“...I begin with three features of Calvin's thought that highlight the preeminence of the church in his theology. First, Calvin asserted the right of the church to regulate its own discipline and government...Second, Calvin had a high view of the ministry of word and sacrament in the church...Third, Calvin in accord with his doctrine of the two kingdoms, identified the church alone with the spiritual kingdom of Christ” John CalvinEcclesiologyTwo Kingdom Theology Book:Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey Source: Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey
“Such rich features of Calvin's ecclesiology highlight how his work of reform was in large respect a reform of ecclesiastical culture. One can only imagine how differently the citizen of Geneva must have experienced the church before and after its reformation. Under Calvin's vision, as implemented in Geneva, Christianity now entailed a very different kind of worship, a very different place of word and sacraments, a very different idea of ecclesiastical discipline, and a very different conception of ecclesiastical government. This was a reformed Christianity, and a reformed Christianity meant a reformed church.” John CalvinEcclesiology Book:Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey Source: Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey