2.16.2009

Irreconcilable War

Calvin's Institutes
Book 1 - Knowledge of God the Creator
Chapter 14 - Even in Creation Scripture distinguishes the True God from false gods
Sections 13-19 - The devils in the purposes of God
Section 13 - Scripture forearms us against the adversary
by cautioning us of his power (2 Cor 4:4; John 12:31; Luke 11:21; Eph 2:2; 1 Pet 5:8).
to resist and fight him (1 Pet 5:9; Eph 6:12ff).

Section 14 - The realm of wickedness
We have legions of enemies.
Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2; Matt 12:43-45; Luke 8:30; Matt 25:41.

Section 15 - An irreconcilable struggle
Satan is our adversary and enemy.
"We must wage irreconcilable war with him."
He plots our ruin, and Christ's Kingdom with "consummate depravity."
Matt 13:28, 39; Matt 13:25; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8.

Section 16 - The devil is a degenerate creation of God
He was created good, and perverted himself.
John 8:44 hints that he was in the truth once.
The fall of demons isn't told in detail, "because this has nothing to do with us."
We are told only that they were judged for their sin (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6; 1 Tim 5:21).

Section 17 - Satan stands under God's power
He can do nothing without God's permission - Job 1:6, 12; 2:1, 6; 2 Kings 22:20-22
Examples of his work: 1 Sam 16:14; 18:10; Ps 78:49; 2 Thess 2:9.
Even Satan's resistance to God depends on God's allowing it.
He doesn't want to obey God, but God reins and bridles him.

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