The concept of Suspensio in Calvin's interpretation of the Gospel
Calvin chooses to interpret the biblical text according to its plain grammatical and historical meaning. He interprets Scripture in this way because of the accommodated nature of the Gospel, which is communicated through forms which conform to the human condition. God accommodates the knowledge of his mercy through the divine and human natures of Christ, the words of Scripture, the oral preaching of the Word, and participation in the sacraments. While these accommodated forms do not reveal everything about God, they do disclose true knowledge of the Gospel. Revelation occurs because there is by God's grace an analogy between these accommodated forms and the intention of God. The character of accommodated knowledge is that it grants true knowledge and salvation in a manner that anticipates future fuller manifestations. Calvin interprets the accommodated knowledge of the Gospel through the concept of <i>suspensio</i>, or suspended grace. The Gospel is known as God suspends the fulfilment of his promises in time. While Calvin employs the general meaning of <i>suspensio</i> found in classical and medieval Latin, he understands this concept positively as the ordained way of existence as planned by a good and sovereign
Van Hamersveld, Michael D.
Philosophy
The concept of Suspensio in Calvin's interpretation of the Gospel. Calvin chooses to interpret the biblical text according to its plain grammatical and historical meaning. He interprets Scripture in this way because of the accommodated nature of the Gospel, which is communicated through forms which conform to the human condition. God accommodates the knowledge of his mercy through the divine and human natures of Christ, the words of Scripture, the oral preaching of the Word, and participation in the sacraments. While these accommodated forms do not reveal everything about God, they do disclose true knowledge of the Gospel. Revelation occurs because there is by God's grace an analogy between these accommodated forms and the intention of God. The character of accommodated knowledge is that it grants true knowledge and salvation in a manner that anticipates future fuller manifestations. Calvin interprets the accommodated knowledge of the Gospel through the concept of <i>suspensio</i>, or suspended grace. The Gospel is known as God suspends the fulfilment of his promises in time. While Calvin employs the general meaning of <i>suspensio</i> found in classical and medieval Latin, he understands this concept positively as the ordained way of existence as planned by a good and sovereign
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