[Propositions and principles of diuinitie propounded and disputed in the vniuersitie of Geneua; (At Edinburgh: Printed by Robert Waldegraue, printer to the Kings Maiestie, Anno Dom. 1591.)]

Theodore Beza, born on June 24, 1519, in Vézelay, France, was a distinguished theologian, scholar, and reformer of the Protestant Reformation. Educated under the humanist Melchior Wolmar, Beza initially pursued law but later embraced the Reformed faith, leading to his exile from France. In 1548, he settled in Geneva, where he became a close associate of John Calvin. Beza's contributions were manifold. He served as a professor of Greek at the Academy of Lausanne and later at the Geneva Academy, where he succeeded Calvin as the chair of theology. His leadership extended to the Company of Pastors in Geneva, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Reformed theology and church governance. A prolific writer, Beza authored several significant works. His De jure magistratuum (1574) defended the rights of magistrates against tyranny, and his editions of the Greek New Testament were instrumental in biblical scholarship. Beza also penned a biography of Calvin and contributed to the Genevan Psalter, enhancing the liturgical life of the Reformed churches. Throughout his life, Beza was actively involved in theological debates, notably defending the doctrine of predestination and engaging in dialogues with Lutheran theologians. His efforts were crucial in consolidating the Reformed tradition during a period of religious upheaval. Beza passed away on October 13, 1605, in Geneva, leaving behind a legacy as a steadfast guardian of Reformed orthodoxy and a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.

Theodore Beza, born on June 24, 1519, in Vézelay, France, was a distinguished theologian, scholar, and reformer of the Protestant Reformation. Educated under the humanist Melchior Wolmar, Beza initially pursued law but later embraced the Reformed faith, leading to his exile from France. In 1548, he settled in Geneva, where he became a close associate of John Calvin. Beza's contributions were manifold. He served as a professor of Greek at the Academy of Lausanne and later at the Geneva Academy, where he succeeded Calvin as the chair of theology. His leadership extended to the Company of Pastors in Geneva, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Reformed theology and church governance. A prolific writer, Beza authored several significant works. His De jure magistratuum (1574) defended the rights of magistrates against tyranny, and his editions of the Greek New Testament were instrumental in biblical scholarship. Beza also penned a biography of Calvin and contributed to the Genevan Psalter, enhancing the liturgical life of the Reformed churches. Throughout his life, Beza was actively involved in theological debates, notably defending the doctrine of predestination and engaging in dialogues with Lutheran theologians. His efforts were crucial in consolidating the Reformed tradition during a period of religious upheaval. Beza passed away on October 13, 1605, in Geneva, leaving behind a legacy as a steadfast guardian of Reformed orthodoxy and a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.

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BOOK XXV: PRINCIPLES CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION XXIIII

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Seeing the effect of faith is twofold, Justification and Sanctification: it followeth that having spoken of the former, we adjoin the latter unto it.

I. Distinction Between Sanctification and Christ’s Imputed Integrity

  1. Here first of all, we do especially distinguish Sanctification, whereof we are now to speak, from that most perfect integrity which in Christ is imputed unto us; as the effect is to be severed from the cause, and the fruit from the tree.

II. Scriptural Names for Sanctification

  1. To express this whereof we now speak, there do occur many and diverse names in the holy Scriptures; as are these especially in the New Testament: Sanctification, regeneration, newness of life, baptism taken passively, Spirit, mortification of the old man, and the quickening of the new, with other the like phrases, which would be too long to be here recited.

III. Definition of Sanctification

  1. Sanctification in this place we describe to be an effect proceeding from the Holy Ghost, working in the minds of the faithful: whereby, by a little and a little, even unto the end of this life, as the natural corruption is purged, so the image of God is repaired in us, until, after death, it be perfectly finished in the other world.

IV. The Source of Sanctification

  1. This gift (as also all others) which it bestoweth upon us, doth the Holy Ghost wholly draw from Christ, in whom the Scripture giveth us specially to consider in his death, burial and resurrection, the subduing of that original corruption of ours, which was imputed unto him: whence it cometh to pass, that we divide our whole sanctification into these three members; mortification, burial of the old man, and the rising again of the new.

V. The Parts of Sanctification

  1. The mortification of the old man, we call the effect of that spiritual and most powerful application of the death of Christ, whereby our corruption receiveth a death's wound; so that it is no more so powerful to stir up in our minds, wicked motions, and such as are contrary unto God's will.

  2. The burying of the old man, is also an effect of the spiritual application of Christ's burial, whereby, our old man, being already wounded by that deadly stroke, dieth by little and little, until at the length, after the death of this body, it be brought to nothing: For as the burial of the body, is a going forward of death; so also, the burying of the old man, is nothing else, but a continuance, still proceeding further and further, of that mortification which went before.

  3. The raising again of the new man, is also an effect of the spiritual application of the resurrection of Christ; whereby it cometh to pass, that the new man is raised up in us, that is, that the qualities of our mind (to wit, our understanding and will) are renewed unto true holiness of life.