Outside Reading #3

"When the Lord entrusted this mission to his apostles to be carried into all nations... it was important for them to be convinced that in such anxiety, difficulty, and danger, they were doing God's work; also, for them to recognize that God stood beside them while world opposed and attacked them." - John Calvin, Institutes for Christian Religion, 1213 

In this section, Calvin is discussing his theology of the keys, specifically in reference to Matthew 16 and 18. This refers to the authority that God has given the apostles and by extension, the authority that God has given us. Specifically, he discusses this in an opposition standpoint, reading in the incredible persecution that the apostles faced during the early days of the church. It is of particular note that Calvin ensures that his readers understand that God was working with the apostles and they were not left to accomplish his work alone. God standing beside us brings a sobering thought as we evaluate the work of the church today. Furthermore, as we continue on our sacred journey towards meeting Christ face to face, it gives me hope to know that my time spent on earth is not in vain but a part of my journey with God standing right beside me. 

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