Calvin uses the same imagery later when he declares:
This union alone ensures that, as far as we are concerned, he has not
unprofitably come with the name of Savior. The same purpose is served by
that sacred wedlock through which we are made flesh of his flesh and bone of
his bone [Eph. 5:30], and thus one with him. But he unites himself to us by
the Spirit alone. By the grace and power of the same Spirit we are made his
m embers, to keep usunder himself and in turn to possess him.^28
It is significant, contra Bernard that spiritual marriage for Calvin is more ecclesial and
related to Ephesians 5. Additionally Calvin stresses the critical role of the Holy Spirit
who serves as the initiator and bond of this mystical union.^29 Bernard’s relational
emphasis of love appears to be altered in Calvin to focus more on salvation and faith.
There are a number of significant continuities and discontinuities between
Bernard and Calvin. The commonalities include the importance of grace in the union
with Christ, and that the union is of the will and not of essence, and the centrality of
Christ’s humanity. Conversely, Bernard typically spoke of union with God rather
than Christ, and this union focused more on love, and emphasized the Song of Songs.
Calvin spoke most frequently of union with Christ and focused on faith and
emphasized the foundational role of the sacraments. Both reformers placed some
restrictions on it. Bernard taught that the monastery was the primary place to
experience it. Calvin’s view was more inclusive of clergy and laity; however, it could
be argued that he limited it to those who were among God’s elect. Bernard’s favorite
text was 1 Corinthians 6:17 and Ephesians 5:30-32 was the corresponding counterpart
(^) favorite image wh (^) en speaking of being joined with Christ. Tamburello, (^) Union with
Christ 28 , 111
Calvin, Institutes, 3.1.3, cf. 2.12.7; 4.19.35. Calvin also uses the metaphor of “holy
marriage” in Commentary on Hosea, 2:21-22 and “spiritual marriage” in Commentary
on Matth 29 ew 22:2.
Bernard of Clairvaux. According to Tamburello, the Holy Spirit also serves an important function in Union with Christ, 44-5.