Tag: miracles

John Calvin on the Shroud of Turin

John Calvin criticizes the proliferation of relics associated with Jesus, highlighting inconsistencies and contradictions. He questions the validity of multiple alleged face cloths and the absence of scriptural support for the Veil of Veronica and the Shroud of Turin. Calvin denounces the superstition and idolatry surrounding relics, emphasizing the need to seek and honor Christ in spirit and truth, rather than through material objects and idols.… Read More John Calvin on the Shroud of Turin

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Cessation of the Miraculous Gifts | John Calvin

Miracles were promised only for a time, in order to give luster to the gospel, while it was new and in a state of obscurity… The true design for which miracles were appointed was, that nothing which was necessary for proving the doctrine of the gospel should be wanting at its commencement. And certainly we see that the use of them ceased not long afterwards. … Read More Cessation of the Miraculous Gifts | John Calvin

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Pharaoh’s Magicians Were Incapable Of True Miracles

Now Jannes and Jambres (for so Paul calls them in 2 Timothy 3:8), the magicians of Egypt, did work the same miracles which Moses and Aaron had done. But here was the difference: Moses made true creatures and wrought true miracles, whereas they did all in appearance and outward show. For theirs were not truly real actions, but only magical illusions, wrought by the sleight and subtlety of the devil in the practice of juggling. And because some think that the serpents and frogs, caused by the magicians, were true creatures, and all their other works as really and truly done as those which Moses and Aaron did, I will here stand a little to show and prove the contrary, that they were only in show and appearance, and not in deed and truth.… Read More Pharaoh’s Magicians Were Incapable Of True Miracles

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Satan’s Evil Wonders

Having seen that the devil can in general work wonders, yet not true miracles, we continue to the types of wonders he can do, and the practical uses of understanding this doctrine. Now more particularly, the devil’s wonders are of two sorts: illusions or real actions. Application: 1. The working of wonders in itself is no consolation. 2. Scripture alone is the rule, not things confirmed by wonders. 3. God permits evil wonders and witchcraft. 4. God holds Satan’s leash.… Read More Satan’s Evil Wonders

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Satan is Incapable of True Miracles

A true wonder is a rare work, done by the power of God simply, either above or against the power of nature, and it is properly called a miracle. Now the effecting of a miracle in this kind is a work proper to God only. And no creature (man or angel) can do anything either above or contrary to nature, but He alone who is the Creator. For as God in the beginning made all things of nothing, so He has reserved to Himself, as a peculiar work of His almighty power, to change or abolish the substance, property, motion, and use of any creature. The second sort of wonders are lying and deceitful, which also are extraordinary works in regard of man, because they proceed not from the usual and ordinary course of nature. And yet, they are not miracles, because they are done by the virtue of nature, and not above or against nature simply, but above and against the ordinary course thereof. And these are properly such wonders as are done by Satan and his instruments.… Read More Satan is Incapable of True Miracles

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Of Faith: Justifying and Non Justifying | Zacharias Ursinus

Excerpted from his book, A Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism Of Faith The subject of faith is introduced next in order: 1. Because it is the means by which we are made partakers of the Mediator. 2. Because the preaching of the gospel profits nothing without faith. In speaking of faith, we must enquire: I.… Read More Of Faith: Justifying and Non Justifying | Zacharias Ursinus

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