Introduction: On this day of the Reformation, let us remember that reformed theology involves piety and not just theoretical knowledge. In the following article, Joel Beeke talks about Calvin’s teaching about piety, how to glorify God.
The Institutes of Joo Calvino have guaranteed him the title of “systematization par excellence of the Protestant Reformation”. His reputation as an intellectual, however, is often seen outside the spiritual and pastoral life context in which he developed his theology. practical understanding and piety, truth and usefulness are inseparable. First, does theology of the knowledge of God and ourselves address?But there is no real knowledge where there is no true mercy.
- Calvin’s concept of piety (pietas) is rooted in The Knowledge of God and includes attitudes and actions oriented to God’s worship and service; In addition.
- His pietas include a lot of related topics.
- Such as filial piety in human relationships.
- Respect and love for the image of God in human beings.
- Calvin’s piety is evident in those who recognize.
- Through the eertial faith.
- That we have been accepted into Christ and grafted into his body by the grace of God.
- In this “mystical union.
- ” the Lord affirms them as property of life and death.
- They become God’s people and the members of Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost.
- This relationship restores his joy of communion with God; recreates their lives.
The purpose of this chapter is to show that Calvin’s piety is fundamentally biblical, with an emphasis on the heart rather than the mind. The head and heart must work together, but the heart is more important. [1] After an introductory look at the definition and purpose of Calvin’s piety, I will show how his pietas affect the theological, ecclesiastical and practical dimensions of his thinking.
Pietas is one of the most important themes of Calvin’s theology. His story is, in the words of John T. McNeill, “his piety is declared in its entirety. “He is determined to confine theology to the limits of piety. King Francis I, Calvin, says that the purpose of writing the Institutes was “only to transmit certain rudiments through which those who are touched with a certain zeal for religion have been shaped to true piety. “[4] For Calvin, pietas refers to man’s correct attitude toward God.
This attitude includes authentic knowledge, sincere worship, saving faith, filial fear, submission to the spirit of prayer, and respectful love [5]. To know who and what God is (theology) is to adopt good attitudes towards him and do what he wants (pity). In his first catechism, Calvin writes: “True piety consists of a sincere feeling that loves God as Father, while still fearing and venerating Him as Lord, embracing his righteousness and fearing offending him more than death. Should I please call this reverence linked to God’s love that induces knowledge of its benefits. In Calvin’s words, “the whole life of Christians must be a kind of the practice of piety. “of the doctrine of salvation: A book very worthy of being read by all the jealous people of piety.
Calvin’s comments also reflect the importance of the pietas. For example, type in 1 Timothy 4. 7:8 😕 But it rejects secular and old-fashioned fables. Practice mercy. Because physical exercise for little is beneficial, but mercy for everything is beneficial, because it has the promise of life that it is now and what it will be. His divine power, all that leads to life and mercy has been given to us by the complete knowledge of the One who called us to his own glory and virtue.
Is the goal of piety, as well as the whole Christian life, the glory of God?glory that shines in the attributes of God, in the structure of the world, and in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [12] Glorifying God goes beyond the personal salvation of any truly pious person. [13] Calvin thus wrote to Cardinal Sadoletus: “Does it not belong to sound theology to confine too much the thoughts of a man in himself, and not to put in him, as the first reason of his existence, the desire to magnify The Glory of God?I am convinced, therefore, that no one has been imbued with genuine piety, if he does not consider this long and harsh exhortation to the zeal of the heavenly life insipid, a zeal that keeps man entirely dedicated to himself, and that even with one expression, do you not lift it up to sanctify the name of God. ?/ 0614]
The purpose of our creation is for God to be glorified in us, the goal of piety, so the aspiration of the regenerated is to live the rest of his life according to the purpose of his original creation [15]. The pious man, according to Calvin, confesses: “We are of God: so live for him and die for him. We are of God: that His wisdom may govern all our actions. We are of God: that all parts of our lives must work together for Him as our only legitimate goal. ?16
God redeems, adopts, and sanctifies His people so that their glory may shine in them and deliver them from an ungodly and selfish persecution. [17] Therefore, the deepest concern of the pious man is God Himself and the things of God, the Word of God, the authority of God, the gospel of God, the truth of God, aspires to know God more and to communicate more with him. .
But how do we glorify God? Calvin writes: “God has already prescribed a path by which He will be glorified by us, namely piety, which consists in obedience to His Word. He who exceeds these limits does not honor God, but dishonors Him. With a loving heart, do good deeds in gratitude for your kindness and exercise an altruism that comes to love our enemies [19]. This response implies total abandonment to God Himself, to His Word and his will [20].
Calvin declares, “I offer you my heart, Lord, promptly and sincerely. This is the aspiration of all who are truly pious. However, this aspiration can only be made through communion with Christ and participation in him, because outside of Christ, even the most religious lives for himself; Only in Christ can the pious live as volunteer servants of their Lord, faithful soldiers of their Commander, and obedient children of their Father [21].
[dt_call_to_action content_size?normal?text_align?left?background?fantasy?line?true?style?2?animation?
This text is an excerpt from Joel Beeke’s book “Reformed Spirituality”, which will be published by Faithful Editor on November 4.
[/ dt_call_to_action]