Christ Alone

To help us consider Christ, I thought I would share a quote from Calvin. I came across this quote while reading Sinclair Ferguson’s new book, The Whole Christ. (Ferguson has translated these words of Calvin from Book 2, chapter 16, section 19 of the Institutes, 1559 Latin edition.)

“When we see salvation whole—its every single part is found in Christ, we must beware lest we derive the smallest drop from somewhere else. If we seek salvation, the very name of Jesus teaches us that he possesses it. If other Spirit-given gifts are sought—in his anointing they are found; strength—in his reign; and purity—in his conception; tenderness—expressed in his nativity, in which he was made like us in all respects, that he might feel our pain: Redemption when we seek it, is in his passion found; acquittal—in his condemnation lies; and freedom from the curse—in his cross is known. If satisfaction for our sins we seek—we’ll find it in his sacrifice. There’s cleansing in his blood. And if it’s reconciliation that we need, for it he entered Hades; if mortification of our flesh—then in his tomb it’s laid. And newness of our life—his resurrection brings and immortality as well come also with that gift. And if we long to find that heaven’s kingdom’s our inheritance, His entry there secures it now with our protection, safety too, and blessings that abound—all flowing from his kingly reign. The sum of all for those who seek such treasure-trove of blessings, these blessings of all kinds, is this: from nowhere else than him can they be drawn; For they are ours in Christ alone.”

Look to Christ! Look to Christ alone and live!

“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him….” Hebrews 12:2, 3(a)