Happy 500 John Calvin

Today is John Calvin’s 500th birthday. (See cake at left)  Whatever our disagreements with Calvin it cannot be denied that Protestants (everyone?) owe much to his theological study.  God certainly gifted him in areas many of us only wish our minds could go.

Calvin was more than a mind though.  He had deeds along with his creeds.  Check out these two articles to learn more:

• Calvin the Evangelist by Dr. Frank James, associate Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology and President at RTS/Orlando.

• Calvin on Missiology & Church Planting by Mark Driscoll, pastor and founder of Mars Hill Church in Seattle.

You can check out The Calvin Quincentenary to keep up with the Calvin500 tour where there is a huge appreciation of Calvin’s life and work.  They also have many resources for those interested.

Past Calvin Tributes

Church historian Philip Schaff put together some notable quotes of appreciation for Calvin. They are printed in 1854 from Calvin Translation Society, Edinburgh. I will offer a few below. Follow the source link to read them all.

“Present my respectful greetings to Sturm and Calvin (then at Strassburg], whose books I have perused with singular pleasure (quorum libellos singulari cum voluptate legi).” Martin Luther (1483–1546).

“Calvin is a truly learned and singularly eloquent man (vere doctus mireque Facundus vir), an illustrious restorer of a purer Christianity (purioris Christianismi instaurator eximius).” Martin Bucer (1491–1551).

“I have been a witness of Calvin’s life for sixteen years, and I think I am fully entitled to say that in this man there was exhibited to all a most beautiful example of the life and death of the Christian (longe pulcherrimum vere christianae tum vita tum mortis exemplum), which it will be as easy to calumniate as it will be difficult to emulate.” Theodore Beza (1519–1605).

“Calvin, a reverend father, and worthy ornament of the Church of God.” Bishop Jewel (1522–1571).

“In short, a man wonderfully conversant with and attached to the books of the Holy Scriptures, and such, that if he had turned his mind in the proper direction, he might have been ranked with the most distinguished doctors of the Church.” Etienne Pasquier (1528–1615). Roman Catholic.

“That incomparable Calvin, to whom mainly, next to God, the Church owes its Reformation, not only in France, but in many other parts of Europe.” Moses Amyraut (1596–1645).

“The Genevese should bless the birthday of Calvin.” Montesquieu (1689–1755).

Tributes to the Memory of Calvin from History of the Christian Church, Volume VIII: Modern Christianity. The Swiss Reformation. by Philip Schaff.

Calvin On Birthday’s

Calvin didn’t write on “birthday’s” directly.  However, he did comment on birthday’s when writing on Genesis 40:20 concerning Pharaoh’s birthday.

With regard to what Moses records, that Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by a great feast, we know that this custom has always been in use, not only among kings, but also among plebeian men. Nor is the custom to be condemned, if only men would keep the right end in view; namely, that of giving thanks unto God by whom they were created and brought up, and whom they have found, in innumerable ways, to be a beneficent Father. But such is the depravity of the world, that it greatly distorts those things which formerly were honestly instituted by their fathers, into contrary corruptions. Thus, by a vicious practice, it has become common for nearly all to abandon themselves to luxury and wantonness on their birthday. In short, they keep up the memory of God, as the Author of their life, in such a manner as if it were their set purpose to forget Him.

Taken from Calvin’s Commentary on Genesis – Volume 2.

Calvin is one of the giants of the faith on whose shoulders we stand regardless of theological position.  So what would Calvin say about his birthday if he were alive with us (he is alive) today?  He would certainly point us to Jesus.  It seems that as long as we use Calvin’s work to continue pointing to Jesus Christ and not John Calvin, he would be pleased.

Blessings,

Mark

PS Yes, there are 500 candles on that cake.  How funny Calvin have thought it be if we put those candles that won’t blow out on his cake?

PPS It’s also Justin Taylor’s birthday so Happy Birthday to him too!

About the author

Mark is a Christian, husband and father. He is a businessman by day working to support his family while attending seminary in the off hours as he prepares for vocational ministry.

Above post by Mark on July 10, 2009