Bonus Post

It is pure coincidence that the study on Unconditional Election comes at the same time that the study on Romans hits chapter 9 (which is a central text for unconditional election). So I'm sure everyone is happy to see a bonus post that isn't teaching you the hard doctrines of the TULIP.

Unfortunately, the bonus post is in honor of John Calvin's 500th birthday. I figure that since everyone else in the Christian blogosphere will be mentioning him today, why not give him some space on the good ol' 24:45 blog?

T.H.L. Parker writes:

[The] last and truest thing to be said of Calvin is that, within the limits of sinful mortality, the unity of his life is astounding. His thoughts, his actions, and his intentions point in the same direction. As he thought, so he lived, and so he purposed. He was like an Old Testament prophet in that he proclaimed the Word of God both by words and by actions. In that sense, the course of his life takes on a certain sacramental reality. It bore visible witness to the gospel he preached. It is this harmony or consistency that gives its particular significance to Calvin’s life. (Portrait of Calvin, 22. Available free in pdf format.)

Many of us don't think of a great expositor when we think of Calvin. Rather, we think of controversy. So I thought it would be good to include Sam Storms' thoughts (via Desiring God) on why Calvin is so controversial.



Grace and Peace,
Stephen