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CHOCOLATE BON-BONS have been created by a Swiss chocolatier to honour the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Reformer John Calvin The chocolates were ordered by the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches. “It was an interesting challenge,” said Blaise Poyet of the Maison Poet company. “It’s not easy to represent theological ideas by using the taste buds,” he told Ecumenical News International. Getting the taste right took weeks of discussion and research. He has included ingredi­ents local to Geneva which were available 500 years ago. They include lemon verbena, which was used to represent the reformer’s ability to plant...

As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once said so well, one major difference between Protestants and Catholics is that Catholics pray for the dead: "My view is that if Purgatory did not exist, we should have to invent it." Why? "Because few things are as immediate, as human and as widespread—at all times and in all cultures—as prayer for one"s own departed dear ones." Calvin, the Reformer of Geneva, had a woman whipped because she was discovered praying at the grave of herson and hence was guilty, according to Calvin, of superstition". "In theory, the Reformation refuses to accept Purgatory, and consequently...

Calvin's Institutes Book Fourth: Of the Holy Catholic Church. Chapter 18. Of the Popish mass. How it not only profanes, but annihilates the Lord's Supper. The principal heads of this chapter are, - I. The abomination of the Mass, sec. 1. Its manifold impiety included under five heads, sec. 2-7. Its origin described, sec. 8, 9. II. Of the name of sacrifice which the ancients gave to the holy Supper, sec. 10-12. An apposite discussion on sacrifice, refitting the arguments of the Papists for the sacrifice of the Mass, sec. 13-18. III. A summary of the doctrine of the Christian...

IT'S A LONG WAY from Geneva, Switzerland, to Orlando, Florida -- but not if you are pioneers in classical Christian education. In 16th-century Geneva, John Calvin started a religious and educational revolution in his city's schools. Its key ingredients were Reformation theology, the sovereignty of Scripture, the teaching of Latin, and an emphasis on dialogue, dialectic, and rhetoric. Calvin's strategic purpose was to encourage young minds to grow beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. He wanted to produce students who could use their intellects to reason, question, and challenge their contemporary world in the cause of Christian idealism. If you...

The law of God has all but been abandoned today in gospel preaching and has produced "Finneyesque fruit" of half-hearted committments and temporary conversions all across our nation. The "new life" claimed by nearly forty million evangelicals today makes one wonder: if there is so much light in America, why is everything becoming so dark? Antinomianism is rampant today in evangelicalism (cp, Rom. 6:1) and due in part to the absence of the law in the proclamation of sola fide. I trust the following will encourage you to live by the Word of God, the gospel of God, and the...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Book Second - Chapter 5 - sections 1-6The Arguments Usually Alleged In Support of Free Will Refuted. Objections reduced to three principal heads:—I. Four absurdities advanced by the opponents of the orthodox doctrine concerning the slavery of the will, stated and refuted, § 1-5. II. The passages of Scripture which they pervert in favour of their error, reduced to five heads, and explained, § 6-15. III. Five other passages quoted in defence of free will expounded, § 16-19.Sections. Absurd fictions of opponents first refuted, and then certain passages of Scripture explained....

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Book Second - Chapter 4.How God Works In the Hearts of Men. The leading points discussed in this chapter are, I. Whether in bad actions anything is to be attributed to God; if anything, how much. Also, what is to be attributed to the devil and to man, § 1-5. II. In indifferent matters, how much is to be attributed to God, and how much is left to man, § 6. III. Two objections refuted, § 7, 8.Sections. Connection of this chapter with the preceding. Augustine’s similitude of a good and...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Book Second - Chapter 3 – Sections 7-14Every Thing Proceeding From the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable. The principal matters in this chapter are—I. A recapitulation of the former chapter, proving, from passages of Scriptures that the intellect and will of man are so corrupted, that no integrity, no knowledge or fear of God, can now be found in him, § 1 and 2. II. Objections to this doctrine, from the virtues which shone in some of the heathen, refuted, § 3 and 4. III. What kind of will remains in...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Book Second - Chapter 3 - Sections 1-6Every Thing Proceeding From the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable. The principal matters in this chapter are—I. A recapitulation of the former chapter, proving, from passages of Scriptures that the intellect and will of man are so corrupted, that no integrity, no knowledge or fear of God, can now be found in him, § 1 and 2. II. Objections to this doctrine, from the virtues which shone in some of the heathen, refuted, § 3 and 4. III. What kind of will remains in...

I. The Death of Death in the Death of Christ is a polemical work, designed to show, among other things, that the doctrine of universal redemption is unscriptural and destructive of the gospel. There are many, therefore, to whom it is not likely to be of interest. Those who see no need for doctrinal exactness and have no time for theological debates which show up divisions between so-called Evangelicals may well regret its reappearance. Some may find the very sound of Owen’s thesis so shocking that they will refuse to read his book at all; so passionate a thing is...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Book Two Chapter 2 Sections 1-9 Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved. Having in the first chapter treated of the fall of man, and the corruption of the human race, it becomes necessary to inquire, Whether the sons of Adam are deprived of all liberty; and if any particle of liberty remains, how far its power extends? The four next chapters are devoted to this question. This second chapter may be reduced to three general heads: I. The foundation of the whole discussion. II. The opinions of...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Book Second Chapter 1.Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made Accursed and Degenerate. Of Original Sin. I. How necessary the knowledge of ourselves is, its nature, the danger of mistake, its leading parts, § 1, 2, 3. II. The causes of Adam’s fearful fall, § 4. III. The effects of the fall extending to Adam’s posterity, and all the creatures, § 5, to the end of the Chapter, where the nature, propagation, and effect of original sin are considered.Sections. The knowledge of ourselves most necessary. To...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book First Chapter 17. By John Calvin Use to Be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. This chapter may be conveniently divided into two parts:—I. A general explanation is given of the doctrine of Divine Providence, in so far as conducive to the solid instruction and consolation of the godly, § 1, and specially § 2-12. First, however, those are refuted who deny that the world is governed by the secret and incomprehensible counsel of God; those also who throw the blame of all wickedness upon God, and absurdly pretend that exercises of piety...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book First Chapter 16 Chapter 16.The World, Created By God, Still Cherished and Protected By Him. Each and All of Its Parts Governed By His Providence. The divisions of this chapter are, I. The doctrine of the special providence of God over all the creatures, singly and collectively, as opposed to the dreams of the Epicureans about fortune and fortuitous causes. II. The fiction of the Sophists concerning the omnipotence of God, and the error of philosophers, as to a confused and equivocal government of the world, § 1-5. All animals, but especially mankind,...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion Book First Chapter 15 by John Calvin Chapter 15.State In Which Man Was Created. The Faculties of the Soul—The Image of God—Free Will—Original Righteousness. This chapter is thus divided:—I. The necessary rules to be observed in considering the state of man before the fall being laid down, the point first considered is the creation of the body, and the lesson taught by its being formed out of the earth, and made alive, § 1. II. The immortality of the human soul is proved by various solid arguments, § 2. III. The image of God...

Institutes of the Christian Religion Chapter 14 sections 14-22In the Creation of the World, and All Things In It, the True God Distinguished By Certain Marks From Fictitious Gods. In this chapter commences the second part of Book First—viz. the knowledge of man. Certain things premised. I. The creation of the world generally (§ 1 and 2). II. The subject of angels considered (§ 3-13). III. Of bad angels or devils (§ 13-20); and, IV. The practical use to be made of the history of the creation (§ 20-22).Sections. That we may be stimulated to exercises of piety. Why one...

The Institutes of the Christian Religion Chapter 14. Sections 1-13 In the Creation of the World, and All Things In It, the True God Distinguished By Certain Marks From Fictitious Gods. In this chapter commences the second part of Book First—viz. the knowledge of man. Certain things premised. I. The creation of the world generally (§ 1 and 2). II. The subject of angels considered (§ 3-13). III. Of bad angels or devils (§ 13-20); and, IV. The practical use to be made of the history of the creation (§ 20-22).Sections. The mere fact of creation should lead us to...

—Institutes of the Christian Religion Book First Chapter 13 Sections 21 to the End The Unity of the Divine Essence In Three Persons Taught, In Scripture, From the Foundation of the World. This chapter consists of two parts. The former delivers the orthodox doctrine concerning the Holy Trinity. This occupies from § 1-21, and may be divided into four heads; the first, treating of the meaning of Person, including both the term and the thing meant by it, § 2-6; the second, proving the deity of the Son, § 7-13; the third, the deity of the Holy Spirit, § 14...

Institutes of the Christian ReligionBook First. Chapter 13. Sections 14-20The Unity of the Divine Essence In Three Persons Taught, In Scripture, From the Foundation of the World. This chapter consists of two parts. The former delivers the orthodox doctrine concerning the Holy Trinity. This occupies from § 1-21, and may be divided into four heads; the first, treating of the meaning of Person, including both the term and the thing meant by it, § 2-6; the second, proving the deity of the Son, § 7-13; the third, the deity of the Holy Spirit, § 14 and 15; and the fourth,...

Chapter 13. (Parts 7 – 13)The Unity of the Divine Essence In Three Persons Taught, In Scripture, From the Foundation of the World. This chapter consists of two parts. The former delivers the orthodox doctrine concerning the Holy Trinity. This occupies from § 1-21, and may be divided into four heads; the first, treating of the meaning of Person, including both the term and the thing meant by it, § 2-6; the second, proving the deity of the Son, § 7-13; the third, the deity of the Holy Spirit, § 14 and 15; and the fourth, explaining what is to...

Chapter 13. (PARTS 1-6)The Unity of the Divine Essence In Three Persons Taught, In Scripture, From the Foundation of the World. This chapter consists of two parts. The former delivers the orthodox doctrine concerning the Holy Trinity. This occupies from § 1-21, and may be divided into four heads; the first, treating of the meaning of Person, including both the term and the thing meant by it, § 2-6; the second, proving the deity of the Son, § 7-13; the third, the deity of the Holy Spirit, § 14 and 15; and the fourth, explaining what is to be held...

Chapter 12.God Distinguished From Idols, That He May Be the Exclusive Object of Worship. Sections. Scripture, in teaching that there is but one God, does not make a dispute about words, but attributes all honour and religious worship to him alone. This proved, 1st, By the etymology of the term. 2d, By the testimony of God himself, when he declares that he is a jealous God, and will not allow himself to be confounded with any fictitious Deity. The Papists in opposing this pure doctrine, gain nothing by their distinction of δυλια and λατ�ια. Passages of Scripture subversive of the...

Chapter 11.Impiety of Attributing a Visible Form to God.—The Setting Up of Idols a Defection From the True God. There are three leading divisions in this chapter. The first contains a refutation of those who ascribe a visible form to God (§ 1 and 2), with an answer to the objection of those who, because it is said that God manifested his presence by certain symbols, use it as a defence of their error (§ 3 and 4). Various arguments are afterwards adduced, disposing of the trite objection from Gregory’s expression, that images are the books of the unlearned (§...

Chapter 10.In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to All the Gods of the Heathen. Sections. Explanation of the knowledge of God resumed. God as manifested in Scripture, the same as delineated in his works. The attributes of God as described by Moses, David, and Jeremiah. Explanation of the attributes. Summary. Uses of this knowledge. Scripture, in directing us to the true God, excludes the gods of the heathen, who, however, in some sense, held the unity of God. 1. We formerly observed that the knowledge of God, which, in other respects, is not obscurely exhibited in the frame of...

Chapter 9.All the Principles of Piety Subverted By Fanatics, Who Substitute Revelations for Scripture. Sections. The temper and error of the Libertines, who take to themselves the name of spiritual, briefly described. Their refutation. 1. The Apostles and all true Christians have embraced the written Word. This confirmed by a passage in Isaiah; also by the example and words of Paul. 2. The Spirit of Christ seals the doctrine of the written Word on the minds of the godly. Refutation continued. 3. The impositions of Satan cannot be detected without the aid of the written Word. First Objection. The Answer...

Chapter 8.The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved In So Far As Natural Reason Admits. This chapter consists of four parts. The first contains certain general proofs which may be easily gathered out of the writings both of the Old and New Testament—viz. the arrangement of the sacred volume, its dignity, truth, simplicity, efficacy, and majesty, § 1, 2. The second part contains special proofs taken from the Old Testament—viz. the antiquity of the books of Moses, their authority, his miracles and prophecies, § 3-7; also, the predictions of the other prophets and their wondrous harmony, § 8. There is subjoined...

Chapter 7.The Testimony of the Spirit Necessary to Give Full Authority to Scripture. The Impiety of Pretending That the Credibility of Scripture Depends on the Judgment of the Church. Section. The authority of Scripture derived not from men, but from the Spirit of God. Objection, That Scripture depends on the decision of the Church. Refutation, I. The truth of God would thus be subjected to the will of man. II. It is insulting to the Holy Spirit. III. It establishes a tyranny in the Church. IV. It forms a mass of errors. V. It subverts conscience. VI. It exposes our...

Chapter 6.The Need of Scripture, As a Guide and Teacher, In Coming to God As a Creator. Sections. God gives his elect a better help to the knowledge of himself—viz. the Holy Scriptures. This he did from the very first. First, By oracles and visions, and the ministry of the Patriarchs. Secondly, By the promulgation of the Law, and the preaching of the Prophets. Why the doctrines of religion are committed to writing. This view confirmed, 1. By the depravity of our nature making it necessary in every one who would know God to have recourse to the word; 2....

Chapter 5.The Knowledge of God Conspicuous In the Creation, and Continual Government of the World. This chapter consists of two parts: 1. The former, which occupies the first ten sections, divides all the works of God into two great classes, and elucidates the knowledge of God as displayed in each class. The one class is treated of in the first six, and the other in the four following sections: 2. The latter part of the chapter shows, that, in consequence of the extreme stupidity of men, those manifestations of God, however perspicuous, lead to no useful result. This latter part,...

Chapter 4.The Knowledge of God Stifled Or Corrupted, Ignorantly Or Maliciously. Sections. The knowledge of God suppressed by ignorance, many falling away into superstition. Such persons, however, inexcusable, because their error is accompanied with pride and stubbornness. Stubbornness the companion of impiety. No pretext can justify superstition. This proved, first, from reason; and, secondly, from Scripture. The wicked never willingly come into the presence of God. Hence their hypocrisy. Hence, too, their sense of Deity leads to no good result. 1. But though experience testifies that a seed of religion is divinely sown in all, scarcely one in a hundred...

Chapter 3.The Knowledge of God Naturally Implanted In the Human Mind. Sections. The knowledge of God being manifested to all makes the reprobate without excuse. Universal belief and acknowledgment of the existence of God. Objection—that religion and the belief of a Deity are the inventions of crafty politicians. Refutation of the objection. This universal belief confirmed by the examples of wicked men and Atheists. Confirmed also by the vain endeavours of the wicked to banish all fear of God from their minds. Conclusion, that the knowledge of God is naturally implanted in the human mind. 1. That there exists in...

Chapter 1.The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected.—Nature of the Connection Sections. The sum of true wisdom—viz. the knowledge of God and of ourselves. Effects of the latter. Effects of the knowledge of God, in humbling our pride, unveiling our hypocrisy, demonstrating the absolute perfections of God, and our own utter helplessness. Effects of the knowledge of God illustrated by the examples, 1. of holy patriarchs; 2. of holy angels; 3. of the sun and moon. 1. Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts:...

Chapter 2.What It Is to Know God.—Tendency of This Knowledge. Sections. The knowledge of God the Creator defined. The substance of this knowledge, and the use to be made of it. Further illustration of the use, together with a necessary reproof of vain curiosity, and refutation of the Epicureans. The character of God as it appears to the pious mind, contrasted with the absurd views of the Epicureans. Religion defined. 1. By the knowledge of God, I understand that by which we not only conceive that there is some God, but also apprehend what it is for our interest, and...

It’s the five-hundredth birthday of John Calvin (1509-1564). There will be a great lot of conferences. Bob Godfrey, Mike Horton, Hywel Jones, I and a cast of thousands are speaking at the Calvin500 Conference in Geneva in July, 09. Herman Selderhuis from the Theological University at Appeldoorn (The Netherlands) just notified us that there is another worthy Calvin conference in the Netherlands in late October and early November of this year. Here’s the info: On October 30th - November 1st, 2008, as a ´kick-off´ for the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth in 2009, the Institute for Reformation Research at the...

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while...

Rodney BeasonI am a convert to the Catholic Faith from Calvinism. I loved Calvinism and owned a library full of Calvin, Luther, Warfield, Hodge, Murray, Owen, Machen, etc. as well as helped plant a local Orthodox Presbyterian Church. I knew Reformation Theology and how much hatred it generates for the Catholic Church. As a Calvinist, I could boast with the best of them. I even persecuted the Catholic Church and went after every one of them I found, beating them back with Scripture, upon Scripture, upon quotes of Luther, Calvin, etc. I found great pleasure in debating Catholics. My...

What one individual would you identify as the virtual founder of America? Would it be George Washington? Thomas Jefferson? Thomas Paine? Benjamin Franklin? I believe that the man history clearly gives this designation to is a humble reformer from Geneva, Switzerland, who died in 1564. His name is John Calvin. The great American historian, George Bancroft, who was far from a Calvinist, calls John Calvin “the father of America.” According to Bancroft, “He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American liberty.” If we are to get back...

worldwide birthday party is being planned to celebrate the life and legacy of John Calvin, one of the founding fathers of the Protestant Reformation. "Protestant theology and Western democracy owe a debt of gratitude to John Calvin," says Peter Lillback, president of Westminster Theological Seminary outside Philadelphia and one of the driving forces behind Calvin 500, a celebration that culminates on July 10, 2009, five centuries after Calvin's birth. "Calvin is maligned or, worse, sometimes forgotten today. But along with his brother in the faith, Martin Luther, Calvin did much for the revival of biblical Christianity," declares Lillback. Calvin was...

Calvin Borel's run for the Triple Crown with Street Sense was derailed at the Preakness Stakes, but the Catahoula native will forever be a Kentucky Derby winner. The newspapers and sports announcers refer to him by name, Calvin Borel. The jockeys call him Bo-Rail, for his preference of riding the rail when he races horses. But his family has a hard time calling him anything but what they've called him all of his life, Boo-Boo.

First Sermon on the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ John Calvin Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup...

Wednesday morning: the chapel is filled to the brim with students who seem more or less happy to be there. They could be sipping Nutty Irishmen and chatting with friends in the Fish House, but instead they’ve come to worship God through song and prayer. This many people have deliberately chosen to spend their mid-morning break at chapel. This is the first thing that surprises Melissa, a sophomore transfer student from Taylor University, an evangelical college in Indiana. She figures that to get this kind of voluntary attendance, the 20-minute service must be packed with vibrant praise and worship songs,...

The Calvin and Hobbes snowmen comics were often my favorite, it’s nice to see people attempt to implement them in real life.Hanging:Holding His Own Head:Car Accident:Sharks:Burial:Bowling:

Total Depravity of Man Unconditional Election Limited Atonement Irresistable Grace Perseverence of the Saints This is an open thread to discuss the calvinistic concept of Unconditional Election.

Total Depravity of Man Unconditional Election Limited Atonement Irresistable Grace Perseverence of the Saints This is an open thread to discuss the calvinistic concept of Total Depravity of Man.

The sixteenth century was a period of tumultuous change in Western Europe. The need for some kind of moral and intellectual shake–up within the church had been obvious for some time. Many religious and political writers of the fifteenth century had been aware of the weaknesses of the medieval church and the society in which it was embedded. However, there are good reasons for thinking that few were really prepared for the radical events of the sixteenth century, which are generally referred to collectively as "the Reformation." The Reformation remains of central importance for Christian theology and the life...

A Letter to The Learning Channel To Whom It May Concern, I write today to offer your television network the rights to what I am convinced will soon be the most popular reality show on television. Reality television has offered the discerning viewer much entertainment and so many opportunities to learn. We have learned how to dress, how to cook, how to build motorcycles and hotrods and even how to build beautiful rooms using plywood, staple guns and glue guns. We've seen what it takes to make it as an executive for the world's leading corporations. We've seen the inner-workings...

Picture the following scenario. Crowds of Americans rioting in the streets. Two opposing groups shout loudly, vying to have their messages heard and heeded. The groups meet. Confrontation ensues. Fistfights break out. Church windows are smashed. What are these rioters fighting about? Christmas. One group favors celebrating Christmas, the other opposes all Christmas observances. This isn’t an imaginary event, it is history. It happened in Boston on Christmas day in 1706. In America's increasing love-affair with Christmas (both the Christian and commercial versions), we have forgotten that there was a time when much of European and American Christianity thought that...

Martin Luther, Founder of the Reform, Speaks on Mary In his sermon of August 15, 1522, the last time Martin Luther preached on the Feast of the Assumption, he stated: There can be no doubt that the Virgin Mary is in heaven. How it happened we do not know. And since the Holy Spirit has told us nothing about it, we can make of it no article of faith . . . It is enough to know that she lives in Christ. The veneration of Mary is inscribed in the very depths of the human heart. (Sermon, September 1, 1522)....