Calvin's Institutes: March 5

The Law is not the enemy of grace—it is the instrument that drives us to it, restrains us from ruin, and then trains us in holiness. In this episode, we continue John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 2, Chapter 7 (Sections 11–17), where he explains the Law as schoolmaster leading sinners to Christ (Gal. 3:24), as a bridle restraining corruption (1 Tim. 1:9–10), and as the enduring rule of life for believers (Ps. 19:7–8; Ps. 119:105). Calvin clarifies what it truly means that the Law is “abrogated”—not its moral authority, but its condemning curse, removed in Christ (Gal. 3:10–13; Matt. 5:17). He then distinguishes the ceremonial law, fulfilled and sealed in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Col. 2:14–17; Heb. 9:15; 10:1), showing why returning to shadows would obscure the substance. The result is a careful, pastoral theology of Law and Gospel—where fear gives way to adoption, ceremonies yield to fulfillment, and obedience becomes the grateful pursuit of those redeemed by grace.Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ThroughTheChurchFathers #JohnCalvin #Institutes #LawAndGospel #ReformedTheology #ChristianTheology #SolaScriptura #BiblicalTheology #ChurchHistory #ChristFulfilledTheLaw