The Soul of Life
John Calvin is the most notable figure from the Reformed tradition. Unfortunately, he is often characterized as a stern and cerebral individual who had little concern for practical matters. However, Calvin was actually influential in promoting a profound sense of piety among early Protestantism. In The Soul of Life, Joel R. Beeke presents the life and ministry of Calvin with a special emphasis on Calvin’s efforts for cultivating healthy spirituality among the churches. The selections from Calvin’s own work will give readers a firsthand look at Calvin’s emphasis on godliness, and by God’s grace, will be a means for spurring on greater godliness in our day.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Life of John Calvin
The Piety of John Calvin
Section One: The Definition and Importance of Piety
1. Piety Essential for Knowing God
2. Piety as “the Soul of Life”
3. Piety in Practice
Section Two: Piety’s Supreme Goal, Soli Deo Gloria
4. Piety’s Zeal for God
5. Piety’s Progress
6. Piety’s Imperfection
Section Three: Theological Dimensions
Piety’s Profound Root: Mystical Union
7. Relishing an Incomprehensible Union
8. Enjoying a Great Mystery
9. Eating the Living Bread
Piety’s Double Bond: The Spirit and Faith
10. The Spirit and Faith
11. Faith’s Boldness and Confidence
12. Faith Struggling against Temptation
Piety’s Double Cleansing: Justification and Sanctification
13. Justification Inseparable from Sanctification
14. What Is Justification?
15. The Means and Source of Sanctification
Section Four: Ecclesiological Dimensions
Piety Through the Church
16. Confessing the Church’s Holiness
17. Keeping Sunday Holy
18. Sharing Gifts for the Church’s Good
Piety of the Word
19. True Knowledge by the Word
20. True Education through Preaching
21. True Completeness through the World
Piety in the Sacraments
22. The Spirit in the Sacraments
23. Dying to Become New Creatures
24. Being Members of Christ
Piety in the Psalter
25. Identifying with David
26. Holiness Essential for Access to God
27. Hoping in God despite Discouragement
Section Five: Practical Dimensions
Prayer
28. Why Pray?
29. Coming to God’s Treasures
30. Praying with Confidence
Repentance
31. Prayer, Forgiveness, and Repentance
32. Turning to God from the heart
33. Seizing Repentance
Self-Denial
34. Belonging to god rather than Ourselves
35. Controlling Our Carnal Affections
36. Fighting against Our natural Inclinations
Cross-Bearing
37. Christ’s Cross and Ours
38. Taking Refuge in God
39. Lining Up for Combat
The Present and Future Life
40. Resting in God’s Will
41. Cherishing Moderation
42. Remaining at Leisure for God’s Service
Obedience
43. Obeying God’s Will
44. Honoring God and Living Justly
45. Making Our Responsibility Clear
