Calvin's Theology of the Psalms Quotes

“Finally, Calvin’s exposition of the Psalter shows that predestination is not so much a distinction between merit and grace as one between man and God, human honor and God’s honor.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“For this reason, Calvin considers it a good thing to test one’s own faith by first finding oneself and then doing some soul searching without others present. At that time the believer will be forced to face the question as to whether God is still enough for him or whether he is letting himself be strongly influenced by that which the people around him think.[176] Therefore, it is not a question as to whether or not there is still faith, but instead whether faith is still completely aimed towards God. Another invincible weapon against afflictions is the knowledge that God is almighty.[177] God’s nature as God is thus a remedy to affliction, and thus Calvin seeks to go back even further than the promise to God himself.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“Calvin remarks that Satan makes us blind to our sins. Satan knows how to ensnare people in all kinds of traps so well that, according to the Genevan, there is scarcely anyone with an adequate conviction of sin.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“Therefore, Calvin ascribes a tremendous value to the official proclamation of the word, but he does not make the officeholder the “owner” of the word and Spirit.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“This radical change which Calvin traces means that the children of God will originate not only from the children of Abraham but also from the children of Adam.[276] The Jews are not therefore excluded from the covenant with the coming of the gospel, but the heathen are added to it as they are planted in the lineage of Abraham. According to Calvin, “We are considered as children of God in no other way than by being grafted into Abraham and his offspring.”[277] Israel was the body of the church, and Calvin asserts that we have been added to it.[278] The heathen nations are steadily becoming “one body with the elect nation.”[279] Elsewhere, Calvin explains that the kingdom of Christ began in Israel and thereafter expanded to the heathens.[280] God first revealed himself as father to the Jews, which is why they are the firstborn. The heathen, though, are accepted into the house of Abraham, and through the promise made to Abraham the redemption of the whole world has emanated.[281]”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“According to Calvin the human voice exceeds all soulless instruments by far. While acknowledging that music is indeed apt to touch the human heart, his fear of contaminating the praise of God overrules this concession.[122] He fears that, by using musical instruments, the correct balance would be disturbed between the joy caused by music and the joy due to the praise of God.[123] It should quickly be added though that Calvin has no objections about playing on musical instruments at home.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“In the same way that man is created for God’s sake, the rest of the world is created for the sake of man.[20] Therefore Calvin can define the end of creation in relation to man: God has created men and put them in this world in order to be a Father for them.[21] All the riches with which the world abounds proclaim aloud what a beneficent Father God is to mankind.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“When we do not trust him wholeheartedly, we defraud God of his honor.[107] While Luther sees self-righteousness as a cause of doubt, Calvin sees it as a defrauding of God. When men trust their own zeal, wisdom, and toil, they usurp God’s exclusive right to glory for the well being of his people.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“In this preface Calvin pens the memorable statement which he will repeat in the preface to his commentary: the Psalms are “an anatomy of all feelings of the soul.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

“Calvin has a great aversion to theological speculation because he is convinced that things will go wrong when theology exceeds the limits of our knowledge of God.”
― Herman J. Selderhuis, Calvin's Theology of the Psalms