; 50:20). Had Job turned to the Chaldees, by whom he was plundered, he should instantly have been fired with revenge, but recognising the work of the Lord, he solaces himself with this most beautiful sentiment: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” (Job 1:21). So when David was assailed by Shimei with stones and curses, had he immediately fixed his eyes on the man, he would have urged his people to retaliate the injury; but perceiving that he acts not without an impulse from the Lord, he rather calms them. “So let him curse,” says he, “because the Lord has said unto him, Curse David.” With the same bridle he elsewhere curbs the excess of his grief, “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it,” (Ps. 39:9). If there is no more effectual remedy for anger and impatience, he assuredly has not made little progress who has learned so to meditate on Divine Providence, as to be able always to bring his mind to this, The Lord willed it, it must therefore be borne; not only because it is unlawful to strive with him, but because he wills nothing that is not just and befitting.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvii, 8). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The recent Christ The Center podcast with Dr. Gaffin should be gospel candy for the soul

The recent Christ The Center podcast with the distinguished Dr. Gaffin should be a real treat. I can't wait to listen.

This is not the first time they have covered the duplex gratia (sanctification and justification) of Christ as they interviewed Mark Garcia earlier this year regarding union with Christ.

Regardless, this is a topic you can't hear enough of. The duplex gratia is the core of the gospel benefits.

By the way, not only is this particular episode good, but I can heartily endorse every episode from Christ The Center. It's a panel of well schooled men who interview recent authors or well known figures in Christendom.

Calvin speaks to the abuse of providence in his Institutes

If God providentially determines all that occurs, should we take safeguards in our own life? Calvin speaks to this forcefully in his Institutes (1.17.4):

4. As regards future events, Solomon easily reconciles human deliberation with divine providence. For while he derides the stupidity of those who presume to undertake anything without God, as if they were not ruled by his hand, he elsewhere thus expresses himself: “A man’s heart deviseth his ways but the Lord directeth his steps,” (Prov. 16:9); intimating, that the eternal decrees of God by no means prevent us from proceeding, under his will, to provide for ourselves, and arrange all our affairs. And the reason for this is clear. For he who has fixed the boundaries of our life, has at the same time entrusted us with the care of it, provided us with the means of preserving it, forewarned us of the dangers to which we are exposed, and supplied cautions and remedies, that we may not be overwhelmed unawares. Now, our duty is clear, namely, since the Lord has committed to us the defence of our life,—to defend it; since he offers assistance,—to use it; since he forewarns us of danger,—not to rush on heedless; since he supplies remedies,—not to neglect them. But it is said, a danger that is not fatal will not hurt us, and one that is fatal cannot be resisted by any precaution. But what if dangers are not fatal, merely because the Lord has furnished you with the means of warding them off, and surmounting them? See how far your reasoning accords with the order of divine procedure: You infer that danger is not to be guarded against, because, if it is not fatal, you shall escape without precaution; whereas the Lord enjoins you to guard against its just because he wills it not to be fatal. These insane cavillers overlook what is plainly before their eyes—viz. that the Lord has furnished men with the artful of deliberation and caution, that they may employ them in subservience to his providence, in the preservation of their life; while, on the contrary, by neglect and sloth, they bring upon themselves the evils which he has annexed to them. How comes it that a provident man, while he consults for his safety, disentangles himself from impending evils; while a foolish man, through unadvised temerity, perishes, unless it be that prudence and folly are, in either case, instruments of divine dispensation? God has been pleased to conceal from us all future events that we may prepare for them as doubtful, and cease not to apply the provided remedies until they have either been overcome, or have proved too much for all our care. Hence, I formerly observed, that the Providence of God does not interpose simply; but, by employing means, assumes, as it were, a visible form.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvii, 4). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

How often should a Christian hear the gospel?

Great quote from page 761 of Concise Reformed Dogmatics:

When I have to some extent discovered myself to be a sinner, as being lost and in the wrong, it is hard to believe that there is mercy for me. Preaching continually opens up new vistas. The spirit is enriched, and the heart is filled. Those who have once truly tasted something of the mystery of redemption seeks to hear the gospel over and over again (Van Ruler, no date, 68-71).

How true this is. Any Christian painfully aware of their great sinfulness will drink deeply from the gospel fountain every time it springs forth.

A wonderful section of the Institutes regarding providence

This is a wonderful section of the Institutes (1.16.2) regarding providence:

2. That this distinction may be the more manifest, we must consider that the Providence of God, as taught in Scripture, is opposed to fortune and fortuitous causes. By an erroneous opinion prevailing in all ages, an opinion almost universally prevailing in our own day—viz. that all things happen fortuitously, the true doctrine of Providence has not only been obscured, but almost buried. If one falls among robbers, or ravenous beasts; if a sudden gust of wind at sea causes shipwreck; if one is struck down by the fall of a house or a tree; if another, when wandering through desert paths, meets with deliverance; or, after being tossed by the waves, arrives in port, and makes some wondrous hair-breadth escape from death—all these occurrences, prosperous as well as adverse, carnal sense will attribute to fortune. But whose has learned from the mouth of Christ that all the hairs of his head are numbered (Mt. 10:30), will look farther for the cause, and hold that all events whatsoever are governed by the secret counsel of God.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvi, 2). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Commentary recommendations

Need a commentary but bewildered by the available choices? A great resource has popped up on the net called BestCommentaries.com.

It's a site geared towards informed reviews of commentaries. It's much better than using Amazon since it also has groupings of commentaries and differentiates between a technical commentary or a devotional commentary (you can't get that at Amazon!).

In addition, they offer multiple RSS feeds so you can keep up with new reviews as they come out.

Highly recommended!

How to get greater use of Puritan literature

Without a doubt, the Puritan movement from 1550-1700 produced the richest literature of the church. In my own library, I have purchased as much as of it as is available.

But if you have a little or a lot of Puritan literature, how do get the most out of it? Guide To The Puritans is the answer. This fine volume indexes Puritan literature by both topic and by scripture reference. Want to know what the Puritans said about joy? It's in there. Want to know what which Puritan authors commented on Romans 8:1? It's in there.

This volume is invaluable for connecting your interests with the wealth of Puritan literature. You can purchase the volume here - http://cli.gs/6ZaMd0

Gospel contextualization

I continue to hear about gospel contextualization and what I hear concerns me. By contextualization, if what is meant is communicating the gospel so that Christ's atonement can be understood, I'm all for that. If by contextualization, it means hollowing out the gospel to appeal to people, I'm opposed to that. Christ will never be popular; he is foolishness and a stumbling block to those that are perishing (1st Cor).

I have seen those trying to support contextualization by appealing to, " Paul's declaration that he has "become all things to all men" in 1 Corinthians 9 doesn't mean that he shared a different Gospel but that he recognized differing presupposition and starting points in sharing the same Gospel to different individuals." I could not have said that better.

Although we should strive to clearly communicate the gospel, the message of the gospel is always culturally relevant. The problem of sin undergirds every nation, people, economic status, etc. Everyone has the same issue and God has provided one solution that is perfect for all.

Should be a great book for parents

Another fine book in Reformation Heritage Books Dutch reprints is Jacobus Keolman's The Duties of Parents. This should be a helpful book to all parents who want the counsel of scripture. You can order a copy here: http://cli.gs/3t3UYe

How to get the most value out of your library!

I used the online service - LibraryThing - this year to catalog every book in my library. It was a very valuable experience because I now have all my books tagged so I can readily find volumes on various subjects. I really can't say enough good about LibraryThing, you'll be glad you spent the time!

My library can be found here.

Got in Banner of Truth's new 7-volume set of John Calvin's Tracts and Letters

I was very pleased to find a box from Banner of Truth when I got home last night. The new 7-volume set of John Calvin's Tracts and Letters was waiting for me. From just leafing through the volumes there is a ton of interesting letters and encouragement to be found. Calvin counsels others on dealing with sickness, persecution, etc. It's a real treasure.

Right now, Banner is offering the whole set at $80 but that won't last long. You can get it right here - http://cli.gs/0ba68U

Red's newest album Innocence & Instinct is terrific!

Red's newest album Innocence & Instinct is just terrific. If you liked the last album, you're in for a real treat.

You're still reading this blog? Go get it! Now!

Books to complement your study of Calvin's Institutes

I have found a couple of volumes that serve as commentaries on Calvin's Institutes. The first is part of this year's Calvin 500 series called A Theological Guide to Calvin's Institutes. David Hall and Peter Lillback serve as editors on this volume and it features a number of chapters by prominent authors: Scott Oliphint, R. Scott Clark, and Michael Horton just to name a few. The chapters cover certain portions of Calvin's Institutes and seek to analyze and clarify.

The Theology of John Calvin by Charles Partee is written in similar fashion as it also comments on Calvin's Institutes from section to section.

Calvin's Institutes reading challenge for 2009

How are you doing on the reading challenge? I got off to a late start and am still trying to catch up. I read the Battles translation a couple of times years ago and this time I thought I would try the Beveridge translation. I have heard good things about the readability of the Beveridge translation.