Accepted and Renewed in Christ
The Twofold Grace of God and the Interpretation of Calvin's Theology
by Cornelis P Venema
The subject of this book is the understanding of the gospel in the theology of the Protestant Reformer John Calvin. Specifically, it deals with what Calvin terms the twofold grace of God, the justification and sanctification of believers on the basis of the redemptive work of Christ. In treating this subject, the study has a twofold objective: first, to contribute to an understanding of the nature and relation of justification and sanctification in Calvin’s theology; and second, to contribute to the interpretation of Calvin’s theology in general. The thesis of the book is that Calvin views justification and sanctification as the two benefits of the Triune God’s work of redemption in Jesus Christ. These benefits are simultaneously communicated to believers through the office or ministry of the Holy Spirit, who joins them to Christ by faith. The twofold grace of God represents a particular doctrinal theme within the broader framework of the knowledge of God as Creator and Redeemer. Redemption, which remedies the consequences of human sinfulness, includes not only the restoration of sinners to a state of acceptance and favour with God on the basis of Christ’s work as Redeemer (justification), but also the renewal or sanctification of sinners in conformity to Christ (sanctification). The twofold grace of God reveals distinct features of the knowledge of the Triune God as Redeemer, who is merciful and kind in condescending to his creatures’ needy condition and raising them up to newness of life. The twofold grace of God in Calvin’s theology provides a comprehensive perspective upon the knowledge of God and ourselves that peculiarly concerns the redemption of sinful humanity. This study also addresses several controversial questions in Calvin studies. These include Calvin’s view of the relation between the law and gospel, and his understanding of the role of good works in confirming the genuineness of faith.
- By (author) Cornelis P Venema
Other Titles in this Series
Mysterium Christi spiritualis praesentiae
Die Abendmahlslehre des Genfer Reformators Johannes Calvin aus romisch-katholischer Perspektive
Volume 19
Driven by God
Active Justification and Definitive Sanctification in the Soteriology of Bavinck, Comrie, Witsius, and Kuyper
Volume 46
Orthodox, Puritan, Baptist
Hercules Collins (1647-1702) and Particular Baptist Identity in Early Modern England
Volume 32
As Often As You Eat This Bread
Communion Frequency in English, Scottish, and Early American Churches
Volume 74
The Beginning of a Spirit-filled Church
A Study of the Implications of the Pneumatology for the Ecclesiology in John Calvin's Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles
Volume 45
A New Divinity
Transatlantic Reformed Evangelical Debates during the Long Eighteenth Century
Volume 49
Calvin, Exile, and Religious Refugees
Papers of the Thirteenth International Congress on Calvin Research
Volume 78
A Heavenly Directory
Trinitarian Piety, Public Worship and a Reassessment of John Owen's Theology
Volume 29
Franciscus Junius d.A. (1545-1602)
Ein reformierter Theologe im Spannungsfeld zwischen spathumanistischer Irenik und reformierter Konfessionalisierung
Volume 3
Why Heaven Kissed Earth
The Christology of the Puritan Reformed Orthodox Theologian, Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680)
Volume 13
The Promise of the Trinity
The Covenant of Redemption in the Theologies of Witsius, Owen, Dickson, Goodwin, and Cocceius
Volume 48
Christ and the Covenant
Francis Turretin's Federal Theology as a Defense of the Doctrine of Grace
Volume 1
Reprobation: from Augustine to the Synod of Dort
The Historical Development of the Reformed Doctrine of Reprobation
Volume 63
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