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The Lasting Legacy of Jean Calvin and the Birth of Reformed Theology

  • Writer: Ken Kalis
    Ken Kalis
  • 6 days ago
  • 6 min read

I met Calvin in French Literature class at Rutgers in 1966.


  • It was a tough meeting; the Institutes is a challenging read, and I struggled.

  • Later, I debated his TULIP views, believing I had some choice in the matter.

  • Later still, I learned how Calvin loved the Bible, and saw it as the final authority on our salvation.


Read today's blog and discover how to appreciate the Bible and Calvin's work in helping us understand it.



Jean Calvin*(1509-1564), born in 1509 in Noyon, France, is a pivotal figure in Christian thought and the Protestant Reformation. His influence on Protestantism and theological discussions has been significant, marking a shift from the medieval church to a modern understanding of faith. Transitioning from a devoted Roman Catholic to a reformer reflects the broader changes of the Reformation era.


An asterisk* after a name means that person is in .SPIRITUAL LIVES

Calvin was born into an educated family. His father, a lawyer, aimed to prepare him for a similar career, ideally within the church. Recognized for his intelligence early on, Calvin discovered Martin Luther's teachings, which dramatically altered his path. In his Commentaries on the Psalms, he noted how this transformation felt like a divine awakening, igniting his passion for theological inquiry and steering him from law to spiritual matters. Here is his conversion experience in his own words:


God, by a sudden conversion, subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life. Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness, I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, that although I did not altogether leave off other studies, yet I pursued them with less ardour.


This shift would ultimately lead Calvin on a journey that reshaped the Christian faith and the church of Jesus Christ* (4BC-30 AD)..


The Call for Reform


Feeling a divine call to reform the church, Calvin initially sought change within academic circles at the College Royal in Paris. His ideas sparked significant controversy, labeling him heretical, and forced him to flee France to continue his work elsewhere.


Settling in Basel, Switzerland, Calvin's intellectual productivity surged. It was here that he began writing The Institutes of the Christian Religion, a foundational text that would establish him as a leading figure in Reformed Theology. This comprehensive work served as a valuable resource for educated laypeople seeking a deeper understanding of the faith. Calvin aimed to explain “the whole sum of godliness and whatever it is necessary to know about saving doctrine,” providing insights that remain crucial today.


The Institutes of the Christian Religion


The Institutes of the Christian Religion stands out not only for its theological depth but also for its literary significance, enjoying a respected place in French literature. The work presents several key tenets of Calvinism, particularly the supreme authority of Scripture. I was introduced to it in 1967 in my French literature course at Rutgers.Calvin asserted that salvation is exclusively God's work, emphasizing that humans cannot save themselves due to the pervasive corruption of sin, known as "Total Depravity."


Calvin's critical thoughts are encapsulated in the acronym T.U.L.I.P.:


  • Total Depravity: Humanity's inherent sinfulness means people cannot seek God without divine assistance.

  • Unconditional Election: God's decision to save specific individuals is based purely on His will, not on any merit.


  • Limited Atonement: Christ's sacrifice is specifically intended to redeem the elect, not all individuals universally.


  • Irresistible Grace: Those called by God to salvation will inevitably respond to His call.


  • Perseverance of the Saints: True believers will remain steadfast in faith until the end.


Through T.U.L.I.P., Calvin articulated a theology emphasizing God's sovereignty and the essential role of grace in salvation, impacting millions around the world.


The Impact on Protestantism


Calvin’s influence reached far beyond his immediate writings, reshaping the Protestant movement itself. For instance, the establishment of various Reformed churches across Europe can be largely traced back to his teachings. In cities like Geneva, Calvin's work created a profound Christian community, drawing followers eager to learn from his insights.


In Geneva, Calvin established a theocratic governance model, creating a society that adhered to moral standards rooted in biblical principles. The city became a sanctuary for those seeking Reformed faith, boasting about 20,000 residents during Calvin's time, all of whom were expected to uphold these standards.


At the same time, Calvin sent more than 100 ministers into his beloved France to plant churches, where the Huguenots, i.e. the French Protestants, grew and became an important segment of French society. Calvin inspired many missionaries and evangelists who spread the reformed religion and contributed to the growth of capitalism and democracy



Calvin's Legacy Today


The impact of Jean Calvin is diverse and far-reaching. His ideas laid the foundation for numerous Protestant denominations that still thrive today, including the Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Church in America, and several others. His principles have significantly influenced discussions around predestination, ethics, and community living among Reformed believers. Even centuries after his passing in 1564, his work remains relevant, engaging contemporary theologians as they navigate discussions about grace, human nature, and scriptural authority.


Many scholars continue to explore Calvin’s thoughts, emphasizing his lasting importance in Christian theology. They study his works not just as historical artifacts but as insightful contributions to today's theological conversations.


The Lasting Relevance of T.U.L.I.P.


Understanding the T.U.L.I.P. model is essential for grasping Reformed theology. It serves as a foundation for discussions about salvation and clarifies the core beliefs that set Reformed Christians apart from other denominations.


These concepts resonate with believers desiring a deeper appreciation of divine sovereignty and grace. For instance, Total Depravity reinforces the necessity of divine intervention. Unconditional Election reassures Christians of God's intentionality behind their salvation, while the remaining T.U.L.I.P. points—Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints—create a unified doctrinal system that invites believers to reflect thoughtfully on their faith in the light of scripture.


Reflections on Calvin's Impact


Jean Calvin's life and work signify essential moments in the history of Christianity. His steadfast commitment to reform led to a theology centered on God's sovereignty, grace, and mercy. Through The Institutes of the Christian Religion and his broader contributions to Reformed thought, Calvin ignited a movement that continues to flourish, influencing how communities express their faith as described in scripture.


Calvin’s teachings invite modern believers to delve into the depths of their faith and understand their roles in God’s redemptive narrative. His legacy, rooted in rigorous intellectual pursuit and a deep spiritual passion, is incredibly significant and will resonate for generations to come.


It is remarkable to think that a scholar from Noyon, France, evolved into one of Christianity's central figures—a true testament to the transformative power of thought, prayer, and dedication to a cause larger than oneself.


*************************************************

Open My Eyes, That I May See


Open my eyes, that I may see

glimpses of truth thou hast for me;

place in my hands the wonderful key

that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!


Open my ears, that I may hear

voices of truth thou sendest clear;

and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,

everything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!


Open my mouth, and let me bear

gladly the warm truth everywhere;

open my heart and let me prepare

love with thy children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!


--Clara H. Scott, 1841-1897


Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:18


And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:11

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