Golden booklet of the true Christian life / John Calvin ; a modern translation from the French and the Latin by Henry J. Van Andel.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564

Contributor:

Van Andel, Henry J.

Standardized Title:

De vita hominis Christiani. English

Language:

English

French

Latin

Subjects (All):

Christian life.

Physical Description:

95 pages ; 19 cm

Place of Publication:

Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Books, 2002.

Summary:

This classic devotional will guide you on how to apply the Christian faith in a balanced way to mind, heart, and hand. Originally part of John Calvin's Institutes, it covers themes such as obedience, self-denial, the significance of the cross, and how believers should live their lives today. Rather than focusing on contemplative other-worldliness, the Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life stresses the importance of a devotedly active Christian life. In style and spirit, it is much like Augustine's Confessions, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, or Thomas a Kempis's Imitation of Christ. Its intense practicality, however, sets it apart, making it easily accessible for anyone seeking to carry out Christian values in everyday life. The translator, Henry J. Van Andel, competently preserved the colorful language and direct style of which John Calvin was a recognized master.

Contents:

Prayer of Calvin 13

Chapter I Humble Obedience, the True Imitation of Christ

I. Scripture is the rule of life 15

II. Holiness is the key principle 17

III. Holiness means full obedience to Christ 18

IV. External Christianity is not enough 20

V. Spiritual progress is necessary 21

Chapter II Self-Denial

I. We are not our own, we are the Lord's 25

II. Seeking God's glory means self-denial 27

III. Self-denial means: sobriety, righteousness, and godliness 29

IV. True humility means respect for others 31

V. We should seek the good of other believers 34

VI. We should seek the good of everyone, friend and foe 37

VII. Civil goodness is not enough 38

VIII. No happiness without God's blessing 40

IX. We should not be anxious to obtain riches and honors 42

X. The Lord is just in all his ways 44

Chapter III Patience in Crossbearing

I. Crossbearing is more difficult than self-denial 47

II. The cross makes us humble 49

III. The cross makes us hopeful 51

IV. The cross teaches obedience 52

V. The cross makes for discipline 54

VI. The cross brings repentance 55

VII. Persecution brings God's favor 57

VIII. Persecution should bring spiritual joy 59

IX. The cross should not make us indifferent 60

X. The cross makes for submission 62

XI. The cross is necessary for our salvation 64

Chapter IV Hopefulness for the Next World

I. There is no crown without a cross 67

II. We are inclined to overestimate the present life 70

III. The blessings of this present life should not be despised 72

IV. What is earth, if compared with heaven? 74

V. We should not fear death, but lift up our heads 76

VI. The Lord will come in his glory: Maranatha 79

Chapter V The Right Use of the Present Life

I. Let us avoid extremes 83

II. Earthly things are gifts of God 86

III. True gratitude will restrain us from abuse 87

IV. Let us live with moderation 89

V. Let us be patient and content under privation 90

VI. Be faithful in your divine calling 92.

Notes:

Originally published: 1952.

ISBN:

080101249X

OCLC:

50166924