Derek Thomas

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…

One suspects that Calvin’s candor in his treatment of baptism makes us uneasy. Today, we fear the connection between the “sign” and the “thing signified” that we tend to be…

It is a dangerous and impious zeal that seeks to “unchurch” a brother or sister because they do not meet our standards of perfection. Discipline in the church,  Calvin argues,…

Common as it is today to cast the burden of examination prior to participation at the Lord’s Supper upon the participant, Calvin saw it otherwise: knowingly and willingly to admit…

It is a fact often cited (too often?) that Calvin did not regard church discipline as a mark of the church, insisting instead on two marks: faithful preaching and the…

Should ministers of the gospel also be found in the world of civilian politics? No, according to Calvin, citing Ambrose: “to the emperor belongs the palaces; to the priest the…

Calvin’s interpretation of the “keys of the kingdom” (Matt. 16:19; 18:17-18) contends with Roman views advocating the primacy of the Roman see. “[T]hey know so well,” Calvin comments, “how to…