The Biblical unlimited “Day of Atonement” for all
vs. John Calvin’s selective
ongoing limited “vows” in measure and scope
“limited to the measure of grace bestowed upon us” Atonement

Note: the quote “limited to the measure of grace bestowed upon us” was written by John Calvin regarding vows and is used in context with the atonement because John Calvin’s view of Christianity is not the conventional historical view of Christianity, a relationship with God based on what God has provided for us, but instead is one consisting of a series of vows. Legally binding obligations, where God makes vows to mankind i.e. the atonement and where man in turn makes vows back to God i.e. communion and where man’s vows would happen to interact with God’s perfect will then the result would be presumed to be a legally binding “contract”. This is why Calvinism quickly became a Theocracy in Geneva where it became illegal to not conform to the vows of Calvinism and it is also why Calvinism today does not accurately represent Biblical historical Christianity.

John Calvin’s selective, limited vows – Atonement

Calvin’s Institutes [page 603]: 5. … Hence we hold that vows which have respect to one of these ends, especially in external things, are lawful, provided they are supported by the approbation of God, are suitable to our calling, and are limited to the measure of grace bestowed upon us.

Calvin’s Institutes [page 603]: 6. It is not now difficult to infer what view on the whole ought to be taken of vows. There is one vow common to all believers, which taken in baptism we confirm, and as it were sanction, by our Catechism, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper. For the sacraments are a kind of mutual contracts by which the Lord conveys his mercy to us, and by it eternal life, while we in our turn promise him obedience. The formula, or at least substance, of the vow is, That renouncing Satan we bind ourselves to the service of God, to obey his holy commands, and no longer follow the depraved desires of our flesh.

Source: The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin PDF

John Calvin (French: Jean Calvin, born Jehan Cauvin: 10 July 1509 – 27 May 1564) was an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism. Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, he broke from the Roman Catholic Church around 1530. After religious tensions provoked a violent uprising against Protestants in France, Calvin fled to Basel, Switzerland, where he published the first edition of his seminal work The Institutes of the Christian Religion in 1536.

In that year, Calvin was recruited by William Farel to help reform the church in Geneva. The city council resisted the implementation of Calvin’s and Farel’s ideas, and both men were expelled [from Geneva]. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg, where he became the minister of a church of French refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and was eventually invited back to lead its church.

[When Calvin’s supporters won the election to the Geneva city council in 1541, he was invited back to the city where he remained until his death in 1564. source: TheoPedia]

Following his return, Calvin introduced new forms of church government and liturgy, despite the opposition of several powerful families in the city who tried to curb his authority. Source: Wikipedia

The Biblical unlimited “Day of Atonement” for all

Romans 5:10-11 For if, when we [humans] were [strangers, opposition] enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death [Day of Atonement – the cross] of His Son [Jesus Christ], much more, being reconciled [being Born Again by the Spirit of God], we shall be saved by His [Resurrection – Eternal Spirit] life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the [Day of] atonement.

Ephesians 3:17-21 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by [Resurrection] faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints [Christians] what is the [fullness of the Kingdom of God] breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled [here and now] with all the fulness of God {appropriate, that God has for each of His Children of God}. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the [Resurrection] power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world [Aeon, Kingdom Age] without end. Amen.

Hebrews 10:14-25 For by one offering [cross – Day of Atonement] He [Jesus Christ] hath perfected [completed] forever [eternal] them [Christians] that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before [Jeremiah 31:33], This is the Covenant [New Covenant] that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My [Spiritual] laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their [Atoned – Day of Atonement] sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the Holiest [Heaven – presence of God] by the blood of Jesus, By a New and Living Way [Resurrection – Eternal Life], which He [Jesus Christ] hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; And having an High Priest [Jesus Christ, in the Order of Melchizedek] over the House of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [Atoned, via the Day of Atonement] from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised; And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day [2nd Coming] approaching.

God bless everyone,
David Anson Brown