Chapter 7: John Calvin
Greatest Theologian of the Reformed Tradition
Calvin had a huge influence on the early reformers and theologians of his day and later. Karl Barth was in aw of him.
The Shy Reformer. Calvin had a rough childhood and a tragic family life later. He was not sociable. He preached e times a week or so and thought his sermons more important his writings.
Predestination. While Calvin thought predestination (election), he was not found of it and found it inexplicable and unfair. It was a doctrine that should instill humility (we were elected to be saved in spite of not deserving it.
Biblical Theology. Calvin (and Luther) believed that good theology comes from the Bible. He was more broad in use of the scripture than Luther (who focused on Christ). Calvin was more trinitarian and he wrote a commentary on every book in the bible except Revelation.
Sanctification. Calvin struggled with anger and as a result believed that sin is always with us and we will struggle with it until the end of our lives.
Creation. Calvin saw god in creation.
The Sovereignty of God. Calvin believed that God is in total control of everything that happens, even evil and sin. this idea was a them that runs throughout his work.
What Can We Take from Calvin?
- The importance of preaching. Ministers need to make sure they are presenting biblical truths and not just their own ideas.
- Predestination. Best viewed retrospectively, not prospectively.
- Biblical theology. Calvin taught that all theology must be rooted in the biblical story.
- Sanctification—the lifelong process of becoming holy.
- The sovereignty of God