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Biblical Christianity: The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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Through exploring in turn the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Calvin's Institutes sought to achieve a "knowledge of ourselves" in light of "knowledge of God". This work, foundational to theological thought for five centuries, is presented here in a faithfully edited version - perfect for enriching Bible Studies or devotionals.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

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About the author

John Calvin

1,705 books541 followers
French-Swiss theologian John Calvin broke with the Roman Catholic Church in 1533 and as Protestant set forth his tenets, known today, in Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536).

The religious doctrines of John Calvin emphasize the omnipotence of God, whose grace alone saves the elect.

* Jehan Cauvin
* Iohannes Calvinus (Latin)
* Jean Calvin (French)

Originally trained as a humanist lawyer around 1530, he went on to serve as a principal figure in the Reformation. He developed the system later called Calvinism.

After tensions provoked a violent uprising, Calvin fled to Basel and published the first edition of his seminal work. In that year of 1536, William Farel invited Calvin to help reform in Geneva. The city council resisted the implementation of ideas of Calvin and Farel and expelled both men. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg as the minister of refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and people eventually invited him back to lead. Following return, he introduced new forms of government and liturgy. Following an influx of supportive refugees, new elections to the city council forced out opponents of Calvin. Calvin spent his final years, promoting the Reformation in Geneva and throughout Europe.

Calvin tirelessly wrote polemics and apologia. He also exchanged cordial and supportive letters with many reformers, including Philipp Melanchthon and Heinrich Bullinger. In addition, he wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible as well as treatises and confessional documents and regularly gave sermons throughout the week in Geneva. The Augustinian tradition influenced and led Calvin to expound the doctrine of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.

Calvin's writing and preaching provided the seeds for the branch of Protestantism that bears his name. His views live on chiefly in Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, which have spread throughout the world. Calvin's thought exerted considerable influence over major figures and entire movements, such as Puritanism, and some scholars argue that his ideas contributed to the rise of capitalism, individualism, and representative democracy in the west.

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Lizette Vega.
Author 6 books5 followers
July 31, 2018
A good review of the basics, with an in-depth look at the "natural man." Well worth reading for any believer at any stage of spiritual growth.
Profile Image for Danielle Jensen.
36 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2021
This book is John Calvin's The Institutes of The Christian Religion abridged. Very very abridged. It is only 125 pages so it might more properly be described as a preview to the Institutes. I thought it was an excellent mini systematic theology that overviewed many doctrines concisely. Great for a quick refresher or introduction into Biblical Christianity.
Profile Image for Радостин Марчев.
381 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2015
Толкова жестоко орязано, че не съм сигурен дали може да е истински полезно на някой.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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