We press on in our Calvin studies. We are in Book 1, chapter 10 of his Institutes. Here is the summary.
1. Calvin’s project here is to unfold how Scripture represents God to man.
2. The first and foundational truth the Scriptures teach is that, "God, the Maker of heaven and earth, governs the universe founded by him" (Pg. 97).
3. God is revealed to us in the Bible in various images because no man can see God and live to tell about it. These images manifest the awesome attributes of God so that we may experience and know God. He shows himself as he is toward us: so that this recognition of him consists more in living experience than in vain and high-flown speculation” (Pg. 97).
4. God’s names such as Jehovah and Elohim give us a summery description of the full orbed attributes of God. Jehovah designates God’s eternality and self-existence. Elohim describes the power and might of God. He shines with powerful brilliance, kindness. goodness. mercy, justice, judgment and truth.
5. Calvin tells us that there are three attributes necessary for us to know. They are “mercy, on which alone the salvation of us all rests; judgment, which is daily exercised against wrongdoers, and in even greater severity awaits them to their everlasting ruin; and justice, whereby believers are preserved, and are most tenderly nourished” (Pg.98).
6. The revelation of God in nature and Scripture has the same goal. They invite us to fear God and trust God, which results in the creature giving glory to God.
7. Also, nature and Scripture already tell us that God is one. Therefore, the worship of other gods instead of the one true God is idolatry.
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