I the Lord Have Called Thee in Righteousness
Christ's calling of the Gentiles brings salvation and illumination to all who open their eyes to faith.
John Calvin preaches about the calling of the Gentiles through Christ, who is appointed as a light to illuminate those in darkness. The blame for not partaking in this salvation rests on individuals, as Christ is given to all without exception for their enlightenment. By opening our hearts to Christ, He will dispel darkness and bring truth to our minds.
Text
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; --Isaiah 42:6
"For a light of the Gentiles." We have here another clear proof of the calling of the Gentiles, since he expressly states that Christ was appointed to be "a light" to them. He calls him a light, because the Gentiles were plunged in the deepest and thickest of darkness, at the time when the Lord illuminated none but the Jews.
Now, then, the blame lies solely with ourselves, if we do not become partakers of this salvation; for he calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illuminated by him. Let us only open our eyes, he alone will dispel the darkness, and illuminate our minds by the "light" of truth. --Commentaries
Sermon Outline
- The Call of the Gentiles
- Christ appointed to be a light to the Gentiles
- The Gentiles were in darkness before Christ's illumination
Key Quotes
“For he calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illuminated by him.” — John Calvin
Application Points
- We must recognize our need for salvation and open our eyes to faith in Christ.
- Christ is given to all, and we must receive him to be illuminated by the light of truth.