Calvin's Institutes 4.14.10. to 4.14.15.

INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION
By
John Calvin

BOOK FOURTH.
OF THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

CHAPTER 14.
OF THE SACRAMENTS.

4.14.10. - 4.14.11.

So the Word and Sacrament by the illuminating grace of God, by His mercy will become effectual to the one who has faith. " That the word may not fall upon our ear, or the sacraments be presented to our eye in vain, he shows that it is God who there speaks to us, softens our obdurate hearts, and frames them to the obedience which is due to his word; in short, transmits those external words and sacraments from the ear to the soul. Both word and sacraments, therefore, confirm our faith, bringing under view the kind intentions of our heavenly Father, in the knowledge of which the whole assurance of our faith depends, and by which its strength is increased; and the Spirit also confirms our faith when, by engraving that assurance on our minds, he renders it effectual." This is the same principle as Christ's teaching on the sower and the seed. When the seed fell on barren soil it remained ineffectual. But when the seed fell on prepared soil is grew and multiplied. "He that planteth, and he that watereth is nothing, but that the whole is to be ascribed to God, who alone gives the increase."

4.14.12. - 4.14.13.

"All we say is, that God uses the means and instruments which he sees to be expedient, in order that all things may be subservient to his glory, he being the Lord and disposer of all." When things are added to the sacraments, they may be legitimate as long as they ascribe to this standard: "The first thing is, that they may contribute to our faith in God; the secondary, that they may attest our confession before men."

4.14.14.

There is to be no superstition associated with the sacrament. Nor is there to be thought that the sacrament itself contains effectual grace. "For what is a sacrament received without faith, but most certain destruction to the Church?" Our faith is not in the sacrament, but in Christ. "This, which is treasured up in Christ alone, we know to be communicated, not less by the preaching of the Gospel than by the seal of the sacrament, and may be completely enjoyed without this seal."

4.14.15.

For the sacraments to be effectual, they must be apprehended by faith. Therefore the sacraments are only effective in the elect, namely those who have embraced Christ. "Now, in order that you may have not a sign devoid of truth, but the thing with the sign, the Word which is included in it must be apprehended by faith. Thus, in so far as by means of the sacraments you will profit in the communion of Christ, will you derive advantage from them."