Sermons on Job
| Weight | 4.20 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.8 × 5.75 × .4 in |
| Binding | Cloth-bound, Kindle (.mobi), ePub |
| Format | Book |
| ISBN | 9781800402232 |
| Page Count | 2,120 |
| Scripture | Job |
| Topic | Biblical Studies, Preaching & Teaching |
| Banner Pub Date | Aug 16, 2022 |
Endorsements
‘These sermons are timeless; they are more about God than they are about Job or his suffering.’ — DEREK THOMAS
Book Description
The name of John Calvin (1509-1564) is justly renowned in a number of contexts. The Reformation’s greatest systematic theologian, he was also a Christian strategist and transformer of society, as his enormous correspondence and his influence in Geneva bear witness. A prolific scholar and well-versed in the Latin of the academics, he also worked hard at communicating to ordinary men and women in his native French language.
Above all, Calvin was a pastor. Indeed, it has been said of him that he became a theologian in order to be a better pastor. Nowhere is that more clearly seen than in his sermons.
In 1549, the Compagnie des Étrangers, refugees who thought highly of his ministry, employed a professional scribe, Denis Raguenier, to record and translate Calvin’s sermons.
Thanks to the foresight of these sixteenth-century Christians we can still read the 159 sermons Calvin preached on the Book of Job on week-days in 1554-5. They abound in faithful and lively exposition, and remain one of the finest examples of evangelical preaching – faithful to the biblical text and thoughtfully applied to the individual and society.
In 1993 the Banner of Truth Trust reprinted a facsimile edition of Arthur Golding’s 1574 translation of Calvin’s sermons on Job. At that time the publisher expressed the hope that ‘Perhaps one day the massive work of retranslating Calvin from the original French into modern English will be done.’ That day has now well and truly come!
Several new translations of Calvin’s sermons have also recently been published (on Ephesians, Galatians, 2 Samuel 1-13, Acts 1-7, Gen. 1-11, Gen. 11-20, The Beatitudes, Luke 1-2, etc.) and a new translation of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (1541 ed.) has also recently been added to this impressive list of volumes.
Now, thanks to Dr Rob Roy McGregor, all of Calvin’s 159 sermons on Job have been translated into modern, colourful, and vigorous English.
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Michael Shirley –
This collection by John Calvin is a cluster of fruit, much wisdom was given to the writing of these works. They are well worth the money to purchase such learning for our Christian life.Let God be glorified to the practicing of that which were taught.
sunnyolsen –
The Holy Spirit used John Calvin to preach sermons to the struggling reformed church of the 16th century and to this day no one preached better!
Every sermon is a masterpiece and every page loaded with eternal wisdom. But they are also enjoyable to read and worth reading more than once.
I only wish more of his work was available in modern English. The church of today desperately needs what the Spirit gave to this Reformer.
@diveindigdeep –
How does suffering show us God? In Sermons on Job, Banner of Truth presents John Calvin’s 159 sermons preached on the Book of Job.
Vibrant and Flowing
Divided into 3 volumes, this expository work is a wonder. Translated from the original French by Dr. Rob Roy McGregor, the modern English text is vibrant and flowing. What I most appreciated about this translation is that McGregor gave each sermon a title! These titles are one-sentence summaries of the big idea for the text. They are typically a central truth supported by the Scripture. This helps to track Calvin’s thought while showcasing a theological framework for Job.
The sermons seem relatively lengthy at around 10-15 pages, but they read quickly. Calvin stays true to the text by getting to the point and applying it well. He begins by quickly noting Job’s character. Even before his trials, Job is declared to be whole and upright. Calvin calls Christians to a life of holiness and to abstain from evil. Calvin does not pull his punches. His directness is refreshing and invigorating to read.
God’s Sovereignty and Justice
God’s sovereignty is an obvious theme throughout the book. When explaining what first happens to Job, Calvin declares that God has “sovereign authority over all creatures and even has a leash on Satan and all the wicked in this world.” God remains at the center of the story and Calvin does not miss him for the details.
While examining the speeches from Job’s friends, Calvin ultimately lands on the justice of God. With God in his courtroom throughout the book, Calvin admonishes us to “learn to enter into ourselves and acknowledge our sins and accuse ourselves before God.” This is to present ourselves in the true light of Christ, where we can ask forgiveness of our sins before the Judge. When done with sincerity, it is here, Calvin says, where we will find grace and mercy. These books are a treasure, filled with riches from the Word of God.
Enlightening, Delightful, and Inspiring
I was most interested to read what Calvin had to say about Elihu. He sees Elihu as a young man who has done his homework. Elihu ridicules and reproaches Job’s friends for being too simplistic. He condemns Job as well. Calvin sees holy zeal in Elihu, someone who needs to speak the truth, and who was given by God the ability to speak. I can’t help but wonder if Calvin saw himself in Elihu, and I can imagine the passion from Calvin as he delivered these sermons.
Calvin concludes the book of Job by stating that Job did seek forgiveness, but also sought to be taught. I am moved to do the same. Reading Calvin’s sermons will enlighten and delight. To read the words of the Reformer is inspiring. His heart to communicate God’s truth in the common language is on full display along with his love for the just, sovereign, and holy Lord.
I received a media copy of Sermons on Job and this is my honest review.