The Reformer John Calvin changed the face of Europe because of his preaching and writings. For example, Between 1555 and 1562, 88 men were sent out from Geneva to different places in the world, and many French refugees had also returned to preach the Gospel in France. All had come under Calvin’s regular teachings and many also were students of his Academy. This started a revival in France. In 1555 there was only one fully organised Reformed church in France. 7 years later there were 2000! In the 1560s they had 2-2.5 million members (10% of the population of France!). Viret pastored a church of 8000 in Nimes.
For more on how this French revival started, see THE FRENCH REFORMATION: HOW IT BEGAN
1.Calvin was motivated by Jesus’ Second Coming
For example , in 1550 Beza, his successor, tried to stop Calvin writing letters and working when he was ill and weak at home. Calvin replied,
“Would you that the Lord find me idle when he comes?“
Today we have almost lost this apostolic teaching of the importance of preparing for and living in the light of the Master’s return. No wonder Calvin was so productive.
2.Calvin’s value of God’s Word
Calvin considered the Word so important that everything he wrote and preached bore this perspective. For example, he said to his friend and fellow Reformer Melanchthon:
“We consider our ink too precious (to us) if we hesitate to bear our testimony in writing to those things which so many of the flock are daily sealing with their blood.”
So this was another huge motivation that we don’t have today, when the Bible is considered common and so not valued as it should be.
For a comparison with the Reformer Zwingli, see ZWINGLI’S LIFE: 4 KEY LESSONS FOR TODAY
3.Calvin’s work rate for the Lord
Calvin’s incredible devotion to work, penning the Word and preaching the Word because of his desire to glorify God. Between 1549 and 1564 he preached mote than 2000 sermons, that’s 133 per year. He preached on Sundays twice and every other week, every weekday too. He also gave three lectures a week. In addition he wrote commentaries on almost every book in the Bible! And he was constantly encouraging people through his letter writing, even kings.
And this was despite his frail body and weak health, which eventually killed him.
4.Calvin’s patience with the failings of others
His friend Beza said of Calvin:
“He could bear in a wonderful manner the failings of others, when they sprang from mere weakness“
This testifies to his great leadership. This also reflects Jesus’ enormous patience with our failings and willingness to work with them.
5.Calvin’s focus on the Glory of God
His aims were first to glorify God, the real focus of the Reformation and justification, that gives all the glory to God). Secondly, as a result, he exposed and removed all false religion in order to make space for the real and true.
We must regain this Scriptural focus to do all for the glory of God, e.g.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Col 3:23-24)
What next?
Here’s a book that will encourage your devotional life through Biblical and modern reformations and revivals:
GRACE OUTPOURINGS: 21 DAYS REVIVAL DEVOTIONAL which has lots of stories taken from recent visitations for a great devotional experience