Comprehensive Notes on John Calvin and the Reformation

John Calvin

  • Born: Noyen, France in 1509
  • Died: Geneva, Switzerland in 1564
  • Education: Trained as a lawyer; never served as a priest or monk.
  • Leadership: Became a leader of the Reformed City of Geneva in 1536.
  • Major Work: Authored "Institutes of the Christian Religion" (1559/60), a significant text in Protestant systematic theology.
  • Key Doctrine: Advocated the absolute sovereignty of God.

Knowledge of God

  • Insight: True self-knowledge is attained only after contemplating the face of God.
  • Reflection: Recognizing our depravity leads to an upward gaze towards God, who gives all good gifts.
  • Contrast: In the light of God's perfection, human falsehoods are exposed.

Holy Scripture and Its Hermeneutics

  • Importance of Scripture: Functions as glasses to see God clearly; it is self-authenticating and does not rely on Church authority.
  • Authority: The Church is built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, relying on Scripture.
  • Holy Spirit’s Role: Believers are taught to read Scripture by the Holy Spirit; true faith is confirmed in the heart by the Holy Spirit.

The Power of Sin

  • Nature of Sin: Hereditary corruption affects all aspects of the soul; humanity is inherently depraved and deserving condemnation.
  • Original Sin: Infants inherit original sin, which is a deep-rooted seed of sin; even without sinful actions, they are considered corrupt.
  • Remedy: Only the grace of Christ can initiate regeneration, as no part of humanity is free from sin’s influence.

Eternal Election

  • Concept: Not all are offered salvation equally; many are predestined to salvation, while others face destruction.
  • Basis: Election is a matter of divine mercy, not based on foreknowledge of individual actions.
  • Evidence: The calling of the elect serves as proof of their predestination.
  • Divine Mystery: Predestination is described as a secret decree of God’s will.

Ubi Ecclesia?

  • Definition: True Church is wherever the Word and Sacrament are preserved.
  • Critique of Roman Church: Claims of corruption in Gospel and sacramental practices; they have deviated from true teaching as per Scripture.
  • Remnants of Truth: Despite corruption, traces of truth remain within the Roman Church.

The Synod of Dort (1618)

  • Summary of Five Points of Calvinism:
    • Total Depravity
    • Unconditional Election
    • Limited Atonement
    • Irresistible Grace
    • Perseverance of the Saints

Council of Trent (1545-1564)

  • Response to Reformation: Focused on reforming and solidifying Catholic doctrine and practices.

Laity Relations and Authority

  • Pastor Aeternus (1516): Assertion of Papal supremacy; emphasizes believers' need to remain subject to the Pope for salvation.
  • Importance of the Papacy: The Pope holds authority over church councils and is essential for unity and doctrinal integrity.

Cardinal Cajetan on Faith and Works

  • Argument: Faith alone is insufficient for salvation; good works must accompany faith.
  • Concept of Charity: Love must inform faith, as friendship with God requires mutual love.

Peace of Augsburg (1555)

  • Significance: Established the principle of "Cuius regio, eius religio"; allowed rulers to choose the religion of their territory, influencing Protestant and Catholic relations.

Scripture and Tradition

  • Authority of Scripture: Both written (Bible) and unwritten traditions are vital and divinely inspired.
  • Latin Vulgate: Declared as the sole authoritative biblical text; formal establishment of the Catholic Biblical Canon, including Deutero-Canonical Books.

Original Sin and Infant Baptism

  • Belief: All are condemned through Adam's sin; infant baptism is critical for salvation, opposing Anabaptist views.

Justification and Salvation

  • Concept: Requires divine grace; cooperation with grace is necessary for justification.
  • Good Works: Faith must be accompanied by love and good works, opposing the notion of justification by faith alone.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

  • Belief in Real Presence: Both body and blood of Christ are present in the Eucharist, opposing Zwingli’s memorial view.
  • Mass as Sacrifice: The Mass is a true sacrifice, representing Christ’s one-time sacrifice on the cross.

Indulgences

  • Stance: Indulgences are beneficial, but the Church condemns their abuses.
  • Call for Reform: Abuses should be reported for correction to maintain the sanctity of indulgences.

Tridentine Profession of Faith

  • Core Beliefs Restated:
    • Holy Mother Church interprets Scripture and establishes the canon.
    • Affirmation of the seven sacraments.
    • Justification involves faith perfected by hope and love.
    • The significance of purgatory and the efficacy of prayers for the dead.
    • Emphasis on obedience to the Roman Church and the Pope.