Institutes of the Christian Religion Paperback – January 4, 2017

This book will not be accepted by most (probably 95%) of Christian readers. However, be that as it may, John Calvin writes from the scriptures. I find that his position on the Sovereignty of God, the depravity of man, the chosen elect all scripturally sound....and once I began to comprehend these doctrines, my total understanding of the Christian relationship began to really make sense. The regrettable fact is that most Christians today want to believe that God is not totally sovereign....and that mankind can make decisions that counter God's purpose. Frankly, that is there problem that they will have to come to terms with. As for me, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, A.W. Pink , Martin Luther, Dr. Charles Stanley, J. Vernon McGee, Mathew Henry, St. Augustine, posit thoughts and positions that make sense to me. I am only learning....and am not an authority on Christian Theology or Apologetics....but reading and studying Scripture is something that I love to do....I do strongly recommend this book to a mature believer who wants to seek truth for a good foundation.

This Kindle copy is well-formatted, footnotes work etc.The book itself.... I was expecting a large brain's analysis of a brain's God. I went to a reformed seminary, however, this thing is gorgeously written, not in flowery words, but words that are fit to reflect the beauty and greatness of God and our Lord.This is a systematic theology like it ought to be: filled with the savory apprehension of the Divine; weight on page after page in tandem with the glory of the God it speaks about; help for the brain and the day laborer with applications which both can use.May the Lord revive his grace in this book for a new generation.

Excellent book. Reminds us of how little has changed in the past 450 to 500 years. Man is still man.

John Calvin's exposition of Christian doctrines is superb. Calvin discloses the wonders of God's sovereignty. Whether it's his description of the devil and godless men bridled from doing what they viciously will to do, and yet harnessed to do God's will of judgment. Or how God's providential care extends to the uncertain (to us) future so that we can rest in His provision and concern for our growth and wellbeing. Where the reader may get bogged down in the exposition are the the refutations of his contemporary and antiquarian critics. Some of these discussions are necessary for the reader to understand and Calvin's rhetoric is appropriate. However, for modern ears, these argumentations might wear thin. Calvin summarizes the content of each section at that section's beginning to help the reader determine where a specific issue is addressed. Further, Calvin summarizes the Institutes in their entirety with 100 aphorisms at the end of the book. Over all, whether one is a seminarian, elder, pastor or a lay person interested in understanding their God more, I heartily recommend the Institutes.

A very helpful work for both systematic theology and historical theology. Instead of listening to what everyone else says Calvin believed you can read an English translation of what he actually wrote on many topics about the beliefs of the Reformers in the 1500s.

This is fantastic, such a tremendous help in understanding systematic theology!

Very thorough, relevant, and theologically and spiritually enriching work. Even if you don't call yourself a Calvinist you can appreciate this book.

A good read for all of the Christian faith. I did find it humorous that it doesn't appear that Calvin was a Calvinist.