The instrumental cause of our salvation (2)
Rev. Cory Griess explains Calvin's four causes of salvation, focusing specifically on the instrumental cause (faith) and refuting the error of adding works to the instrumental cause of salvation. The article defends the Reformed doctrine that faith alone, not faith plus works, is the pipeline through which believers receive Christ's righteousness, distinguishing this from Roman Catholic errors regarding both the material and instrumental causes of salvation.
Introduction Last time we saw that Calvin spoke of four "causes" of salvation. The first was the efficient cause, which Calvin said points to the Author of salvation, the triune God of grace. The second was the material cause, describing the substance of our salvation, Christ and His righteousness. Next, Calvin spoke of the instrumental cause of our salvation, describing faith, the pipeline or instrument God uses to grant us all the salvation that is ours in Christ. Finally, Calvin referred to...
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