This paper will examine John Calvin’s paterology, particularly as it relates to salvation, and will consider the work of the Father in two parts. First, Calvin’s understanding of the inseparable operations of the Triune Godhead, and then, Calvin’s writings on the works that can be particularly appropriated by the Father.
During the course of his ministry, John Calvin faced a number of Trinitarian controversies. He was forced to defend and define his Trinitarian doctrines due to a number of men in and around Geneva, who either accused him of heresy or promoted their own anti-Trinitarian views. The disputes were mainly focused on the issue of the “eternal generation of the Son,” and thus led Calvin to emphasize the unity of the Godhead in his ministry and writing. For Calvin, this was simply continuity with the pro-Nicene Fathers and their doctrine of inseparable operations. Nevertheless, in Calvin’s mind, the united work of the Trinity also included particular actions in the economy of salvation that could be distinctly appropriated to a particular person of the Godhead.
Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in section 1.13.17 of Calvin’s Institutes: “Indeed, the words ‘Father,’ ‘Son,’ and ‘Spirit’ imply a real distinction – let no one think that these titles, whereby God is variously designated from his works, are empty – but a distinction, not a division.” Thus, for a faithful understanding of Calvin’s paterology, whether regarding the unity or trinity of God, a careful study must keep both tensions in mind.