Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion

Well I finally did it! I finished John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. It took a long time, but it was definitely worth it. It is not an easy-read novel or a fast-paced pager-turner, but contained within is a wealth of knowledge. It is a massive tome of deep biblical theology; a comprehensive compendium on the chief tenets of Christianity as well as a defense against heresy and the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. I recommend every Christian read it. And if you want to learn more about Calvin the man, I recommend, The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Dr. Steven J. Lawson.

As I read his work and learned about his life, I found some things that were both amusing and profound, so I made a short list.

Calvin’s favorite word: Piety
Calvin’s second favorite word: Cavil
What Calvin is probably most remembered for: The doctrine of election
Where Calvin is probably most misunderstood: The doctrine of election
Calvin’s most beautiful treatise: His discourse on prayer
Calvin's primary role Pastor
Calvin's highest aim: The glory of God

If you think Calvin was an authoritarian, fire and brimstone Reformer who thundered God’s wrath and burned heretics at the stake, you should read his discourse on prayer. It will change your opinion of him. Yes, Calvin was a powerful Reformer who rediscovered and articulated the core biblical truths which altered history in sixteenth century Geneva. And his Institutes of the Christian Religion has become a defining masterpiece of Protestant theology.

But Calvin was primarily a pastor and a preacher of the gospel. He was a biblical expositor of the highest order, so much so that Philip Melanchthon called him “the Theologian." He worked tirelessly, preached constantly, and wrote extensively even on his deathbed. When he was so gravely ill, to the point where he could no longer walk, he still desired to preach. And so was carried to church on a stretcher. He was beset with many ailments throughout his life and died at age 54. Yet for all this, Calvin was just a man, a sinner saved by grace. He deserves no praise, except to say he was gifted by the Holy Spirit to expound the Word of God.

I don’t follow John Calvin, except where he followed Christ, though imperfectly, as we all do. I follow Holy Scripture. I follow the Lord Jesus. Yet I think Calvin was a brilliant theologian who was used by God in profound ways. And if some dare to "cavil" at the doctrines of predestination and election, we must remember that Calvin didn’t invent these doctrines. Like it or not, the Bible clearly teaches them. We must never forget that Jesus Himself said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day,” John 6:44.