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Calvin on Idolatry: Citations from, “The Institutes of the Christian Religion.”

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References to Idolatry and Idols in Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion

John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion remains one of the most influential works in Protestant theology. Across its four books, Calvin addresses the knowledge of God, salvation in Christ, the life of faith, and the nature of the Church.

Among these themes, Calvin frequently warns against idolatry — the worship of created things instead of the Creator. His discussions span biblical prohibitions, theological arguments, and critiques of both ancient paganism and medieval church practices.

The following is a curated reference guide highlighting where Calvin speaks about idolatry, idols, and related practices in the Institutes. Each citation is organized by Book, Chapter, and Section, and includes a brief quotation for context.

This guide is designed for students, pastors, researchers, or anyone interested in tracing Calvin’s thoughts on one of the central theological concerns of the Reformation.

Table of Contents

Book 1: Of the Knowledge of God the Creator

Chapter 10: In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to All the Gods of the Heathen

“Tertullian also proves the same thing from the common forms of speech. In his book, De Idolatria.” (Mentions “idolatry” in the title of Tertullian’s work.)

“For this reason, Habakkuk (2:20), after condemning all idols, orders men to seek God in his temple, that the faithful may acknowledge none but Him, who has manifested himself in his word.” (Mentions “idols”.)

Chapter 11: Impiety of Attributing a Visible Form to God—The Setting Up of Idols a Defection from the True God

Section 1: “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Exod. 20:4-6). (Implicit reference to idols/images.)

Section 8: “There was a kind of renewal of the world at the deluge, but before many years elapse, men are forging gods at will. … The human mind, stuffed as it is with presumptuous rashness, dares to imagine a god suited to its own capacity; as it labours under dullness, nay, is sunk in the grossest ignorance, it substitutes vanity and an empty phantom in the place of God.” (Mentions “idolatry”, “idols”.)

“To these evils another is added. The god whom man has thus conceived inwardly he attempts to embody outwardly. The mind, in this way, conceives the idol, and the hand gives it birth. That idolatry has its origin in the idea which men have, that God is not present with them unless his presence is carnally exhibited…” (Mentions “idol”, “idolatry”.)

Section 9: “And because God wills not to be worshipped superstitiously whatever is bestowed upon idols is so much robbed from him. Let those attend to this who set about hunting for miserable pretexts in defence of the execrable idolatry…” (Mentions “idols”, “idolatry”.)

“It hence appears that men do not fall away to the worship of images until they have imbibed some idea of a grosser description… It makes no difference whether they worship the idol simply, or God in the idol; it is always idolatry when divine honours are paid to an idol, be the colour what it may.” (Mentions “idol”, “idolatry”.)

Section 10: “…they fight for them to blood and slaughter, as for their altars and hearths, showing more willingness to part with the one God than with their idols… I am only referring to what those profess who are most desirous to clear themselves of idolatry.” (Mentions “idols”, “idolatry”.)

Section 11: “…they think themselves blameless if they are only the servants, and not the worshippers, of idols; as if it were not a lighter matter to worship than to serve… Let them show how the things differ if they would be thought different from ancient idolaters.” (Mentions “idols”, “idolaters”.)

Chapter 12: God Distinguished from Idols, That He May Be the Exclusive Object of Worship

Section 1: “But God, in vindicating his own right, first proclaims that he is a jealous God, and will be a stern avenger if he is confounded with any false god…” (Implicit reference to idolatry through “false god”.)

Section 3: “Let it suffice to remember, that whatever offices of piety are bestowed anywhere else than on God alone, are of the nature of sacrilege. First, superstition attached divine honours to the sun and stars, or to idols…” (Mentions “idols”.)

Book 2: Of the Knowledge of God the Redeemer

Chapter 8: Exposition of the Moral Law

Section 12: “…in enumerating the commandments, he follows this order, Let one God be religiously obeyed, let no idol be worshipped…” (Mentions “idol”.)

Section 15: “…abandoning the living God, and setting up an idol.” (Mentions “idol”.)

Section 17: “The grossest vice here prohibited is external idolatry.” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Book 3: The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ

Chapter 14: The Beginning of Justification

Section 1: “Mankind, either endued with no knowledge of God, are sunk in idolatry…” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Section 2 (footnote): “…in the life of infidels and idolaters.” (Mentions “idolaters”.)

Chapter 20: Of Prayer

Section 14: “…they defraud him of his due honour just as much as if they were fabricating to themselves new gods and idols…” (Mentions “idols”.)

Book 4: Of the Holy Catholic Church

Chapter 2: Comparison Between the False Church and the True

Section 7: “…after they forsook the law of the Lord, and degenerated into idolatry and superstition…” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Section 9: “They have a grosser idolatry…” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Chapter 7: Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy

Section 24: “…so blinded by error and sunk in idolatry…” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Section 29: “…no more makes them the vicars of Christ, than it makes an idol to become God, when it is placed in the temple of God (2 Thess. 2:4).” (Mentions “idol”.)

Chapter 16: Paedobaptism

Section 6: “…so long as they were plunged in idolatry, were strangers to the covenant (Eph. 2:11).” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Chapter 17: Of the Lord’s Supper

Section 36: “This adoration is mere idolatry.” (Mentions “idolatry”.)

Source: John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, available at CCEL.org.

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Scripture Citations on God’s Sovereignty, Election, Aseity, and Omniscience.

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This document compiles key Bible passages from the 1995 New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), and Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) that address God’s sovereignty in election and predestination (of nations and individuals), His use of people for His purposes (including non-believers like Pharaoh), and His attributes of aseity and omniscience.

  1. God’s Sovereignty in Election and Predestination
    God’s sovereignty in election refers to His divine choice of nations (e.g., Israel) and individuals for salvation or specific purposes, rooted in His will, not human merit. Predestination describes His foreordaining of events or people’s destinies.
    Romans 9:10-18 (Election of Individuals and Nations)
    Context: Paul explains God’s sovereign choice in electing Jacob over Esau and Israel as His chosen nation, emphasizing that election depends on God’s purpose, not human works.

ESV (quoted): “And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” (Romans 9:10-18)
NASB 1995: Similar, uses “loved”/“hated” for Jacob/Esau; “running” instead of “exertion” in v.15.
LSB: Uses “Yahweh” in quotes (e.g., v.15, citing Moses); “slave” for “servant” in some contexts.
Note: This passage links election (Jacob, Israel) with God’s use of Pharaoh (see section 2).

Ephesians 1:4-5 (Predestination of Individuals)
Context: Paul describes believers as chosen by God before creation for salvation.

LSB (quoted): “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)
NASB 1995/ESV: Nearly identical; ESV uses “predestined” consistently, NASB capitalizes “Him.”
Note: Emphasizes predestination as God’s initiative, not human action.

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 (Election of Israel)
Context: God chooses Israel as His covenant people, not due to their merit but His love and promise.

NASB 1995 (quoted): “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers…” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)
ESV: Similar, uses “treasured possession” for “own possession.”
LSB: Uses “Yahweh” for “LORD”; otherwise aligned.
Note: Highlights national election based on God’s covenant, not Israel’s qualities.

Additional Citations

John 15:16 (NASB/ESV/LSB): Jesus says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (individual election of disciples).
Acts 13:48 (NASB/ESV/LSB): Gentiles believe as “appointed to eternal life,” showing divine appointment.
Romans 8:29-30 (NASB/ESV/LSB): Describes the “golden chain” of predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NASB/ESV/LSB): Believers chosen “from the beginning” for salvation.

  1. God’s Use of People for His Purposes (Including Non-Believers)
    God sovereignly uses both believers and non-believers to accomplish His will, as seen in Pharaoh’s hardening or Cyrus’s role in Israel’s restoration.
    Exodus 7:3-4; 9:16 (Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart)
    Context: God hardens Pharaoh’s heart to demonstrate His power and glory through the Exodus.

ESV (quoted): “But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you…” (Exodus 7:3-4); “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16)
NASB 1995: Uses “make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn” for “harden”; similar in 9:16.
LSB: Uses “Yahweh” and “make stubborn” in 7:3; identical in 9:16.
Note: Pharaoh, a non-believer, is used to magnify God’s name, showing His control over human will.

Isaiah 45:1-5 (Cyrus as God’s Instrument)
Context: God anoints Cyrus, a pagan king, to deliver Israel, despite Cyrus not knowing Him.

LSB (quoted): “Thus says Yahweh to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have strengthened… ‘I will go before you… that you may know that I am Yahweh, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. For the sake of My servant Jacob and Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name… though you have not known Me.’” (Isaiah 45:1, 4-5)
NASB 1995/ESV: Use “LORD” instead of “Yahweh”; ESV has “grasped” for “strengthened.”
Note: God uses a non-believer for His redemptive plan, showing sovereignty over nations.

Additional Citations

Habakkuk 1:6 (NASB/ESV/LSB): God raises the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to judge Judah, using a pagan nation.
John 19:10-11 (NASB/ESV/LSB): Jesus tells Pilate his authority comes from God, despite Pilate’s unbelief.
Romans 9:17 (NASB/ESV/LSB): Reiterates Exodus 9:16 about Pharaoh’s role.

  1. God’s Aseity and Omniscience
    Aseity: God’s self-existence, independent of creation, needing nothing outside Himself. Omniscience: God’s perfect, complete knowledge of all things, past, present, and future.
    Isaiah 46:9-10 (God’s Omniscience and Sovereignty)
    Context: God declares His unique knowledge and control over history.

NASB 1995 (quoted): “Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10)
ESV: Uses “counsel” for “purpose”; otherwise similar.
LSB: Uses “Yahweh” and “counsel”; aligns closely.
Note: Shows God’s omniscience (knowing the end from the beginning) and aseity (unique, self-existent).

John 1:1-3 (God’s Aseity)
Context: The Word (Christ) is eternal, uncreated, and the source of all creation.

ESV (quoted): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)
NASB 1995/LSB: Nearly identical; LSB capitalizes “Him” consistently.
Note: Establishes God’s self-existence, as He preexists and creates all things.

Psalm 139:1-4, 16 (God’s Omniscience)
Context: David marvels at God’s complete knowledge of him, including future events.

LSB (quoted): “O Yahweh, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar… Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Yahweh, You know it all… Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book all were written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” (Psalm 139:1-2, 4, 16)
NASB 1995/ESV: Use “LORD” for “Yahweh”; ESV has “discern” for “understand.”
Note: Highlights God’s omniscience in knowing all actions, thoughts, and preordained days.

Additional Citations

Acts 17:24-25 (NASB/ESV/LSB): God, as Creator, “does not dwell in temples made with hands” and needs nothing (aseity).
Hebrews 4:13 (NASB/ESV/LSB): “All things are open and laid bare” to God, showing omniscience.
1 John 3:20 (NASB/ESV/LSB): God “knows all things,” affirming His complete knowledge.

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God’s Sovereign Election: The Early Church and the Timeless God

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

Hey there, folks! Grab your coffee, your Bible, and a comfy chair. We’re diving into a topic that sets my heart on fire: God’s sovereign election. I’m no ivory-tower theologian. I’ve been digging into Scripture and the early church fathers. Let me tell you. The idea that God picked His people before the world was spoken into existence isn’t just some Calvinist flex. It’s rooted deep in the Bible, echoed by the early Christians before Nicaea (A.D. 325), and flows straight from God’s awesome nature as the trans-temporal, omnipresent, spacetime-transcending King. I’m pulling from the 10-volume Ante-Nicene Fathers (ANF) collection, free for all you theology nerds at www.ccel.org, to show how those old-school Christians talked about God’s eternal choice. Big thanks to Reformed champs like Monergism.com, Grace to You, Ligonier.org, DesiringGod.org, The Gospel Coalition, and A Puritan’s Mind for the pointers. Let’s unpack this, crack a few smiles, and marvel at a God who’s bigger than time itself.

God isn’t stuck in our timeline, ticking off days like we do. He’s trans-temporal, existing outside and above time, omnipresent in every moment, and transcending the spacetime we’re locked in. This means His choice of the elect happened in eternity past, before “In the beginning,” because He sees all history at once. His sovereign election had to happen that way—He’s not waiting around to see who picks Him. But here’s the kicker: you and I, stuck in our Monday-to-Friday grind, don’t have to wrap our heads around this eternal act to be saved. It’s true forever in God’s realm, whether we get it or not. More on that later. For now, know that the early Christians weren’t writing Westminster Confession drafts over chariot races. They were battling heresies like Gnosticism, defending the faith, and explaining why Jesus isn’t another pagan deity. Their words aren’t always systematic. When you read them with Ephesians 1:4-5 in mind, “he chose us in him before the foundation of the world… having predestined us,” you see glimmers of a God who’s timelessly sovereign. I’ll define election, walk through the ANF quotes, tie in God’s timelessness, and wrap up with why this matters for us time-bound creatures.

What’s Sovereign Election, and Why Does God’s Timelessness Matter?

Let’s break it down. Sovereign election is God, in His infinite wisdom, love, and power, choosing His people for salvation before time even started. It’s not because we were holy, prayerful, or had a stellar testimony. Nope, it’s His call, His grace, and His plan. Predestination seals the deal. God didn’t just pick His people. He set their eternal destiny, think golden tickets to glory, before He kicked off creation. John Piper at DesiringGod.org calls it “unconditional grace from eternity past.” R.C. Sproul’s crew at Ligonier.org says it’s God’s “eternal decree.” He’s the boss, no debate.

Here’s where it gets wild. God isn’t bound by clocks or calendars. He’s trans-temporal, meaning He exists outside time’s flow, seeing past, present, and future all at once. He’s omnipresent, everywhere and everywhen, and He transcends spacetime, the fabric we’re stuck in. This isn’t just cool theology. It’s why election happens in eternity past. God doesn’t choose based on what we do in time—He’s already planned it from His eternal now, where every moment is present to Him. Picture it like God’s got the whole movie of history playing at once, and He wrote the script before the opening credits. That’s why Ephesians 1:4 says “before the foundation of the world.” His timeless nature demands a sovereign choice that’s not reacting to our temporal choices.

But here’s the comfort for us time-trapped folks: we don’t have to see or understand this eternal act to be saved. God’s eternal choice is true in His realm, where time doesn’t limit Him. In our temporal existence, we experience faith, repentance, and growth step by step. We don’t need to peek behind the eternal curtain to trust Jesus. His timeless decree holds firm, even if we’re just trying to survive Monday. Reformed sites, like Monergism.com, Grace to You, and A Puritan’s Mind, show the early fathers were picking up this notion. Irenaeus, for instance, links predestination to God’s love-driven choice, not a sneak peek at our decisions. Arminians or Orthodox folks might argue the fathers meant foreseen faith. This is just silly. It would violate God’s omniscience. He would be looking forward to learn who would choose Him. When you read these texts, God’s “foreknowledge” looks like Him setting the stage, not watching our audition. Let’s see what the early Church thought.

The Early Church Fathers: Echoes of a Timeless God’s Election

The Ante-Nicene Fathers collection is a theological treasure chest, packed with writings from guys like Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Tertullian, who were preaching, teaching, and fighting for the faith. You won’t find “predestination” on every page. Greek terms like proorizo (“determine beforehand”) are rare. Words like “foreknown,” “ordained,” “chosen,” and “elect” show up in ways that point to a God who’s above time, choosing His people in His eternal now. I’ve scoured the ANF, with help from Reformed sites, and organized the gems by volume, grouping them into three themes: (1) God’s foreknowledge as His timeless blueprint, (2) Predestination to adoption, glory, and sonship, and (3) The elect picked before time existed.

Volume 1: Clement, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus

Starting with Volume 1, we’ve got the heavy hitters. Clement of Rome, in 1 Clement (Ch. 32:4), says, “We, therefore, who have been called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves… but by that faith through which Almighty God has justified all men from the beginning.” Plain and simple? God’s been calling His people forever. It’s His work, not ours. No gold stars for effort.

Clement keeps it going in Ch. 46:7-8; 49:5-6; 59:2; 64:1: “Let us cleave unto those to whom grace is given from God… By love are all the elect of God made perfect… For He foreknowing all things, He knoweth the thoughts of our hearts… [God] has predestinated us from the beginning unto adoption as sons by Jesus Christ unto Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” A Puritan’s Mind loves this. God’s foreknowledge isn’t Him checking our future box score. It’s His timeless, eternal choice, made outside our calendar, picking His people before the world was a sketch, all by His grace, love, and will.

Ignatius, in his Epistle to the Ephesians (Introduction), calls the church “predestined before the ages… that is, to the eternal and unchangeable glory.” In Magnesians (Ch. 8), he adds, “The elect are those who are united to Him… predestined in the counsel of God.” DesiringGod.org sees this as election before the Big Bang, rooted in God’s trans-temporal counsel, where “before the ages” is His eternal now. I’m like, “That’s my God!”

Justin Martyr, in First Apology (Ch. 43), writes, “We have been formed after His likeness, predestinated according to the prescience of the Father, that we, who had as yet no existence, might come into being.” Grace to You says this is God’s sovereign plan, made outside time’s limits. His prescience isn’t a prediction but a timeless decree.

Irenaeus, taking on Gnostic cultists in Against Heresies (Bk. 4, Ch. 37:5), says, “God hath completed the number which He before determined with Himself, all those who are written, or ordained unto eternal life… Being predestined indeed according to the love of the Father.” In Bk. 3, Ch. 16:6: “Those whom God foreknew He also predestined… God foreknowing all things, prepared fit habitations for both.” Monergism.com agrees with this. God’s eternal headcount of the elect, set by His love before time existed, shows His trans-temporal nature calling the shots.

Volumes 2 to 4: Apologetic All-Stars: Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Origen

In Volume 2, Clement of Alexandria in Stromata (Bk. 5, Ch. 14) says, “The elect of God are saved… those who before the foundation of the world are known intimately by God unto faith; that is, are appointed by Him to faith.” In Instructor (Bk. 1, Ch. 7), he adds, “The Lord… predestined us to adoption as children.” Monergism.com notes this is God handpicking folks for faith in His eternal now, before the universe got its building permit.

Tertullian, in Against Marcion (Bk. 5, Ch. 6), declares, “Predestined by God before the world was… to be conformed to the image of His Son.” Ligonier.org loves how this ties God’s timeless plan to shaping us like Jesus, outside the bounds of spacetime.

Origen, a bit of a wild card, says in De Principiis (Bk. 1, Ch. 6), “The elect are those foreordained by God… from the beginning.” In commentaries, he adds, “Chosen before the world.” The Gospel Coalition points out this reflects a God who transcends time, choosing His elect in eternity. Origen’s theology can get wonky, but this part works with God’s timeless sovereignty.

Volumes 5 to 10: The Later Crew: Hippolytus, Novatian, Methodius, and Lactantius

In Volume 5, Hippolytus in Refutation of All Heresies (Bk. 1, Preface) says, “The elect are called according to His purpose… predestined unto glory.” Novatian, in Treatise on the Trinity (Ch. 1), adds, “God… foreknowing and predestining the faithful.”

Methodius, in Banquet of the Ten Virgins (Disc. 8), writes, “Predestined to be conformed to the image… from the foundation.” Lactantius, in Divine Institutions (Bk. 7, Ch. 4), says, “God has foreordained the elect to eternal life.” These all point to a God whose eternal, trans-temporal will sets the elect’s destiny before time began.

Volumes 8 to 10 are like bonus tracks. They include apocryphal stuff and indices that don’t add much new but echo God’s timeless choice.

Why This Matters for Us Time-Bound Folks

So, what’s the takeaway? These early Christians, writing 1,800 years ago, show that God’s sovereign election isn’t a Reformation invention. It’s a golden thread through Christian history, woven by a God who’s trans-temporal, omnipresent, and above spacetime. He chose His people, set their course for glory, and locked it in before the stars lit up, all because His eternal perspective sees every moment at once. The Gospel Coalition says this aligns with Reformed truth. I’ll be fair. Some Arminians or Orthodox folks see more room for free will or foreseen faith in these texts. When I read Clement, Irenaeus, and their contemporaries, I hear a God whose timeless sovereignty rules, especially when they’re shutting down heretics trying to steal His glory.

Here’s the beauty for us time-bound creatures. We don’t have to grasp God’s eternal, trans-temporal decree to be saved. His choice in eternity past is true in His realm, where time doesn’t bind Him. In our temporal lives, we experience faith, repentance, and growth one day at a time. We don’t need to see the eternal blueprint to trust Jesus. It’s like trusting the architect while living in the house. Life’s messy: bills, kids, and that neighbor who mows at 7 a.m. Knowing God chose us before time began, in His eternal now? That’s a spiritual hug from the Creator. It humbles me, fuels my gratitude, and gives me confidence that He’s got this. Check out the ANF at ccel.org yourself. Dive into the old-school wisdom. What stirs your soul? How does God’s timeless grace shape your walk? Drop a comment below. Let’s chew on this together!

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A Woman’s Work Is Never Done… Baloney!

Bob Snyder2 Comments

We’ve all heard the line, “A woman’s work is never done.” Guess what… A man’s work is never done either. It is part of the curse of the fall. Get over yourselves. You are not victims. You are the criminals. We have all broken God’s laws, and deserve death, and hell. Repent of your feelings of being a victim. Realize you are the criminal. While we are at it, get rid of the saying, “Happy wife, happy life.” That is what got us into this curse to begin with. If Adam would have slapped the fruit out of Eve’s hand, yelled, “No!” We wouldn’t be in this mess.

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Do You Love Her?

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

Navigating the Waters of Love: Deciding if You’re Ready for Marriage

As a young man, I faced a daunting question: did I love my girlfriend enough to marry her? I turned to my father for guidance, but he refused to make the decision for me. “No matter what I tell you to do,” he said, “if it didn’t work out, you would blame me.” Fast forward 34 years, and I’m still married to that same woman. We tied the knot when I was just a month shy of turning 20.

Many young people today find themselves in similar situations, unsure if they are truly “in love.” This uncertainty is why I’m writing this post—to help clarify what it truly means to love someone as a spouse. From birth, we’re fed lies about romantic love through movies, music, books, and websites. These sources often present nebulous, worldly ideals that aren’t always healthy. To find true guidance, we need to turn to the Creator of mankind and the institution of marriage: God.

The Struggle Between Love and Lust

As a young man, I struggled to distinguish between love and lust. I enjoyed being with my girlfriend—her soft, feminine nature, her scent, her beauty, and the way she looked at me. But is that love? In today’s world, marriage is a high-risk bet for young people. Choosing the wrong partner can jeopardize their futures. To mitigate this risk, we need to clear up the language and ideas surrounding love and marriage. Let’s try to unmuddy the waters.

God’s Design for Marriage

God created mankind, starting with Adam. He declared that it was not good for Adam to be alone and made Eve as his helpmate. Adam was formed from the dirt, but Eve was made specifically for Adam. If modern men and women refuse to submit to the basic truths of God’s Word, they will find strife in life and have disordered minds. Christians must marry Christians, but this is just the starting point. You need to know the person’s character and ensure you agree on the primary articles of faith. If you haven’t known the person long enough to verify their beliefs, don’t rush into marriage.

Physical Attraction and Compatibility

Physical attraction is a good starting point, but it isn’t everything. If you can’t see yourself having children with the person you’re with, you might be with the wrong one. Constant disgust with their habits or behaviors is a red flag. Remember, there is no perfect person out there. Waiting for “Mr. or Ms. Right” might cause you to miss the person God has placed right in front of you. Your “friend-zoned” person might actually be the one.

The Decision for Life

Marital love is more about making a decision for life. If you can see yourself building a life with this person, find them attractive, and genuinely enjoy their company, then you have a decision to make. Once you’ve made it and they’ve said “yes,” you only have between then and the wedding to change your mind. Marriage is a lifelong covenant between you, your spouse, and God, made in the presence of witnesses and carrying the weight of law. Don’t enter into it lightly.

The Roles of Husband and Wife

According to God’s Word, the husband is the head of the household, and his word is final. He is the leader, provider, and protector, actively engaged in raising the children. Wives are to submit to their husbands as if submitting to the Lord. They are the homemakers, caretakers of the children, and comforters of emotions, with a gentle spirit and inner beauty. Modern women often have an aversion to the notion of submitting to anyone, let alone a man. If either party has a problem with this, they should not get married.

Overcoming Selfishness

Both parties need to kill selfishness within themselves. Married love is one of intent, focused externally on your spouse and children. You will never love your spouse perfectly. There will be times when you’re doing well, and they’re not, and vice versa. These periods can last from a few days to several years. You don’t get to walk away. If you believe the lies of the world, your marriage will fail. The idea that “the heart wants what the heart wants” is satanic. The Word of God tells us that “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Another lie is that you deserve to be happy. As Christians, we know we deserve death and Hell, but thanks to God’s grace and the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, we are saved.

The Sacrificial Love of Jesus

Can you love your future spouse the way Jesus loved you? This is a serious question. Jesus was crucified for murderers, rapists, thieves, blasphemers, idolaters, and every vile sin under the sun. If your spouse is unfaithful, could you forgive them? If they hate you in their heart, could you still maintain a sacrificial love toward them? If they spread lies about you, could you still feel affection for them?

The Hard Work of Marriage

Marriage is hard work and a tremendous risk, but it is also one of the most sanctifying means God has ordained for our growth, along with child-rearing. In marriage, you will grow as a person and as a Christian. Not everyone will avail themselves of the opportunities to grow in a marriage and keep it until their dying day. I pray that all young Christians will find a godly spouse, marry, and be very fruitful in multiplication. May God bless you with many children and love worth learning.

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Let’s Do Better.

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

I’ve read a lot of news articles on different sites over the years. I’m sure you have as well. I’m wondering if the writers graduated from school? It seems like they’ve forgotten how to write a sentence, paragraph, and essay. Reading their articles leads me to believe they haven’t graduated, or the standards have been lowered.

Let’s start with what you need for a sentence. At a minimum you need a subject, and a verb. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea, the sentence is about. The verb is the action word. An example of this would be, “I ran.” It is a very short sentence. We usually want to convey more information than the bear minimum. To make it more informative, we could change it to say, “I ran quickly down the street to the store.” We added an adverb, which describes the action. We added an object. That would be store. The object is the part of the sentence that receives the action. To sum up, we have subject, verb, object. This is just a short explanation of a sentence.

A paragraph is at least three sentences long. The first sentence should be the theme of the paragraph. The following sentences should support the first one. Once the point has been made, the last sentence should sum up the paragraph. That is how a paragraph is formed.

An essay is a written work that seeks to inform the reader, or to make an argument. An essay is composed of at least three paragraphs minimum. Usually an essay will have five, or more paragraphs. The first part of the essay functions like the first part of the paragraph. It is used to present the thesis, or main idea. The following paragraphs are used to support the thesis. The final paragraph is used to conclude the essay. It should restate the main point, and sum things up.

Now that we’ve went through the basics, I expect you all to write a bit better. I don’t expect perfection, but if a New Plymouth High School graduate can do it, a professional journalist should be able to do it much better. Let’s all have higher standards for the writers who work for us, or we can just wait for Artificial Intelligence to replace them all. I hope that never happens.

Bible study · Christology · Deity of Christ · God · Theology · Uncategorized

Jesus Is Yahweh.

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

🟥 1. Joel 2:32 → Romans 10:13

Yahweh is the One Who Saves — and Jesus is that Lord

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD [יהוה] shall be saved.”
— Joel 2:32

“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
— Romans 10:13

In Romans, Paul quotes Joel, but in context, “the Lord” refers to Jesus (cf. Romans 10:9: “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord…”). Paul is directly applying a Yahweh text to Christ.

🟥 2. Isaiah 45:23 → Philippians 2:10–11

Yahweh receives every knee — now Jesus does

“To Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.”
— Isaiah 45:23 (Yahweh speaking)

“…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…”
— Philippians 2:10–11

Paul directly connects Jesus to the divine identity of Yahweh, quoting a verse where Yahweh declares He alone is God (cf. Isa. 45:22). Yet Paul applies it unapologetically to Jesus, and uses “Lord” (κύριος), the LXX translation of Yahweh.

🟥 3. Psalm 102:25–27 → Hebrews 1:10–12

Yahweh is Creator — and Jesus is identified as that Creator

“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands… You are the same, and your years have no end.”
— Psalm 102:25–27 (speaking of Yahweh)

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning…”
— Hebrews 1:10

The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 102 (clearly about Yahweh) and applies it directly to the Son (Heb. 1:8–10). This is one of the strongest proofs that Jesus is Yahweh, the eternal and unchanging Creator.

🟥 4. Malachi 3:1 → Mark 1:2–3

Yahweh is coming — but Jesus comes

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me… and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.”
— Malachi 3:1 (Yahweh is the one coming)

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face… Prepare the way of the Lord.”
— Mark 1:2–3

Mark quotes Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, both of which refer to preparing the way for Yahweh, and identifies Jesus as that Lord. John the Baptist prepares the way not for Yahweh abstractly, but for Jesus — therefore, Jesus is Yahweh come in the flesh.

🟥 5. Isaiah 6:1–10 → John 12:39–41

Isaiah saw Yahweh’s glory — and John says he saw Jesus’ glory

“I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne… Holy, holy, holy is the LORD [יהוה] of hosts…”
— Isaiah 6:1, 3

“Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him [Christ].”
— John 12:41

John interprets Isaiah’s vision of Yahweh’s glory in Isaiah 6 as a vision of Christ. This is a direct, inspired statement identifying Jesus with Yahweh.

🟥 Summary of Key OT–NT Pairs That Identify Jesus as Yahweh:

Old Testament (Yahweh)New Testament (Jesus)Theme
Joel 2:32Romans 10:13Calls on Yahweh = Calls on Jesus
Isaiah 45:23Philippians 2:10–11Every knee bows to Jesus
Psalm 102:25–27Hebrews 1:10–12Jesus is Creator Yahweh
Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3Mark 1:2–3John prepares way for Jesus = Yahweh
Isaiah 6:1–3John 12:41Isaiah saw Christ = Yahweh

💡 Theological Significance

These passages do not merely suggest that Jesus is divine — they go further. They show that:

  • Jesus is not just a god or like God;
  • He is Yahweh Himself, the eternal, covenant-keeping God of Israel.

This is the foundation of Trinitarian theology: One God in three persons, and Jesus is fully God, not a lesser being, but Yahweh enfleshed (cf. John 1:1, 14).

Jesus Is Yahweh: The Undeniable Truth That Modern Christianity Ignores

We live in a time where churches are so afraid of offending people, they won’t even affirm the most basic truths of the Christian faith. One of those truths is this: Jesus Christ is Yahweh. Not “a god.” Not “like God.” Not “just the Son of God” as if that meant something lesser. He is Yahweh. Fully and completely. The same God who parted the Red Sea, who thundered from Sinai, who declared “I AM THAT I AM” to Moses—that is Jesus.

You don’t need a Ph.D. to see this. You just need to read your Bible and believe it.

So let’s walk through five key places in Scripture that make this absolutely plain, using the Bible the way it was meant to be used—cross-referenced, contextually, and with a high view of its authority.

1. Joel 2:32 and Romans 10:13 — Jesus Is the LORD Who Saves

Joel 2:32 says, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” The Hebrew here is Yahweh—the covenant name of God. This isn’t just a generic “lord” or “master.” This is I AM, the eternal God of Israel.

Now jump forward to Romans 10:13. Paul quotes Joel, verbatim: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But here’s the kicker: go back a few verses—Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord…”

So which Lord is Paul talking about? Joel’s Yahweh. Paul applies that directly to Jesus. That’s not clever theology—it’s biblical fact. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, identifies Jesus as Yahweh.

2. Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:10–11 — Jesus Receives the Worship Due to Yahweh

Isaiah 45:23 is Yahweh speaking: “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.” And just before that in verse 22: “I am God, and there is no other.” That’s pretty clear. God doesn’t share His glory.

Now read Philippians 2:10–11: “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Paul is quoting Isaiah and applying it to Jesus.

God explicitly says that only He will receive this kind of universal homage—and then Paul turns around and applies that exact passage to Jesus. The only way this isn’t blasphemy is if Jesus is Yahweh.

3. Psalm 102:25–27 and Hebrews 1:10–12 — Jesus Is the Eternal Creator

Psalm 102 is a prayer to Yahweh. Verses 25–27: “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands… you are the same, and your years have no end.” Clearly about Yahweh, the eternal and unchanging Creator.

Now go to Hebrews 1. The author is making the case that Jesus is superior to the angels. And what does he do? He quotes Psalm 102—about Yahweh—and applies it directly to the Son (Hebrews 1:10–12).

That’s not ambiguous. The Son is the One who laid the foundations of the earth. He is the same, and His years will never end. In other words, Jesus is eternal, immutable, and Creator—Yahweh Himself.

4. Malachi 3:1 and Mark 1:2–3 — Jesus Is the LORD Who Comes to His Temple

Malachi 3:1 says, “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” Who is speaking here? Yahweh. He says the messenger (John the Baptist) will prepare the way before Him.

Now look at Mark 1:2–3. Mark quotes both Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 to describe John the Baptist as the one preparing the way for Jesus.

So who comes to the temple? Jesus. But Yahweh said He would be the one to come. So unless Jesus is Yahweh, the entire gospel of Mark begins with a massive theological error. Of course, it’s not an error—it’s a revelation: Jesus is Yahweh come in the flesh.

5. Isaiah 6:1–10 and John 12:41 — Jesus Is the Glory of Yahweh That Isaiah Saw

Isaiah 6 records Isaiah’s vision of the LORD: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne… Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts.” It’s a scene of pure majesty. And in verse 5, Isaiah says: “My eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

Now read John 12:41. After quoting Isaiah 6, John writes: “Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.” Who’s “him”? Jesus.

Let that sink in. John says that Isaiah, in that throne-room vision of Yahweh, was looking at Jesus Christ.

Why This Matters

Now maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, but why is this important?” It’s important because if Jesus isn’t Yahweh, you’re not saved.

You see, salvation is of the LORD. Only Yahweh can save. If Jesus were not Yahweh, He couldn’t save anyone. He’d be a created being at best—a fraud at worst. But Scripture won’t let you take that route.

Modern liberalism wants to give Jesus the title “Son of God” while gutting it of its biblical meaning. They treat Him like a moral teacher, a prophet, or a divine messenger. But if He’s not Yahweh, He’s not worthy of your worship.

But He is Yahweh. The apostles believed it. The prophets saw it. The Scriptures proclaim it.

Conclusion: Worship Jesus or Reject Yahweh

So let’s not pretend we’re being “reasonable” or “nuanced” by downplaying who Jesus is. The biblical authors made it crystal clear. They quoted Yahweh-texts from the Old Testament and said, “This is Jesus.”

You can’t have Yahweh without Jesus, and you can’t have Jesus without recognizing Him as Yahweh. The Trinity is not a theological optional. It’s the very identity of God revealed in Scripture.

And if you’re calling on anyone other than Jesus as Yahweh for salvation, you’re lost.

So bow the knee. Confess Him as Lord. Not just “Master,” but Yahweh. The eternal I AM. The Creator. The Redeemer. The King.

And don’t let any seminary professor, woke theologian, or trendy YouTube apologist tell you otherwise. The Bible doesn’t whisper about this. It shouts it.

Jesus Christ is Lord—Jesus Christ is Yahweh. Amen.

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A.I. is Scary.

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

Ok, people. I asked A.I. to do this, “Write an article in the literary style of the articles on http://www.snyderssoapbox.com that explains the differences between the Biblical ideas of justification, and salvation. Utilize the Koine Greek meanings of the lexical root words of those ideas. The article should be between 1000 words, and 1500 words long.” The following article was written completely by A.I. I don’t think it reads like something I would write. I also noticed some areas where nuance was missed in favor of flowery language. I’m curious what you all think about how A.I. did? Here is the article.

Below is a literary-style article in the spirit of Snyder’s Soapbox—reflective, rich in language, thoughtful—on the difference between justification and salvation in the Biblical sense, rooted in their Koine Greek lexical origins. It’s around 1,200 words for a comfortable read.

“Justification and Salvation: Two Streams Beneath One River”

In the grand tapestry of Christian theology, two great threads run side by side: justification and salvation. Often spoken of in the same breath, these are distinct yet intertwined, like two rivulets that flow into the same vast river. Each bears its own weight, its own flavor, in the narrative of redemption. In this exploration, we will follow each stream back to its Greek source, excavating the rich soil of meaning that lies there.

1. Dikaiōsis — Justification

The term justification comes from the Greek δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis), rooted in δίκαιος (dikaios)—“just,” “righteous,” “in the right.” To justify is to declare righteous, to pronounce someone as in the right in the courtroom of the cosmos. Within the Koine usage, a jury’s verdict, a judge’s sentence, a person’s standing being affirmed: these are the echoes that reverberate through dikaiō—to render or reckon righteous.

In the Pauline corpus, especially in Romans and Galatians, justification is an instantaneous legal verdict. The guilty sinner stands accused, yet the Judge in heaven, through the death and resurrection of Christ, declares: “You are righteous.” Here lies a cosmic forensic drama: our sins, laid upon Christ, are paid for; His perfect righteousness is imputed unto us. The moment we believe, we are justified—not because we have done anything to deserve it but because we trust in what Christ has done. This is not progression; this is position. Dikaiōsis is a once-for-all declaration.

We might say that justification is the hinge upon which the door of reconciliation swings. No more do we stand accursed, condemned, or alienated. The verdict resounds: “Not guilty.” The scales of divine justice are balanced by grace.

2. Sōtēria — Salvation

Salvation, on the other hand, springs from the Greek σωτηρία (sōtēria), anchored deeply in σῴζω (sōzō)—“to save,” “to deliver,” “to preserve.” Where dikaiōsis is declarative, sōtēria is dynamic. It suggests movement, rescue, healing. In the New Testament, salvation speaks of more than a verdict. It carries with it rescue from peril, protection from harm, restoration from disease, and arrival at safety’s haven.

Already in classical Greek, sōtēr was a savior, one who preserves life. Thus sōtēria is a deliverance, a rescue operation. In the Christian Scriptures, salvation is used in varied registers: being saved (from wrath—Rom 5:9), being kept (from stumbling—Jude 1:24), being healed (Mark 5:34), being made whole. It encompasses the past, present, and future: saved by faith (Eph. 2:8), being sanctified (2 Thess 2:13), and awaiting full deliverance at Christ’s return (Romans 13:11).

While justification is fixed and decisive, salvation is ongoing and cumulative. One might say that it is justification in motion—in the realm of sanctification, perseverance, and final glorification. Salvation is holistic: rescue touches mind, heart, body, community, cosmos.

3. What the Stream Analogy Reveals

When one enters the stream of justification, one receives a verdict that cannot be undone. The moment of justification, the kairos of faith, is like stepping on a rock in the river—unchanging, immovable. Walking on water, if you will; once you’re on the rock, you’re safe from drowning.

Salvation is the current flowing around the rock. You are with a community, with the Spirit, carried toward maturity. Grace repairs what sin broke; faith tends the wounds, love restores relationships; hope presses you forward.

One is declarative, forensic, instantaneous.
The other is declarative plus transformative, restorative, and eschatological.

Though intimately linked—they share the Greek root of sōzō—it is the suffix -teria, the journey component, that gives salvation its dynamism.

4. How the Epistles Weave Them Together

  • Romans 5:1–2: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God… and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
    Justification brings peace in the present, hope for future glory—it bleeds into salvation’s territory.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18: Paul says Christ “is unto us that believe… salvation.” In context he calls Him both our power and our wisdom—saving us fully—reckoned righteous and made new.
  • Philippians 2:12–13: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.” Believers are exhorted to co-labor with God in the process of salvation—sanctification, yes, but the engine comes from the Spirit.
  • Hebrews 9:28: “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” The cross declares our righteousness once; the return consummates our rescue once and forever.

5. Why the Distinction Matters

It matters deeply—for the soul and for the ecclesia.

A. Assurance
Justification gives us immediate confidence: we are no longer condemned (see Romans 8:1). We need not fear God’s courtroom, because in Christ a verdict has been issued. The heart that understands this rests; the conscience that grasps this is at peace.

B. Growth in Grace
Salvation reminds us that the journey isn’t over at justification. We are called to grow: more like Christ, less like sin; more loving, more gracious, more sacrificial, more aware of injustice, more sold-out for the unreached. Salvation drives us forward.

C. Eternal Hope & Contextual Meaning
Salvation spans dimensions—spiritual, physical, cosmic. It shapes how we live now. We breathe differently because we are being renewed. We serve differently because a divine purpose undergirds life’s meaning. We die differently because our tent is being folded into an immortal mansion. The drama of the gospel flows from justification into salvation: it begins with verdict and ends with homecoming.

6. Biblical Nuances in Greek

Let us unpack the Greek roots a little further:

  • Δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis) – from δίκαιος (dikaios), meaning “just,” “upright.” The verb δικαιόω means “to make just” or “to declare just.” It was used in legal contexts—judicial rulings.
  • Σωτηρία (sōtēria) – from σῴζω meaning “to save,” “to heal,” “to guard.” It was used in common Greek of rescue (shipwreck, illness, captivity). The noun captures the rescue event or the state of being saved.

Notice how dikaiōsis is about verdict. Sōtēria is about delivery, about life lived and life rescued.

7. The Metaphysical Implication

Our spiritual DNA is altered at justification—our position before God is changed. But this changed position now unfolds into a pilgrim’s journey of salvation. You might picture an architect’s drawing (justification) and then the construction site (salvation). The blueprint says, “You’re in the house.” The ongoing labor brings into existence the inhabitable, lovely space where we live and love.

8. Common Confusions Clarified

  • “Once saved, always saved?”
    Yes—with respect to justification: once justified, always in Christ. But salvation—the ongoing experience of grace—can be hindered if we resist the Spirit; the New Testament includes warnings against falling away or quenching the Spirit.
  • “Faith vs. works?”
    Justification is by faith apart from works (Romans 3:28). Salvation—not the initial verdict, but the walk—is evidenced by works (James 2:17–18). Good works are not the root of our justification, but the fruit of our salvation.
  • “Are we saved already or not yet?”
    Paul echoes this tension: “saved” (past), “being saved” (present), “will be saved” (future). The tension holds in salvation’s temporal flow. Justification is not a tension—it is complete and certain.

9. A Personal Word

For the weary saint who lies awake at night haunted by regret—let your heart rest on justification. The verdict does not hinge on performance. It hinges on Christ. For the pilgrim who longs for growth, for glory, for more of God—lean into the currents of salvation. Ask for perseverance, holiness, joy, endurance.

They are two aspects of the one great deal of grace. One opens the door; the other directs the journey within the house of grace.

10. A Short Glossary

Greek TermEnglishMeaning Highlighted
δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis)JustificationDeclared righteous in God’s courtroom
δικαιόω (dikaiōō)To justifyTo make right, to treat one as just
δίκαιος (dikaios)Just / righteousUpright, in alignment with right
σωτηρία (sōtēria)SalvationRescue, healing, deliverance, wholeness
σῴζω (sōzō)To saveTo rescue, heal, preserve
sōtēr (σώτήρ)SaviorRescuer, deliverer

11. Conclusion: Two Gems of Grace

To press these definitions into one’s soul is to grasp the gospel in both breadth and depth. Justification—a legal declaration that our record has been wiped, that God accepts us in the Beloved. Salvation—the unfolding of that acceptance into a life that is healed, delivered, shaped toward eternal beauty.

How the Spirit mysteries quarantine these two truths in our hearts:

  • When burdens rise—rest on justification.
  • When growth falters—drink deeply from salvation.

And through both—give your life away, with gratitude, in hope.

In the words of the apostle Paul, “He saved us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy… born again… living hope… reserved in heaven…” (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3–4). Two springs—one source of mercy. Drink deeply.

I hope this captures the tone and depth you’re looking for. If you’d like more focus on Pauline passages or a more poetic framing, I’d be glad to revisit it.

After reading that, do you get the sense that it sampled other writings, and emulated different theologians?

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Augustine of Hippo on Justification by Faith Alone.

Bob Snyder2 Comments

Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) is often regarded as a pivotal figure in Christian theology, particularly concerning doctrines like justification by faith. His works frequently discuss salvation, grace, and faith, and many of his writings align with the concept of justification by faith alone—even if the term itself was not explicitly used in his time. Below are 10 citations from Augustine’s writings that support the doctrine of justification by faith alone:

1. On the Spirit and the Letter (c. 412 AD)

“For what is the righteousness of God, except that by which we are justified, not by works of the law, but by faith in Christ? For the law is not of faith, but the promise is of faith, that it might be by grace.”
(On the Spirit and the Letter, 22.41)

2. The Enchiridion (c. 420 AD)

“For it is by the grace of God that we are justified, and through faith, not by works. We are therefore justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
(Enchiridion, 102)

3. On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins (c. 411 AD)

“If justification comes from works, the free gift of grace is no more. But it is through faith that we are justified, by grace, through the blood of Christ.”
(On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, 1.2)

4. City of God (c. 426 AD)

“We are justified by faith in Christ and not by the deeds of the law. For, as the Apostle says, ‘A man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.’”
(City of God, 16.9)

5. On the Gospel of John (c. 416 AD)

“But faith is the means by which we receive justification, not by the works of the law, for by grace are we saved through faith.”
(Expositions on the Gospel of John, 8.4)

6. On the Predestination of the Saints (c. 428 AD)

“It is not by our own works, but by the grace of God that we are justified, for the grace of God is freely given and received by faith.”
(On the Predestination of the Saints, 19.1)

7. On the Grace of Christ (c. 427 AD)

“Our works are not the cause of our justification, but the grace of God which justifies by faith. For what else is it that justifies, except the grace of God through Jesus Christ?”
(On the Grace of Christ, 3.8)

8. Against the Donatists (c. 400 AD)

“It is not the law that justifies us, but the grace of God received through faith. For the law can only point to sin, but grace, through faith, brings salvation.”
(Against the Donatists, 5.20)

9. On the Nature of the Good (c. 400 AD)

“Therefore, it is by faith alone that we are justified before God, and not by any works that we perform. For the good that we do comes from the grace of God.”
(On the Nature of the Good, 12.15)

10. Sermons (Sermon 212)

“What else is it that saves a man, except the grace of God received through faith? Works can never justify us before God; it is faith that justifies, not works.”
(Sermons, 212.2)

Summary Table

SourceCitationFocus
On the Spirit and the Letter (22.41)Justification by faith, not works of the law.Faith as the means of justification
The Enchiridion (102)Justified by grace through faith in Christ.Grace and faith over works
On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins (1.2)Justification by faith and grace, not works.Grace and faith for salvation
City of God (16.9)Justification by faith apart from works of the law.Faith over law-based justification
On the Gospel of John (8.4)Faith is the means of receiving justification.Faith over works
On the Predestination of the Saints (19.1)Justification by grace, through faith, not by works.Predestination and faith
On the Grace of Christ (3.8)Grace justifies us by faith, not works.Grace alone
Against the Donatists (5.20)Justification through grace and faith, not by the law.Grace and faith vs. the law
On the Nature of the Good (12.15)Justification is by faith alone, not works.Faith alone
Sermons (212.2)Salvation by grace through faith, not works.Faith as the means of salvation

Conclusion

Augustine was deeply concerned with salvation by God’s grace, and his writings frequently emphasize that justification is by faith alone, a concept rooted in God’s grace and the work of Christ, rather than human effort or adherence to the law. These citations reflect Augustine’s understanding that faith, not works, is the key to justification before God.

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I Want Mine! Selfish Women Who Leave Their Families.

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

I heard that a famous singer recently was divorced by his wife. This young man was a poor, working class, guy. He struck it rich with a country song. As men, we work our tails off trying to give what we can to our families. We don’t withhold what we can responsibly give to the wife, and kids. Money has a strange effect on people. His wife left him, and took half of everything with her, while also trying to get 60% of all of his future earnings. This seems evil to me. So, he wrote another song about a scornful woman.
Ladies, my wife heard about this, and rightly wondered, “Why leave? You can stay, and share all the money, and the good times together.” She knows, from experience, that the money I made over the years was never, “my money.” I always told her it is our money. This didn’t mean she could just go spend money on whatever she felt like. We had 4 kids, bills, and responsibilities. Thinking to yourself, “I want mine!” is a very childish, selfish, and immature mindset.
We are not rich. We never were rich. We started out in a low-income apartment, with furniture given to us from our families. We didn’t have a television. All we had for entertainment was a boombox. After a year or so, my Father-in-law gave us a small portable black, and white TV. On paydays, I would go to the video store, and rent a VCR, a cartoon video tape, and a movie for us. Keep in mind, this is before internet. This was a good time for us.
After a few years of hard work, we finally got a small house. It was about 1000sq/ft with one bathroom. My parents were poor. My in-laws were poor as well. They were never able to help much. I remember not being able to buy hamburger for my kids to have dinner one night. We were out of cash. I broke down, and cried. I felt like a failure. The only thing I could do to get the kids dinner that night was call my dad, and ask for help. He went to Albertson’s, and bought us a package of hamburger, and Hamburger Helper.
As the years went by, the family grew up, and moved out. I finally got old enough to retire from Corrections, and get my pension. We’ve never been able to go on a fancy vacation, and I don’t think we ever will be. I sacrificed every material want for the good of my family. My wife did the same. We are a team. We were not perfect. We made mistakes, but as we go older we got better.
I had a good chunk of change in a retirement account. My wife encouraged me to use some to get a car that I’ve wanted for a long time. I did. I bought her some nice furniture, and then Biden’s inflation got the rest. I never thought about the money as, “my money.” My wife never wanted, “her fair share.” It is our retirement.
Please stop being selfish, immature, entitled, people. You are breaking up your families for sinful reasons. Understand that even the best person is still a sinner who deserves death, and hell.
Stop making your marriage a competition of suffering, and virtue. You are not the victim. It isn’t 50%-50% in marriage. It is all for one, and one for all. You are not the virtuous victim as a stay at home mom. You get to raise up your children, and spend all day with them. By the time dad gets off work, he is exhausted, and even though he would love to spend time with the kids doing fun things, he has to get cleaned up, and get ready for the next day. Work for a man isn’t just an 8 hour shift. He wakes up early to get ready for work, and fight traffic. When he gets done with work, he may have errands to do, and still fight traffic to come home. His work never ends. Women claim they never get a break like he does. It is ridiculous. What? Dad gets to stop being dad when he gets off work? Don’t be foolish. Stop thinking of your life as some tedious competition of misery. Start seeing the blessings you have. Read your Bible. Go to Church. Pray to God. Give thanks. Decide to be content, and happy with your lot in life. The modern feminists have sold you all a bunch of lies. Those lies, and your behavior has destroyed more marriages than I can count.
Back to the famous singer. His wife could have had it all. She did have it all, but she must have convinced herself that life would be better if she had half of the money, and half of the family. It is disgusting. Marriage is a holy covenant between the husband, wife, and God. We have secularized marriage. We have commercialized divorce. We have marginalized children, and we wonder why our society is going down the tubes.
Young women, please turn to God. Trust Jesus. Stay with your husbands. Work it out. You think life is hard now? Try it as a single mother, who has never fixed her flaws, and brings them into every new relationship. No matter where you go, there you are. You’ll go from man to man, bringing more baggage each time. It is better to stay with your man, and kids. It is better to have it all, and be together, than to split it, and be a fractured person. Marriage is the union of two into one. The Bible says that the two become one in flesh, and spirit. Think about this the next time you start getting selfish, and want to believe the lies of the world.