John Calvin

Video Based on John Calvin displaying his faith May 5, 2010

John Calvin’s Prayer May 5, 2010

Trials that John Calvin encountered during his life May 5, 2010

Calvin, showed perseverance throughout his life and there has been many situations where his faith has been attacked. He was given many trials that tested his faith, however throughout these situations he still remained true to God. Trials are tests of ones faith and are designed to strengthen oneself in the Lord.  One situation in where God had tested him and his faith was attacked was buy a man named Servetus. Now Servetus was a Spaniard who greatly criticized Christian dogma. He and Calvin would send letters back in forth debating Christianity. His letters to Calvin were pronounced as heresy and criticism to the Catholic Church. However Servetus would deny writing these letters, and kept telling Calvin that he would pay him a visit in Geneva. Calvin, enraged with hate, basically told him that if he did come he would be killed. Servetus ended coming to Geneva and met Calvin, which resulted in Servetus being arrested and hanged later on. After the death of Servetus, Calvin was claimed a defender of Christianity, and had shown him defending his faith in God. Even when he had established his church back in Geneva, there were many people who contradicted his teachings. Jerome Bolsec, a philosopher, had repeatedly attacked Calvin’s doctrine of predestination. However Calvin’s continued to defend his doctrine and even emphasized it more than before. God has given Calvin many trials and positions in which his faith had been attacked, but no matter how bad his position was he continued to preach the word of God. In James 1:2-3 he says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”. Through Calvin’s life he had encountered many trials in which he had persevered in, which had made his faith stronger and to be known as a defender of Christianity.

Another situaton in which Calvin’s was tested was during his work in Geneva from 1546 to 1555. Around 1546, various circumstances led to Calvin’s discovery of a group consisted of wealthy, politically powerful, and interrelated families in Geneva. This group was known as the libertines, and they were in opposition to John Calvin’s work. The group, described by Calvin, felt that by being saved through grace, they were exempt from both civil and religious law. The libertines continued their opposition to John Calvin for many years. They stirred up discontent, insulted the ministers, and opposed the authority of the Consistory, which was an ecclesiastical court, composed of elders and ministers. The authorities swayed back and forth on both sides of the conflict, sometimes siding with the libertines and sometimes with Calvin. By 1547, the majority of the syndics and civil magistrates of Geneva opposed Calvin and other French refugee ministers. Even through the opposition of the libertines and the majority of the government, Calvin continued to obey the will of God faithfully throughout his ministry. Ami Perrin, the man who brought Calvin to Geneva, became a libertine and had moved into opposition with John Calvin. When he was elected first syndic in February 1552, Calvin’s authority appeared to be at its lowest point. After several losses, Calvin believed he was defeated, and nearly lost hope. But even then, when Calvin’s influence was at its lowest, he stayed faithful to Christ. He continued to obey the will of God by preaching his Word to those around him. Although the libertines controlled the authority, they did not have enough power to banish him.

The Five Points of Calvinism May 4, 2010

One of the most well-known religions today within theology throughout America is Calvinism. Calvinism is the theological system of John Calvin and his followers emphasizing omnipotence of God and conservation by grace alone.

Essentially, Calvinism is known by the Acronym T.U.L.I.P.

Total Depravity– Sin has brought an effect on all parts of man, through heart, emotion, will, mind, and body. Sin is something we create and effects every part of our body in every kind of way. Total Depravity is brought up from scriptures that reveal the human character: Man’s heart is evil (mark 7:21-23). Calvinism also states that because of our sinful nature we are not born by our will, but of God’s will.

Unconditional Election– God elect’s certain people, being those who will go to heaven. He does not merely look at an individual and say wether they are elected or not. These people are already chosen by God.

Limited Atonement– Jesus did not die for everyone, he had only died for the elected or chosen ones. In scripture it was said that he did not die for the entire world, but only for those who had faith in him.

Irresistible Grace- When the elect is being called by god of salvation, they cannot resist it, and stride towards it. This call is being worked by the Holy Spirit that works the elect through the hearts and minds of those.

Perseverance of the Saints- Once given salvation, it cannot be lost. Since the father has elected a certain amount of people, the Son has redeemed, and Holy Spirit had applied and spread salvation. Therefore those who are elected and saved will always be secure in this position.

These are the five main points, in which Calvinism has been based on. These points reinforced by Calvin have left a legacy on all his works and teaching’s throughout time.

Evidences of a genuine believer as seen in the Book of James May 4, 2010

John Calvin, a true believer, was so true to his faith that his faith has now become a widespread discipline called  Calvinism. Calvin was happy to share his beliefs with any who would listen and spent countless hours sharing his faith with others. One way to measure an individuals commitment to God is to compare their beliefs and experiences to a book like the Book of James that so clearly defines what true faith is.

1)  Throughout the life of James we see many situations were he has spread the works of the Lord and remained faithful by displaying all characteristics of a “doer”.

2)Being in the position of a “doer” he had kept his word to God, throughout his trials and tribulation’s, which he had lead him to persevere in, to empower his faith to God’s will.

3)Calvin had worshipped God in every single manner, acknowledging God’s will and affirms, which had guided him into becoming a genuine believer.

These three evidences have demonstrated Calvin’s faith in a variety of ways.

A Portrait of John Calvin April 28, 2010

This portrait of John Calvin was painted by an unknown artist in the sixteenth-century. It is from the collection of the Bibliothèque de Genève, otherwise known as the Library of Geneva.

Who is John Calvin? April 7, 2010

• Born on July 10, 1509 in the town of Noyon
• Contributed greatly to the protestant reform as an influential leader
• During the development of the Christian theology, John Calvin had played an immense role, being the principal and founder towards Calvinism.
• On May 27, 1564 at the age 54, from an unknown cause. The exact location of his grave to this day is unknown.

What do you know about Calvinism?

In 2009 a movie about John Calvin was released, if you would like to view this movie than click this link:

Hello world! March 31, 2010

Hello everyone. This blog is dedicated to John Calvin (1509 – 1564), an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation.