Recently a popular teacher was asked what he would write if he “tweeted” the gospel. In my estimation and others he did an extremely poor job. But it challenged me to consider how I would give the gospel in 140 characters. Not an easy task. And possibly not even a wise one.
I didn't come up with anything brilliant, but I ran across the quote below in one of the introductions to Calvin’s Institutes. This was one man’s attempt to give a brief explanation of Calvin’s overall aim within the Institutes and I think gives a reasonable and brief explanation of the gospel itself. Its a few more than 140 characters but worth it.
Man being at first created upright, but afterwards being not partially but totally ruined, finds his entire salvation out of himself in Christ, to whom being untied by the Holy Spirit freely given without any foresight of future works, he thereby obtains a double blessing – viz. full imputation of righteousness, which goes along with us even to the grave, and the commencement of sanctification, which daily advances till at length it is perfected in the day of regeneration or resurrection of the body, and this in order that the great mercy of God may be celebrated in the heavenly mansions throughout eternity.
(From an epitome of the institutions, by Gaspar Olevian)
- andy's blog
- Login to post comments