Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life (Calvin)

Description

Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life has inspired readers around the world for more than four centuries.

Now in paper, this classic devotional will guide you on how to apply biblical principles to everyday life. Originally part of John Calvin's Institutes, the devotional covers themes such as obedience, self-denial, the significance of the cross, and how believers should live their lives today. 

Rather than focusing on contemplative other-worldliness, the Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life stresses the importance of a devotedly active Christian life. In style and spirit, it is much like Augustine's Confessions, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, or Thomas à Kempis's Imitation of Christ. Its intense practicality, however, sets it apart, making it easily accessible for anyone seeking to carry out Christian values in everyday life. 

The translator, Henry J. Van Andel, competently preserved the colorful language and direct style of which John Calvin was a recognized master.

Table of Contents:

Chapter I: Humble Obedience the True Imitation of Christ

1. Scripture is the rule of life

2. Holiness is the key principle

3. Holiness means full obedience to Christ

4. External Christianity is not enough

5. Spiritual progress is necessary

Chapter II: Self-Denial

1. We are not our own, we are the Lord’s

2. Seeking God’s glory means self-denial

3. Self-denial means: sobriety, righteousness, and godliness

4. True humility means respect for others

5. We should seek the good of other believers

6. We should seek the good of everyone, friend and foe

7. Civil goodness is not enough

8. No happiness without God’s blessing

9. We should not be anxious to obtain riches and honors

10. The Lord is just in all his ways

Chapter III: Patience in Crossbearing

1. Crossbearing is more difficult than self-denial

2. The cross makes us humble

3. The cross makes us hopeful

4. The cross teaches obedience

5. The cross makes for discipline

6. The cross brings repentance

7. Persecution brings God’s favor

8. Persecution should bring spiritual joy

9. The cross should not make us indifferent

10. The cross makes for submission

11. The cross is necessary for our salvation

Chapter IV: Hopefulness for the Next World

1. There is no crown without a cross

2. We are inclined to overestimate the present life

3. The blessings of this present life should not be despised

4. What is earth, if compared with heaven?

5. We should not fear death, but lift up our heads

6. The Lord will come in his glory: Maranatha

Chapter V: The Right Use of the Present Life

1. Let us avoid extremes

2. Earthly things are gifts of god

3. True gratitude will restrain us from abuse

4. Let us live with moderation

5. Let us be patient and content under privation

6. Be faithful in your divine calling 

Author  

John Calvin (1509-1564) was a theological giant of the Protestant Reformation. A contemporary of Martin Luther, he had as much influence over this period of history as his German counterpart. In 1536 he published his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion, which was a systematic presentation of the Protestant position. His writings are still cherished and relevant today.