칼빈의 섭리론

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Calvin discusses the doctrine of the divine providence in his Institutes, Book I (chapters 16-18). It is evident that Calvin lays stress on this doctrine in an attempt to make it apex in his doctrine of God. According to Calvin the knowledge of God’s providence is the highest blessedness in our life. First of all, Calvin asserts that creation and providence is not separated, but joined doctrine. For Calvin, there is no such thing as fortune or chance. He rejects deism and pantheism as two main errors in the nature of providence. Moreover, the doctrine of providence is no Stoic conception in fate. The Bible teaches us that divine decrees carry out in God’s governance of all things. In the meaning of divine providence three things to be noted: 1) God’s providence to be considered with regard to the future and the past, 2) God’s providence is carried out sometimes through an intermediary, sometimes without it, and sometimes contrary to it. We can summarize Calvin’s doctrine of providence as follows: 1) the definition of doctrine, 2) the general and special providence, and 3) the spiritual benefits of this doctrine. In his explanation of doctrinal definition, Calvin writes that providence is not an idle observation by God in heaven, but his rule of the world which he has made. God is not only the Creator of the universe, but the perpetual Governor of it. To make Divine providence clear Calvin stresses the fact that God is taking care of his creatures particularly. There are two or three kinds of providence in his doctrine: 1) providentia generalis (for universe in general), 2) providentia specialis (for human beings), or 3) providentia specialissima (for the church). Calvin believes that God’s will is the final cause of all things, and that all things are directly governed by divine will which is the unique source of law and reason. God’s will is the source and standard of all righteousness. According to Calvin, God’s providence is our great solace in prosperity or adversity. This doctrine gives us great spiritual benefits: a gratitude for prosperity, patience in adversity, and freedom from worry about the future. Calvin’s interpretation of divine providence can be classified two directions (Quorsum et in quem scopum referenda sit haec doctrina, ut nobis constet eius utilitas): 1) the purpose of teaching on this doctrine and 2) the benefits of the knowledge of providence. The purpose of the doctrine is to glorify God and to worship Him with humility and reverence. The benefits of this doctrine are our gratitude, humility, and patience in every occasion. God’s providence helps us to meditate upon God’s wisdom, power, and goodness in all adversities.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Ⅰ. 하나님의 주권적 작정 및 창조와 섭리
• Ⅱ. 운명론에 대한 비판
• Ⅲ. 섭리의 정의와 종류
• Ⅳ. 섭리론의 유익
• Ⅴ. 섭리론에서 주의할 내용
• Ⅵ. 나가는 말