Pestilent Absurdities

Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559) - John Calvin

Book 3 - How We Receive the Grace of Christ

Chapter 4 - Impurity of Sophists' doctrine of repentance;

discussion of confession and satisfaction

Sections 26-27 - The grace of Christ alone provides true satisfaction for sin and peace to the conscience

Section 26 - Christ has provided full satisfaction

Rome says Christ's atonement can only operate through baptism and penance.

Not so, 1 John 2:1-2, 12; John 1:29, 36. He is our "perpetual advocate."

Not just one time in the past, and now we need the church.

Section 27a - The Roman doctrine deprives Christ of honor

Isa 53:5-6, 1 Peter 2:24; Gal 3:13; Rom 8:3

Only Jesus makes atonement.

27b - The Roman doctrine deprives the conscience of every assurance

If salvation depends on our satisfaction of works, we will never be sure.

Col 1:20, 14.