John 1:4
God Nearer to Us
He speaks here, in my opinion, of that part of life in which men excel other animals; and he informs us that the life which was bestowed on men was not of an ordinary description, but was united to the light of understanding. He separates man from the rank of other creatures, because we perceive more readily the power of God by feeling it in us than by beholding it at a distance
Thus Paul charges us not to seek God at a distance, because he makes himself to be felt within us (Acts 17:27). After having presented a general exhibition of the kindness of Christ, in order to induce men to take a nearer view of it, he points out what has been bestowed peculiarly on themselves; namely, that they were no created like the beasts, but having been endued with reason, they had obtained a higher rank.
As it is not in vain that God imparts his light to their minds, it follows that the purpose for which they were created was that they might acknowledge him who is the Author of so excellent a blessing. And since this light has been conveyed from him to us, it ought to serve as a mirror, in which we may clearly behold the divine power of the Speech.
Readings taken from Day by Day With John Calvin
God Nearer to Us
He speaks here, in my opinion, of that part of life in which men excel other animals; and he informs us that the life which was bestowed on men was not of an ordinary description, but was united to the light of understanding. He separates man from the rank of other creatures, because we perceive more readily the power of God by feeling it in us than by beholding it at a distance
Thus Paul charges us not to seek God at a distance, because he makes himself to be felt within us (Acts 17:27). After having presented a general exhibition of the kindness of Christ, in order to induce men to take a nearer view of it, he points out what has been bestowed peculiarly on themselves; namely, that they were no created like the beasts, but having been endued with reason, they had obtained a higher rank.
As it is not in vain that God imparts his light to their minds, it follows that the purpose for which they were created was that they might acknowledge him who is the Author of so excellent a blessing. And since this light has been conveyed from him to us, it ought to serve as a mirror, in which we may clearly behold the divine power of the Speech.
Readings taken from Day by Day With John Calvin
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