Sermons on the Ten commandments

by Jean Calvin, Benjamin W. Farley (Translator)

An anthology of sixteen sermons that shed light on Calvin?s understanding and application of the Ten Commandments.

Genres: Theology

326 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1980

About the author

John Calvin, João Calvino, Iohanes Calvinus, Jehan Cauvin.

1509-1564

Reviews

[Jonathan Keisling]

I recommend this to anyone who wants to begin reading Calvin. It's a great introduction to his thought and interpretation of the Bible. Read and be edified!

[Matt Crawford]

This book is more than a mirror walking through of the 10 Commandments, according to Calvin. Yes, that is quite a large emphasis on the law. There is a large sermon on the mountain approach in that the implications of the law are explained more than the lot itself. The Calvin has a simple formula of law and gospel. He gives us the commands. Do not stir one of submit to the authority. But he also reminds us of those around us who are at war with their creator. In fact, he even remarks. The Jews and the RCC look at God, straight in the face and laugh at him. We are to be familiar with the law and practice it in order to not be like that. The commands often show our hearts. Calvin seeks to show us the gravity and depth of our sin. As well as showing us that communion with God or union with Christ is far better than anything that this world can offer.

[Joshua]

It is remarkable to see Calvin's consistency in doctrine and his variety of expression. His sermons are much different from his commentaries and from the Institutes in style, but his sermons nonetheless draw heavily upon the content, arguments, and even the examples from those same works. The beauty of these sermons is how they uphold the spiritual meaning, or logical implications, of the Ten Commandments. Relying heavily upon two principles: 1) the prohibition of coveting in the 10th commandment, and 2) the exposition of Jesus in His sermon on the mount, Calvin articulates that each prohibition is a summation of a host of implications under the heading given. Thus, the prohibition of murder includes all those aspects of the will or disposition that incline to murder (e.g. unrighteous anger). Calvin also shows that each command implies its opposite. Thus, the prohibition of murder includes the requirement to preserve life as far as possible according to the law.