John Calvin: A Primer

John Calvin was a French theologian who played an important role in the Protestant Reformation. He is best known for his work Institutes of the Christian Religion, which was published in 1559. This work established Calvinism as a theological system. Calvin’s teachings on salvation, predestination, and sanctification had a profound impact on Protestantism and continue to shape the beliefs of Christians today. 

Born in Noyon, France, in 1509, Calvin was studying to become a priest when he was exposed to the writings of Martin Luther. Inspired by Luther’s ideas, Calvin began to question the Catholic Church’s authority. In 1533, he fled from religious persecution in France and settled in Geneva, Switzerland. There, he continued to develop his theology and became one of the city’s most influential citizens. 

In 1541, Calvin was expelled from Geneva after disagreements with city authorities. He spent the next three years in Strasbourg, where he wrote the first edition of Institutes of the Christian Religion. He returned to Geneva in 1541 and spent the rest of his life there, preaching and writing about his faith. Calvin died in Geneva on May 27, 1564.  

Calvin’s theology was based on a strong belief in predestination and the authority of scripture. He taught that God had already chosen those who would be saved, and that salvation could not be earned by good deeds or kept through faithfulness. Instead, Calvin believed that God intervened directly in people’s lives to provide guidance and sustenance. This idea of predestination became a central tenet of Calvinism, known as the “Doctrine of Eternal Election.” 

Calvin also believed that scripture was the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. He viewed the Bible as divinely inspired and infallible, arguing that every passage should be interpreted literally. This belief led to Calvin’s teachings on salvation, with the goal of living in a way that was “worthy of God.” For Calvin, this meant that humans must continually strive to live according to God’s law and seek to be obedient and holy. 

Despite his strict views on faith and practice, many people today still admire John Calvin for his courage, wisdom, and intellect. His teachings on predestination and scripture continue to influence Christian theology, as well as the development of other Protestant denominations such as Presbyterianism and Methodism. Through his writings and ideas, Calvin had a profound impact on both religious history and contemporary spirituality, leaving a lasting legacy that is still felt today.  

John Calvin was a complex man who lived during a turbulent time in history. His teachings on salvation and predestination had a profound impact on Christianity and continue to shape the beliefs of Christians today. Though he faced many challenges during his lifetime, Calvin’s legacy is one of courage and conviction. His teachings continue to inspire and challenge believers around the world.