Blogs by Stephen Nichols

One of the other debated issues in the Lord's Supper, in addition to the question of presence, is that of fencing the table. Who may participate?  What does it mean to eat and drink unworthily? Who is worthy? Who is unworthy? Calvin takes... continue

Calvin continues his discussion of the errant Roman Catholic view of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper by prattling on about one of his favorite subjects to rail upon:  superstition and idolatry. The two, for Calvin, go together like ham... continue

Calvin continues extolling the virtues of the spiritual presence of Christ in the sacrament of communion over and against repudiating the errors of the physical presence of Christ within the sacraments (the view of transubstantiation). One of the dangers that... continue

Yesterday I didn't get to 3.25.3.  That's likely for the best, since that section is closely connected with today's reading.  In his discussion of hope springing from the final resurrection, Calvin turns to the bodily resurrection.  This is a cardinal... continue

With this new chapter, Calvin moves from the discussion of election to the final resurrection.  As he explains, citing Peter, the issue of the resurrection is "the outcome of our faith" (1 Peter 1:8-9; 3.25.1).  In discussing election, God's bringing... continue

Now on to reprobation, not nearly as edifying as election and assurance--should I protest to Dr. Thomas for choosing me to write on this section?!  Calvin starts here at the same place he does with election, firmly and solidly in... continue

Calvin ended yesterday's reading by lodging election squarely "in Christ alone."  Now he develops how this grounds, roots, and anchors--pick any metaphor your prefer--our assurance.  Way back when I was working on my dissertation, tackling Edwards on assurance, I remember... continue

 "What else do prophets [pastors] do but continually preach God's free call?"  So Calvin ends paragraph 1 of this section on the thorny issue of election to salvation and of reprobation.   I was stumped by this.  Should we not juts... continue

Here Calvin turns to the issue of God's chastisement of his children as opposed to vengeance and punishment of his enemies, no easy subject to talk about let alone experience.  A couple of things may be worth emphasizing.  First is... continue

Among the list of things I missed by not growing up Catholic would be the discussion of venial and mortal sins.  Alas, all lost on me.  But one thing I do remember hearing while growing up is that sin is... continue