In honor of Calvin's 500th birthday (July 10, 2009)I am reading his Institutes online with the help of Princeton Theological Seminary. Here's the link. Each morning, I follow along with the audio rendition. Addressing both the the eyes and the ears creates a better atmosphere for understanding. I recommend it.
But his birthday makes me remember other things about Calvin which I intend to detail throughout the year.
The first is an acrostic that many associate with a summarizing of Christian doctrine, exemplified in Calvin's systematization.
It's T-U-L-I=P
T=total depravity
U=unconditional surrender
L=limited atonement
I=irresistible grace
P=perseverance of the saints
In Southern this becomes P-E-A-C-H
P=pervasive perversity
E=election, external and eternal
A=atonement, limited by design
C=calling, effectual
H=heavenly home held by heavenly hands
Have you heard of this before?
How does it strike you?
Which letter was most difficult for you to accept.
For me, it was the *limited atonement* issue.
The one which just melts my heart?
Irresistible grace.
Who can resist the Lord God Almighty?
Today I am pleased to understand these doctrines because the Lord shed His Light on my heart and made my blind eyes see and my deaf ears hear.
May you be so blessed.
Never heard the "peach" acronym, but I like it! I think "L" is the hardest for most believers.
ReplyDelete