Not Our Own, But His

This excerpt is taken from John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, ch.vii. I have edited this in modern English, and though it may not be the best rendition, I pray that the essence of its content (since it pertains to practical Christianity) will go forth to the heart of the reader. Enjoy. Be blessed. Be edified…

Although the Law of God contains a perfect rule of conduct admirably arranged, it seemed appropriate to our divine Teacher to train His people by a more accurate method with regard to the standard which is connected to the Law; and the key principle in the method is that it is the duty of believers to present their “bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is [their] spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1, ESV).

This key principal produces this exhortation: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2, ESV). Therefore, the great point for our consideration is that we are consecrated and dedicated unto God; and as a result, we should no longer think, speak, design, or act without a perspective of His glory or for His glory.

What God has made sacred cannot, without being monumentally insulting to Him, be used in an unholy or profane way. If we belong to the Lord and are not our own, then it is clear what error is to be shunned, and to what end the actions of our lives must be directed.

If we are not our own, then neither should our will and reason guide independently in our thoughts and actions. If we are not our own, then let us not make it our goal to seek those things that are profitable to the flesh. If we are not our own, then as far as possible, let us forget ourselves and things that are ours.

On the other hand, if we are God’s, then let us, therefore, live and die unto Him (Romans 14:8). If we are God’s, then let His wisdom and will control all our actions. If we are God’s, then let every area of our lives be directed unto Him as the only legitimate goal.

O what great advancement the believer has made who has been taught that he is not his own; who has withdrawn the reign and government of himself from his own reason so that he may give them to God! As the most certain source of men’s destruction is to obey themselves, their only save haven is to have no other will, no other wisdom, than to follow the Lord wherever He leads.

Let this, then, be the first step in abandoning ourselves unto God and devoting all the energy of our minds to the service of God. By service, I not only mean a verbal obedience, but also a willingness to set aside our carnal desires, and surrender completely to the leadership of the Spirit of God.

This transformation (which Paul calls the renewal of the mind, Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23), though it is the real beginning of life, was unknown to all the unbelieving philosophers. They believed that man was governed by reason alone, and that reason alone was to be listened to; in short, they believed that reason was the sole guide for life and conduct. Yet, Christian philosophy demands that we surrender and yield complete submission to the Holy Spirit, so that the man himself no longer lives, but Christ lives and reigns in him (Galatians 2:20).