 John Calvin (1509-1564) |
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Greetings!
The question arises as to what the church of Jesus Christ is or where the church of Jesus Christ is. John Calvin (1509-1564) answered the question in this way:
"Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists." (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book IV, Chapter 1, section 9)
This ties the existence of the church of Jesus Christ directly to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the same time, it raises the question of what it means for the Word of God to be purely preached and purely heard.
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Christian Faith
One way to approach this would be to understand that pure preaching and pure hearing of the Word of God are such that they give rise to Christian faith. Calvin, again, understood faith in this way:
"Now we shall possess a right definition of faith if we call it a firm and certain knowledge of God's benevolence toward us, founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit." (ICR, III.2.7)
So, the pure preaching of the Word of God proclaims the truth of the freely given promise in Christ, the promise of the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life. Moreover, and on the basis of that promise, pure preaching proclaims the goodness and benevolence of the God and Father of Jesus Christ, and it proclaims it as knowledge.
Pure hearing of the word of God means, of course, none other than believing the gospel so proclaimed. This is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, both in our minds and in our hearts, both in our knowledge and in our will.
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The Christian Church
So let us strive to be such a church where the Word of God is purely preached and purely heard.
Let us strive to be such a church where the truth of the freely given promise in Christ is proclaimed and honored and where the benevolence of God is taught and cherished.
Let us strive to be such a church where the Holy Spirit is welcomed among us, to work within both mind and heart, to teach us God's will and to enliven us to seek to obey it.
Let it be said of the churches in which we live and serve, "There, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists."
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The Foundation for Reformed Theology is committed to strengthening the church of Jesus Christ.
We are committed to strengthening pastors, elders, deacons, and other church members in their faith and service.
We are committed to honoring the Word of God in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
We invite all who share these commitments to join with us in these efforts. We seek your prayers, we seek your work, we seek your diligence, we seek your support, and we seek your gifts. Thank you for your consideration.
 Grace and Peace,
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