Calvin’s Doctrine of Man
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
T. F. Torrance’s Calvin’s Doctrine of Man contains chapters entitled “Man’s Knowledge of Himself,” “Man’s Place In Creation,” “The Image of God,” “Total Perversity,” “Natural Theology,” and others. This theology—rich book reflects on the doctrinal position of celebrated reformer, John Calvin, regarding mankind. Glean from this modern scholarship built upon traditional writing within the Reformed tradition.
Top Highlights
“Fundamentally, it is only from this point of view that the dogmatic theologian must produce his doctrine of total depravity—‘total’ because grace ‘totally’ undercuts all human righteousness and wisdom as based upon independence and self-will.” (Page 20)
“In actual fact, he refused to advance any doctrine of man, apart from God’s original intention of grace in creating him in the image of God, and apart from God’s supreme act of grace in Jesus Christ for our salvation.” (Page 20)
“We must think of man therefore as created and maintained in being by direct and continuous relation to the will of God who kills and makes alive. And so Calvin thinks of human existence as being continually consumed and renewed by the Spirit of God. If God were for one instant to withdraw the presence of His Spirit we would drop into the nothingness from which we are called into being. That is just as true of the soul of man as of his body, for both depend from moment to moment in being and endowment on an immediate relation to the gracious and creative will of God.” (Page 29)
“No doubt the Word of God in this way tells us what man actually is: a fallen creature, bereft of the image of God, and with his natural gifts thoroughly corrupted.” (Page 16)
“in relation to man who himself has been made for God. Man cannot be understood by his relation to the world.” (Page 23)