The Clearest Promises of God

The Development of Calvin's Eucharistic Teaching

Bibliographic Data

ID16614014
AuthorsJill Raitt (corresponding author)
Year1996
Volume27
Issue3
Pages793-795
Publication date1996-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSixteenth Century Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0361-0160 • E-ISSN: 2326-0726
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2307/2544021
OpenAlexW628086195
LanguageEN
Citations received7

This work provides a detailed analysis of the development of Calvin's eucharistic doctrine. In doing so, it demonstrates the importance of examining the full range of Calvin's writings and dispels the notion that one need look only at the 1559 Institutes to grasp Calvin's eucharistic theology. Davis pinpoints the doctrine as the work of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist, accommodation, instrumentality, and the Eucharist as a means of grace. There is a nuanced discussion of substantial partaking not duplicated elsewhere. Davis's work makes clear the exegetical foundations for much of Calvin's teaching on the Eucharist. Finally, Davis demonstrates that there are eucharistic gifts according to Calvin. The more general gift is that of true communion with the body and blood of Christ. However, the specific gift of the Eucharist is the assurance it brings believers of God's good will towards them. Thus, the text underscores Calvin's understanding of the Eucharist as an exhibition of the clearest promises of God, namely, the promise of union with Christ and all which that entails

Epistemology · Historical Legal Studies and Society · History · Philosophy · Reformation and Early Modern Christianity

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