What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Calvin? I would imagine, since you’re reading OBC’s POST, you’re probably not thinking about Michael J. Fox’s character in the hit movie Back to the Future, or are you?

If you’re thinking John Calvin, the 16^th Century French theologian whom our Lord used mightily during the Reformation and continues to use nearly 500 years later, then you’re on the right track.

Calvin’s most seminal piece of work was his Institutes of Christian Religion, which is the focus of this review. However, it’s not Calvin’s original work I’m reviewing; rather, I had the opportunity to read an edited 20^th Century version by Tony Lane and Hilary Osborne.

Benefit #1 – Easy to Comprehend

Frankly, I couldn’t be more thankful as Lane & Osborne managed to take an immense body of work and condense it into an incredibly meaningful and manageable overview. So, the first benefit of reading Calvin’s Institutes is that it’s easy to comprehend.

Benefit #2 – Worth Comprehending

Following closely in the footsteps of the first benefit is the second; it’s worth comprehending.

Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, said about Calvin, “[he] propounded truth more clearly than any other man that ever breathed, knew more Scripture, and explained it more clearly.” How’s that for an endorsement!

Another big hitter in the Christian faith is Philip Malanchthon, author of the Augsburg Confession and friend to Martin Luther, who simply but profoundly called Calvin, “the theologian.”

Dr. Steve Lawson, President and founder of OnePassion Ministries and a past guest at Omaha Bible Church, states, "Calvin is seen by many as the greatest influence on the church since the first century." Are you intrigued yet??  

Benefit #3 – Better Understanding the Sovereign Creator

Better understanding the sovereign God of creation should lead to a better worshipping of God. Calvin’s Institutes helps to shape and direct critical thinking for the Christian mind so we can better grasp and value our sovereign Creator.

This insight and understanding not only helps in the individual life of the believer but also helps the believer value the working of Christ through His Body.

Benefit #4 – Learning What Calvin and Calvinism is Not

So much has been said about Calvin and Calvinism in evangelical circles, it can become confusing and misleading to understand what it is. Institutes will give you a more precise understanding of what Calvin taught regarding matters of God’s sovereignty, man’s responsibility, election, evangelism (Yes! Calvin believed in evangelizing the lost) and prayer, just to name a few.

Plus, you’ll have a more informed response the next time the term Calvinism is brought up in your presence.

Benefit #5 – Greater Ability to Think, Act and Speak

Lastly, the final benefit you should receive in reading the Institutes is a greater ability to think, act and speak with more wisdom, compassion and conviction regarding Christ and the corresponding matters of the Christian faith. That’s worth all the other benefits combined.