Poor in Spirit

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Oil painting of a young John Calvin.Image via Wikipedia
Matthew 5:1-3 Elsewhere, Jesus speaks these same words to the poor (Luke 6:20 ), because those who have nothing are often able to see their need for salvation most clearly. 

Still, one does not need to lack possessions to see the kingdom of God. John Calvin writes that "he only who is reduced to nothing in himself, and relies on the mercy of God, is poor in spirit." Rich or poor, if we fail to see our need for salvation, we will fail to enter the kingdom. For further study: Psalms 34; 68:20

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