John Calvin Turns 500

While you probably think in terms of your theology coming from scripture only, that’s never totally the case. How we read scripture has been shaped by the traditions we have grown up in, and for you and I that means the thoughts of John Calvin. A key reformer of a universal church that was badly off track, Calvin was a pastor and theologian that has re-shaped the Christian world. He has helpfully contributed to my theology the importance of the depravity of man and unearned grace of God.

In Calvin’s day the church was wickedly emphasizing what we must do to be in favor with God. Calvin rightly argued that we are out of favor with God because of our sin, and the only answer to it comes from the cross. Today we need to likewise battle the temptation to work our way into favor with God when he has accomplished the work that puts us into his favor.

Calvinism (the school of thought that has sprung from his teachings) is as strong as ever. Time magazine recently placed new calvinism as the #3 idea that is shaping the world right now. Pastors like Mark Driscoll, Rick McKinlay, Mark Dever, C.J. Mahaney, John Piper and many others are sure calvinists and experiencing effectiveness in their teaching. In particular, Calvin’s teaching on total depravity is easily accepted in a generation that has been abused, found relationships difficult, addictions a struggle, and had developed a mistrust from immoral celebrities and leaders. To put it bluntly, a people who spend more money on porn than music doesn’t have to be convinced that they are wicked.

There is a danger of course in becoming a ‘calvinist’ at the expense of being a Christian. People like Calvin do not set out to make a religion after themselves as much as bring the church back to the teachings of scripture. This is how Calvin helps our church. Five hundred years later he is calling us back to scripture, back to the grace of God and the depravity of man. Back to celebrating God’s merciful act of saving believers and keeping them in his love.