John Calvin

As most of you know, July 10 2009 will be the 500th birth anniversary of French theologian and Pastor John Calvin. There is a great abundance of information on the internet of the life and work of Calvin and in honor of him I will be posting some of the best I find here.

Quote of the Moment:

"It is not denied by the advocates of particular redemption, or of a limited atonement, that mankind in general, even those who ultimately perish, do derive some advantages or benefits from Christ's death; and no position they hold requires them to deny this. They believe that important benefits have accrued to the whole human race from the death of Christ, and that in these benefits those who are finally impenitent and unbelieving partake. What they deny is, that Christ intended to procure, or did procure, for all men these blessings which are the proper and peculiar fruits of His death, in its specific character as an atonement, --- that He procured or purchased redemption --- that in, pardon and reconciliation ---for all men. Many blessings flow to mankind at large from the death of Christ, collaterally and incidentally, in consequence of the relation in which men, viewed collectively, stand to each other. All these benefits were of course foreseen by God, when He resolved to send His Son into the world; they were contemplated or designed by Him, as what men should receive and enjoy. They are to be regarded and received as bestowed by Him, and as thus unfolding His glory, indicating His character, and actually accomplishing His purposes; and they are to be viewed as coming to men through the channel of Christ's mediation, --- of His suffering and death." -- William Cunningham HT, vol II, 332-333.