When we see that the whole sum of our salvation, and every little bit of it, are wrapped up in Christ (Acts 4:12), we must beware of trying to get the minutest particle from any other source. If we look for salvation, the very name of Jesus teaches us that it is in him (1 Cor. 1:30). If we look for any other gifts of the Spirit, we shall find them in his anointing. We shall also find strength in his reign, purity in his conception, and kindness in his nativity, when he was made like us in every way so that he might sympathise with us (Heb. 2:17). If we seek for redemption, we shall find it in his passion; acquittal, in his condemnation; remission of the curse, in his cross (Gal 3:13); satisfaction, in his sacrifice; purification, in his blood; reconciliation, in his descent to hell; mortification of the flesh, in his sepulchre; newness of life in his resurrection, and immortality too; the inheritance of a celestial kingdom, in his entrance into heaven; protection, security and the abundant supply of every blessing, in his kingdom; secure anticipation of judgment in his power to judge. In conclusion, since every kind of blessing is treasured up in him, we must draw our whole supply from him and none from anywhere else. Those who are not satisfied with him alone and entertain various hopes from others (though they still look mainly to him) veer from the right path simply because their thoughts are elsewhere. This can never happen if we really know the abundance of his blessings!

(John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion.  Emphasis mine.)  I find this pretty convicting.  I have no problem asserting that Christ is ultimate and that He is supreme.  I can’t admit that I have no problem placing Him there in my life, but it’s not a problem to admit that’s where He should be, even if He isn’t.  What’s far more convicting to me, however, is that supreme and ultimate aren’t even quite right, either.  I’m striving for something that still mars the glory of God and pretty well commits spiritual treason.  He has to be only.  He has to be the source of everything.  Not just the best or the highest or the one we look to first.  He must be it.  How in the world are we supposed to accomplish this?  Just when I was getting comfortable. 

I guess this is what happens when I pray earnestly for God to open my heart and reveal Himself to me.  He does.  The problem is that what must happen is that His perfect holiness will always contrast with my iniquity.  Revelation of His glory must disclose my wretchedness.  Praise Jesus His holiness and substitutionary death so that we have the opportunity to be covered by grace.  For, “it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”