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A Little Book on the Christian Life
For centuries, disciples young and old have turned to this book for guidance in the Christian life. Today, it remains unique in its clear exposition of Gods calling for Christians to pursue holiness, endure suffering, and fulfill their callings. This is a book for every Christian to pick up, read, and apply.
132 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1536
535 people are currently reading
3642 people want to read
About the author
John Calvin
1,697 books539 followersFrench-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.
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 - 30 of 585 reviews
November 6, 2018
I told Andy, “We wouldn’t need like half of the Christian living books I’ve read if we just read this one.” This book is short, relatively easy to read, and saturated with theological gems on trusting God as we walk through this challenging Christian life. People act like the reformers were all mean and legalistic, but I found this a grace-filled perspective. My biggest encouragement was pressing onward in trials, because motherhood can feel like one big trial. My kids were sick and I was sleep deprived and pregnant while I read this book so it applied very well to my life! I want to flip through and add my favorite quotes later, because there were so many good one-liners.
The language may be a little challenging for some casual readers, but I encourage every Christian to read this short gem of a theological work - it’s short and every bit of it will apply to your daily life.
The language may be a little challenging for some casual readers, but I encourage every Christian to read this short gem of a theological work - it’s short and every bit of it will apply to your daily life.
March 20, 2017
Very good. Straight to the point, a lot of them.
March 31, 2017
This was a great little book. The translation is really good though a little awkward here and there because it's modern (though not slang) english so it distracted me a couple times thinking "Did Calvin really talk/write like this? lol". It feels like Jeff Vanderstelt wrote this book, and language-wise that's a good thing. It makes you feel like you're listening to your best friend.
Calvin mainly talks about three things in this book:
1. The need for obedience (as opposed to legalism/antinomianism)
2. The fruit of the Spirit in a believer's life
3. How suffering helps produce points 1&2
His sections on suffering are deeply penetrating and presents doctrines like election from a different angle than many know them by. These doctrines aren't just for our salvation, they are for our sanctification as well.
This book has become my go-to resource for answering the question "Why do Christians suffer?"
Get it. Listen to it. Read it. Rinse. Repeat.
Calvin mainly talks about three things in this book:
1. The need for obedience (as opposed to legalism/antinomianism)
2. The fruit of the Spirit in a believer's life
3. How suffering helps produce points 1&2
His sections on suffering are deeply penetrating and presents doctrines like election from a different angle than many know them by. These doctrines aren't just for our salvation, they are for our sanctification as well.
This book has become my go-to resource for answering the question "Why do Christians suffer?"
Get it. Listen to it. Read it. Rinse. Repeat.
March 22, 2024
Well this book ran me over and then built me back up. Multiple times. Highly recommend.
September 9, 2022
This is great and easy book to read. It encourages and convicts. It directs you to look at your heart attitude toward basic areas of Christian life. I highly reccommend this book!!
January 14, 2025
This was a very good book. As a person who has a harder time understanding deeply theological books or thoughts I appreciated that this book was more about the characteristics we should cultivate and have as believers. I didn’t really love the way he talked about the world in terms of being eternal beings, “if heaven is our home, what is earth but our place of exile? If departure from this world is entrance into life, what is this world but a grave? What is continuing in this life but remaining submerged in death?” Other than that I really enjoyed this book and think that it definitely contains some very practical things for every Christian.
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March 3, 2024Not to be a nerd but this book reminded me a lot of my favorite hymn “Jesus I My Cross Have Taken.” Both works are strangely comforting because they are brutally honest about suffering while giving suffering a purpose. I feel like I have been reframing what it means to live a purposeful and valuable life since for the past few years and this book was really helpful in that. Also the final line is *chefs kiss*/ fire flames/ very beautiful.
June 15, 2024
This will convict you of your love for the world and attitude toward experiencing the chastening of God. Calvin's words will remind you of the narrow path you are on. Highly recommend.
“In short, whatever happens, knowing that it is ordered by the Lord, he will receive it with a placid and grateful mind, and will not contumaciously resist the government of Him, at whose disposal he has placed himself and all that he has.” (64)
“In short, whatever happens, knowing that it is ordered by the Lord, he will receive it with a placid and grateful mind, and will not contumaciously resist the government of Him, at whose disposal he has placed himself and all that he has.” (64)
October 19, 2021
Update 10/9/21:
Still as absolutely fantastic as the first time I read through it; possibly even more so. Incredibly encouraging and convicting read. This will be one book I return to throughout my life.
Original review:
Coming from Calvin's Institutes, this new translation by the guys at Ligonier Ministries put together a refreshing, encouraging, and powerful little book.
Why read this if it's just from the Institutes? Why not just read it out of that? A few reasons. One, it's short, making it very concise and easy to read. Two, this isn't just a cash-grab (not that I would suspect Ligonier of something like that). This is a well thought out, excellently translated version of Calvin's Christian classic. Which brings me to my third point, this little segment from the Institutes has a history behind it. Almost every time the Institutes was translated and published in another language, this little book was published first. It came to be known by many names, including The Golden Booklet, On the Christian Life and various others.
Calvin places much of his time reminding believers to look to what God has in store for them in Heaven and on the New Earth. He stresses the necessity of bearing our crosses and to not become so comfortable here on Earth that we forget that God has given us so much more. Suffering and sorrow in the lives of Christians is a key point Calvin makes, seeking to point us to Christ alone to find our joy and peace in Him and not in any earthly thing.
It's extremely hard for me to put into words what Calvin has already so beautifully said, so all I can really say is that I think all believers should read this little book. It is an impressive, powerful, bold, convicting, and encouraging writing. I thank God for the teachings of brothers and sisters in Christ who have come before me.
Still as absolutely fantastic as the first time I read through it; possibly even more so. Incredibly encouraging and convicting read. This will be one book I return to throughout my life.
Original review:
Coming from Calvin's Institutes, this new translation by the guys at Ligonier Ministries put together a refreshing, encouraging, and powerful little book.
Why read this if it's just from the Institutes? Why not just read it out of that? A few reasons. One, it's short, making it very concise and easy to read. Two, this isn't just a cash-grab (not that I would suspect Ligonier of something like that). This is a well thought out, excellently translated version of Calvin's Christian classic. Which brings me to my third point, this little segment from the Institutes has a history behind it. Almost every time the Institutes was translated and published in another language, this little book was published first. It came to be known by many names, including The Golden Booklet, On the Christian Life and various others.
Calvin places much of his time reminding believers to look to what God has in store for them in Heaven and on the New Earth. He stresses the necessity of bearing our crosses and to not become so comfortable here on Earth that we forget that God has given us so much more. Suffering and sorrow in the lives of Christians is a key point Calvin makes, seeking to point us to Christ alone to find our joy and peace in Him and not in any earthly thing.
It's extremely hard for me to put into words what Calvin has already so beautifully said, so all I can really say is that I think all believers should read this little book. It is an impressive, powerful, bold, convicting, and encouraging writing. I thank God for the teachings of brothers and sisters in Christ who have come before me.
June 3, 2020
I read this book 3 times, slowly, over from February 26 through today. It is one that could be read, slowly, over and over going forward. Calvin insists that we deny ourselves and follow Christ, that we live in gratitude for his gifts, that we hope for the next world, and live in moderation for this.
He builds is case slowly and carefully from the scripture and helps the reader to learn how to conform to Christ and why.
Highly recommended. I'm going to read it again.
He builds is case slowly and carefully from the scripture and helps the reader to learn how to conform to Christ and why.
Highly recommended. I'm going to read it again.
August 21, 2025
Even better the second time around.
December 31, 2018
A simple, clear and encouraging book. This is the first thing of Calvin I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
December 31, 2018
A gem and a staple.
December 22, 2024
Second read, still 5 stars. Short, simple, helpful, and encouraging.
March 29, 2022
One of the best books I have read in recent memory. Throughout the entirety of the book, Calvin does a phenomenal job of expounding on scripture that is foundational to different facets of living as a follower of Christ. Calvin states that his goal is to “simply present to godly people a model for ordering their lives.” and he does exactly that. Each section left me more convicted than when I started reading. Calvin presents scripture and commentary for it that can be readily applied to our own walk with the Lord. Scripture is the backbone of his writing, and there was not a single explanation that was not derived from it. It was truly a blessing to reflect on the state of my own heart and how it is continuing to be shaped and reformed in accordance with the reality of the character of God. This book is a must-read for anyone who is a follower of Jesus.
December 11, 2019
What an excellent little book! This is one that needs to be read on a regular basis. This book is a small section from John Calvin's massive theological work called the "Institutes of the Christian Religion". The focus of this section was on how the Christian was to live in this world. Calvin's deep theological analysis of Scripture and clear application to your own life was a breathe of fresh air. We are to live in this world with the understanding that it is temporary and devoted to the glory of God instead of our own personal gain and comforts. This easy to read book helps you center your mind on Christ and Scripture as you devote yourself to living a life that is honoring to him. A great and easy read!
March 19, 2025
I’d like to read again in the coming months. I found myself skimming over some of it due to time or distractions.
A very relaxed read. A great example of a book detailing the Christian life, hence the title.
The exploration of struggles and cross bearing in the fourth chapter I found very reassuring. Feeling ‘forgotten’ by my Heavenly Father is something I find myself wrestling with from time to time. The same with my mortality. I felt chapter four outlined well how to look towards the great comfort of our own resurrection without wishing this time away or despising what the Lord called good, even though it is now poisoned by sin.
I also like how the book is literally a little book.
A very relaxed read. A great example of a book detailing the Christian life, hence the title.
The exploration of struggles and cross bearing in the fourth chapter I found very reassuring. Feeling ‘forgotten’ by my Heavenly Father is something I find myself wrestling with from time to time. The same with my mortality. I felt chapter four outlined well how to look towards the great comfort of our own resurrection without wishing this time away or despising what the Lord called good, even though it is now poisoned by sin.
I also like how the book is literally a little book.
February 2, 2024
I don’t think I’m wrong in assuming this will be one of my favorite books of the year. This is a goldmine for the Christian. I was under the delusion that Calvin was a “cold theologian” until I read this book. So good.
December 31, 2024
Picked this up as a quick way to finish out my goal, but also probably the best and most important read out of my 30 books. It’s a concise reminder of how my life is changed because of faith in Christ, and practically what that means. Perfect encouragement as we enter a new year.
February 17, 2024
My first time actually reading a full book by Calvin and I enjoyed this one immensely. He is solid in his arguments and scriptural basis on how to live out the Christian life. Each chapter was packed with wisdom and is easily digestible.
February 23, 2023
Note to self: Read it again.
Comforting and Helpful.
Comforting and Helpful.
May 16, 2017
Scripture comes to our rescue with the best of reasons for doing good to all people. It teaches us not to regard others according to their own merits, but to consider in them the image of God to which we owe both honor and love.
Walking in the Christian life when walked with Christ and seeing Christ in all things can be freeing. Free to love and free from fear and anxiety. It is when we take our eyes off Jesus, the author of our faith, is when the tension of the Christian life can be difficult and impossible to maneuver. I loved this little book because it kept the focus on what Christ did and not what I have to do in a 10 step plan to be a good Christian. All I have to do is pursue Christ and his righteousness. His righteousness becomes my desire according to scriptures. Christian living becomes devotion to the work of Christ and who Christ is.
It is not our nature for Christian living because it deals with self-denial and bearing the cross. It is however, in these attitudes and choices, we become more like Christ. It is in suffering we know Christ. It is in gratitude that our desires change. The temptation for all people is that we become so in love with the gifts of this world, we loose sight of the giver.
Such good reminders of what it costs to walk with Christ. It costs us nothing but then it costs us everything. It is a battle of sin, pride, and pleasures. This book deals with the battle and gives you the tools to fight.
A Special Thank You to Reformation Trust Publishing Ligonier Ministries and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Walking in the Christian life when walked with Christ and seeing Christ in all things can be freeing. Free to love and free from fear and anxiety. It is when we take our eyes off Jesus, the author of our faith, is when the tension of the Christian life can be difficult and impossible to maneuver. I loved this little book because it kept the focus on what Christ did and not what I have to do in a 10 step plan to be a good Christian. All I have to do is pursue Christ and his righteousness. His righteousness becomes my desire according to scriptures. Christian living becomes devotion to the work of Christ and who Christ is.
It is not our nature for Christian living because it deals with self-denial and bearing the cross. It is however, in these attitudes and choices, we become more like Christ. It is in suffering we know Christ. It is in gratitude that our desires change. The temptation for all people is that we become so in love with the gifts of this world, we loose sight of the giver.
Such good reminders of what it costs to walk with Christ. It costs us nothing but then it costs us everything. It is a battle of sin, pride, and pleasures. This book deals with the battle and gives you the tools to fight.
A Special Thank You to Reformation Trust Publishing Ligonier Ministries and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
March 17, 2017
What a gem of a book! It is a simple explanation of the Christian's sanctification: how we are called to Christlikeness because we are to reflect His righteousness as His children; how our dying to self is necessary in order for us to be more like Him; how suffering for His glory enriches our lives; how our hope lies in the world to come, thus we can endure anything in this life; how the comforts and joys now should be used to help, not hinder, us in our quest to be more like our Lord and Savior. I highly recommend this book!
December 24, 2024
“For true doctrine is not a matter of the tongue, but of life; neither is Christian doctrine grasped only by the intellect and memory as truth is grasped in other fields of study. Rather, doctrine is rightly received when it takes possession of the entire soul and finds a dwelling place and shelter in the most intimate affections of the heart.”
This was a quick and easy read from part of Calvin’s institutes. He lays out how we ought to live with grace and a need for urgency. I felt challenged with his piety but he also emphasizes an enjoyment of the world in giving glory to God.
This was a quick and easy read from part of Calvin’s institutes. He lays out how we ought to live with grace and a need for urgency. I felt challenged with his piety but he also emphasizes an enjoyment of the world in giving glory to God.
May 26, 2020
This small book brought me such joy and peace this week. It met some spiritual and emotional needs of mine, and pointed me to Christ. I appreciate the edition for how manageable it is to read and comprehend. I will probably use it as a gift for close friends and family in the future, because it's inexpensive, but so valuable.
May 2, 2018
"Rather doctrine is rightly received when it takes posession of the entire soul and finds a dwelling place and shelter in the most intimate affections of the heart". Concise book that briefly discusses key disciplines in the Christian walk which are often forgotten.
November 20, 2024
“For every work performed in obedience to one’s calling, no matter how ordinary and common, is radiant—most valuable in the eyes of our Lord.”
November 19, 2025
A wonderful book on the Christian life. Convicting and convincing in a way that Calvin tends to be. This book was edifying and easy to read. I used this book as a teaching tool for middle/high schoolers, and I found it was difficult for them to relate to some of the chapters, particularly his chapters on suffering, but it is good for them to learn that suffering is coming and to hear the voice of Christ in the calm before the storm. I would recommend this little book to those looking to find strength and challenge in the Christian life. His most important statement came in the last sentence of the book where he wrote that we are to consider our calling - "For every work performed in obedience to one's calling, no matter how ordinary and common, is radiant - most valuable in the eyes of our Lord." (126)
July 27, 2022
“but only those who have gained a true knowledge of Christ from the Word of the gospel have a relationship with Him.”
“the believer should accept whatever comes with a gentle and thankful heart, because he knows that it is ordained by the Lord.”
“though wounded by sorrow and grief, he finds rest in the spiritual comfort of his God.”
“for the Lord has stationed us in an outpost, and we must keep guard here till He calls us home.”
“the one who directs himself toward the goal of observing God’s calling will have a life well composed.”
this was my first book by calvin that i’ve read, and i absolutely loved it! he had some really excellent insights on what it means to be a believer, and how we should be living our lives as Christians. definitely a solid read (:
“the believer should accept whatever comes with a gentle and thankful heart, because he knows that it is ordained by the Lord.”
“though wounded by sorrow and grief, he finds rest in the spiritual comfort of his God.”
“for the Lord has stationed us in an outpost, and we must keep guard here till He calls us home.”
“the one who directs himself toward the goal of observing God’s calling will have a life well composed.”
this was my first book by calvin that i’ve read, and i absolutely loved it! he had some really excellent insights on what it means to be a believer, and how we should be living our lives as Christians. definitely a solid read (:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews