Instruction in Faith (1537)

I have used this book many times with new people in our congregation. I find that it works extremely well with those who are new to the Christian faith, and also with those who have a strong background in Reformed theology. There is something in this short book for everyone. I learn more every time I go through it.

John Calvin knew that if the biblical truths rediscovered at the Reformation were to spread throughout the world, they would have to be presented in a form which ordinary people could understand. So, during the winter of 1536-1537 the 29-year-old Calvin wrote, in French, his Brief Outline of the Christian Faith. This is Calvin's striking but concise attempt to define the Christian faith for ordinary people! Here you have the very core of Protestant belief and feel the warmth of its ardent love for God and men. As you read this book you will sense that the truth of God, so clearly taught here, is something that you are expected to live. May this be the experience of every reader who, by reading this book, is looking at the Christian faith for the first time. And may this increasingly be the experience of all of us who, by God's kindness, have already been brought into personal union with our Lord Jesus Christ. "A classic statement of Christian belief." -- The Discerning Reader.

John Calvin is among the clearest, and most systematic of the Reformers. "Instruction in Faith" is an early work, written when Calvin was no more than 29 years of age. In this small volume Calvin has no polemic goals in mind. He is only interested in expounding Biblical Christianity, as he understands it, with as much pith and perspicacity as he is able. It is a superb introduction to Calvin and the Reformers and a nonpareil brief systematic theology. Indeed, it is in that capcity that the volume has the greatest value. I know of no more succinct summation of Christian doctrine (excepting, of course, the Westminster Shorter Catechism and in many ways I prefer this) and certainly know of no other with an author of comparable authority. This is well worth the time of any Christian young or old. Paul Fuhrmann's introduction is quite informative as well.