Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 71:1 (Spring 2009)
Article: John Calvin’s Subordinate Doctrine Of Justification By Works
Author: Steven R. Coxhead

WTJ 71:1 (Spring 2009) p. 1

John Calvin’s Subordinate Doctrine Of Justification By Works

Steven R. Coxhead

Steven R. Coxhead is a Part-time Lecturer at the Presbyterian Theological Centre and Visiting Lecturer in Hebrew at the Sydney Missionary and Bible College in New South Wales, Australia.

I. Introduction

An important aspect that needs clarification in the current debate over justification in Reformed circles is the relationship of justification by works and justification by faith in God’s plan of salvation. In a previous article, I argued that John Calvin’s explanation of the concept of personal righteousness in Ezek 18 clearly shows that Calvin accepted the idea of a legitimate doctrine of justification by works that functioned in parallel with but subordinate to the doctrine of justification by faith alone.1 My findings in that article supported the observation of Peter Lillback that Calvin’s law/spirit hermeneutic allowed him to identify “a subordinate righteousness . . . that is imputed to the believer’s works,” which operates in tandem with the righteousness of Christ yet “in no way detracts from justification by faith alone.”2

Lillback’s assertion of a subordinate doctrine of justification by works in Calvin’s system of theology has been opposed by a certain number of scholars of Reformed persuasion, and has even been labeled by some as heretical. David Engelsma, for example, asserts that Lillback makes Calvin teach “the heresy of justification by faith and works.”3 Mark Karlberg, in speaking of Lillback’s thesis on Calvin, has also stated that “in the teaching of the new Westminster school, justification is attained by faith and works.”4

WTJ 71:1 (Spring 2009) p. 2

Where then does the truth lie in this important issue? What did Calvin teach about justification by works? It would seem best to let Calvin speak for himself, which is what I will attempt to do in the discussion below. The conclusion that emerges may be surprising to some but hopefully edifying to all.

II. Personal Righteousness In Calvin’s Institutes And In His Commentaries

Our concern in this section is to examine Calvin’s teaching on human righteousness in the 1559 edition of the Institutes and in his commentaries.5 It will be seen that Calvin’s teaching on personal righteousness in these texts is consistent with his explanation of the concept of righteousn...