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(Galatians 2:20). But the ―more explicit plan‖ for obedience that
Calvin settles on in outlining the Christian life is Matthew 16:24.
To deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow Jesus is the
heart and soul of Christian obedience. This verse is the framework
around which Calvin organizes the rest of his discussion of
obedience in ―The Golden Book of the Christian Life.‖
Self-denial is the opposite of self-love. Self-love is the root
of pride, arrogance, materialistic display, avarice, lust,
lasciviousness and other self-indulgent passions that rage
unfulfilled in the unregenerate, natural person. But self-denial is
at the spiritual core of obedience. Calvin explores the idea
biblically. He demonstrates that it reflects the proper attitude
toward others. It reflects the proper attitude toward our resources,
of which we are stewards and which are to be used in the service of
others. It positions us to love God above all and our neighbors as
ourselves, thus to fulfill the whole law. It generates benevolence
toward the destitute and forgiveness of those who wrong us. Selfdenial
also inoculates us against an ungrateful, bitter heart in the
day of adversity. ―He who will be thus composed in mind,
whatever happens, will not consider himself miserable nor
complain of his lot with ill will toward God.‖ 92 Self-denial is the
spiritual state of the soul for Calvin in which obedience, the
keeping of God‘s law, is able to flourish. It reflects the image of
Christ. It is the expression of the regenerate life. It is the seal of
Spirit‘s presence.
In chapter eight Calvin addresses cross-bearing. An
important dimension of our union with Christ, our Head, is sharing
his sufferings. ―Just as he has passed from a labyrinth of all evils
into heavenly glory, we may in like manner be led through various
tribulations to the same glory.‖ 93 The greater our adversity, the
greater our communion with Christ is confirmed. Christ‘s crossbearing
was an expression of his obedience to the Father. We are
too inclined to overestimate our virtue, but God has ways to
92 Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, p. 700.
93 Ibid., p.702.