My Cat's Name is Calvin

OK, I’ll let you know right up front, this post is not about felines. In fact it doesn’t have anything to do with cats at all…I just thought it was a catchy title that would get people to click on the blog post…which I was obviously right about…So, if you were expecting an article about cats, I do apologize!!!

I’m reading a book by John Piper called, “Finally Alive”. It’s a look at the new birth (aka being born again, being saved, being a Christian) and what it really means. The definition of the words ‘born again’ have drastically changed in the past 30 years or so, and Piper’s attempt in the book is to get back to a Biblical understanding of what it really means.

With that said, I came across a chapter in the book which gave reference to a verse that I’ve heard at least 1,000 times before, but the way he expounded on the verse really helped me pull its true meaning together.

You see, I am a Calvinist…[pausing to let that sink in]…I believe that God is in control of all things, including our salvation. I believe that if we take an honest (Biblical) look at our condition because of sin, we will realize that the bible paints a very accurate picture of the both the human heart and their ignorance to God, His Righteousness and our condition in his sights.

And so, as I was reading Piper’s book, I read a verse and for the first time paused at the meaning in the passage. The verse, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24:

“But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Piper explained this verse in a section of his book titled, “Ransomed, Raised and Called”. The point that he was trying to make is that in the new birth (3) very distinct things must happen. We are ransomed by the blood of Christ (for our sins), we are raised from the dead (aka revived from our sin nature, hearts softened…) and we are called (much like Lazarus was called from his physical death to life).

The point Piper made, which really hit me was this. The Gospel is preached to all. They hear it with their ears and they process it with their minds, but not all are saved. Why not? It’s not that they are hearing a different Gospel (assuming they are not members of Joel Osteen’s or Kenneth Copeland’s churches) but not all are saved. And the same message that penetrates one man’s heart and helps him understand the truth of his sin and the glory of what Christ did on the cross, is viewed as foolishness by some and a stumbling block by others. Why is this?

It is because, as Paul points out, not all are called by God. The power is in the Word of God (The Gospel) but God must call us, in order for the Gospel to truly have an effect in our lives. God’s Sovereign hand must first open our eyes to the truth and soften our hardened hearts to it’s beauty, before we can truly believe in Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Thank You Lord for the Beauty of Your Sovereignty!!!

For His Glory,


Jason