The Institutes of Christian Religion

The sheer mention of Calvin's name can wrinkle the face of many Christians. Is there any notion for such harsh treatment? This condensed version will help the reader arrive at a rock solid conclusion to the question and is a lot thinner then the original! The book is compiled of four books, and is as follows, the first book is, "The Knowledge of God the Creator." In the first five chapters he launches directly into the fact that God has made Himself known to all men. Calvin's analysis follows closely to the beginning pages of Romans. He points out that all have been given the light of consciences and the light of creation. He couples this together with the fact that men suppress the knowledge that has been given to them, but are rightfully condemned under this knowledge. Chapters six through nine speak about God's word and God's spirit. Calvin points out that man needs more than just general revelation, but also needs the bible (specific revelation). On page 45 Calvin shows the need to pay careful attention to scripture if one wants to benefit from the spirit of God. He clearly shows that any doctrine that surpasses the scripture is undoubtedly a teaching from Satan himself. Building upon this thought, chapters thirteen through fifteen present a defense for the deity of Jesus and the tri-unity of God. The beginning of Calvin's discussion of the nature of man was opened in the fifteenth chapter. Calvin speaks on how man is constructed of body and soul, and the soul consists of the intellect and the will. Part four goes over God's providence and shows God is always active and in control of His creation. Calvin touched on the balance of free will and God's providence by explaining that man is bound to his sin nature and in his sin nature, man will never choose God. Book two goes over "The Knowledge of God the Redeemer, in Christ." In the first three chapters Calvin shows the teaching that is referred to as total depravity. He illustrates how all mankind has been affected by the fall and is enslaved in sin. Here Calvin expounds on this by showing that this does not mean that men are as evil as they can be. God's common grace still refrains man's nature, but the unregenerate man is dead in sin and their heart intent behind all action is always sinful. Continuing through the book, we come upon the discussion of God's law. Calvin explains the law is like a mirror showing people their sinful condition before God. The law also acts as a refrain as well as governs men. The next section Calvin shows how Jesus "became a man to perform the office of mediator." Here he illustrates how Christ has two natures and He has "performed the office of redeemer in procuring our salvation." The third book is entitled "The Way of Obtaining the Grace of God." It begins by discussing the work of the spirit and then quickly moves into faith and repentance. Calvin comes out swinging in the proceeding book by dismantling the false allegations of someone who only confesses Christ. He lays out that living the Christian life is a life of self denial. The fourth book that Calvin wrote was on the "Outward Means by Which God Helps Us." This section begins by looking at the church and makes the distinguishing factor between the true and false church. The election of church teachings was lightly covered and also church discipline. The remaining section covered Calvin's views on the sacraments. Many whom have not studied Calvin or reformed theology may find the section on sacraments a little difficult to swallow. Many may be alarmed at his view of adult and infant baptism and charge him with baptismal regeneration. Also his view of Jesus presented in the Lord's Supper may rattle some. John Calvin was a significant theologian and scholar. I recommend his work for anyone who is looking for a deep study of reformed theology. Anyone who cast Calvin off for his work is missing out on the writings of an astute theologian that they could greatly benefit from.

Except for the bible, "Institutes of the Christian Religion" by John Calvin is the best book I've read on Christianity. This is especially true of this condensed version by Tony Lane and Hillary Osbourne. It is written in modern English, very easy to understand, and written by one of the greatest Christian minds that ever lived. I've read it twice and will reread it many more times.

This book written by John Calvin during the time of the Protestant Reformation tells us the beliefs of the original Presbyterians. I found the book very interesting in its coverage of a full range of Christian beliefs. Most of what he said was clear, except I found it difficult to understand what he said about pedestination. I never understood this part. A must read book for Presbyterians, most of whom, in my experience, have never even looked at it!

It’s the cliffs notes for “institutes”. I enjoyed this Condensed version of Calvin’s remarkable work. It is well written and I think the major themes of the complete book are well captured.

We are a mix in this post-modern age of Catholic and Protestant. We are coming to understand some of the pre-reformation threads that influenced the Protestant Reformation such as the memory of the Cathars in France. Often Calvin's contribution to theological thought and formation has only been understood through the lens of other writers. Calvin's own mammoth work is not for everyone. However this work is a good synopsis for those who want to learn but findi the prospect of reading a work of 5 volumes daunting. If you like reading the real work of a founder of Protestant streams of belief, then read this book. Calvin's own stance differs widely from the practice of many current churches who claim his work as their founding theology.It may surprise you!

An aboslute must read ,.I plan on reading the original full length version one day..still waiting on who will take up the slack now with Billy Graham gone.

As someone who is just getting introduced to theology, this book has helped me grasp the main points of Calvin's theology. It has provided the framework for a more intensive study in the future.

This abridged version of Calvin's institutes is a must-own. Easy to read and this is one of Calvin's greatest writings.