When we encounter temptations...
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When we encounter temptations and other ideas that contradict faith, the insights of John Calvin and Martin Luther (quoted in that order) provide wonderful solace:
"These two things are to be observed in the apostle's words -- that the stability of those who rely on Christ is immovable and their course is not at all wavering or libel to error... From this we may readily gather, that those who do not know Christ only wander into bypaths, and are tossed about in disquietude" (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. XXI/2, p. 198).
"The sum of the matter is this: Depressed or exalted, circumscribed in whatsoever way, dragged hither or thither, I still find Christ. For he holds in his hands everything... Therefore, so long as he dwells in my heart, I have courage where I go, I cannot be lost. I dwell where Christ my Lord dwells" (Complete Sermons, Vol. 4/2, p. 279).
With Augustine we pray that Christ might enter our hearts, to have and hold them (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 1, p. 142). Christ fights all the temptations for us!
"These two things are to be observed in the apostle's words -- that the stability of those who rely on Christ is immovable and their course is not at all wavering or libel to error... From this we may readily gather, that those who do not know Christ only wander into bypaths, and are tossed about in disquietude" (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. XXI/2, p. 198).
"The sum of the matter is this: Depressed or exalted, circumscribed in whatsoever way, dragged hither or thither, I still find Christ. For he holds in his hands everything... Therefore, so long as he dwells in my heart, I have courage where I go, I cannot be lost. I dwell where Christ my Lord dwells" (Complete Sermons, Vol. 4/2, p. 279).
With Augustine we pray that Christ might enter our hearts, to have and hold them (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 1, p. 142). Christ fights all the temptations for us!
