The Reformed tradition affirms that all who have true faith in Christ—who are thereby members of the invisible church—are equally justified; their social station, sex, and nationality have no relevance. But, at the same time, their obligations in earthly life are based on outward earthly qualities and circumstances. Here we see two-kingdoms theology at work. As Calvin said, “[T]he spiritual kingdom of Christ and civil government are things very widely separated. . . . [The civil] government is distinct from the spiritual and internal kingdom of Christ, [which] begins the heavenly kingdom in
...more
