Calvin's Institutes: March 16

John Calvin's Institutes in a Year · Mar 16, 2026 · 8m

Calvin explains that the Tenth Commandment reaches deeper than outward actions and exposes the hidden movements of the heart. While earlier commandments forbid deliberate acts of harm such as theft, adultery, or falsehood, this commandment addresses the first stirrings of desire itself. God requires that even the thoughts of the mind be governed by love so that no impulse arises that seeks the loss or disadvantage of our neighbor. From this Calvin moves to the broader purpose of the law: God has revealed his commandments so that human life might reflect his own righteousness, forming a living…