of sin is theologically prior to his doctrine of atonement, it is still not the best starting point for that doctrine. One must reach back to the eternal counsels of the triune God to locate the ultimate source of Calvin’s doctrine of Christ’s work. The free love of God in Jesus Christ is the starting point for Calvin’s doctrine of the atonement. In his commentary on John 3:16, Calvin specifies as much: ‘Christ shows the first cause and as it were source of our salvation. And this He does that no
Page 14