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METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT, OR SUBJECT OF THE WHOLE WORK. - John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion [1537]

Edition used:

The Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (Edinburgh: Calvin Translation Society, 1846). 2 volumes in 1.

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METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT,

OR SUBJECT OF THE WHOLE WORK.

[from an epitome of the institutions, by gaspar olevian.]

The subject handled by the author of these Christian Institutes is twofold: the former, the knowledge of God, which leads to a blessed immortality; and the latter (which is subordinate to the former), the knowledge of ourselves. With this view the author simply adopts the arrangement of the Apostles’ Creed, as that with which all Christians are most familiar. For as the Creed consists of four parts, the first relating to God the Father, the second to the Son, the third to the Holy Spirit, and the fourth to the Church, so the author, in fulfilment of his task, divides his Institutes into four parts, corresponding to those of the Creed. Each of these parts it will now be proper to explain separately.

I. The first article of the Apostles’ Creed is concerning God the Father, the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, as implied in his omnipotence. Accordingly, the First Book of the Institutes treats of the knowledge of God, considered as the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the world, and of everything contained in it. It shows both wherein the true knowledge of the Creator consists, and what the end of this knowledge is, chap. i. and ii.; that it is not learned at school, but that every one is self-taught it from the womb, chap. iii. Such, however, is man’s depravity, that he stifles and corrupts this knowledge, partly by ignorance, partly by wicked design; and hence does not by means of it either glorify God as he ought, or attain to happiness, chap. iv. This inward knowledge is aided from without, namely, by the creatures in which, as in a mirror, the perfections of God may be contemplated. But man does not properly avail himself of this assistance; and hence to those to whom God is pleased to make himself more intimately known for salvation, he communicates his written word. This leads to a consideration of the Holy Scriptures, in which God has revealed that not the Father only, but along with the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, is that Creator of heaven and earth whom, in consequence of our innate depravity, we were unable, either from innate natural knowledge or the beautiful mirror of the world, to know so as to glorify. Here the author treats of the manifestation of God in Scripture; and in connection with it, of the one divine essence in three persons. But, lest man should lay the blame of his voluntary blindness on God, the author shows in what state man was created at first, introducing dissertations on the image of God, free will, and original righteousness. The subject of Creation being thus disposed of, the preservation and government of the world is considered in the three last chapters, which contain a very full discussion of the doctrine of Divine Providence.

II. As man, by sinning, forfeited the privileges conferred on him at his creation, recourse must be had to Christ. Accordingly, the next article in the Creed is, And in Jesus Christ his only Son, &c. In like manner, the Second Book of the Institutes treats of the knowledge of God considered as a Redeemer in Christ, and, showing man his fall, conducts him to Christ the Mediator. Here the subject of original sin is considered, and it is shown that man has no means within himself by which he can escape from guilt and the impending curse: that, on the contrary, until he is reconciled and renewed, everything that proceeds from him is of the nature of sin. This subject is considered as far as the vi. chapter. Man being thus utterly undone in himself, and incapable of working out his own cure by thinking a good thought, or doing what is acceptable to God, must seek redemption without himself—viz. in Christ. The end for which the Law was given, was not to secure worshippers for itself, but to conduct them unto Christ. This leads to an exposition of the Moral Law. Christ was known to the Jews under the Law as the author of salvation, but is more fully revealed under the Gospel in which he was manifested to the world. Hence arises the doctrine concerning the similarity and difference of the two Testaments, the Old and the New, the Law and the Gospel. These topics occupy as far as the xii. chapter. It is next shown that, in order to secure a complete salvation, it was necessary that the eternal Son of God should become man, and assume a true human nature. It is also shown in what way these two natures constitute one person. In order to purchase a full salvation by his own merits, and effectually apply it, Christ was appointed to the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. The mode in which Christ performs these offices is considered, and also whether in point of fact he did accomplish the work of redemption. Here an exposition is given of the articles relating to Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. In conclusion, it is proved that Christ is rightly and properly said to have merited divine grace and salvation for us.

III. So long as Christ is separated from us we have no benefit from him. We must be ingrafted in him like branches in the vine. Hence the Creed, after treating of Christ, proceeds in its third article, I believe in the Holy Spirit,—the Holy Spirit being the bond of union between us and Christ. In like manner, the Third Book of the Institutes treats of the Holy Spirit which unites us to Christ, and, in connection with it, of faith, by which we embrace Christ with a double benefit—viz. that of gratuitous righteousness, which he imputes to us, and regeneration, which he begins in us by giving us repentance. In order to show the worthlessness of a faith which is not accompanied with a desire of repentance, the author, before proceeding to a full discussion of justification, treats at length from chapter iii.-x. of repentance, and the constant study of it—repentance which Christ, when apprehended by faith, begets in us by his Spirit. Chapter xi. treats of the primary and peculiar benefit of Christ when united to us by the Holy Spirit—viz. justification. This subject is continued to the xx. chapter, which treats of prayer, the hand, as it were, to receive the blessings which faith knows to be treasured up for it with God, according to the word of promise. But, as the Holy Spirit, who creates and preserves our faith, does not unite all men to Christ, who is the sole author of salvation, chapter xxi. treats of the eternal election of God, to which it is owing that we, in whom he foresaw no good which he had not previously bestowed, are given to Christ, and united to him by the effectual calling of the Gospel. This subject is continued to the xxv. chapter, which treats of complete regeneration and felicity, namely, the final resurrection to which we must raise our eyes, seeing that, in regard to fruition, the happiness of the godly is only begun in this world.

IV. Since the Holy Spirit does not ingraft all men into Christ, or endue them with faith, and those whom he does so endue he does not ordinarily endue without means, but uses for that purpose the preaching of the Gospel and the dispensation of the Sacraments, together with the administration of all kinds of discipline, the Creed contains the following article, I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, namely, that Church which, when lying in eternal death, the Father, by gratuitous election, freely reconciled to himself in Christ and endued with the Holy Spirit, that, being ingrafted into Christ, it might have communion with him as its proper head; whence flow perpetual remission of sins, and full restoration to eternal life. Accordingly, the Church is treated of in the first fourteen chapters of the Fourth Book, which thereafter treats of the means which the Holy Spirit employs in calling us effectually from spiritual death, and preserving the Church, in other words, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These means are, as it were, the royal sceptre of Christ, by which, through the efficacy of his Spirit, he commences his spiritual reign in the Church, advances it from day to day, and after this life, without the use of means, finally perfects it. This subject is continued to the xx. chapter.

And because civil governments are, in this life, the hospitable entertainers (hospitia) of the Church (though civil government is distinct from the spiritual kingdom of Christ), the author shows how great blessings they are, blessings which the Church is bound gratefully to acknowledge, until we are called away from this tabernacle to the heavenly inheritance, where God will be all in all.

Such is the arrangement of the Institutes, which may be thus summed up: Man being at first created upright, but afterwards being not partially but totally ruined, finds his entire salvation out of himself in Christ, to whom being united by the Holy Spirit freely given, without any foresight of future works, he thereby obtains a double blessing—viz. full imputation of righteousness, which goes along with us even to the grave, and the commencement of sanctification, which daily advances till at length it is perfected in the day of regeneration or resurrection of the body, and this, in order that the great mercy of God may be celebrated in the heavenly mansions throughout eternity.

GENERAL INDEX OF CHAPTERS.

  • BOOK FIRST. OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THE CREATOR.

      Eighteen Chapters.

    • I. Connection between the Knowledge of God and the Knowledge of Ourselves. Nature of the connection.
    • II. What it is to Know God. Tendency of this Knowledge.
    • III. The Human Mind naturally imbued with the Knowledge of God.
    • IV. This knowledge stifled or corrupted, ignorantly or maliciously.
    • V. The Knowledge of God displayed in the fabric and constant Government of the Universe.
    • VI. The need of Scripture as a Guide and Teacher in coming to God as a Creator.
    • VII. The Testimony of the Spirit necessary to give full authority to Scripture. The impiety of pretending that the Credibility of Scripture depends on the judgment of the Church.
    • VIII. The Credibility of Scripture sufficiently proved, in so far as Natural Reason admits.
    • IX. All the principles of piety subverted by fanatics, who substitute revelations for Scripture.
    • X. In Scripture, the true God opposed exclusively, to all the gods of the Heathen.
    • XI. Impiety of attributing a visible form to God. The setting up of Idols a revolt against the True God.
    • XII. God distinguished from Idols, that He may be the exclusive object of Worship.
    • XIII. The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons taught, in Scripture, from the foundation of the World.
    • XIV. In the Creation of the World, and all things in it, the True God distinguished by certain marks from fictitious gods.
    • XV. State in which man was created. The Faculties of the Soul—The Image of God—Free Will—Original Righteousness.
    • XVI. The World, created by God, still cherished and protected by Him. Each and all of its parts governed by His Providence.
    • XVII. Use to be made of this Doctrine.
    • XVIII. The instrumentality of the wicked employed by God, while He continues free from every taint.
  • BOOK SECOND. OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THE REDEEMER, IN CHRIST, AS FIRST MANIFESTED TO THE FATHERS UNDER THE LAW, AND THEREAFTER TO US UNDER THE GOSPEL.

      Seventeen Chapters.

    • I. Through the Fall and revolt of Adam the whole Human Race made accursed and degenerate. Of Original Sin.
    • II. Man now deprived of Freedom of Will, and miserably enslaved.
    • III. Everything proceeding from the corrupt Nature of Man damnable.
    • IV. How God works in the hearts of men.
    • V. The Arguments usually alleged in support of Free Will refuted.
    • VI. Redemption for lost man to be sought in Christ.
    • VII. The Law given, not to retain a people for itself, but to keep alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ until his Advent.
    • VIII. Exposition of the Moral Law.
    • IX. Christ, though known to the Jews under the Law, yet only manifested under the Gospel.
    • X. The resemblance between the Old Testament and the New.
    • XI. The difference between the two Testaments.
    • XII. Christ, to perform the office of Mediator, behoved to become man.
    • XIII. Christ clothed with the true substance of Human Nature.
    • XIV. How two natures constitute the Person of the Mediator.
    • XV. Three things chiefly to be regarded in Christ—viz. his Offices of Prophet, King, and Priest.
    • XVI. How Christ performed the Office of Redeemer in procuring our salvation. The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ.
    • XVII. Christ rightly and properly said to have merited Grace and Salvation for us.
  • BOOK THIRD. THE MODE OF OBTAINING THE GRACE OF CHRIST. THE BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT.

      Twenty-Five Chapters.

    • I. The Benefits of Christ made available to us by the Secret Operation of the Spirit.
    • II. Of Faith. The Definition of it. Its peculiar properties.
    • III. Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
    • IV. Penitence, as explained in the sophistical jargon of the Schoolmen, widely different from the purity required by the Gospel. Of Confession and Satisfactions.
    • V. Of the modes of Supplementing Satisfactions—viz. Indulgences and Purgatory.
    • VI. The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments exhorting to it.
    • VII. A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
    • VIII. Of Bearing the Cross—one branch of Self-Denial.
    • IX. Of Meditating on the Future Life.
    • X. How to use the Present Life, and the comforts of it.
    • XI. Of Justification by Faith. Both the name and the reality defined.
    • XII. Necessity of contemplating the Judgment-seat of God, in order to be seriously convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
    • XIII. Two things to be observed in Gratuitous Justification.
    • XIV. The beginning of Justification. In what sense progressive.
    • XV. The boasted merit of Works subversive, both of the Glory of God in bestowing Righteousness and of the certainty of Salvation.
    • XVI. Refutation of the Calumnies by which it is attempted to throw odium on this doctrine.
    • XVII. The Promises of the Law and the Gospel reconciled.
    • XVIII. The Righteousness of Works improperly inferred from Rewards.
    • XIX. Of Christian Liberty.
    • XX. Of Prayer—a perpetual exercise of Faith. The daily benefits derived from it.
    • XXI. Of the Eternal Election, by which God has predestinated some to Salvation and others to Destruction.
    • XXII. This Doctrine confirmed by Proofs from Scripture.
    • XXIII. Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is always unjustly assailed.
    • XXIV. Election confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate bring upon themselves the righteous destruction to which they are doomed.
    • XXV. Of the Last Resurrection.
  • BOOK FOURTH. OF THE EXTERNAL MEANS OR HELPS BY WHICH GOD ALLURES US INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST, AND KEEPS US IN IT.

      Twenty Chapters.

    • I. Of the True Church. Duty of cultivating Unity with her, as the mother of all the godly.
    • II. Comparison between the False Church and the True.
    • III. Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and Office.
    • IV. Of the state of the Primitive Church, and the Mode of Government in use before the Papacy.
    • V. The Ancient Form of Government utterly corrupted by the tyranny of the Papacy.
    • VI. Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
    • VII. Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, till it attained a height by which the Liberty of the Church was destroyed, and all true Rule overthrown.
    • VIII. Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The unbridled license of the Papal Church in destroying Purity of Doctrine.
    • IX. Of Councils and their Authority.
    • X. Of the Power of making Laws. The cruelty of the Pope and his adherents, in this respect, in tyrannically oppressing and destroying Souls.
    • XI. Of the Jurisdiction of the Church and the Abuses of it, as exemplified in the Papacy.
    • XII. Of the Discipline of the Church, and its principal use in Censures and Excommunication.
    • XIII. Of Vows. The miserable entanglements caused by Vowing rashly.
    • XIV. Of the Sacraments.
    • XV. Of Baptism.
    • XVI. Pædobaptism. Its accordance with the Institution of Christ, and the nature of the sign.
    • XVII. Of the Lord’s Supper, and the benefits conferred by it.
    • XVIII. Of the Popish Mass. How it not only profanes, but annihilates the Lord’s Supper.
    • XIX. Of the Five Sacraments, falsely so called. Their spuriousness proved, and their true character explained.
    • XX. Of Civil Government.