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THE PROGRESS OF THE KINGDOM: CALVIN’S PASTORAL CARE FOR RULERS

by HERMAN H. VAN ALTEN in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35285/ucc9.1.2023.art1



Abstract
John Calvin was ever the pastor, not only to those close to him but also to those far away, not only to normal believers but also to those in high places. In the dedicatory letters to his writings, Calvin very often addresses kings, queens, and other rulers. He places their reigns on the continuum of the kingdom of Christ from its beginning until its consummation. On this continuum, Calvin encourages and exhorts rulers to work for the restoration of true doctrine and the eradication of all heresy. He does this in the context of each dedicatee’s context and current affairs. These texts reveal a form of pastoral ministry seldom discussed.

Keywords
John Calvin, Pastoral Care, Earthly Rulers, Kingdom, Restoration, True Doctrine, Heresy, Queen Elizabeth II, Vladimir Putin
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Other Articles in
Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023

Editorial: The Sin behind “Sin” by Paul Wells
The Progress of the Kingdom: Calvin’s Pastoral Care for Rulers by HERMAN H. VAN ALTEN
Adapting the Structural Perspectives of the Westminster Larger Catechism for Biblical Counselor Training by TIMOTHY P. YATES
Bavinck, a Patron Saint of Biblical Counselors? A Case Study of Bavinck’s Theological Description of Shame by KAZUSA OKAYA
“The Hidden Artist”: Edith Schaeffer and the Success of L’Abri Fellowship by CHRISTOPHER TALBOT
Where Has the Soul Gone in Pastoral Care? The Case and Cure of Pastoral Counseling by MAARTEN J. KATER
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IN MEMORIAM Jong Yun Lee by editor