John Calvin and Reformed Theology

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Lesson Title: John Calvin and Reformed Theology: Study of Calvin’s Teachings and Their Impact on Protestantism

Level of Education

Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose

To analyze John Calvin’s theological contributions and their profound impact on the development of Protestantism.

Objectives

To understand the core tenets of Calvin’s theology and evaluate their influence on the Reformed tradition within Protestantism.

Key Concepts, Terms, and Keywords

• Predestination: The doctrine that God has foreordained all events, particularly that God has elected certain souls to eternal salvation.
• Total Depravity: The concept that sin has affected all parts of human nature, making humans inherently sinful.
• Unconditional Election: The belief that God’s choice of certain individuals for salvation is not based on any foreseen merit in them.
• Limited Atonement: The doctrine that Christ’s atonement is sufficient for all, but efficient only for the elect.
• Irresistible Grace: The belief that God’s grace to save a person cannot be resisted if it is His will.
• Perseverance of the Saints: The doctrine that those chosen by God will continue in faith until the end.

Lesson Content

1. Background and Context:
   • John Calvin’s Early Life: Overview of Calvin’s upbringing, education, and early career.
   • Historical Context: Description of the religious and political environment of 16th-century Europe.
2. Core Tenets of Calvin’s Theology:
   • Predestination: Examination of the doctrine and its scriptural basis.
     • Bible Verses: Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29-30
       • Ephesians 1:4-5 discusses God’s predestination of believers.
       • Romans 8:29-30 outlines the sequence of predestination and glorification.
   • Total Depravity: Analysis of human sinfulness and its effects.
     • Bible Verses: Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-12
       • Jeremiah 17:9 describes the deceitfulness of the human heart.
       • Romans 3:10-12 emphasizes the universality of sin.
   • Unconditional Election: The nature of God’s sovereign choice.
     • Bible Verses: John 15:16; Romans 9:15-16
       • John 15:16 speaks of Jesus choosing His disciples.
       • Romans 9:15-16 underscores God’s mercy in election.
   • Limited Atonement: The extent and application of Christ’s atonement.
     • Bible Verses: John 10:14-15; Matthew 1:21
       • John 10:14-15 relates to Jesus laying down His life for His sheep.
       • Matthew 1:21 speaks of Jesus saving His people from their sins.
   • Irresistible Grace: God’s grace in bringing the elect to salvation.
     • Bible Verses: John 6:37; Acts 16:14
       • John 6:37 emphasizes those given to Jesus by the Father will come to Him.
       • Acts 16:14 shows how the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message.
   • Perseverance of the Saints: Assurance of continued faith.
     • Bible Verses: Philippians 1:6; John 10:28-29
       • Philippians 1:6 expresses confidence in God’s completion of His work.
       • John 10:28-29 assures believers of their eternal security.
3. Impact on Protestantism:
   • Reformed Tradition: How Calvin’s teachings shaped Reformed churches.
   • Bible Verses: Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9
     • Titus 2:14 emphasizes the call to live a life zealous for good works.
     • 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as a chosen people, royal priesthood.
4. King Jesus’ Model/Example:
   • Sovereignty and Service: Jesus as the sovereign King and humble servant.
     • Bible Verses: John 13:13-17; Matthew 20:28
       • John 13:13-17 shows Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, exemplifying servant leadership.
       • Matthew 20:28 highlights Jesus’ mission to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

Exam Questions with Explained Answers

1. Question: What is the doctrine of predestination, and which Bible verses support it?
   • Answer: Predestination is the belief that God has predetermined who will be saved. Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29-30 support this doctrine by emphasizing God’s choice and foreordaining of believers.
2. Question: Explain the concept of total depravity using Jeremiah 17:9 and Romans 3:10-12.
   • Answer: Total depravity means that every aspect of human nature is tainted by sin, making humans inherently sinful. Jeremiah 17:9 speaks to the deceitful heart, while Romans 3:10-12 highlights the universality of human sinfulness.
3. Question: How does John 15:16 illustrate unconditional election?
   • Answer: John 15:16 illustrates unconditional election by showing that Jesus chose His disciples, not based on their merit but solely on His sovereign will.
4. Question: Discuss the doctrine of limited atonement with reference to John 10:14-15.
   • Answer: Limited atonement means that Christ’s atonement is sufficient for all but effective only for the elect. John 10:14-15 indicates that Jesus laid down His life specifically for His sheep, highlighting the particularity of the atonement.
5. Question: What is irresistible grace, and how is it demonstrated in Acts 16:14?
   • Answer: Irresistible grace refers to the idea that God’s grace to save a person cannot be resisted. Acts 16:14 demonstrates this as the Lord opened Lydia’s heart, making her receptive to Paul’s message.
6. Question: Explain the assurance of perseverance of the saints using Philippians 1:6 and John 10:28-29.
   • Answer: Perseverance of the saints means that those elected by God will continue in faith until the end. Philippians 1:6 assures that God will complete His work in believers, and John 10:28-29 guarantees their eternal security.
7. Question: How did Calvin’s teachings influence the structure and practices of Reformed churches?
   • Answer: Calvin’s emphasis on scripture, predestination, and church governance influenced Reformed churches to adopt a presbyterian polity, focus on biblical preaching, and emphasize God’s sovereignty in all aspects of life.
8. Question: Relate the principle of “sola scriptura” to Calvin’s theology.
   • Answer: “Sola scriptura,” the belief that scripture alone is the ultimate authority, was central to Calvin’s theology. He argued that all teachings and practices must be based on the Bible, rejecting traditions that lacked scriptural support.
9. Question: Describe the significance of John Calvin’s “Institutes of the Christian Religion.”
   • Answer: Calvin’s “Institutes of the Christian Religion” is a foundational text that systematically outlines his theological views, covering topics like the knowledge of God, justification by faith, and the sacraments, significantly shaping Protestant thought.
10. Question: How does Matthew 20:28 reflect the model of servant leadership in Reformed theology?
    • Answer: Matthew 20:28, where Jesus speaks of His mission to serve and give His life as a ransom for many, reflects Reformed theology’s emphasis on Christ as both sovereign Lord and humble servant, a model for all believers in leadership and service.

Practical Applications

• Church Leadership: Emphasize servant leadership and humility, following Jesus’ example.
• Personal Devotion: Foster assurance of salvation and perseverance through faith in God’s promises.

Research Citations

1. Calvin, John. “Institutes of the Christian Religion.” Translated by Henry Beveridge, Hendrickson Publishers, 2008. eBook.
2. McGrath, Alister E. “A Life of John Calvin: A Study in the Shaping of Western Culture.” Blackwell Publishers, 1990. eBook.
3. Gonzalez, Justo L. “The Story of Christianity, Volume II: The Reformation to the Present Day.” HarperOne, 1985. eBook.
4. Parker, T.H.L. “John Calvin: A Biography.” Lion Hudson, 2006. eBook.
5. Helm, Paul. “John Calvin’s Ideas.” Oxford University Press, 2006. eBook.

This lesson offers a detailed exploration of John Calvin’s theological contributions and their lasting impact on Protestantism, integrating scriptural analysis with historical context and practical applications.