In a remarkable section in his Institutes devoted to “meditation on the future life” (3.9.1-6), John Calvin exhorts Christians to give up all undue attachments to the things of this world which pale in light of the next. This section has been described as Calvin’s stress upon the Christian life in part as a pilgrimage anchored in our meditation on the future life.[1]

At the same time, the struggles associated with life in a fallen world also must be considered in light of the unshakable hope given by God to struggling believers through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and his ascension to the Father’s right hand (Institutes 3.25.1-12). Calvin says “when, therefore, with our eyes fast fixed on Christ we wait upon heaven, and nothing on earth hinders them from bearing us to the promised blessedness, the statement is truly fulfilled `that where our treasure is, our heart is’ (Matt. 6:21).”[2] Calvin writes that believers are to await patiently the final restoration of all things at Christ’s return just as a sentry faithfully guards his post until recalled by his commander.[3] Calvin, who suffered from all sorts of painful physical maladies, describes this struggle as that of a life lived in exile far away from one’s beloved homeland.

To read the rest, follow the link below

Read More