Calvin’s Christology and the Accusation of Nestorianism

Abstract Since the 16th century, there have been persistent accusations that Calvin’s Christology is either Nestorian or contains a subtle Nestorian ‘tendency’. However, the diversity of Calvin’s critics and their reasoning has not been recognized, which limits previous responses. This paper explores the main Lutheran and Neo-orthodox lines of critique against Calvin, demonstrating that each uses a distinct and often incompatible logic. Their contention is not so much with Calvin as with the Reformed tradition at large. The paper then describes the ways Calvin articulates the unity of Christ and argues Nestorianism is not an accurate description of Calvin’s Christology from a confessionally Reformed perspective. Calvin’s preference is to confess Christ’s unity using a mixture of ontology and economics summarized in his formula ‘the person of the Mediator’. Calvin’s fixation upon Christ’s work as Mediator introduces ambiguities when his description of the end of Christ’s mediation in 1 Cor. 15:24–8 is read in isolation. This description, however, would be better interpreted in light of his foundational, orthodox account of the hypostatic union.