Indebted to God.

Now let us see if we are to be excused when we defraud God of his due by disdaining to open our lips to confess how much we are bound and indebted to him after we have received so many benefits at his hand. Let all the blessings that all the men in the world can give to God be laid in the balance against the blessing with which he enriches them; and which has the greater worth? All that they can put forward is that it is needful for them to confess that they can neither say nor do anything that is worth while, whereas at the same time God shows us that he has all that is requisite for our happiness. Therefore it is not without reason that Paul says here that the faithful must fully devote and apply their minds and endeavours to bless the name of God, seeing that he gives them so great cause, for otherwise they would be unthankful and churlish… 

When he says ‘the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’, it must be explained in this way, that the God whom we feel so favourable to us is the Father of our Lord Christ. This circumstance deserves to be noted well.

-o0o0o-

Calvin is at pains to emphasise the innumerable blessings that God has given us.  Section after section, he highlights God’s sheer goodness to guilty worms such as we are.  His utter astonishment at His treatment of us is unmatched.  Hence, the passion with which he calls us to worship and praise His great and holy Name.  Have you really worshipped Him today?  Has your heart been filled with love for Him?  Do you know personal assurance of His love for you?  Then, thank Him.  If not, seek Him for this most precious spiritual gift and blessing, and He’ll give it to you.