In this paper, I will argue that Calvin’s Christological and anthropological commitments accord best with a view of the beatific vision which affirms the persistence of Christ’s humanity for the Son’s everlasting work of mediating knowledge of God to the redeemed.
Within recent scholarship concerning the beatific vision, one of the notable figures who has received relatively little consideration is John Calvin. The commonly stated reason for his omission is simply that Calvin didn’t seem to care that much about this speculative doctrine. While Calvin may not have much to say about the beatific vision in the Institutes, this doctrine is not entirely absent either. Furthermore, he does not avoid discussion of this doctrine where it arises in his preaching or commentaries. In addition to his explicit teaching on the matter, two other doctrines, namely Calvin’s Christology and anthropology, may aid us in fleshing out Calvin’s full understanding of that blessed vision which will occupy the redeemed for all time. All three of these doctrinal loci are bound up in Calvin’s understanding of Christ’s mediatorial office.
Some scholars argue that Calvin teaches that Christ ceases to be the Mediator in the eschaton. Several even have gone so far as to say that Christ relinquishes his humanity, with a more reserved position stating simply that the mediating function of the God-man is no longer necessary. A few concerns arise with these positions. First, these views often equate mediation with redemption. To this point, I will argue that Calvin’s conception of Christ’s mediatorial office is more expansive, with particular focus on the revelatory/prophetic aspect of his work, and everlasting. The everlasting character of Christ’s office is necessitated by the dual nature of the work and by the Creator-creature distinction. This leads to a second concern with reference to those who suggest that glorification does away with the need for a Mediator. In contrast to these views, Calvin’s teaching of what it means to see God “face to face” should be understood in light of the extra Calvinisticum. When the veil is removed from the eyes of the redeemed, we should not suggest that the Mediator recedes from sight but that we truly perceive the vision of God in Christ.
Christ’s theandric mediation will persist for all time. His reign will never end. His sacrifice will never lose its power. His revelation will never be obscured. The end of mediation which is reached in the beatific vision is better understood with reference to perfection than to finality.