Therefore, let us hear no more of a proportion between our ability and the divine precepts, as if the Lord had accommodated the standard of justice which he was to give in the law to our feeble capacities. We should rather gather from the promises how ill provided we are, having in everything so much need of grace.
John Calvin, 1509-1564, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Chapter V, 7 (translated by Henry Beveridge, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1975, Vol. 1, p. 279)
How do we avoid trusting in our ability rather than God's promises? What things would tend to discourage us from doing so?
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Hard to see a huge difference between our God given abilities and His promises. Perhaps it would be helpful to start with a promise?
ReplyDeleteIf I understand Calvin correctly he is saying the promises of God's forgiveness shows we cannot merit His acceptance by our own works. But I am not sure if that answers your question.
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