ISSUE7.2- WINTER2000 1 Contents 1 Editorial 4 John Calvin onJohn's Gospel Sinclair Ferguson 11 Sermon on the Nativity Nuts and Bolts without with an Invitation to the Lord's Table John Calvin a Chassis 17 Belongingand Believing Andrew Bathgate 22 Griefand Loss I t would be unthinkable, would it 1110ney on such a car or risk his life Bill Webster not, for a car to be produced drivingit. whichhadno chassisor sub-frame. 27 ReluctantJoiners Thechassis While I am not at all ofa mechanical Andrew Rollinson frame ofmind, I seem to remember that some time in the distant past one S0111e readers will already be aware of 34 Ann AlIen meets George manufacturerdid try andsavesubstan the importance ofthe right relation Russell tial costs by producing a vehicle that ship between the text and the wasweldedtogetherwithoutany chas preacher's theological framework. 36 Book Reviews sisframe. Needless to say,the car was However, for those for whom this is not a success. In a crash it folded up unfamiliar territory, let me explain. I like apackofcards. Indeed, underany start with the preacher's framework kind ofexceptionalweightor stressits which isthe'chassis' in l1lymetaphor. floor sagged and it became We all have a framework ofChris unroadworthy. tianbelief. It hasbeen graduallybuilt Anyone can see the absurdity of up since our earliest days, whether at such a production-nuts and bolts in our mother's knee or in a Sunday abundance, along with comfortable School class. Steadily, imperceptibly, (even luxury) seating, doors, windows, thatframeworkhasbeenadded to and dashboard, engine, wheels and brakes, has grown and developed. It has seen but no strong frame or chassis on development as we have listened to which to anchor the entire machine. sermons and absorbed the meaningof Thegulliblebuyermightbe enticedby the greatPSal111Sand hymns ofourtra the colour, design and brochure. But dition. It has known rapid growth no onewithanysensewhoknewthere whenwe have explicitlystudiedtheol was no chassis would ever waste his ogy or read some book on Christian 2 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY ofcoaches with wooden seats, inad the chassis needs the coach to be built on it. equate heaters and the suspension of armouredpersonnelcarriers. Butthey And the coach is the text and passage served the purpose. By contrast,1110d ern technology has produced doctrine. Our Bible study has con I don't want to spend too much streamlinedluxury coacheswith indi stantly increased it. time developing this aspect ofll1Y vidual seating adjustments, At times, whenwe have had to deal metaphor, Sufficient to say that we' air-conditioning controls, sound withdifficult problems, itsprogress has have all heard 'chassis' sermons. I proofing and a suspension which been arrested and may even on occa meanwe haveallheard sermonswhich absorbs almostevery undulationin the sions have regressed. No thoughtful werelittle more than apresentationof road. personcan studyScriptureand seek to S0111eparticulardoctrinelifted straight Thevillage preacherll1ayhave little relate it to the current problems outofthe preacher'sframework. The finessein hissermonconstructionand screaming at us from this crazy, fallen sermonwasundoubtedlypromptedby even lessin his use ofillustrations, but world without being shocked into the textthough it borelittle or no re he nonetheless drives hi~ congregation S0111ehard thinking. We havewrestled lationship to it, far less to the text's in hisspartanvehiclesafelyand unerr withethical and 1110ralquestionsabout immediate or wider context. I could ingly to the destination ofhis text. the nature ofGod, the nature ofhu giveyou scores ofexamples, Acouple Thegiftedpreacherministeringin the mankind, the glaringhypocrisy ofthe ofyears ago I heard asermon on jus well filled city centre church Inay de visiblechurchand the shamefulbehav tification by faith which purported to light and inspire his hearers for 40 iour and attitudes ofll1anyprofessing be based on the parable ofthe sheep minutes or 1110re, carrying them in Christians. We have been tempted to and the goats (Matt.25:31-46). Aless comfort to the text's destination. Yet despair. 'Vanity ofvanities, allisvan likely conjunctionofdoctrineand text bothpreachers have fulfilled theirtask ity!' we have cried with the Preacher it would be hard to imagine! faithfully, effectively and accurately as ofEcclesiastes. This style ofpreachi.ng known as they have laid out the meaning and Nevertheless, by the grace ofGod 'framework preaching' isnot UnC0111 relevance oftheir texts, one in una we have emerged from these intellec 1110n, even in ourpostmodernculture. dorned blunt language and the other tual crises with a 1110re solid-if The congregation are expected to withthe great giftsGodhasgiven him, reconstructed-doctrinal framework. climb aboard the chassiswhile the in Neitherhassubjectedthe congregation Honourablywounded, ourhurts have trepid driver battles against the to ajourney seated on the exposed, slowly healedaswe havefound conso elements as he seeks to reach some hard frame ofthe chassis. Both have lation and refreshment in renewed destination or other. Ofcourse, what used the vehicle.ofholywrit. search and study ofourBibles. Thus is entirely wrong with the exercise is Noframework has the chassis been tested, strength that he hasneverheadedfor the coach ened and made 1110refit for the heavy works. Hehas1;10intentionofdriving It'stime Iabandoned11lymetaphoral loadit must bearifwe arefaithfully to acomfortablebusinwhichto carry his together. To use it onefinal time, the preach Christ crucified and risen. passengers. Sowhileajourneyofsorts burden ofwhat I am trying to say is is made, the vehicle used was never that increasingly evangelicals are Drivinga chassis int.ended to take anyone on such a preachingsermonswhichhaveno firm For ten years I lived near a factory journey. In other words, the actual chassis holding all together, Their where buses were built-at least where passage ofScripture was never really theological framework is lamentably the bus chassiswas built and the huge used'in the sermon. lacking. Letll1eillustrate whatImean, engineboltedto it. Therestofthe bus Very recently I heard a taped ser The coachworks wasconstructedatacoachworkssome mon onapassagewhich dealt, alnong miles awaysoitwasadailyoccurrence Mymetaphorisaboutto breakdown. otherthings,withthe ethnicpurityof to see the rudimentary bus being ButIwill try and stretchit to illustrate the OldTestamentpeopleofGod, the driven from the factory to the coach afurther point. I have not been sug Sabbath and the Mosaic Covenant. works. The driver would be muffled gesting for one moment that the bus Thepreachermadethreepointswhich up againstwindand rain and wouldbe chassis is ofno importance. Rather sent my theological antennae into red wearing goggles and those old fash haveIbeentryingto bringoutthatthe alert. First, he gavea1110Stinadequate ioned strap-on hats one normally chassisneeds the coach to be built on explanation ofthe role ofIsrael in the associateswithmotoringin the 1920s. it. And the coach isthe text and pas cumulative self-revelation ofGod in It mightbe fun drivingabuschassison sage. redemptive history. Second, he dis alovely sunny day inJunebutit wasa We all know that coaches differ missed the Day ofRest asan obsolete different story in February with driv greatly in quality and provision. I re Old Testament legal requirement. ing rain cuttingyou in the face! call from the past some old dinosaurs Third, he blandly informed his con- ISSUE7.2- WINTER2000 3 gregation that the first covenant had when a Westminster man preaches, at least he failed which was why God had been obliged to send his Son. has the doctrines ofsin, grate, faith and As I have travelled throughout this past year, the salne lack ofany theo obediencefirmly in place as a chassisfor his logical chassis in sermons has depressinglyimpressedllle. At theend .sermon ofSOl1Ie sermons, one scratches one's head and wonders, 'Whatwas allthat F Kevan, from the very start ofmy 2. Work 3. Work. Ifirmly believe he about?' There have maybebeenafew ministryIsetasideeachmorningassa was right. Absolutely right. heart-throbbing little stories, SOl1Ie credtimeto be alonein Inystudywith Dynamic Interaction S111art exegeticalpoints, S0111e oratori an open Bible before me. I allowed calflourishes-butwhereonearth(orin only lninimal flexibility in this. Un No, I am not cornmending 'frame heaven) has it allbeenleading? What dertakerswereinvariablyco-operative, work preaching'. That must be clear drives me near to despair is that ifI acceptingthatfuneralsfor me generally enoughfromwhatIhave already writ cannot understand what the sermon needed to be after 1pm-I had an en ten. However, what Iamdeploringis wasaboutafter over thirtyyearsofpas gagernentevery morningwhichwas a theattemptto preachthe WordofGod toral ministry myself, what about the firstpriority. So fourand ahalfto five without any framework. In this re suffering congregation who are sub hours each day alone in 111ystudy has gard, onehasto soundawarningnote jected to this carbonated been indispensable to 111e in forging over the current fashion in conserva pseudo-theological froth Sunday by the chassisfor preaching. tive evangelicalscholarship to promote Sunday? Second, therehasbeentheopenBi biblicaltheology (sometimescalled 're ble. Ihavealwaysbeguneach daywith demptive history' because it seeks to Constructingaframework about45 minutesofScripturereading: trace the ongoing unfolding story of It has been fashionable in the superfi an Old Testament book, a Psalm, a salvation which begins with Genesis cially influential circles in the Gospel and an Letter. In addition, I andinexorablymoves forward through denomination ofwhich I am a mem have engagedin ongoingstudyofone to Revelation) over systematic theol ber to malign and slander the particular book as 11Iy personal tryst ogy. Biblical theology seeks to treat Westminster Confession ofFaith in with 111y God, reading and examining the revelation ofGod in Scripture recent decades. But I have to saythat itin detail, notto preachitbutto learn chronologicallyandalwaysissearching when aWestminsrer11Ian preaches, at in it ofthe Lord. for ways in which a text (even in Old least he has the doctrines ofsin, grace, Third, there have been the COll1 Testament historical narrative) points faith and obedience firmly in place as mentaries and books which are the to Christ. Systematic theology treats achassisfor hissermon. True,S0111eof tools ofthe trade. First among these therevelation ofGodin Scripturethe thattheologicalgenre have beenjustly has been Calvin. I have found that matically and so builds a theological accused oflegalism, But I think that 11Iany 1110re recent commentaries are framework or system, Preachers need hasbeenmoreafault oftheirtradition watery gruel compared to the strong both. We 11IUSt not neglect either. than ofthe Confession. lean meat ofthe older writers. Of However, in preaching there must Formyself, asIlookback, Ihave to coursethereareexceptionsin bothdi be preserved a fine balance between say that there have been certain very rections. Butwho can COlnpareCalvin the text or passage on the one hand clear powerful influences on 111e in onGenesis orJohn OwenonHebrews and ourframework onthe otherhand. building111yframework. Ibelievethat or Williall1 Gurnall on Ephesians 6 The mighty themes ofScripture111USt I1ly time at theological college largely withthewish-washybookletspublish come shining through. Or to change equipped with me tools for the task, ers produce for quick-fix preachers the figure entirely, the foliage and and since then, using those tools, the today? branches ofthe tree 111USt grow out of chassishasbeenconstructed. Howhas Fourth, therehave beentheprinted asturdy trunkwith deep strongroots. thathappened? Itwouldbe afascinat sermonsofthe great preachers,Martyn Those themes-the strong tree trunk ingpersonalexercise to try andanalyse Lloyd-Jones, C H Spurgeon, J H are the doctrines ofGod's grace. (But the countless influences that have Jowett and others. bear in mind that the divine grace worked on me and in 111e. But with Well do I recall Dr Kevau's wise never excludes that righteous judge out enteringinto such (for the reader) counsel about learning the art of merit of God nor his holy severity unprofitable introspection, I can at preaching. 'You need a three point against sin. Indeed, aframeworkwith once identify four all important fac plan,' he wouldtellhisstudents. 'Write out a doctrine ofhell isn't worth a tors. this down.' With pens poised we damn.) The first is very practical. Under waitedfor himashe wrotein chalkon the influenceof111yold teacher, Ernest the lecture rOO1l1blackboard: 1.Work CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 16 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE3 Haveyou everseen ademonstrationof hawking? Birds ofprey can be trained to flyhighinto the heavens, untilthey are no longervisible to the nakedeye; yet they hear and respond to their master's calland COll1eswoopingback down to rest on his wrist. The text must have freedom to rise like an ea gle in flight into the blue skies of divine truth, hut ever remain within call ofthe under-girding doctrines of grace. May it he thatfrom the pulpits ofour land the gospel sounds out clearly and strongly. May our people learn what God is like-not what folk religion believes himto be-thatourchurches ll1aybe built upon truth, righteousness and grace, allofwhich flow from the heart ofthe loving and holy God. 4 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY on A Commentator for Preachers DR SINCLAIR B FERGUSON, ST GEORGE'S TRON, GLASGOW Byapreacherforpreachers C alviri's Old and New Testa this way the godly readerwill be merit Commentaries differ sparedgreatannoyance and bore But Calvinforpreachers? Can one ex frorn each other in style.' dom [!] ...' 2 pect much help fro111 a master More than halfofthe former have theologian (and to thosewho have not theirimmediateoriginin hisclassroom Calvin was probably already well read him a rather intimidating one) lectures to his students, while the lat through the preparation ofhis first when one is apreacher? ter were all specifically written as commentary - on Romans - ashe Perhapsitisaswell to notewhatwe commentaries, although no doubt his wrote; the impact ofhis concentrated do not get. There islittle in the way New Testamentlectures and his COll1 study ofthe epistle is evident in vari oftechnicalintroductionandapparatus ments at The Congregation (the ous waysin the 1539and latereditions on display. Calvin cleared his work weekly pastors' meetings in Geneva) ofthe Institutes. bench ofthe shavings before he pre liein the background. Moreaccurately, TheRomans commentarywaspub sented his finished work. 'Lucid marryoftheNewTestamentCOll1111en lishedin 1540. Fromhints he gives in brevity' ishis goal.3 In contrastto the taries wereprobablydictatedby Calvin later commentaries it is clear that the philosophy ofrecent commentary from his bed - on which he spent plan wasto completethe expositionof writing, Calvinself-consciouslyaimed long hours, physically weakened, but the Pauline corpus, and thereafter the for clutter-free volumes. mentally vigorous! wholeoftheNewTestament. Andthe Again, there islittle ofmajorstruc Thepublicationofan entireseries of Reformation public were hungry for tural analysis - usually only a brief commentaries was clearly already on thevisionto cometo fruition. Buthe outline ofthe theme, Forthese, inso thestillyoungReformer's mindwhile was often hindered in this task. The far as they prove valuable to he wasworkingonthesecondedition secondvolume, on 1Corinthians, did interpretingScripture,we needto look ofhis Institutes in 1539. He wrote to not appearuntil 1546. Butduringthe elsewhere. hisreaders, explaininghisprogra111111e: last ten years ofhis life he completed But we do get some great and im the entire series, with the exception portant things. For one thing, these 'If, after this road has, asit were, only ofRevelation (which it is often are commentarieswritten byapreacher been paved, I shall publish any saidhe claimednotto understand) and forpreachers. Indeedthe distinctionbe interpretations ofScripture, Ishall 2 and 3John. Given his otheractivi tween his commentaries and his always condense them, because I ties and histenuoushealth, it isamark sermonsislargely amatterofform and shall have no need to undertake ofhis singular genius and determina context. Forthatreason alone, thereis longdoctrinal discussions, andto tion thathe was able to accomplishso a great deal in Calvins commentaries digress into commonplaces. In much, that translates easily into preaching. ISSUE7.2 - WINTER2000 5 's ~ I I I Furthermore, since Calvin's great 1.General Characteristics Clementia. Nowhe addedto his gram burdenasan interpreterofScriptureis matical-historicalexegeticalinstincts a always to seek out the scopus ofthe For Calvin the gospel is 'the glad and strong theological and Christological text, his work isinvaluable in helping joyfulmessage ofthe grace revealedto sensitivity. Combining these, he typi us get to the point (still a sinequanon usin Christ, to teach usto despise the callywilldo several things ashe works ofgoodpreaching!). Fromthis founda worldand itstransientriches and pleas his way through the text. tion, Calvin then provides us with ures," This isanote which he strikes 1. He provides a simple statement of solid theologicaland doctrinalinstruc again and again. the scopus ofthe pericope, and where tion which grounds his rich Thedistinctiveness ofJohn's Gospel necessaryaddsS0111egrammaticalCOll1 application. isseen to be two-fold: ments. But, for 1110Stpreachers, what gives First, John 'fills in' what the other 2.Heexpoundsthetheologicalsignifi real value to acommentaryisaS0111e Gospel writers 0111it - a relatively cance ofthe passage, and, in particular times less easily defined quality: its simpleviewoftheirinter-relationship. withinthe contextofJohn's Gospel, its ability to stimulate, to primethepUll1p Second, the Synoptic Gospels narrate Christological importance. for ourownworkon apassage, S0111e 1110refully the history ofJesus' life and 3. Heshows itsrelationto and consist times giving us ajump startwhen the ministry,John, by contrast, hasafocus ency with other parts ofScripture, batteries have begun to run dry. on Christ's office (prophet, priest and providingharmonisationwhereneces Calvin does exactly this, occasionally king). Calvin puts it memorably, 'the sary. in surprising ways. All this and 1110re first three exhibitHis body, ifIll1aybe 4. Onoccasionhe will suggestvarious we discover in the Commentaryon the permitted to putit like that, butJohn possible interpretations, and indicate Gospel ofJohn. shows His soul'.6 his disagreementwithothercommen The CommentaryonJohn was pub Hence,for Calvin, aswe read Scrip tators. Interestinglyin his Commentary lished in 1553 and translated into ture asa unified testimony to Christ, on St.John, Augustine is a discussion French in the same year. In English it the Gospel ofJohn provides the theo partner with whom he regularly disa amounts to S0111e 500 pages.'We can logicalkeybywhichwe areto read the grees - an indication ofhis ability to not examine it exhaustively here, but Synoptics. This becomes a basic appreciate the great Father's theologi in introducingit asan aid to preachers, hermeneutical principle. calexposition ofgrace (in the Institutes threefoci willgive usataste ofitsuse Calvin had been educated in the Augustineis'whollyours'), whilehe is fulness. context ofFrench Humanism, Itsim notalwaysso comfortablewithhisex pactonhimwas already evidentin his egesis! 1532 Commentary on Seneca's De 5. He 1110ves gracefully from exegesis 6 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY to theology, but equally readily to serve so robust an exponent and de is,afterall,muchthatwe do notknow practical application. Here the meta fender ofthe deity ofChrist seeking that might explain why there are dif phor ofthe mirror, which is used in to listen in total silence to what the ferentperspectivesin the Gospels. But various ways in the Calvin corpus, is text is actually saying about him. when he does seek to harmonise he called into strategic service. Christ's Ratherthanstretchingpassageswhich does so withsimplicity and modesty,R dealings with one individual thereby speak ofthe onenessofFatherand Son Christand the law become aparadigmfor and an insight to turn them into proofs ofChrist's into his dealings with contemporary absolutedeity assuch, Calvinseessev As readers ofthe Institutes would ex individuals and the entire church. eral ofthe passages employed in the pect, he excels in the balance with earlier patristic debates asexpressions which he expresses the relationship of 2. Theological Strengths ofthe harmony between the Father the old and newcovenants, the old and and the incarnatemediatorratherthan newtestaments, Heisespeciallygood straightforwardproof-textsfor his de (in11lyview) onthe relationship ofthe One ofthe gains ofcontemporary ity. Whilehe admiresand defendsthe law to Christ and the incompleteness Gospelscholarshipisthatthe theologi theology ofthe Fathers, his desire to ofthe old order - aspects ofJohn's cal character ofthe Gospels iswidely be absolutelydictatedto bythetextof Gospelwhich even aswift-footed ex recognised. They are not merely an Scripture comes to the surface very position ofit isbound to encounter. I) amalgamationofbiographicalfacts (al evidently. His approach helps to illus PracticalChristianliving though they are nottherebyfictional). trate the difference between rightly For Calvin thatperspectiveisso obvi believing that somethingisa truth of Deeplyembeddedin Calvin'stheology ous asscarcelyto requirespecial stress. Scriptureand wronglyinsistingthatit is the correlation of(i) Christ's work, It would take us far beyond the is the truth ofa particular passage (ii)theSpirit's ministryastheonewho boundaries ofone briefstudy to ex which in fact states something differ brings all ofChrist's resources to the plore the theological contribution of ent. Christian, and (iii)faith asthebondof his Commentary onStJohnasan aid to But, most ofall, Calvin helps the union the Spirit forges between the preachers. Butafew hints may be suf preacher to see that preachingfrom a believer and Christ. The important ficient to underline its value. Gospel must be preaching full of statement opening Institutes Book Ill: 'aslongasChristremainsoutsideofus, and we areseparatedfrom hi111,allthat Calvin becomes a companion to keep our he hassufferedanddonefor thesalva tion ofthe humanrace remains useless eyesfixed on Christ and ofno value to us'10 is, in John, givenpositiveexplication. Indeed, this is the significant nexus in Calvin by meansofwhich Christologyandprac John's Christology Christ. That111ayseemto be an obvi tical Christianliving are related." John's Christologyismagnificentlyex ous and trivial thingto say,but alittle Divine sovereignty and election pounded, and.in particular there is a reflection will indicate how easily sensitivityto thefull, real and truehu preachingfrom the Gospels can focus Calvin, predictably, payscareful atten Inanity ofChrist that outstrips almost more on 'what this passage saysabout tion to John's emphasis on divine everything in the Christian literature us'thanon 'whatthispassagesaysabout sovereignty and predetermination. that preceded it. Calvin throbs with Christ.' We alltoo easilyleapfrogover Here he is helpful in ways that 111ay the robust, insightful andsensitive ex the Scriptures to ourselves and our surprise the new reader. In the Insti pression he gives to what it meantfor own situation and needs without giv tutes, he isprovidingaguideto biblical theWordto be madeflesh. For exam ingadequate attention to expounding theologyfor Christians. Yeteven there pIe: 'theSonofGodstoopedsolowas the character and work of Christ. his major focus on predestination lies to taketo Himselfthatfleshaddictedto Here Calvin becomesacompanionto withinthe contextofhis expositionof so lnanywretchednesses. "Flesh" here keep oureyesfixed onChrist'clothed how we receive the grace ofChrist is not used for corrupt nature (as in in the garments ofhis gospel' (to use (BookIll). Indeeditseems to be delib Paul), but for mortal man, It denotes his own beautiful expression). eratelylocated at the end ofBook III derogatorily his frail and almost tran asone ofthree ultimate dimensions in Harmonisation sient nature". It is refreshing to sense Christian experience - divine elec thathe actually believesinwhathe says Calvinapproachesthequestionofhar tion, prayer, and the resurrection. and delights to express it so that he monisation with great sanity. In In the Commentary onStJohn, how 11lay himselfcontemplate it. principlehe does notfeelboundto be ever, Calvin is able to expound Inthissame area,itissalutary to ob- able to harmonise everything. There electionin the contextofthe teaching ISSUE7.2 - WINTER2000 7 ofourLord. Thisgiveshim (and other but his empathy with the burdens of (ii) He deals with the question ofthe preachers) two advantages. Thefirstis the minister ofthe gospel is enor relationship between this account and that it is the teaching ofJesus himself mously encouraging." that ofthe other Gospels, and with a he is expounding. Some ofthe erno whole series ofharmonisation 'prob tional difficulties (prejudices?) Ierns': the number ofwomen; the Christians experience with election 3. ParticularIllustration difference in time-when didJesus ap begin to dissolve when we hear it pear to Mary (which he resolves in taughtfromthelips ofJesus. Secondly, Thebestbriefway to demonstratethe terms ofdifferentnarrativefunctions); it becollles clear thatJesus taught this value ofCalvinfor preachers isto ex thenatureofcommunicationsbetween doctrine largely within two contexts: amine one particular chapter ofthe MaryandJohnandPeter(inJohn) and (i) the need for his disciples to be en commentary asa kind ofhors d'oeuvre Mary and the eleven (in the couraged; (ii)his ownrejectionby the to whet the appetite. WhileJohn's Synoptics). religious unconverted. This does not Gospelwillbe preached through per It would be a drearyEastersermon diminish the full blown divine sover haps only once during years of that explained how problems ofhar eignty to which Calvinis committed, ministry, for most preachers Easter monisation in the Easter narrative are but it enables him to set it within a comesroundonceayear,withitscon to be resolved, and afoolish manwho personal, spiritual, moral context centration ofsermons on one theme, preached it! But the positive side of rather than an abstract metaphysical John chapter20 shouldtherefore pro what Calvindoes isthe way hepieces one.'? vide us with a test case broadly together the fragments as a whole to applicable sooner rather than later." provide oneunified account ofan ex Exposure ofhypocrisy In what follows Calvin's exposition traordinary mornirig. Thinking This last note brings us to a further willbe filteredin orderto indicatethe throughthese issueswithhimstrength striking aspect ofCalvins treatment. suggestiveness ofwhat he writes. He ens thesense oftherealityandwonder Heisespeciallypowerfulin his expos will not write your sermons for you ofthe events themselves, ing ofhypocrisy. He well grasps the (and ought never to be allowed to!), (iii)Butit iswhen Calvinlooks at the threadrunningthroughthefirst halfof but he does sit down alongsideyou in narrative from the perspective ofits John's Gospelofongoingoppositionto yourpreparation,like ateachersaying: lessons for us that his commentary and hatredofJesus by thosewhowore the lllask oftrue religion. And since he sees continuities between the Old He very carefully works God's word under the and NewCovenantchurches, Calvinis able to apply this in a cont~lllporary skin ofhypocrisy and irresistibly unmasks it way with considerable rigour. He speaks fromverypainfuland profound experience at this juncture. But his exposition is not asudden blast ofvi 'See that? See this? What can you comes into its own. Noting how re tuperation. He very carefully works make ofthis aspect, and that, ofthe markable it is that the disciples even God's word under the skin ofhypoc text?' went to the tomb, he views it asan il risy and irresistiblyunmasksit. 'Evenif His commentsfallfairly naturally into lustrationoftheway in whichthe seed the whole world should boil over in four sections: offaith can be smothered, yet brought rage, we mustproclaimGod's glory' is to life by an action ofthe Spirit set his watchword.13 within the context ofa providential TheDiscoveryofthe Resurrection workofGod. This drove the disciples Theburdens ofministry 20:1·10 back to the Scriptures (e.g. Is. 55:3 Finally, Calvin's exposition is full of (i) Calvin draws'our attention here to interpreted in terms ofActs 13:34; Ps telling passages and a substantial the sheer abundance ofevidence for 16:10; 110:1; Is. 53:8) which they number ofone-liners which leap out the resurrection. Like Paul (1 Cor. had known but did not well under ofthe page at the preacherto indicate 15:5-8), he isimpressedby theforce of stand. Here is one ofthose instances that here is a man who has sat where the resurrected Christ's appearances. when an event becomes a 'mirror' of he sits,strugglingwiththe greattaskof But why didJesus appear first to the characteristic working ofGod leading the flock ofChrist, bearing women, whosepositionin contempo asisalsotrue, for Calvin, oftheway in with their infirmities and seeking to rary society was so low? Calvin's which Peter is slower thanJohn in lead them to maturity and fruitfulness response is not to deny the presuppo reachingthe tomb, butentersitfirst throughthe ministryoftheword. Not sition but to reject the implied many have more given to them at the only is his understanding ofthe laby deduction: Precisely (!)-this istheway end than appears at the beginning! rinth ofthe human heart profound, God works (1 Cor.l:28). (iv) There is a striking note on the 8 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY ings that are in Christ. In addition he notes how expressive ofGod's graceit this encounter with MaY}' becomes in Calvin's isthatMary, from whomJesus castout seven demons, shouldbe the first hu hands a mirror ofdivine calling ll1anwitness ofhisresurrection. Calvin sees in this God bringing her 'out of the deepest hell to raise her above significance ofthe linen cloths; they Jesus is the Good Shepherd who heaven'.18 are 'so to say,the slough,whichwould knows his sheep and calls thern by produce faith in Christ's resurrec namein such awaythat the sheep rec tion'.16 With solid COll11110n sense ognise his voice and follow him Qn. Breathingofthe Spirit 20:19-23 Calvincommentsthatyou do notstrip 10:3-4,14). Thus, (a)Jesus callsMary This third section is a well-known abodyifyourintentionisto stealit!In by name, (b) His voicepenetrates in crux inJohannine studies. In general John's observation that the napkin wardly, awakening recognition. (c) Calvinnotes the providenceofGodin whichhad coveredJesus' headandface Recognising Christasrisen, she trusts gathering the disciples together; but lay separate from the linen shroud (In and honours him. suggests that the closed doors shows 20:7), Calvinfindsinterestinggrounds ButifMary hascome to faith, why theirlack offaith. Incidentally,he does here for the refutation ofsuch relics as the insistenceonnottouchinghim notbelieve thatJohn suggests thatJe the Turin Shroud. especially in view ofMatthew 28:9 suspassed throughacloseddoor. And In different ways these conunents ('They... clasped his feet... '), and the further, he rejects the popularidea of surely help to prime 1110Stpumps! invitation given to Thomas later in Christ now having 'rich wounds, yet John 20:27? Calvin answers: the grip visible above, in beauty glorified.' ofMatthew28:9 wasthe grip ofwor Here three questions are faced EncounterwithMary 20:11-18 ship,notofpossessiveness. HereMary's which almost invite homiletical for In harmonising the resurrection ac zealwasnusplaced, aholdingon to his Ululation: counts, Calvin concluded that other earthlybody, areturnto the pre-resur (i)What is the significance of the women were present with Mary, but rection world. The purpose ofthe event? It is Christ's appointing ofthe he rejects the idea thatthe reasonJohn resurrection is not that he should re apostles to theirordinaryfuture office. does notmentiontheirpresenceisthat main thus in this world, but that he Hehad beentheirteacher: now, ashis they fainted. Wise man! Indeed, he should enter into his kingdom and 'sent ones', they are to have the saUle chastises the women for their useless from his throne govern the church function, role, and authority. weeping. through the Spirit. (ii) What is the meaning ofthe Primarily, however, this encounter (iii) A Commission isreceived. The breathing? It is a symbolic act by with Mary becomes in Calvin's hands womenreturnto tellothers. Doesthis which Christ institutes the apostles a mirror ofdivine calling. Here his ground an argument for women's of into their new ministry, puttingforth sense is evident thatJesus never deals fice in the church, asks Calvin in the power ofthe Spirit. The whole withpeoplemerelyin terms ofsurface passing?No, he responds, and provides event is a stage en route to Pentecost. relationships. Whatwe have isapara us with one ofhis nlany well-crafted This wasasprinkling,thatanoutpour digm ofwhatChristdoesnowthrough one-liners: Christneverintends what ing ofthe Spirit. the Spirit. is 'done by a single privilege to be On a polemical note with a con (i) Mary's understanding is veiled. taken asan example'.17 temporaryring, Calvinpointsoutthat Christpresents himselfto her, buthe is Understanding veiled, illumination thisbreathingbelongsto Christalone, not yet recognised. Similarly our given, commission received. The not to men or bishops - who 'boast minds are coveredin folly; we are be movement from reading the passage ofmaking sacrificing priests when wildered spiritually. Mary (like us) is with Calvin's help to formulating a they belch over them'! All they do, concerned with earthly things (jesus' progressive series ofpointsorstagesin Calvin noteswith obvious relish, isto body). Like us, there is no room for expositionand applicationis- atleast 'change horses into asses'.19 It is not resurrection in her thinking. So she in this case- almostpainless! too difficult to deducewhat his corn does not, indeed cannot, recognise Two interesting further points mentsmightbe on analogouspractices him, should be touched on here. Calvin today. (ii) Illumination is given. Jesus' treats the words 'U1Y Father and your The overall principle to be empha physical appearanceisunchanged. But Father...nlYGodand yourGod' not sised is clear: when Christ ordains to he now assumes the characterofMas asunderlining the differentiation be ministryhefurnishes withallnecessary ter, andspeakswithasovereignaccent. tween Christand believers, butrather gifts. The word and the Spirit are Thispreciselymirrors the moredidac theiradoptioninto the family ofGod, conjoined, asalwaysfor Calvin. tic form ofthe same truth inJohn 10: whereby they partake ofallthe bless- (iii) In what sense could the apostles ISSUE7.2 - WINTER2000 9 pardon sins? Calvin notes that in this applicationis:Lookatthepassage,see Endnotes contextJesusiscommissioningthemto Jesus; understandthe Spirit's ministry: preach the gospel; since pardon isthe now see yourself. This is a helpful 1 For background to Calvin as a biblical fruit oftheirpreaching, it mustbe the hermeneutical safeguard against the commentator, see T.H.L. Parker's means implied, Notauricularconfes unhealthy aspects ofatendency to ei Calvin's New Testament Commentaries, sion but gospel proclamation is the ther moralism or naked exemplarism. London, 1971 and hislater Calvin'sOld instrument offorgiveness. What we Calvin concludeswith notes drawn TestamentCommentaries,Edinburgh1986. need is 'Not confessors who speak in from the promise ofblessing which is 2John Calvinto the Reader, Institutes ofthe lowmutters butheralds who speak up given to believing without seeing. ChristianReligion,trs.EL.Battles,ed.J.T. and seal in hearts the grace ofthe First, to clear the ground ofany naive McNeill, Westminster Press, Philadel atonement.?" misunderstanding, he harmonises this phia, 1960, pp.4-S. sayingwith Matthew13:16.Secondly, 3Thephrase isCalvin's own. See the Dedi he draws from this principle the con catoryLetterto Simon Grynaeus in his ConfessionofThomas 20:24-29 clusion that the doctrine ofand belief Commentaryon Romans. In this final section, Calvin draws at in transubstantiation represent sheer 4Allreferences arefrom Calvin'sCommentar tentionto thescopusofthenarrativeof frivolity. ies:The Gospelaccording toStJohn, trs., Thomas' unbelief it serves to confirm T.H.L. Parker, eds. D.W. and T.E Conclusion the faith ofthe godly. Torrance,Edinburgh,vol. 1,1959;vol.2, Thomas isseen asobstinate, proud, He closes with comments on verses 1961. For convenienceofreference the and wise in his own eyes. YetJesus 30-31: 111anyothersignsgiven to that text on which Calvin iscommentingis condescends to him, not just for agewere notrecordedfor usaccording alsogiven. Thomas' own sake, but "for us. toJohn 20:30. For Calvin - and in 5Vo1.1,p.5 ('TheTheme'). Thomasrepresentsfaith buried,which deed for the Catholic Church 6p.6 ('TheTheme'). in God's grace is revived - like miracles acted asconfirmation ofrev 7Vol1, p.20. On)n.1:14. David's was until Nathan call1e. elation. That waswhy, in the Address 8 For example, his approach to the Temple Undergirdingthisliesanotherprin to Francis I which prefaced the Insti cleansings,vol. 1.p.51. On)n.2:12-17. ciple. God holds, restrains and keeps tutes he had found it necessary to 9For example,vol. 1,pp.24-25,onJn. 1:17; hiselectby asecretbridle, althoughin defend his cessationist position over vol. 1,pp.137-9, on)n. 5:37-39; vol.l, themselves they are asguilty asifthey against the Roman criticism that the p.143, on]n. 5:46-47. had renounced the faith. Reformation gospel had no attesting 10Institutes, Ill. 1.1. This leads to his comments on miracles, Here, asthere, he defends the 11For example, vol. 1,p.199, onIn. 7:38. Thomas' confession, 'MyLordand Iny Reformation by pointingoutthat the 12For example,vol. 1,p.160ff, onJn. 6:37- God.' The doubter's recognition of gospel isalready sufficiently attested." 39. Jesus' incarnateidentityleadsto acon Thefact thatthese miracles have been 13Vol.1,p.120, on)n.7:9; cf.alsovol. 1,p. fession of eternal deity. Here recorded assures us in an age when 183-4, onIn. 7:9-13.; vol. 2, pp. 108, Christology fro111 below meets miracles are not given that gospel has 113-4, on)n. 15:23 and 16:2. Christology from above! But, Calvin already been abundantly confirmed 14 For example, vol. 2, p.64, on )n.13:20; adds,we cannotconfess Christtrulyas once-and-for-all. vol. 2, p. 104, on )n. 15:17; vo1.2, Lord withoutrecognisinghimasGod. TheGospel ofJohnwaswrittenthat pp.218-221, on)n. 21:15-17. Here again Calvin's 'mirror princi we might believe and have life. This, 15Vol.2, pp.191-214, onJohn chapterZf). ple' for drawing application from a then, saysCalvin, isthe chiefhead of 16Vo1.2,p. 193, on)n.20:5. narrative passage ofScripture is evi John's teaching: outside ofChrist we 17Vo1.2,p. 200, on)0.20:17. dent. It should be carefully are dead; by his grace restored. The 18Vol.2,p.200, onIn. 20:17. distinguished from a moralistic and Gospelasawhole, and each chapterin 19Vo1.2,p.204-6, on)n. 20:22-23. even an exemplaryuse ofthe text. Itis it, should be read and expounded in 20 Vo1.2,p.208, onJo. 20:23. in fact a Christocentric use. He does thislight. Preciselythisiswhathe helps 21 Institutes, p. 17. not 1110ve in his exposition immedi usto do in histreatnlentofchapter20, ately from Thomas to us. Rather, he andindeedofthe whole gospel. Calvin begins with Christ. He then 1110ves isnot a quick fix, but he isan invalu from Christto Thomas, from Thomas able companion in the life-long to Christ, and then to us viathe prin adventure ofpreaching the word! ciple that Christ sends the Spirit to continuethe very ministryhe had thus This paper is the substance ofan begun (cf. In. 14:16; 16:7-11). He address given at Rutherford does not say: Look at the passage, see House's CalvinforPreachers Jtieekin yourself. Rather the dynamic ofhis September 2000.