Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
Nobody seriously believes the universe was made by God without being persuaded that He takes care of His works.
Interpretation
What this quote means
John Calvin suggests that belief in God implies belief in His ongoing care for the universe.
This quote reflects John Calvin's perspective on the relationship between God and the universe. It emphasizes that true belief in God entails an understanding that He is not only the creator of everything but also actively involved in sustaining and caring for His creation. This notion challenges the idea of a deistic God, who creates the universe but does not interfere with it afterwards, and presents a view of a God who remains engaged with His works.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the role of faith in our lives, one could use this quote to highlight the belief in a caring deity.
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.
Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
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.
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.
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
Similar quotes
Man, as the minister and interpreter of nature, is limited in act and understanding by his observation of the order of nature; neither his understanding nor his power extends further.
If people become accustomed to lying, they will unconsciously commit every possible wrong deed. Before they can act wickedly, they must lie and once they begin to lie they will act wickedly without concern.
I would not have thee believe in what I say nor trust in what I do β for my words are naught but thy own thoughts in sound and my deeds thy own hopes in action.
You'll see that the strong, the affirmative, the positive voice in any of the plays I've written is that of a woman. My men are, well, not quite worthless, but they are certainly weak, and that reflects the reality I grew up with and what I think has in a sense shaped me.
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.
Lord, grant that anger or other bitterness does not reign over us, but that your grace, genuine kindness, loyalty, and every kind of friendliness, generosity, and gentleness may reign in us. Amen