Understanding John Calvin: Humility, Grace, and Legacy

 

Summary

In this first lecture of our series on Calvinism, we delve into the life and legacy of John Calvin, a figure often misunderstood and misrepresented. Calvin, born in 1509 in Noyon, France, was not a theological innovator but a systematician who saw himself primarily as a pastor. His conversion to Christianity was marked by a profound personal transformation, encapsulated in his own words: "God subdued my heart to docility." This humility and submission to God's will became the hallmark of his life and teachings.

Calvin's tenure in Geneva was marked by both struggle and triumph. Initially dismissed by the city council, he returned at their request to lead the Reformation efforts. Despite facing opposition, Calvin's influence grew, and he became a pivotal figure in shaping the city's religious and civic life. His commitment to preaching and teaching was relentless, driven by the belief that God's people needed constant exposure to Scripture to withstand the world's falsehoods.

Calvin's writings, including his extensive commentaries and pastoral letters, reveal a man of deep tenderness and care, despite his notorious temper. He was a passionate advocate for Protestant unity, believing that the church must embody the unity Christ prayed for in John 17. His commitment extended beyond Europe, as he supported missions to places like Brazil, demonstrating his desire to spread the gospel globally.

Central to Calvinism, as Calvin understood it, is a profound sense of wonder at God's grace, humility before His inscrutable ways, and a life of exultant adoration and wholehearted consecration to God. Calvinism is not merely a theological system but a religious consciousness that transforms the believer's life. It is about being captivated by God's grace and living a life that glorifies Him.

Calvin's motto, "My heart I give to you, oh God, promptly and sincerely," encapsulates his life's devotion. His legacy is not just in his theological contributions but in his example of a life lived wholly for God's glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. John Calvin's Humble Beginnings and Conversion: Calvin's life was marked by a profound personal transformation, where he described his heart as being subdued by God. This humility and submission to God's will became central to his teachings and life, emphasizing the importance of a heart surrendered to God. [01:25]

2. Calvin's Struggles and Triumphs in Geneva: Despite facing significant opposition, Calvin's influence in Geneva grew as he tirelessly preached and taught the Scriptures. His commitment to the gospel and the reformation of the church and city was unwavering, demonstrating the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. [03:12]

3. The Heart of Calvinism: Calvinism is characterized by a deep sense of wonder at God's grace, humility before His ways, and a life of adoration and consecration to God. It is not merely a theological system but a transformative religious consciousness that captivates the believer's heart. [13:32]

4. Calvin's Passion for Unity and Mission: Calvin was deeply committed to Protestant unity and global missions, believing that the church must embody the unity Christ prayed for. His support for missions, even at great personal risk, highlights the importance of spreading the gospel beyond one's comfort zone. [08:32]

5. The Transformative Power of God's Grace: Calvinism emphasizes that salvation is entirely the work of God's grace, leading to a life that glorifies Him. This understanding of grace should profoundly affect the believer's inner life, leading to a life of worship, mission, and wholehearted devotion to God. [21:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to John Calvin
- [01:25] - Calvin's Conversion
- [02:26] - Calvin's Early Ministry in Geneva
- [03:12] - Return to Geneva and Challenges
- [04:05] - Preaching and Teaching in Geneva
- [05:41] - Calvin's Writings and Pastoral Care
- [06:37] - Commitment to Church Unity
- [07:35] - Calvin's Missionary Vision
- [08:32] - Missions to Europe and Beyond
- [09:16] - Calvin's Motto and Legacy
- [11:01] - Introduction to Calvinism
- [12:38] - The Essence of Calvinism
- [13:32] - The Four Pulse Beats of Calvinism
- [19:52] - The Religious Consciousness of Calvinism

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 11:33-36
2. John 17:20-26

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does John Calvin's statement "God subdued my heart to docility" reveal about his conversion experience? [01:25]
2. How did Calvin's return to Geneva in 1541 demonstrate his commitment to the Reformation despite previous opposition? [03:12]
3. What role did Calvin's writings and pastoral letters play in his ministry, and how did they reflect his character? [05:41]
4. How did Calvin's motto, "My heart I give to you, oh God, promptly and sincerely," encapsulate his life's devotion? [10:09]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Romans 11:33-36, Paul expresses awe at God's wisdom and knowledge. How does this passage reflect the core of Calvinism as described in the sermon? [12:38]
2. Calvin faced significant opposition in Geneva. What does his perseverance teach about the importance of steadfastness in faith? [03:12]
3. Calvin was committed to Protestant unity and global missions. How does John 17:20-26 support this aspect of his ministry? [06:37]
4. The sermon describes Calvinism as a "religious consciousness" rather than just a theological system. How does this understanding affect the way one lives out their faith? [19:52]

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#### Application Questions
1. Calvin's conversion was marked by a profound personal transformation. Reflect on your own conversion experience. How has it shaped your current walk with God? [01:25]
2. Calvin's perseverance in Geneva despite opposition is notable. Are there areas in your life where you face opposition for your faith? How can you remain steadfast? [03:12]
3. Calvin's writings reveal a man of deep tenderness despite his temper. How can you cultivate a spirit of tenderness and care in your interactions with others, even when facing personal challenges? [05:41]
4. Calvin's passion for unity and mission extended beyond his comfort zone. What steps can you take to support unity within your church or community? How can you engage in missions, locally or globally? [08:32]
5. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace. How has God's grace transformed your life, and how can you live in a way that glorifies Him daily? [21:41]
6. Calvin's motto reflects a life of wholehearted consecration to God. What practical steps can you take to live a life that is promptly and sincerely devoted to God? [10:09]
7. Reflect on the "pulse beats" of Calvinism: wonder, humility, adoration, and consecration. Which of these resonates most with you, and how can you cultivate it further in your spiritual journey? [13:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Humility and Transformation in Calvin's Conversion
Calvin's life was marked by a profound personal transformation, where he described his heart as being subdued by God. This humility and submission to God's will became central to his teachings and life, emphasizing the importance of a heart surrendered to God. Calvin's conversion was not just a change in belief but a deep, personal encounter with God's grace that reshaped his entire existence. His story reminds us that true transformation begins with a heart that is open and willing to be molded by the divine. [01:25]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt God's transformative power in your life. How can you cultivate a heart that remains open and humble before Him today?


Day 2: Perseverance Amidst Opposition in Geneva
Despite facing significant opposition, Calvin's influence in Geneva grew as he tirelessly preached and taught the Scriptures. His commitment to the gospel and the reformation of the church and city was unwavering, demonstrating the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Calvin's struggles in Geneva highlight the importance of steadfastness and dedication to one's calling, even when faced with challenges. His life serves as an example of how perseverance can lead to triumph and lasting impact. [03:12]

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's strength to persevere and remain faithful to your calling?


Day 3: The Transformative Consciousness of Calvinism
Calvinism is characterized by a deep sense of wonder at God's grace, humility before His ways, and a life of adoration and consecration to God. It is not merely a theological system but a transformative religious consciousness that captivates the believer's heart. This consciousness invites believers to live in awe of God's grace, allowing it to permeate every aspect of their lives. It calls for a life that is not only informed by doctrine but also transformed by the experience of God's presence and love. [13:32]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt captivated by God's grace. How can you allow this sense of wonder to transform your daily actions and decisions?


Day 4: Unity and Mission in Calvin's Vision
Calvin was deeply committed to Protestant unity and global missions, believing that the church must embody the unity Christ prayed for. His support for missions, even at great personal risk, highlights the importance of spreading the gospel beyond one's comfort zone. Calvin's passion for unity and mission challenges us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and work towards a greater purpose. It encourages us to embrace the call to be agents of unity and bearers of the gospel to the ends of the earth. [08:32]

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a way you can contribute to unity within your community or church. How can you step out of your comfort zone to share the gospel with someone this week?


Day 5: Living a Life that Glorifies God through Grace
Calvinism emphasizes that salvation is entirely the work of God's grace, leading to a life that glorifies Him. This understanding of grace should profoundly affect the believer's inner life, leading to a life of worship, mission, and wholehearted devotion to God. It is a call to live in response to the grace we have received, allowing it to shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships. This transformative power of grace invites us to live lives that reflect God's glory in all we do. [21:41]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how God's grace has impacted your life. What is one specific way you can live out this grace in your interactions with others today?

Quotes

"Calvin was born in the year 1509 in the small town of Noyon, a little southeast of Paris. It’s uncertain when Calvin was actually converted to the Lord Jesus Christ, probably between the years 1530 and 1533. Calvin remarkably says almost nothing about the circumstances of his conversion. There is one little passage in the preface to his Latin commentary on the Psalms where he simply tells us, “God subdued my heart to docility, which had become hardened against the truth of the gospel.” But those few words give us a wonderful insight into the mind and heart of John Calvin." [00:01:06]

"Calvin returned without any rancor whatsoever. In fact, making no mention whatsoever of his dismissal three years earlier, he began to preach on the very passage that he had left off just as he had been dismissed. But for the next 15 years—probably until 1555—Calvin faced a hostile city council. The majority in the council were hostile to Calvin. They didn’t want ille Gallus—“that Frenchman,” as they called him. They didn’t want him calling the shots. They didn’t want the Bible to wholly shape the life of the church and the life of the city." [00:03:12]

"Calvin during those years preached approximately seven or eight times a week. Why did he do so? Well, he loved preaching, but that really wasn’t the reason. He preached seven or eight times a week because he believed that the people of God needed the constant teaching of the word of God to resist the false illusions of the world around them. He believed that God’s people needed to be armored by the word of God if they were going to live for Christ and serve Christ in a hostile world." [00:04:39]

"Calvin was passionately also committed to Protestant church unity. I think Calvin would be bemused by the relative indifference that faithful Bible Christians can have today to the dividedness of the visible body of Jesus Christ in the world. Calvin labored monumentally—traveling extensively, writing, going to colloquies, preaching, teaching. He was convinced that the church must take seriously the teaching of our Lord, John 17:20-26, that the people of God may be one, that the world might see that the Father sent the Son." [00:07:08]

"Calvin lived to glorify God and to serve his church. He literally wore himself out in laboring night and day for the cause of the gospel in Geneva and beyond. Not many folk appreciate that Calvin was also committed to missions. In Geneva, the church there regularly sent out young men into the heartlands of Europe, preaching the recovered gospel of the grace of God in Jesus Christ. But most of those young men who were sent out knew that they were going out to their death. Hundreds of them were put to death because of their faithfulness to proclaiming that salvation was by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone." [00:07:54]

"Calvin had a motto that summed up his life. “My heart I give to you, oh God, promptly and sincerely.” And that, I think, takes us to the very heart of who and what John Calvin was. “My heart I give to you, oh God, promptly and sincerely.” He was not his own. Before he died, he gave instructions that no monument of any sort should be erected to mark his grave. He didn’t want anyone making pilgrimages to the grave of John Calvin." [00:09:59]

"Calvinism pulses with breathless wonder. “Oh,” says Paul, “the depths.” “Oh, the depths.” Søren Kierkegaard, the 19th century Danish philosopher-theologian who got some things right but a lot of things wrong, once described the gospel as being 10,000 fathoms deep. And as Paul looks back over the gospel that he has explained in all its wonder and glory and grace, all he can say is, “Oh, the depths.” He is overwhelmed by the wonder. His heart is deeply and profoundly moved." [00:14:17]

"Calvinism pulses with grace-constrained humility. “How unsearchable are his judgments, how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” I think it would be astonishing for many people to read Calvin and to discover the intellectual humility that runs through his writings. He does not want ever to go beyond that which is written. When I read Calvin, I find myself in company with a man who lives his life under the word of God." [00:15:46]

"Calvinism pulses with exultant adoration. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Calvin’s writings pulse with exultant adoration. Sometimes his writings become quite lyrical when he finds himself caught up in the wonder of who God is. Calvinism is not sterile and clinical and cold and academic. It pulses with exultant adoration, adoration that is the overflow of hearts that have been invaded by inexplicable sovereign, saving, redeeming grace." [00:17:14]

"Calvinism pulses with wholehearted consecration. “My heart I give to you, oh God, promptly and sincerely.” The gospel does not leave us where we are, with minds that have become entranced or even infatuated by the doctrines of grace. The gospel comes to capture the citadel of our beings and to bring us in wholehearted consecration to the Lord Jesus Christ, who redeemed us by his precious blood and who gave himself that we might be reconciled and restored to God." [00:18:42]

"The whole outworking of Calvinism in life is but the flowering of its fundamental religious consciousness, which then finds its scientific statement in its theological system. If you want to understand Calvinism, Warfield is saying, understand the religious consciousness that gave it birth. A life subdued to God by the grace of the gospel. A life captivated, and not just captured, by the grace of the gospel. The theology of Calvinism, which as I hope we will see, is actually the theology of the Bible—is the overflow, or the fruit, of the religious consciousness of a life that has been savingly invaded, captured, and captivated by the salvation of God in Jesus Christ." [00:20:01]

"This is why academic Calvinism is a complete misnomer. You cannot be apprehended in any sense by God’s majestic grace and gracious majesty and not be powerfully, deeply, and permanently affected in the inner man or the inner woman. This is Calvinism, and this is the note that the framers of the Westminster Shorter Catechism wanted to sound at the very beginning of the catechism. “What is man’s chief end? It is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Where God is not glorified, where Jesus Christ is not ardently loved, where there is no passion for mission, there it’s not Calvinism that’s absent, it’s the gospel that’s absent." [00:22:19]

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Transcript
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