Institutes of Christian religion - Calvin - XXXI - Chapter 1 of Book 3

Required reading
Institutes of Christian religion by John Calvin (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 1 of Book 3.

My summary
Today we read a very brief chapter at the beginning of Book Three about the 'way we become possessed of the blessings which God has bestowed on his only-begotten Son, not for private use, but to enrich the poor and needy'.  Calvin says it is through the secret efficacy of the Spirit.

Thus Calvin teaches us about the work of the Holy Spirit including by explaining the titles which Scripture bestows on the Spirit:
(i) Spirit of adoption;
(ii) a seal;
(iii) life;
(iv) water;
(v) oil and unction;
(vi) fire;
(vii) fountain;
(viii) hand.

Then Calvin concludes the chapter by stating that it is faith which is the principal work of the Spirit by which he brings us to the light of the Gospel.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed hearing about the critical importance of the Spirit: 'Already, indeed, it has been clearly shown, that until our minds are intent on the Spirit, Christ is in a manner unemployed, because we view him coldly without us, and so at a distance from us.'

Without the Spirit, we will not embrace Christ.

Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 2 of Book 3 by reading Sections 1 to 21.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.