Understanding Accommodation in Calvinism
Calvin's principle of accommodation, often referred to as condescension, refers to God's willingness to communicate with humanity in ways that we can understand, even though these methods might fall short of His true nature. Essentially, God accommodates His language and actions to fit the limitations of human comprehension.
Key Points of Accommodation:
- God's Unchanging Nature: Calvin emphasizes that God's essence and attributes remain constant, regardless of how He reveals Himself to humans.
- Human Limitations: He acknowledges that humans are finite and incapable of fully grasping God's infinite nature.
- God's Grace: Accommodation is seen as an act of God's grace, allowing humans to engage with Him despite their limitations.
Examples of Accommodation:
- Biblical Language: The Bible uses anthropomorphic language, attributing human characteristics to God (e.g., "hand of God," "eyes of God"). This is seen as an accommodation to human understanding, even though God is not literally a physical being.
- Miracles: Miracles are seen as God's actions that defy natural laws, demonstrating His power and exceeding human expectations. This accommodation allows humans to witness God's power in a tangible way.
Practical Implications:
- Hermeneutics: Understanding accommodation helps interpret Scripture, recognizing that God's communication may not always be literal.
- Worship: Accommodation informs how we approach worship, recognizing the limitations of human expression and seeking to honor God in ways that are meaningful to us.
- Evangelism: Accommodation guides how we share the Gospel, using language and methods that resonate with different audiences.
Conclusion:
Calvin's principle of accommodation emphasizes God's grace in bridging the gap between His infinite nature and our finite understanding. It serves as a guiding principle for interpreting Scripture, engaging in worship, and sharing the Gospel with others.
