"Everyone who understands the nature of God rightly necessarily knows that God is to be believed and hoped in, that he is to be loved and called upon, and to be heard in all things"

William Ames, a substantial figure in the advancement of Reformed theology, articulates in this quote a holistic vision of the divine-human relationship, encapsulating belief, hope, love, invocation, and obedience. This declaration highlights key elements of Christian piety and doctrinal understanding as Ames saw them.

Firstly, Ames starts with the property that understanding the nature of God appropriately is essential. This implies that there is a proper or orthodox understanding of God, most likely grounded in bible and tradition for Ames, which leads to appropriate responses from followers. The expression "necessarily understands" suggests a type of inevitability or natural action to understanding God's real nature.

Ames lists a number of reactions to this understanding: belief, hope, love, invocation, and obedience. To "believe" in God can be viewed as acknowledging God's presence, power, and sovereignty. This belief forms the foundation of faith and underpins all other actions. Following belief is "hope" in God, which recommends rely on God's pledges and a future-oriented guarantee in His grace and providence.

"Love" indicates a deep, individual affection and dedication. This is a relational action, highlighting a psychological and volitional aspect in the follower's relationship with God. The call to enjoy God is central in Christian faith, resonating with Jesus' teaching of the best rule.

The phrase "hired" describes invocation, encompassing prayer and reliance on God. This symbolizes a communicative and reliant relationship, where believers seek God's assistance, intervention, and presence in their lives.

Finally, "to be heard in all things" recommends a posture of obedience and attentiveness to God's will. It needs the follower to be responsive and lined up with God's commands and mentors.

In general, Ames encapsulates a total devotional and useful reaction to God that encompasses mind (belief), heart (hope and love), and action (invocation and obedience). This quote reflects the combination of doctrine and practice central to Reformed spirituality, intending to engage the entire individual in a transformative relationship with the divine.