The Life of John Calvin

Look Inside Price $10.80

111 in stock

Weight 0.42 lbs
Dimensions 7.13 × 4.75 × 0.5 in
ISBN 9781848711815
Topic

Reformer Biography, 16th century, Pastoral Biography

Binding

Paperback

Format

Book

Original Pub Date

2012

Banner Pub Date

Nov 2, 2012

Page Count

173

Book Description

Few Christian Leaders have suffered quite so much mis-understanding as John Calvin. He has often been dismissed as a theologian without humanity. In fact the very reverse is much nearer the truth. He was a man of deep and lasting affection, passionately concerned for the cause of Christ in the world; a man who burned himself out for the gospel; a man whose heart belonged to Christ.

In this book the reader will find a straightforward introduction to the life and work of the great Reformer of Geneva. W J. Grier’s fast-moving biography not only depicts the titanic struggle by which the gospel was established in Geneva, but also provides valuable insights into the work of God that we know as ‘the Reformation’. In Calvin’s own words, ‘God’s loving-kindness to us was wonderful, when the pure gospel emerged out of that dreadful darkness in which it had been buried for so many years.’

For Calvin, the Reformation was primarily a movement of the Holy Spirit that turned attention from man-centred religion to God. It is the prayer of the publishers that the retelling of this ‘wonderful’ story will help in the recovery of God-centred Christianity and the raising up of more ‘burning and shining lights’ today.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

Foreword vii
1 The Early Years 1
2 Wanderings and Flight 13
3 A Protestant Manifesto 21
4 Arrival in Geneva 29
5 First Ministry in Geneva 35
6 Calvin’s Ministry in Strasbourg 43
7 Revolution at Geneva 51
8 Geneva in Calvin’s Time 59
9 Poor or Rich? 65
10 Calvin’s Toils 69
11 Calvin’s Frailties and Charm 75
12 Building the Walls of Zion 81
13 Calvin versus the Libertines 89
14 The Brink of Hostilities 97
15 The Errors of Servetus 103
16 The Burning of Servetus 109
17 Efforts for Union of Protestants 115
18 A City of Learning, Liberty, and Morality 121
19 Preserved amidst Perils 127
20 The Remarkable Growth of Protestantism in France 133
21 The Closing Year 141
22 Calvin as a Thinker 151
23 Preacher and Expositor 157

2 testimonials for The Life of John Calvin

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  1. David J. Harris

    This is a great little biography of the Geneva reformer. I needed to write a biographical sketch for a church history class, and chose Calvin. This book introduced every major event in Calvin’s life, and was far more valuable to answering questions than some books twice its size. If you want a concise, easy to follow work on Calvin’s life and ministry, look no further.

  2. Jaron

    Wow what a wonderful resource! I would encourage you that this is one of the best places to start if you’re interested in knowing more about John Calvin or thinking about reading his works.
    I don’t want to exaggerate how well I think this little biography speaks to the life of John Calvin, but I don’t think I am. I‘ve read a fair amount of Calvin, from the Institute to spending time in his commentaries for personal study and sermon preparation, to reading his tracks and letters, and I think this little biography does a great job of showing the man as a whole.
    It speaks to him as the theologian, the commentator, The pastor, the statesman, the husband and the friend.
    But I think you’ll of missed everything if you don’t come away from this little book knowing most of all that he was simply a man called out by God, who was deeply motivated and in awe by God‘s glory seen in the gospel of Jesus Christ and gave his whole life to that cause. There is much encouragement and application for Christians in this day and age by learning from John Calvin, who was a sinner saved by grace just like us.
    Calvin in simple faithfulness and allegiance to Christ was used by God to do mighty things for God’s glory And we have much to learn from his life.
    Brothers and sisters, I couldn’t encourage you enough to buy and read this book!
    And thank you Banner of truth for making this edifying book available for myself and Christians everywhere to benefit from!
    God Bless

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