Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
The human heart is a factory of idols...Everyon e of us is, from his mother's womb, expert in inventing idols.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that humans inherently create false idols, or things we worship, often from a very young age.
John Calvin's quote emphasizes the notion that the human heart has a natural inclination to create idols, or objects of affection and desire, that can lead us astray. It implies that from our earliest days, we develop attachments to various ideals, beliefs, or material pursuits that can distract us from true purpose or virtue, making it crucial to be aware of our inclinations towards idolatry.
Themes
IdolsHeartDesireFaithWorship
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about materialism, this quote can remind congregants of the dangers of idolizing possessions.
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
Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
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
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