Our Redeemer - 9 September 2010 |
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Here are the questions for session 31 (year 2, session 1) of the Emmanuel Evangelical Church Guided Reading Course.
And a little something from Augustine as a taste of things to come: God “knew how, at the same time, to hate in each one of us what we had made, and to love what he had made” (Augustine, quoted in Calvin, Institutes, II.xvi.4).
Calvin, Institutes, II.xv-xvii
II.xv
1. Why, in Calvin’s view, does the title “Christ” pertain to all three offices of Prophet, Priest and King (II.xv.1)?
2. What biblical passages does Calvin cite to flesh out the meaning of Christ’s prophetic office (II.xv.2)? How is Christ’s prophetic office related to the unfolding story of God’s covenants in redemptive history?
3. “This anointing was diffused from the head to the members … Outside Christ there is nothing worth knowing, and all who by faith perceive who he is have grasped the whole immensity of heavenly benefits” (II.xv.2). What does this mean, and why is it important?
4. Calvin says that Christ’s kingship is “spiritual in nature” (II.xv.3). What does he mean by this, and what inferences does he draw? (II.xv.3-5)
5. How does Calvin contrast “this earthly life” and “the heavenly life” (II.xv.4)? Do you agree?
6. What does Christ do in his priestly office (II.xv.6)?
II.xvi
7. How does Calvin describe the problem that Christ’s redemptive work must overcome (II.xvi.1)
8. “If God was angry with us because of our sin, how could he have loved us enough to send his son to redeem us?” How would Calvin reply? (II.xvi.2-4)
9. How, precisely, does Calvin believe Christ has abolished sin, reconciled us to God and “acquired righteousness” for us (II.xvi.5)?
10. How would Calvin wish to nuance the statement, “Christ fell under a curse on the cross” (II.xvi.6)?
11. What does Calvin think is meant by the creedal statement, “He descended into hell” (II.xvi.8-12)? Do you agree?
12. What, according to Calvin, did Christ’s resurrection accomplish (II.xvi.13)? Would you want to add anything here?
13. What did Christ achieve in his ascension (II.xvi.14, 16)? Why is this significant?
14. Why is it significant that our Judge is our Redeemer (II.xvi.18)?
II.xvii
15. Why do some people dislike the word “merit” (II.xvii.1)? Do you think their concern is legitimate? How does Calvin respond (II.xvii.2)?
16. “I admit, if anyone would simply set Christ by himself over against God’s judgment, there will be no place for merit. For no worthiness will be found in man to deserve God’s favor” (II.xvii.1). What does this mean? Why is it important?
17. What does Calvin seek to demonstrate by his citation of Galatians 3 and Isaiah 53 in II.xvii.4?
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Guided Reading Course, Minister's Blog