The Doctrine of Election

The Doctrine of ElectionWhen Calvin says that he would not have spoken of election had Scripture not led the way, we need not doubt his word. If he defends the doctrine with vigour, it is because it runs as an unbroken thread through both Old and New Testaments. Like the doctrines of providence, atonement and the new birth, it is a doctrine of sovereign grace. Calvin did not invent election: it is a doctrine which belongs to the universal church. Its importance for him lies

When Calvin says that he would not have spoken of election had Scripture not led the way, we need not doubt his word. If he defends the doctrine with vigour, it is because it runs as an unbroken thread through both Old and New Testaments. Like the doctrines of providence, atonement and the new birth, it is a doctrine of sovereign grace. Calvin did not invent election: it is a doctrine which belongs to the universal church. Its importance for him lies in the fact that it anchors the work of redemption, not in our feeble powers of will, but in God’s inexplicable love for sinners, and it traces that work to a determination freely made in heaven before the world began. The present volume offers a variety of sources, newly translated from the French, which throw fresh light on Calvin’s doctrine of election. In place of his more formal works such as the Institutes from which the doctrine is usually derived, texts have been selected which were intended for oral delivery to a largely non-specialist audience. The tensions inherent in the doctrine, such as God’s mercy versus his justice, are honestly acknowledged and answered. Throughout, appeal is made not to philosophical speculation but to God’s revealed word. To depart from Scripture, the Reformer holds, is to enter a labyrinth from which there is no way out. There is no hint of bookishness in the texts presented here. This is theology for Everyman – clear, comprehensive and rich in practical application. And it leads, as all good theology should, to the praise of God’s glory. Translated from the French by Robert White

Publisher: Banner of Truth
Type: Hardback
ISBN: 9781800402652

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John Calvin (1509-1564) was a French Protestant theologian during the Protestant Reformation and was a central developer of the system of Christian theology called Calvinism or Reformed theology. In Geneva he rejected the authority of the Pope, established a new scheme of civic and church governance, and created a central hub from which Reformed theology was propagated. He is renowned for his teachings and writings.

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‘Robert White translated ten sermons by John Calvin that pertained to the doctrine of election. The purpose of the book is to give English readers access to some of Calvin’s oral explanations of the doctrine of election to everyday Christians both in Calvin’s times (16th century) and today’s modern times. The sermon titles, sub-headings, and updated translation help make Calvin’s repository of sermons more accessible and clear. The newly updated translation of Calvin’s sermons is clear and easy to read for today’s modern readers. These ten sermons White had curated for this book were appropriated chosen and ordered to make the book cohesive in its presentation of the doctrine of election. And while the first sermon of Genesis 25 drawing focus to Ishmael did not seem initially pertinent to the overall book’s theme, Calvin is so rich and engaging in his introduction to Genesis 25 and explanation of the text, he whets our appetites for the rest of his Genesis 25 exposition. White’s explanatory footnotes throughout the book add helpful insight and historical context. For example, his 8-line footnote on page 70 clarifies that Calvin was not arguing for a supralapsarian position even though Calvin in order of thought placed election prior to Adam’s fall. On page 112, White postulates in another footnote that Calvin’s sharp criticism was likely prompted by Philip Melanchthon’s silence on the matter. White adds three appendices to this book. Appendix two, a history and analysis of critics of Calvin’s doctrine of election, helps us gain a greater appreciation for why Calvin interweaved so much of this doctrine in his sermons. Appendix three gives a concise synopsis of the compendium of Calvin’s sermons on the New Testaments that also speak on the matter of election. The Doctrine of Election is a new translation of several of John Calvin’s sermons originally transcribed in French. The translation by Robert White is clear and enjoyable to read. I regard this book as a must read for Christians who want to have a biblical understanding of the doctrine of election. Robert White and Banner of Truth should be commended for providing the best resource for everyday Christians who want to learn what Calvin truly believed about the doctrine of election.’ Pedro Cheung