14
moral renewal into mortification and vivification.
34
Forgiveness of sins or justification is
the other great blessing possessed in union with Christ.
35
Though it is treated second in
order, it is "the main hinge on which religion turns."
36
Justification itself has two sides or
aspects. It is both forgiveness of sins and a gracious acceptance of our persons by God.
37
Repentance (regeneration, sanctification) has to do with moral renewal, while
justification is forensic and has to do with our status or standing before God.
38
To
paraphrase an old proverb, one diagram may be worth more than an extended exposition.
Note Figure 1.
The consequent distinction. This diagram of Calvin's structuring of the
application of the redemption found in Christ shows clearly the important distinction that
he made between faith and repentance. Faith is unto union with Christ. Repentance is a
consequence of union with Christ. Though this is not a chronological distinction, since
faith, union with Christ, and repentance are inseparable, it is a logical and sequential
distinction. The work of the Holy Spirit in creating faith in Christ, on the one hand, and
in morally renewing (giving repentance to) the believer are distinguished. Though the
moral renewal (repentance) of the believer is the work of the Holy Spirit, "faith is the
principal work of the Spirit".
39
and Faith" by Victor A. Shepherd, The Nature and Function of Faith in the Theology of John Calvin
(Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1983), 35-38.
34
Inst. 3:3:8.
35
Inst. 3:11:1.
36
Ibid.
37
Inst. 3:11:4.
38
Inst. 3:11:2-4.
39
Inst. 3:1:4.