On the Christian Life: A New Translation

by John Calvin, Raymond A. Blacketer (Translator), Anthony Lane (Introduction)

Overview

New Translation of John Calvin's Classic Work Explores What It Means to Live the Christian Life

For centuries, Christians have read John Calvin's On the Christian Life to answer a fundamental question: What does it mean to live faithfully as a Christian? This fresh translation of what is often referred to as Calvin's "Golden Booklet" features an all-new introduction, robust citations, and explanatory footnotes—introducing a new generation of readers to a classic work of Christian spirituality.

In the book—a portion of the Reformer's magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion—Calvin suggests that a deep understanding of theology is worthless if the gospel has yet to "penetrate into the most intimate affection of the heart." Touching on essential themes like self-denial, submission to God, bearing one's cross, enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness, and meditating on the life to come, this accessible work will help believers reflect on their lives as Christians and lean on the grace of Jesus in everyday life.

• A Brand-New Translation: Translated from the original Latin edition by Calvin scholar Raymond A. Blacketer—making this classic work more accessible to modern readers than ever before
• A Fresh Introduction: Includes an all-new introduction by editor Anthony N. S. Lane, professor of historical doctrine at the London School of Theology
• Helpful Resources: Includes robust source citations and explanatory footnotes to help pastors, students, scholars, and everyday Christians better understand Calvin's words and context
• Explores the Christian Life: Addresses themes including self-denial, taking up one's cross, submitting to God, and suffering for the sake of righteousness

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433592553
Publisher:	Crossway
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	698,593
File size:	695 KB

About the Author

John Calvin (1509–1564) was one of the most influential theologians of the Reformation. Known best for his Institutes of the Christian Religion, he also wrote landmark expositions on most of the books in the Bible. 

John Calvin (1509–1564) was one of the most influential theologians of the Reformation. Known best for his Institutes of the Christian Religion, he also wrote landmark expositions on most of the books in the Bible. 

Raymond A. Blacketer (PhD, Calvin Theological Seminary) has written several articles on Calvin and later Reformed theology and is a contributor to From Heaven He Came and Sought Her and Ruined Sinners to Reclaim. Blacketer is a scholar of the Reformation and an ordained pastor who has served congregations in Alberta, Canada, and West Michigan. He has also taught classes at both Fuller Theological Seminary and Western Theological Seminary.

Anthony N. S. Lane (DD, University of Oxford) is professor of historical doctrine at the London School of Theology. He is the author of numerous books, including Exploring Christian Doctrine and A Concise History of Christian Thought. 

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“What a great gift we have in this new translation of John Calvin’s thoughts on the Christian life. Here we find the biblical foundation and the practical application of what it means to be a Christian. A helpful introduction and smooth translation by two experts on Calvin present us with a highly relevant and encouraging guide to living with Christ.”
—Herman Selderhuis, Professor of Church History, Theological University Apeldoorn; President, The Reformation Research Consortium

“How can believers offer themselves to God as living sacrifices? Every Christian on the road to the heavenly city needs a faithful fellow traveler with whom to discuss the ups and downs of the sacrificial Christian life. John Calvin is one such companion from the past. In this freshly translated excerpt from his Institutes, the cream of classic Reformed orthodoxy, Calvin discusses how Christians can live all of life to the glory of God as living sacrifices, traversing fruitful topics such self-denial, submission to God, divine sovereignty, affliction, cross bearing, and meditation on heaven. Take up and read this thoroughly experiential treatment of practical Christianity!”
—Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Homiletics and Systematic Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“This new translation of a classic portion from John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion brings his lucid and engaging prose to life. It is a breath of fresh air for twenty-first-century readers.”
—Karin Maag, Director, H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies

“On the Christian Life is the first installment of a much-needed new translation of Calvin’s Institutes by Raymond Blacketer, under the editorship of Anthony Lane. The translation evidences close attention to the language and content of Calvin’s text and includes an apparatus superior to previous modern translations. This section of the translation—Calvin’s chapters on the Christian life—has long been a theological classic in and of itself. This well-wrought translation should bring renewed attention to this important work.”
—Richard A. Muller, P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology Emeritus, Calvin Theological Seminary; Scholar in Residence for Reformation and Post-Reformation Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“Many might think that John Calvin is a dry intellectual who is remote from their experience as struggling Christians today. This picture is far from reality, as this fresh translation of a wonderful Christian classic reveals. I highly recommend this work!”
—Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California