Pre-fall Mediation
May 4, 2008 by Steven W
Of the similitude between Adam’s condition and our own, Calvin writes:
But if Adam’s hitherto innocent, and of an upright nature, had need of monitory signs to lead him to the knowledge of divine grace, how much more necessary are signs now, in this great imbecility of our nature, since we have fallen from the true light? Yet I am not dissatisfied with what has been handed down by some of the fathers, as Augustine and Eucherius, that the tree of life was a figure of Christ, inasmuch as he is the Eternal Word of God: it could not indeed be otherwise a symbol of life, than by representing him in figure. For we must maintain what is declared in the first chapter of John (John 1:1-3,) that the life of all things was included in the Word, but especially the life of men, which is conjoined with reason and intelligence. Wherefore, by this sign, Adam was admonished, that he could claim nothing for himself as if it were his own, in order that he might depend wholly upon the Son of God, and might not seek life anywhere but in him. But if he, at the time when he possessed life in safety, had it only as deposited in the word of God, and could not otherwise retain it, than by acknowledging that it was received from Him, whence may we recover it, after it has been lost? Let us know, therefore, that when we have departed from Christ, nothing remains for us but death.
This is intriguing for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Calvin takes it as axiomatic that life is not an inherent property of creation, but rather comes from the eternal Logos. In Christ is the life of man, and in separation from Christ, there is only death.
The tree of life was a sign to teach and remind Adam of his dependence upon Christ. Calvin states that if Adam’s upright nature was in need of this, then our fallen natures are even more in need.
And we also realize the need to give thanks. Adam’s sin was essentially one of ingratitude. We, however, are to be in an even greater position of gratitude, as we have been redeemed, as well as sustained.
“Firstly, Calvin takes it as axiomatic that life is not an inherent property of creation, but rather comes from the eternal Logos. In Christ is the life of man, and in separation from Christ, there is only death.”
Thus, Calvin was a convinced Athanasian.
Steven, you said “We, however, are to be in an even greater position of gratitude, as we have been redeemed, as well as sustained.”
Are you using “we” to refer to all humanity? Or, to believers?
It’s an interesting question. Only believers are properly redeemed, though I think there is something to a universal gospel message which the faithless reject.
The pastor may proclaim that Christ has made a person right with God, but that person might then reject the great gift out of faithless ingratitude.
I could see appropriate formulations for this. Paul will use universalistic language from time to time, and I think he’s got some realized eschatology going, centered in Christ of course.
Thanks Steven for the response. I am struggling these days to formulate the universal-particular dimensions of the gospel. The denomination in which I serve has recently embraced a Barthian view of soteriology. Humanity is elect in Christ and everyone is reconciled already, though not everyone knows it yet; those who don’t know it yet do not enjoy the benefits of the reconciliation. I think that is a fair summary.
I look forward to reading some of your formulations, should you get around to doing them. Would appreciate also if you could point me to some resources I can consult. Thanks.