Think Wink.

We are in part six of eight in a series of posts on Calvin’s position on OS outlined in the Institutes of the Christian Religion. In the previous post, Calvin reached his full definition of original sin. Earlier he had defined it as “This is the inherited corruption, which the church fathers termed ‘original sin,’ meaning by the word ‘sin’ the depravation of a nature previously good and pure” in ICR II.i.5. Then in ICR II.i.8 Calvin defined OS as “a hereditary depravity and corruption of our nature, diffused into all parts of the soul, which first makes us liable to God’s wrath, then also brings forth in us those works which Scripture calls ‘works of the flesh’ [Gal. 5:19].” In the next three sections will take us deeper into the nature of OS as Calvin understands it. Let us now turn to ICR II.i.9.

Calvin begins this section by saying, “For this reason, I have said that all parts of the soul were possessed by sin after Adam deserted the fountain of righteousness.” Now the “For this reason” refers back to Calvin’s previous sentence in which he wrote, “Or to put it more briefly, the whole man is of himself nothing but concupiscence” (emphasis mine). Hence “all parts of the soul” been affected by OS. Calvin is now going to argue for the totality of man being corrupted, not just certain parts of him (i.e. the mind vs. flesh vs. heart).

Thus Calvin continues, “For not only did a lower appetite seduce him [Adam], but unspeakable impiety occupied the very citadel of his mind, and pride penetrated to the depths of his heart. Thus it is pointless and foolish to restrict the corruption that arises thence only to what are called the impulses; or to call it the ‘kindling wood’ that attracts, arouses, and drags into sin only that part which they term ‘sensuality.’” It wasn’t just one part of Adam that was corrupted by sin, but it was his flesh, his mind, and his heart that were effected. The whole, the totality of Adam was corrupted by Adam.

Calvin then sets out to refute Peter Lomard’s teaching on this matter, “In this matter, Peter Lombard has betrayed his complete ignorance. For, in seeking and searching out its seat, he says that it lies in the flesh, as Paul testifies; yet not intrinsically, but because it appears more in the flesh. As if Paul were indicating that only a part of the soul, and not its entire nature, is opposed to supernatural grace! Paul removes all doubt when he teaches that corruption subsists not in one part only, but that not of the soul remains pure or untouched by that mortal disease. For in his discussion of a corrupt nature Paul not only condemns the inordinate impulses of the appetites that are seen, but especially contends that the mind is given over to blindness and the heart to depravity.” According to Calvin, Lombard said that the corruption lies in the flesh where it is most manifest, but not intrinsically. But Calvin has and will counter that Paul teaches that the whole soul, not only a part of the soul, resists God’s grace and will.

Calvin now launches into some Pauline texts to justify his critique of Lombard’s position. “The whole third chapter of Romans is nothing but a description of original sin [3:1-20]. From the ‘renewal’ that fact appears more clearly. For the Spirit, who is opposed to the old man and to the flesh, not only marks the grace whereby the lower or sensual part of the soul is corrected, but embraces the full reformation of all the parts. Consequently, Paul not only enjoins that the brute appetites be brought to nought but bids ‘be renewed in the spirit of your mind’ [Eph. 4:23]; in another passage he similarly urges us to be ‘transformed in the newness of mind’ [Romans 12:2]. From this it follows that that part in which the excellence and nobility of the soul especially shine has not only been wounded, but so corrupted that it needs to be healed and to put on a new nature as well.”

Calvin continues his argument from Scripture, “We shall soon see to what extent sin occupies both mind and heart. Here I only want to suggest briefly that the whole man is overwhelmed–as by a deluge–from head to foot, so that no part is immune from sin and all that proceeds from him is to be imputed to sin. As Paul says, all turnings of the thoughts to the flesh are enmities against God [Romans 8:7], and are therefore death [Romans 8:6].

Calvin and Original Sin: Part 7

Calvin and Original Sin: Part 2

Calvin and Original Sin: Part 5