Some observations on Calvin’s Institutes, 4.7.5.1. The subject is the growth of Papist dominionism.
2. This will be developed more fully in 4.11.10-15, so what is on offer here is a sketch of “how at an early period, and in what ways, it advanced itself to usurp some right over other churches.”
3. During the days of Constantinius and Constans in the fourth century, sons of Constantine the Great, the Arianism debate was in full swing in the east.
4. Athanasius, the chief defender of the Nicene faith, was expelled from his see.
5. Athanasius came to Rome to seek wider and western support for the eastern cause.
6. Julius, bishop of Rome, gave Athanasius support, and helped rally and encourage western bishops to support the defense of the Nicene Creed.
7. Later, in history, the dignity of Rome was helped when “shameful” men, “Presbyters,” being disciplined in their own dioceses by a bishop or synod, sought sanctuary and asylum in Rome. The Roman bishops began to view themselves as the arbiters of disputes in churches beyond their diocese.
8. One example. Eutyches was disciplined by Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople, and he appealed to Leo of Rome. Eutyches taught that the two natures in Christ were commingled and mixed; the human nature took on attributes of the divine nature; the divine nature took on attributes of humanity. This was condemned in the East. The Bishop of Rome, Leo, not only afforded Eutyches asylum and sanctuary, but “endorsed” Eutychianism…another instance of episcopal “fallibility” and meddling. [1]
9. Rome permitted, yeah sought, itself, to be upper court of appellate jurisdiction. In time, she would drunkenly make herself the "Supreme Court" of lesser jurisdictions, all appellate and district courts. This should not be surprising since we learn of this impulse amongst the apostles: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, `Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” (Mt.18.1ff, inter alia) We noted yesterday that this wickedness, among Protestants as well, remains and shall remain with all us until Christ returns.
10. The continuuing audacity of Rome was noted by the North Africans bishops, synods and Churchmen. This compelled the Africans to “decree that no one, under penalty of excommunication, should appeal beyond the sea.” So much for Papists supremacy from the Africans. They'll have none of it.
Observations on the observations.
1. Following the Muslim conquest of North Africa, who knows what might have developed in terms of opposition to this growing Roman lust for imperialism and dominionism. Obviously, there was an "African check" on it for awhile.
2. Constantinople, to this day, has resisted Roman claims to supremacism. That continues as a testimony to pre-existent conditions in the Christ's jurisdictions prior to the lustful claims to supremacy.
3. It is interesting that a Roman bishop endorsed Eutychianism. It would be an interesting work: a listing of bullets of Romanist errors held by the Papas
4. It was noted in 4.7.4 that even up to Gregory the Great’s time (540-604), Rome still did not claim “universal” jurisdiction, although it is to be noted that the impulse to imperialism had grown to such an extent that his successors, Sabinian and Benedict III, did assume the title.
5. By the time of the Reformation, “dominionism,” profanity, arrogance, and triumphalism was the condition of the papacy.
Correlations to the Observations:
1. Just as the North Africans ruled sovereignly in their own synods, without Roman intervention, and complaining of the errors of Rome, so the Church of England ruled. Article XIX: “As to the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred; so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of faith.”
2. England declared that her national church did not need Roman help or aid in regulating her internal affairs, including the Church. The Church of England was not under Papist dominion. Article XXXVI. “The Book of Consecration of Archbishops and Bishops, and Ordering of Priests and Deacons, lately set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth, and confirmed at the same time by authority of Parliament, doth contain all things necessary to such Consecration and Ordering…”
3. Contrary to the Papist lust for control and oversight, the Church of England ruled. Article XXXVII. “…The Bishop of Rome hath no jurisdiction in this Realm of England.”
4. On 18 November 1302, Boniface VIII issued the Papal Bull, Unam Sanctamm one of the most viciously arrogant statements of Papal spiritual supremacy ever made. It arose due to the Pope's conflict with Philip IV, France, over attempts of each to prevent the other from receiving money from taxes. The bull concludes with: "Furthermore, we declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff." Rome still believes this, although she smiles more at us in the last 50 years; she's still got a false gospel and is a lusty strumpet, to use the phrase of an English Reformer.
5. Other Reformation traditions ruled similarly, ousting Papist dominion and dogma.
6. The story at Valley Forge College, Valley Forge, PA (Assemblies of God, ergo, Schwarmer, Anabaptist, Arminian, charismatic, with a half-Christ, half-gospel and other errors). As a student from Westminster Seminary (back in the day) and as a friend of a student at Valley Forge College, I was invited to speak to the student body. I was what I am today in theology. It was a foreign and alien body and theology for me, but I went. I arrived early at the school and toured the library for perhaps 30-45 minutes. As the engagement began, the President of this Romanist-version college (Arminianism) introduced me by saying, "...Yada, yada, and he comes from a very small and not influential group and church." Further, the irksome lad, the President, turned and sported a triumphalist smile. Nice intro, huh? I was non-plussed, but regathered myself. I came to the podium and began my remarks with these words, "Being from a small and uninfluential school, like Westminster, and standing in that tradition by rearing, in touring your library today, it was of note that many and most of the books in your library were written by my ilk and forbears in the Reformation...that is, we control your libary....yada, yada." Triumphalism in this false sect of charismaniacs. Two can play that game. He moved his puny pawn on the board and, in one move, got checkmated, as it should be.
7. Pat Robertson pulls the same trump card also. "We're bigger so we're better," as if God's Sword and Word were little things.
8. The story of Archdeacon John Philpott in his seventh trial examination before the Papist Bishop of London, Ed Bonner. Bonner in essence argues, "We here, all these Bishops and all of England, the rank and file, from London, to villages, and to hamlets are against you, Master Philpott. What say you?" In a classic response, Philpott gives answers--a concatenation of them--drawn from Scriptures. I forbear to mention them all. The Scriptures were sufficent for this English Reformer, even if all of England was against him. Luther did the same at the Diet of Worms.
9. Mega-churches. "We're bigger and better," the American solution for biblical exegesis and the American quest for imperialism.
Interpretation:
Rome is a lusty strumpet, plying her fictions and lies of dominion, and she was caught and rebuked by North Africans, Constantinople, England and others in the Catholic Churches of the Reformation; yet, she is still the false sect with a false gospel, an adulteress with the devil, peddling his wares of supremacy, like Lucifer who sought supremacy over other angels and over God Himself.
Applications:
1. Hold and advance the line into and against Papist territory.
2. Rebuke Dr. James Innes Packer, if opportunity is afforded, for his capitulation to the adulteress. Write him a letter of objection.
3. Write a letter of objection to Charles Colson and Timothy George for their utter weakness re: Romanism.
4. Perhaps write letters to Bob Duncan and Philip Jensen about weakness re: Papists and Hashotah House.
5. Encourage the true Catholics of the Reformation in holding the line on their Confessions. Encourage them to hold and advance the battle.
6. Review this “Reformed evangelicalism” that is soft on the confessions for the sake of wider appeal.
7. Write a Prayer, a liturgical prayer, for inclusion and use in Morning and Evening Prayer, to wit, “Good Lord, spare us from Romanism, its satellite versions: revivalism, Wesleyanism, charismaticism, non-confessionalists and others who mitigate and denigrate Thy Holy and Exalted Word above words, through the Mediation of Thy Sovereign Son, our Redeemer, Amen.” Use it or improved versions twice per day. Then put feet to the prayers, singing Psalm 44.1-8. We will push back.
8. Satirize and mock weak Anglicans, as Elijah did to the Balaamites; Anglicans have "Balaamites" in their midst; the term is drawn from the English Reformer, Archdeacon John Philpott.
9. Appreciate Psalm 115 which mocks idols, including the idolatries of Constantinople with icons and statues. The distinction between "veneration" and "worship'" is a distinction without a difference.
[1] B.J. Kidd, History of the Christian Church, II.298ff.
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