The Reformed Doctrine of Gandalf the Greyt Encourager

Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt.

Gandalf the Grey

Tolkien’s wizard was an encouraging fellow; he went about inspiring hope and courage in the face of powerful evil. And isn’t that the war of faith we all must wage in Christ? When we saw our sin for what it truly is, was it not faith in the sweet promises of God that assured us there was still hope, even for me, the chief of sinners? Was it not our faith that drove us on past despair to find divine mercy in Christ or die trying? And now we face new battles of all sorts. Let us not despair! Sin and doubt may yet be slain; heavy trials may yet pass; salvation may yet come to those we dearly love. Though we plunge like Gandalf, staffless into the chasm of Moria along with our very foe, we may yet attain the victory. There is always hope for us in our resurrected Lord, for the end is his with absolute certainty. Amen!