The sabbath in Calvin's theology
The aim of this dissertation is to show that Calvin interprets the Sabbath as a sign of grace given to us by the Triune God that we repose in Him as our Father, through the Son in the communion of the Spirit, and therefore he does not reduce it to a series of legalistic exhortations and condemnations, of 'Do' and 'Don't' on a certain day. The concern of the thesis therefore is to examine Calvin's method. Firstly, his formal principle is <i>sola scriptura</i> (Scripture alone). The doctrine of the Sabbath is the product of both theology and exegesis,which deal directly with the witness of the Word in the Church. Secondly, his material principle is <i>sola gratia</i> (grace alone). The Sabbath is given to all mankind. In response to God's grace, we are commanded to cease from our work and let God work in us. True spiritual rest is revealed by the Word and effected for us and in us by the work of the Holy Spirit. It is understood in Christ alone (<i>solo Christo</i>) and by faith alone (<i>sola fide</i>). Faith is thus a response to God's grace and His faithfulness. The observance of the day is a mark of obedience in faith, joy and thanksgiving. Rest on the Sabbath does not mean idleness but an acknowledgement
Cheung, Kwok Ting
Philosophy
The sabbath in Calvin's theology. The aim of this dissertation is to show that Calvin interprets the Sabbath as a sign of grace given to us by the Triune God that we repose in Him as our Father, through the Son in the communion of the Spirit, and therefore he does not reduce it to a series of legalistic exhortations and condemnations, of 'Do' and 'Don't' on a certain day. The concern of the thesis therefore is to examine Calvin's method. Firstly, his formal principle is <i>sola scriptura</i> (Scripture alone). The doctrine of the Sabbath is the product of both theology and exegesis,which deal directly with the witness of the Word in the Church. Secondly, his material principle is <i>sola gratia</i> (grace alone). The Sabbath is given to all mankind. In response to God's grace, we are commanded to cease from our work and let God work in us. True spiritual rest is revealed by the Word and effected for us and in us by the work of the Holy Spirit. It is understood in Christ alone (<i>solo Christo</i>) and by faith alone (<i>sola fide</i>). Faith is thus a response to God's grace and His faithfulness. The observance of the day is a mark of obedience in faith, joy and thanksgiving. Rest on the Sabbath does not mean idleness but an acknowledgement
calvin theology aim_show calvin interpret sign grace give triune_god father son communion spirit therefore reduce series exhortation condemnation certain day concern therefore examine calvin method firstly formal principle sola scripture alone doctrine product theology exegesis deal directly witness word church secondly material principle sola grace alone give mankind response god_grace command cease work let god work true spiritual rest reveal word effect work holy_spirit understood christ alone faith alone sola faith thus response god_grace faithfulness mark obedience faith rest mean acknowledgement