Foundation for Reformed Theology, 1982-2012 
Calvin
John Calvin
(1509-1564)
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Purely Preached and Heard
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It is important both that the Word of God be preached in the church and also that the Word of God be heard in the church. At one level, both of these are works of the Holy Spirit. At another level, this underscores the human responsibility both of those who would preach and also of those who congregate to worship.

In fact, John Calvin defined the church of Jesus Christ by the presence of such preaching and hearing: "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, IV.1.9).

Dr. Joseph D. Small was kind to share with me recently that the following questions and answers from the Larger Catechism provide "excellent guidance" regarding this mark of the church:

Purely Preached and Heard

 

Q. 158. By whom is the Word of God to be preached?

A. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and called to that office.

Q. 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?

A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the Word are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season, and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God, and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.

Q. 160. What is required of those that hear the Word preached?

A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness,  and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.  

Let us all be excellently guided by this in both our preaching and also our hearing!

Dr. James C. Goodloe IVGrace and Peace,
 
            Jim
Dr. James C. Goodloe IV, Executive Director
Foundation for Reformed Theology
4103 Monument Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23230-3818
goodloe@foundationrt.org
(804) 678-8352

Celebrating Our First Thirty Years, 1982-2012

Providing for the study and explication of the historic faith of the church

to build up the church through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care

 

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