On the Christian Life
What did John Calvin teach about living as believers? In On the Christian Life: A New Translation, Crossway presents John Calvin’s classic on faithful living to the Lord.
This book is a portion of the Reformer’s magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion. I found this brand-new translation to be easily accessible and memorable. When speaking of our personal holiness, Calvin’s words cut through: “It is not at all fitting that the sanctuary in which he dwells should be stuffed with filth like a stable.”
Logical and Lively Writing
Calvin’s writing is logical and lively. He begins by stating it necessary to derive a plan for ordering our lives from the Scriptures, and beautifully states that the goal of regeneration is that there should appear in the life of believers a symmetry and agreement between God’s righteousness and their obedience.
Students of Calvin will appreciate the all-new introduction by editor Anthony N. S. Lane, professor of historical doctrine at the London School of Theology. Helpful resources include robust source citations and explanatory footnotes to better understand Calvin’s words and context.
Relevant and Applicable Theology
The content of the book is relevant and application to today. Calvin writes: “We should do good to others because they are made in God’s image.” And an entire chapter is dedicated to the themes of affliction and suffering. Calvin calls us to patience. He brings us to the hope of resurrection and the life to come.
The book ends by teaching us that God made earthly goods not only for necessity but also for delight. You can clearly see that John Calvin found joy in a life that is overflowing in the grace of God.
I received a media copy of On the Christian Life: A New Translation and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.