[Dr. Eckleburg]

CALVIN: 20. Then the superstitious observance of Lent had everywhere prevailed: for both the vulgar imagined that they thereby perform some excellent service to God, and pastors commended it as a holy imitation of Christ; though it is plain that Christ did not fast to set an example to others, but, by thus commencing the preaching of the gospel, meant to prove that his doctrine was not of men, but had come from heaven...

Amen, Alex. Great thread.

"A multitude of ceremonies in the mass is a form of Judaism quite contrary to Christianity." -- John Calvin

It really is the hardest thing in the world to convince men that NOTHING they do will earn them salvation. The only thing that saves Christ's sheep is His finished work on the cross, freely imputed to them according to the undeserved mercy of the Triune God.

[daniel1212]

That said, it is not that there is not some truth behind many ceremonies, but that ex opere operato ritualism fosters a perfunctory professions in any church. The life of faith requires seeing God manifestly work in grace in obedience to Him by faith.

[Dutchboy88]

"The only thing that saves Christ's sheep is His finished work on the cross, freely imputed to them according to the undeserved mercy of the Triune God."

Okay, outside of the Scriptures, this is one of the best, most concise, powerful statements describing the Gospel. Thank you, very much.