November 2007 - Protestant Reformed Churches in America

Calvin’s Integrated Covenant Theology (2)
memorial, which contains in it a sacred and indissoluble bond of fellowship.
First, we note that Calvin sees the vast gulf between the transcendent
God—seated in “blessed repose” on His “heavenly
throne” (this phrase occurs twice in the quotation above[x2]),
dwelling in “celestial glory” and possessed of “eternity” (x2) and
“immutability” (x3)—and “frail and perishing” man—“languishing
… in a state of suffering and wretchedness” and “besieged
with death in a variety of forms”—as bridged by God’s gracious
“covenant” (x3) alone. 9
Second, Calvin describes this covenant as a “relationship” (x2)
that is both “gracious” and “mutual … between him and us.” This
relationship is “a sacred and indissoluble bond” (x2), even “a sacred
and indissoluble bond of fellowship.” Moreover, in this gracious
and sacred relationship of fellowship, God “dwell[s] in the
midst” of us (x2), His “own people” and “Church.”
Third, Calvin proves this with appeal to the covenant formula,
“I will dwell in the midst of you” (Ex. 25:8), uttered in connection
with the tabernacle and the ark and presented in various forms
in the Scriptures. The Genevan Reformer calls this “that remarkable
article of the covenant.”
Fourth, the “gracious covenant” is that which “produce[s]”
heartfelt “knowledge” of God (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; John 17:3) and
“begets in us the confidence arising from a mutual relationship
between him and us.” 10
Fifth, in the covenant “promises” (x2), God’s people have the
“advantage,” “benefit,” “consolation,” “encouragement,” and
9. Cf. Westminster Confession 7:1: “The distance between God and
the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience
unto Him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition
of Him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension
on God’s part, which He has been pleased to express by way of
covenant.”
10. Notice that for Calvin the covenant is fruitful, producing and begetting
in His people saving faith, which consists of knowledge of and
confidence in the Triune God (cf. Heidelberg Catechism, Q. & A. 21).
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