Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on humanity's need to recognize its limitations and frailty in contrast to the divine.
John Calvin emphasizes that individuals often fail to grasp the full depth of their own insignificance until they measure themselves against the greatness of God. This comparison serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the vastness of divine majesty, prompting deeper self-reflection and awareness of one's spiritual state.
Themes
HumilityDivinitySelf-AwarenessReflectionInsignificance
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing humility, a speaker might quote Calvin to emphasize the need for self-reflection.
More from John Calvin
All quotes βThe pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
John CalvinRead
Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
John CalvinRead
For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
John CalvinRead
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
John CalvinRead
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, there a church of God exists, even if it swarms with many faults.
John CalvinRead
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