Blogging The Institutes

Following on his dictum that word and sign belong together, Calvin insists, "The sacrament requires preaching to begat faith." Far from the Romanist understanding that the mere "mumbling" of the word-based formula, "without meaning and without faith," was required, Calvin insisted that the faith in...

Various problems are now dealt with: those baptized (infants) often wait many years before repentance is seen. Does this invalidate the baptism? No, "This promise was offered to us in baptism; therefore, let us embrace it by faith." Is there not an example of re-baptism in the case of the Ephesians...

The episcopacy that holds the church together in unity is not man's but Christ's. The unity of the church, therefore, is not a formal, historical reality made concrete in an institution (the college of bishops or the pope). Rather it is a dynamic reality, born out of living union and communion with...

For Calvin the Christian ministry was a glorious calling from God, but it was never grounded in the superior qualities of the minister himself. This therefore raises the question for everyman the church member: "Why should I listen to this man who is in many respects inferior to me?" Calvin's...

The annihilation of the wicked was not a popular thought in the sixteenth century. Therefore, when Calvin discusses the resurrection of unbelievers, it is not so much the fact of their resurrection that is in view, but the implications of it. If unbelievers, too, are resurrected to "life," does...

It is important for Calvin to stress that the form of bodily resurrection does not break with the present creation; rather, it will be creations completion. In the resurrection God proves himself as the Giver of Life (3.25.4). The notion that the resurrected soul will not receive the same body but...

Yesterday I didn't get to 3.25.3. That's likely for the best, since that section is closely connected with today's reading. In his discussion of hope springing from the final resurrection, Calvin turns to the bodily resurrection. This is a cardinal doctrine, making its way right into the Apostles'...

With this new chapter, Calvin moves from the discussion of election to the final resurrection. As he explains, citing Peter, the issue of the resurrection is "the outcome of our faith" (1 Peter 1:8-9; 3.25.1). In discussing election, God's bringing about of his purposes and plan, and the assurance...

Now on to reprobation, not nearly as edifying as election and assurance--should I protest to Dr. Thomas for choosing me to write on this section?! Calvin starts here at the same place he does with election, firmly and solidly in the sovereignty of God over his creation to bring about his decreed...

Calvin ended yesterday's reading by lodging election squarely "in Christ alone." Now he develops how this grounds, roots, and anchors--pick any metaphor your prefer--our assurance. Way back when I was working on my dissertation, tackling Edwards on assurance, I remember reading these passages in...