The role of Christ’s resurrection in John Calvin’s theology.

What is it about?

Even while Calvin affirms the reality of the resurrection of the flesh, Christ's resurrection does only very limited work in Calvin's theological imagination. It is only revelatory and applicatory of a transformative event previously occurred. For Calvin, the full measure of salvation is obtained in Christ's death, not in his resurrection. Christ's resurrection makes us aware of this salvific reality, and allows us to be drawn into it, but it does not inaugurate a salvific transformation itself. Moreover, while Calvin holds that Christ's resurrection is a guarantee and model for our resurrection, embodiment plays no role in his eschatological vision.

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Why is it important?

Not only does an analysis of the way Calvin underplays the role of Christ’s resurrection shed light on the way he re-tells the Biblical narrative, it also stands as a warning that we might confess the importance particular doctrine while in reality not allowing it to play. Uch of a role in our theological imagination.