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…
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 more cautious than the Reformers (or Paul!) in asserting synecdochal…
Having discussed the nature of the sacraments generally, Calvin moves to unpack the sacrament of baptism. He defines baptism as “the sign of the initiation by which we are received into the society of the church, in order that, engrafted…
Calvin argues that the Old Testament sacraments “looked to the same purpose to which ours now tend: to direct and almost lead men by the head to Christ” (4.14.20). In particular, circumcision, baptisms, and sacrifices in the Old Testament all…
While the sacraments are wonderful gifts given to us by God, we have to say that they are not required for salvation. Nor are they even required for assurance of salvation: “Assurance of salvation does not depend upon participation in…
Lest we think that we can stir up the faith required to receive the sacraments in a worthy fashion, God grants us his Spirit to accompany his Word and sacrament and to stir our hearts to cling to Christ. “The…
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…
Calvin concludes his discussion on vows by discussing a misinterpretation of 1 Timothy 5:12 regarding widows who married, and whom Paul accuses of abandoning the faith. Calvin’s view of this passage is that they renounce the promise of their commitment…
The corruption of monasticism in Calvin’s day is evidenced by the boastful promise of perfection, and of a superior spirituality. When men boast that they are in a state in which they aspire to perfection more than others, and people…
Calvin’s third principle for biblical vows is the mind in which such vows are undertaken. God looks on the heart. Calvin sees only four ends to which vows may legitimately be taken: to give thanks for God’s goodness, to make…
