A few weeks from now, on July 10th to be precise, Christians throughout the world, especially those of the Reformed persuasion will be commemorating the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birthday. Calvin is arguably one of the most profound religious thinkers and theologians in history. In the words of Stephen J. Lawson in his book, The Expository Genius of John Calvin, he writes: Calvin was "a world-class theologian, revered exegete, renowned teacher, an ecclesiastical statesman, an influential reformer - he was all of these and more."
Reformation Zambia, a Zambian Reformed Baptist Periodical is dedicating its second issue in this year to the legacy of John Calvin. Though it's been hundreds of years since his death, Calvin speaks to us today through his numerous writings.
Theodore Beza, who succeeded Calvin in Geneva writes the following tribute to Calvin in his book, The Life of John Calvin:
"Having been a spectator of his conduct for sixteen years, I have given a faithful account both of his life and of his death, and I can now declare, that in him all men may see a most beautiful example of Christian character, an example which it is easy to slander as it is difficult to imitate."
Calvin always closed his sermons with a prayer. I leave you with one such prayer which demonstrates his profound sense of reverence for the Word of God:
Grant, Almighty God, that as thou shinest on us by thy word, we may not be blind at midnight, nor willfully seek darkness, and thus lull our minds asleep: but may we be roused daily by thy words, and may we stir up ourselves more and more to fear thy name and thus present ourselves and all our pursuits, as a sacrifice to thee, that thou mayest peaceably rule, and perpetually dwell in us, until thou gatherest us to thy celestial habitation, where there is reserved for us eternal rest and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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