Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 11

Theological Journal Kerugma

E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

DOUBLE PREDESTINATION VIEW BY JOHN


CALVIN, IN HIS COMMENTARIES AND
INSTITUTIO BOOK
Elisabeth Sulastri

The Evangelical Theological Seminary of Indonesia - Yogyakarta


E-mail: elizabetsulastri10@gmail.com

Abstract
This article discusses the teaching view of John Calvin about Double
Predestination. Any Bible verses that are the basis of explaining this teaching. The
explanation of these verses can be the basis for understanding the teaching of John
Calvin about Double Predestination. There are tree topic discussions in this article, First
Double Predestination View by John Calvin, second in His Commentaries, and third
institution book. May this article provide new insight and enlightenment for every reader.

Keywords: Double, Predestination, View, Commentaries, Institutio Book

INTRODUCTION will explain the main teaching of


Firstly, I will discuss crucial double predestination in Institutio
verses which used by John Calvin to Book.
support his doctrine of double
predestination. There are seven elective In His Commentaries
verses which will be described in this According to Calvin,
thesis from Old Testament until New Proverbs 16:41 is clear enough states
Testament. that God actually sets and
These seven verses are verses predestines everything either good or
which were used by Calvin to support wicked people. Based on this
his doctrine of double predestination. I Proverbs, God has already prepared
will not only provide those verses but the day of calamity for the wicked.
also Calvin’s interpretation about them. He doesn’t allow bad things for bad
After describing Calvin commentaries people but He predestines the wicked
about those verses, I
1
The LORD made everything for its own
purpose, even the wicked He made for the day of
calamity.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 49


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

life and destiny. Therefore, Calvin love.3


concluded that God makes The object of Malachi was in
everything either good or bad. This reminding the Jews that they were loved
understanding supports the idea that and chosen by God; it was, that he might
God is sovereign over anything the more amplify their ingratitude for
including evil and He has having rendered such an unworthy
predestined the wicked for the day of reward for so great a favor of God: as he
calamity “eternal death”.2 had preferred them to all other nations,
In addition to Proverbs 16:4, he had justly bound them to perpetual
the doctrine of double predestination obedience. There is here mentioned a
also is shown in Malachi book in Old special favor — that the Lord took to
Testament. Calvin adduced that himself the seed of Abraham, as it is said
Malachi 1:2 is one of the strongest in the song of Moses that all nations are
evidence that God has predestined God’s, but that he had cast his line to set
human future either to be saved or apart Israel for himself (Deuteronomy
perished beforehand (before Adam 32:9).4
and Eve were created). Holy Though then the whole world was
Scripture states that "I have loved under God’s government, it was yet his
you," says the LORD. But you say, will to choose one family. If the cause be
"How hast Thou loved us?" "Was not enquired, it is not to be found in men; for
Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the all were created from the earth, and souls
LORD. "Yet I have loved Jacob were implanted in their bodies created
(Mal 1:2 NAS). from nothing.
This verse surprises Calvin Since it was so, we see that the
about God’s love to Jacob. Calvin difference arose from the fountain of
explained that his verse talks about gratuitous favor — that God preferred
God’s rebuke to His wicked people one race to the rest; and Moses often
because they didn’t know how to repeats this — that the Jews were not
grateful to Him. They didn’t honor chosen because they were more excellent
and fear Yahweh, God of Israel than other nations, but because God
because they kept questioning God’s 3
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/
cvmal-01.htm
2 4
John Calvin, Institute of Christian Religions, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom30.pdf
206.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 50


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

gratuitously loved their fathers. its fruits even He bounds them with so
(Deuteronomy 7:7). By love he means many graces and goodness for them. He
gratuitous favor. Malachi then does not also adopted them to be His children
consider here that the Jews had been through Abraham’s seed.
chosen before other nations on the Though, they still questioned His
ground of their own merit; for if he love and kept living in sins.7 Hence,
granted this, they might have objected there are two sins which Israel kept
and said — “Why dost thou remind us doing at that time. Firstly, they were
that God has favored us more than other forgetting God’s kindness into their life
nations, since he deemed us worthy, and and, secondly, they kept living in their
rewarded our merit?” But the Prophet sins which He rebuked in the book of
takes it as admitted, according to what I Malachi.8
have already said, that the Jews were by Despite of their wickedness,
nature like other nations, so that their Calvin is amazed with God’s election
different condition did not proceed from which has a lot of favor. He chooses
themselves, or from their own Jacob (Israel) over their forgetfulness
worthiness, but from the gratuitous love about His love and their iniquities He
of God.5 elects Jacob beyond Esau status as a
However, they had shaken off the firstborn and also his birthright. Esau
yoke, and having despised God had should get his birthright because he is the
given themselves up again to many oldest brother, but because of God has
corruptions. In short, the Jews paid him predestined Jacob from eternity that he is
no reverence, he complains that he was refused (Gen. 25:23).9
defrauded of his right as a father; and as God chooses them to be His people
they entertained no fear for him.6 not because of their merit or goodness
God could reply the Jews hardly but His great love only. Deuteronomy
because He created them and He is their 9:6 also restates that God elects Israel
father who gave them foods. He is the among other nations not because of their
one who gives sun to shine every day for righteousness but because He knows
them and fruits in the land which bears
7
Ibid.
8
John Calvin, Calvin: Commentaries (Grand
5
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom30.pdf Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library,
6
http://www.magister.msk.ru/library/bible/comm 1958), 199-202.
9
ent/calvin/calvin17.htm Ibid.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 51


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

since the beginning that Israel is rebel, Paul now begins to ascend higher (verse
stubborn and stiff-necked people. In the 11), even to show the cause of this
context of Malachi, Calvin concluded difference, which he teaches us is
that Jacob’s election and Esau’s rejection nowhere else to be found except in the
are because God’s own will not because election of God.
of human merit. This is a double He had indeed before briefly
predestination teaching.10 Also, noticed, that there was a difference
Voluntarism role is prominent in between the natural children of
Calvin’s interpretation who says that Abraham, that though all were adopted
human cannot satisfy God. Therefore, if by circumcision into a participation of
man is elected or rejected it because the covenant, yet the grace of God was
God’s will only. not effectual in them all; and hence that
In the New Testament, Calvin took they, who enjoy the favor of God, are the
reference from Roman 9:11-2211 as the children of the promise. But how it thus
basis for his double predestination happened, he has been either silent or
doctrine. In those verses, Apostle Paul has obscurely hinted. Now indeed he
explains so clearly that there are two openly ascribes the whole cause to the
type of man. The first type is man who is election of God, and that gratuitous, and
predestined to be loved and the second in no way depending on men; so that in
one is the man who is predestined to be the salvation of the godly nothing higher
destroyed (Rom. 9:22). Calvin said that (nihil superius) must be sought than the
10
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion goodness of God, and nothing higher in
/cvmal-01.htm
11
For the Scriptures said to Pharaoh, "This is
the perdition of the reprobate than his
why I raised you up, that I may show my power just severity.12
in you, and that my name may be made known in
all the earth." So he has mercy on whom he wills Then the first proposition is, “as
and hardens the hearts of whom he wills. Now
the blessing of the covenant separates the
you will say to me, "If So, what else is he still
blaming? For who is against his will?" Who are Israelitic nation from all other people, so
you, man, that you oppose God? Can the formed
say to the one who formed it, "Why have you the election of God makes a distinction
formed me like this?" Does the potter have no
between men in that nation, while he
right to his clay, to make from lumps? the same
thing to be used for a noble purpose and another predestinates some to salvation, and
thing to be used for ordinary purposes? So, when
it comes to showing His wrath and manifesting
His power, God has great patience with the 12
John Calvin, Commentary on Romans (Grand
objects of His wrath, which have prepared for Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library),
destruction. 302-303.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 52


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

others to eternal condemnation.”13 The ought to be well known to all Christians,


second proposition is, “There is no other namely, that God can see nothing in the
basis for this election than the goodness corrupt nature of man, such as was in
of God alone, and also since the fall of Esau and Jacob, to induce him to
Adam, his mercy; which embraces manifest his favor.16 When therefore he
whom he pleases, without any regard says, that neither of them had then done
whatever to their works.”14 The third is, any good or evil, what he took as granted
“The Lord in his gratuitous election is must also be added that they were both
free and exempt from the necessity of the children of Adam, by nature sinful,
imparting equally the same grace to all; and endued with no particle of
but, on the contrary, he passes by whom righteousness.
he wills, and whom he wills he It may further be said, that though
chooses.”15 that corruption alone, which is diffused
All these things Paul briefly through the whole race of man, is
includes in one sentence: he then goes on sufficient, before it breaks out, as they
to other things. Moreover, by these say, into action, for condemnation, and
words, when the children had not yet hence it follows, that Esau was justly
been born, nor had done any good or rejected, for he was naturally a child of
evil, he shows that God in making a wrath, it was yet necessary, lest any
difference could not have had any regard doubt should remain, as though his
to works, for they were not yet done. condition became worse through any
Now they who argue on the other side, vice or fault, that sins no less than virtues
and say, that this is no reason why the should be excluded.
election of God should not make a It is indeed true, that the proximate
difference between men according to the cause of reprobation is the curse we all
merits of works, for God foresees who inherit from Adam; yet, that we may
those are who by future works would be learn to acquiesce in the bare and simple
worthy or unworthy of his grace, are not good pleasure of God, Paul withdraws us
more clear-sighted than Paul, but from this view, until he has established
stumble at a principle in theology, which this doctrine, — That God has a
sufficiently just reason for electing and
13
Ibid.
14 16
Ibid http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom38
15
Ibid., 304.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 53


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

for reprobating, in his own according to election is established in


will.17According to the purpose of God’s this way that before the brothers were
election, Paul speaks of the gratuitous born, and had done either good or evil,
election of God almost in every instance. one was rejected and the other chosen; it
If works had any place, he ought to have hence follows, that when any one
said, “That his reward might stand ascribes the cause of the difference to
through works;” but he mentions the their works, he thereby subverts the
purpose of God, which is included, so to purpose of God.18 Now, by adding, not
speak, in his own good pleasure alone. through works, but through him who
That no ground of dispute might calls, he means, not on account of works,
remain on the subject, he has removed but of the calling only; for he wishes to
all doubt by adding another clause exclude works altogether. We have then
according to election, and then a third, the whole stability of our election
not through works, but through him who inclosed in the purpose of God alone:
calls. Since the purpose of God here merits avail nothing, as they issue in
17
Archbishop Usher asks this question, “Did nothing but death; no worthiness is
God, before he made man, determine to save
regarded, for there is none; but the
some and reject others?” To this he gives this
answer, — “Yes, surely; before they had done goodness of God reigns alone. False then
either good or evil, God in his eternal counsel set
them apart.” It is the same sentiment that is is the dogma, and contrary to God’s
announced here by Calvin But to deduce it from
word that God elects or rejects, as he
what is said of Jacob and Esau, does not seem
legitimate, inasmuch as they were in a fallen foresees each to be worthy or unworthy
condition by nature, and the reference is
evidently made to anything done personally by of his favor.19
themselves. Election and reprobation most
18
clearly presuppose man as fallen and lost: it is http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom38
19
hence indeed, that the words derive their Nothing can be conceived more conclusive in
meaning. That it was God’s eternal purpose to argument than what is contained here. The idea
choose some of man’s fallen race, and to leave of Foreseen works, as the reason or the ground of
others to perish, is clearly taught us: but this is a election, is wholly excluded. The choice is
different question from the one touched upon expressly denied to be on account of any works,
here, — that this purpose was irrespective of and is as expressly ascribed to the sovereign will
man’s fall, — a sentiment which, as far as I can of God. “He does not oppose works to faith, but
see, is not recognised nor taught in Scripture. to him who calls, or to the calling, which
And not only Calvin, but many other divines, precedes faith, that is, to that calling which is
both before and after him, seem to have gone in according to God’s purpose. Paul means, that the
this respect somewhat beyond the limits of difference between Jacob and Esau was made
revelation; it is true, by a process of reasoning through the sole will and pleasure of God, not
apparently obvious; but when we begin to reason through their wills or works, existing or
on this high and mysterious subject, we become foreseen.” — Poli. Syn. Yet some of the Fathers,
soon bewildered and lost in mazes of as Chrysostom and Theodoret, as well as some
difficulties.. modern divines, ascribe election to foreseen

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 54


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

According to Calvin, the answer is based


on God’s election in eternity in which He
has predestined some people to be saved
In Institutio Book and others to be perished.21
Despite of his work in Institutio Calvin also stated that God gives
had been revised but his double faith only to the elects. It is because of
predestination doctrine doesn’t change at his decision since the beginning because
all fundamentally in twenty three years he knows all of his works beforehand
since the first until the last Latin edition. (Acts. 15:18), and all things have been
He kept teaching this doctrine worked by his decision (Ep. 1:11).22
assertively.20 In his book “Institutio”, Based on God’s decision, the hearts of
especially chapter 21 and 22, Calvin the elects are softened with his mercy
gave a question how can someone and subdued to believe though their
explain why not all people listen Gospel? hearts were hard. In contrast, based on
works. How this is reconcilable with the God’s same decision, the others are left
argument of the Apostle, and with the instances
in their sins and hardened heart with
he adduces, it is indeed a very hard matter to see.
One way by which the Apostle’s argument is God’s punishment. This diversity is the
evaded, is, that the election here is to temporal
and outward privileges. Be it so: let this be top of divine judgement and His mercy.23
granted; but it is adduced by the Apostle as an
Therefore, Calvin’s doctrine is not only
illustration — and of what? most clearly of
spiritual and eternal election. He refers both to explaining why only some people come
the same principle, to the free choice of God, and
not to anything in man. “God foresaw the to God through faith but the others are
disposition of each.” — Theodoret and not.
Chrysostom “His election corresponds with the
foreseen disposition of men.” — Theodoret “It Calvin opposed God’s election
was done by the prescience of God, whereby he
knew while yet unborn, what each would be.” — based on foreknowledge of merit
Augustine These are quotations made by a (praescientiam faciunt eius causam).
modern writer (Bosanquet)with approbation: but
surely nothing could be suggested more directly The question considered is the origin and
contrary to the statements and the argument of
the Apostle. There is a mistake, I apprehend, as cause of election. The advocates of
to the last quotation; perhaps similar to that made foreknowledge insist that it is to be
in quoting Augustine on the latter part of the 7th
chapter of this Epistle, where the writer quotes a
21
sentiment of Augustine, which he afterwards John Calvin, Institute of Christian Religions,
retracted, a thing which has been often done by 566.
22
the advocates of Popery, but by no means Ibid.
becoming a Protestant. 23
Van Den End, Enam Belas Dokumen Dasar
20
Michael S. Horton, Institutes Calvin (Jakarta: Calvinisme (Jakarta: BPK Gunung Mulia, 2001),
Momentum, 2009), 115. 59.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 55


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

found in the virtues and vices of men. before him. If works procure favor, a
For they take the short and easy method value ought to have been put upon them
of asserting, that God showed in the before Jacob was born, just as if he had
person of Jacob, that he elects those who been of full age. But in explaining the
are worthy of his grace; and in the difficulty, the Apostle goes on to show,
person of Esau, that he rejects those that the adoption of Jacob proceeded not
whom he foresees to be unworthy. on works but on the calling of God.25
Such is their confident assertion; In works he makes no mention of
but what does Paul say? “For the past or future, but distinctly opposes
children being not yet born, neither them to the calling of God, intimating,
having done any good or evil that the that when place is given to the one the
purpose of God according to election other is overthrown; as if he had said,
might stand, not of works, but of him The only thing to be considered is what
that calleth; it was said unto her, pleased God, not what men furnished of
[Rebecca,] the elder shall serve the themselves. Lastly, it is certain that all
younger. As it is written, Jacob have I the causes which men are wont to devise
loved, but Esau have I hated,” (Rom. as external to the secret counsel of God,
9:11-13).24 If foreknowledge had are excluded by the use of the terms
anything to do with this distinction of the purpose and election.26 In short, some
brothers, the mention of time would have people are determined to have eternal
been out of place. Granting that Jacob life and the others are predestined to
was elected for a worth to be obtained by
25
Ibid.
future virtues, to what end did Paul say 26
The salvation of believers is founded entirely
that he was not yet born? Nor would on the decree of divine election, that the privilege
is procured not by works but free calling. We
there have been any occasion for adding, have also a specimen of the thing itself set before
us. Esau and Jacob are brothers, begotten of the
that as yet he had done no good, because
same parents, within the same womb, not yet
the answer was always ready, that born. In them all things are equal, and yet the
judgment of God with regard to them is different.
nothing is hid from God, and that He adopts the one and rejects the other. The only
right of precedence was that of primogeniture;
therefore the piety of Jacob was present
but that is disregarded, and the younger is
preferred to the elder. Nay, in the case of others,
24
http://sirat- God seems to have disregarded primogeniture for
emustaqeem.com/web/uBooks/Christianity the express purpose of excluding the flesh from
%20Books/Philosophers%20and all ground of boasting. Rejecting Ishmael he
%20Theologians/Calvin%20Institutes%20of gives his favor to Isaac, postponing Manasseh he
%20Christian%20Religion.pdf honors Ephraim.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 56


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

have eternal death. This decree can’t be Therefore, Calvin concluded that
violated (inviolabilis manet). Therefore, double predestination doctrine is very
Calvin thought that predestination which important teaching to defend God’s
based on foreknowledge is not an act of nature both His love and His justice. 29 It
God which is free based on his free will. means if God chooses to save all people
This kind of predestination limits God’s who are sinners, he is unjustice God
will because it is based on His because no punishment at all for sinners.
foreknowledge to his creations. Calvin However, if he punishes all man then His
thinks that it cannot be happen.27 In love will be questioned. In addition,
conclusion, Calvin defines predestination Calvin also adduced that God’s justice is
as God’s perpetual decree which He has beyond man’s capacity to question it. He
predestined before what He wants to do used verses in Romans 9:21-23 to defend
for everyone not because of His God’s sovereignity in predestination
foreknowledge. both people who are saved and those
There are some people who think who are perished. In summary, double
that if God’s election based on his will predestination doctrine is the best
only not his foreknowledge, then solution to defend God’s love, justice
predestination for those who are not can and sovereignity.
be said that it is unfair. However, Calvin The benefit of predestination is the
argued that God doesn’t owe anything to special election which otherwise would
man. It means all man in this world are remain hidden in God, he at length
deserved to be punished because all of manifests by his calling. “For whom he
them have fallen into sins. If God did foreknow, he also did predestinate to
chooses some people to be saved, God is be conformed to the image of his Son.”
not fair but it because of His love. He Moreover, “whom he did predestinate,
doesn’t need to save all people because them he also called; and whom he called,
all man should be perished. If God them he also justified,” that he may one
predestines some people to be perished, day glorify (Rom. 8:29, 30).30 Though
it is not contradicted with his justice the Lord, by electing his people, adopted
because all mean should be punished.28 them as his sons, we, however, see that
they do not come into possession of this
27
John Calvin, Institute of Christian Religions,
29
575-577. Ibid., 588-590.
28 30
Ibid., 583-586. Ibid.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 57


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

great good until they are called; but [3] ___________, Institute of Christian
when called, the enjoyment of their Religions. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian
election is in some measure Classics Ethereal Library. 1958
communicated to them. Because Holy [4] ___________, Commentaries on the
Spirit dwells into their hearts and Paul Epistle of Jude. Grand Rapids, Michigan:
uses the terms “Spirit of adoption,” and Baker Book House, reprinted 1984.
the “seal” and “earnest” of the future [5] Chia, P. S., & Juanda, J. (2020).
inheritance; because by his testimony he Penafsiran Amilenialisme & Teologi
confirms and seals the certainty of future Kovenan Dalam Memahami Alkitab.
adoption on their hearts. Therefore, the Journal Kerusso, 5(2), 1-23.
benefit of predestination doctrine is not [6]End,Vanand.EnamBelasDokumenDas
only offers salvation but also God has arCalvinisme. Jakarta: BPK
determined (assignat) salvation so that GunungMulia, 2001.
gives assurance for believers.31 In [7] Horton,S Michael.Institutes Calvin
addition, Calvin also describes that (Jakarta: Momentum, 2009.
people who refuse this doctrine are those [8]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom30.p
who don’t want to be controlled by df
God’s words and they eliminate a basis [9]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom30.p
for Christian assurance (solidae df
fiduciae).32 In conclusion, Calvin thinks [10]Http://www.magister.msk.ru/library/bibl
that predestination doctrine is the best e/comment/calvin/calvin17.htm
doctrine for Christian faith. [11]Http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/tex
t/m.sion/cvmal-01.htm
REFERENCES [12]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom
[1] Calvin, John. Commentaries. Grand 38
Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal [13]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom
Library. 1958. 38
[2] ___________Commentary on [14]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom
Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian 38
Classics Ethereal Library. 1958 [15]Http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/tex
t/m.sion/cvmal-01.htm

31
Ibid., 670-671.
32
Ibid., 673-674.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 58


Theological Journal Kerugma
E-ISSN: 2622-1039
P-ISSN: 2621-8038

[16]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom38.p
df
[17]Http://www.biblestudyguide.org/co
mment/calvin/comm_vol45/htm/iv.iii.ii.h
tm
[18]Http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calc
om45.iv.iii.i.html
[19]Http://www.biblestudyguide.org/co
mment/calvin/comm_vol45/htm/viii.iii.h
tm
[20]Http://siratmustaqeem.com/web/uBo
oks/Christianity%20Books/Philosophers
%20and%20Theologians/Calvin
%20Institutes%20of%20Christian
%20Religion.pdf
[21] Kistemaker, Simon J.New
Testament Commentary: Exposition of
the Epistles of [22] Peter and of the
Epistle of Jude. England: Evangelical
Press, 1987.
[23] Poole,Mattew.A Commentary on
the Holy Bible. Mclean, Virginia:
MacDonald Publishing House, 1986.
[24] Michael S. Horton, Institutes Calvin
(Jakarta: Momentum, 2009.

KERUGMA : Vol 4, No 1 April 2021 Page 59

You might also like