Calvin's Institutes: March 25

In this portion of Institutes of the Christian Religion Book 2, Chapter 11, Calvin draws his argument to a powerful conclusion. He explains that the saints of the Old Testament were never separated from the grace of Christ. From the very beginning of the world, all who believed the promises of God—Abraham, the prophets, and the faithful of Israel—belonged in substance to the same covenant of salvation that Christians now enjoy. Their hope was not earthly but heavenly, and their faith rested in the coming Mediator. The difference was not the promise itself but the clarity with which it was revealed. Calvin then adds a final distinction: under the Old Testament God largely confined the covenant to one nation, Israel, while the New Testament reveals the breaking down of that wall as the gospel goes out to all nations. What had long been promised and hinted at by the prophets becomes a visible reality in the calling of the Gentiles. Finally, Calvin answers critics who think such historical changes imply inconsistency in God. He argues that God has not changed the substance of his covenant at all; rather, like a wise father educating children or a physician adapting treatment to different stages of life, God has governed his people differently at different times. The doctrine, the promise, and the salvation remain the same—only the form of administration changes as God unfolds his plan through history.

Readings:

John Calvin Institutes of the Christian Religion — Book 2, Chapter 11, Sections 10–14

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