I am rediscovering the Puritans. I have just started reading the works of John Flavel, when you think of the word Puritan do you think, dry as dust dour theology? Well that is the image but it is far from the reality. Hear John Flavel:
'What shall I say of Christ? the excelling glory of that object dazzles all apprehension, swallows up all expression.When we have borrowed metaphors from every creature that hath excellency or lovely property in it, till we have striped the whole of creation bare of all its ornaments, and clothed Christ with all that glory; when we have worn out our tongues, in ascribing praises to him, alas! We have done nothing,when all is done. '
Flavel reveals that even the best human ability has to offer in praise to Christ is unworthy to capture Christ's true worth.
I am also currently reading the autobiography of John Bunyan, called Grace Abounding to the chief of Sinners. In this Bunyan tells of his early life, how he lived with little regard for God until he came under conviction of sin. He then tells how he struggled to know that he had indeed found mercy from the hand of God. This is very different to today as we no longer talk about conviction of sin, repentance and obtaining mercy. Bonhoffer called this cheap grace, we have sold our birth right for a bowl of porridge. Evangelicals need to be clear on the worth of Christ and on the Gospel of Christ.
God Bless
Stephen
2 comments:
Flavel has always been a favorite of mine. ANy more thoughts on his writings since you first posted this?
hi Russ, not sure if you'll see this and if 10 years is a bit late to reply but, Flavel is definitely now a favourite of mine, reading him most mornings for about half an hour. Once I finish volume 6 I shall start again. What I like about him is that the glory of Christ, the Gospel and our standing before God are never far from his mind. God Bless, Stephen
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