Analysis Of Calvin's Knowledge Of God

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Knowledge of God – This is the first section of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559). True wisdom, according to Calvin, consists of two different types of knowledge – the knowledge of God and the knowledge of self. It is only by comparing oneself to God that humans can fully understand their identity. Meaning, after they see the brilliant and overwhelming majesty of God, they begin to understand how despicable they are because God is the standard to which all try to measure up against. The true knowledge of self of human beings entails a conscious recognition of how totally deprived and corrupt they are, and therefore they grasp humility. This is important in the Christian faith. Scripture – Calvin holds the belief that …show more content…

In order for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the hearts of Christians to be a reality, however, Christians must not be outside of Christ. This means that they must have faith before they can receive the Holy Spirit. One could consider this appropriate because Christ and the Holy Spirit, aside from the fact that they are of the same substance, share many of the same roles. Both are mediators, teachers, and intercessors. The Holy Spirit alone has many other names, including: fire, water, spirit of adoption, and others. In addition to this, the main work of the Spirit is faith, in that the Spirit serves as the Christian’s teacher and reminder of God’s …show more content…

This stems from Calvin’s belief that Christians do not belong to themselves, but to God. In devoting themselves fully to God and his will, Christians should not and cannot be concerned with worldly desires that would boost their own sense of glory. This kind of humility is required so that Christians may treat others with a sincere attitude of love and selflessness. After all, Calvin says, every good gift comes from God and he lavishes them on whomever he pleases. Therefore, Christians are to look at others and recognize the image of God in them and see the gifts that they have to offer before being tempted to regard them as less important than

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