There is a gaping chasm in the evangelical church. This chasm is a result of compromise and capitulation. It is the result of lazy thinking and lethargic living. This chasm has been produced by years of theological neglect, educational apathy, and lackadaisical leadership. The ungodly leaders that have emerged from the church have spawned a new generation of pragmatists which breeds a brand of progressive Christianity that helps no one.
We need more Christians like John Calvin – people whose gaze is Godward. We are in desperate need of leaders who are humble, contrite, and tremble before the Word of God. This is their holy pursuit. We need more Christian leaders like Calvin who trod faithfully on the path the leads to the Celestial City.
I Offer My Heart to God as a Sacrifice
In many respects, we are far removed from Calvin’s day. In April 1538, Calvin was driven out of Geneva when he refused to compromise his biblical convictions, which concerned the administration of the Lord’s Supper. Just over two years later, in October 1540, Calvin was invited back to Geneva by his friend, William Farel. The prospect of returning to this place caused fear to rise within his soul: “There is no place under heaven that I am more afraid of – I would submit to death a hundred times rather than to that cross on which I had to die daily a thousand deaths.”
In a letter addressed to Peter Viret, Calvin refers to Geneva as “that place of torture.” Yet, this godly Reformer was determined to obey God and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. His response to Farel vividly shows the mixture of fear and reverence that consumed him: “If I had any choice I would rather do anything than give in to you in this matter, but since I remember that I no longer belong to myself, I offer my heart to God as a sacrifice.”
As Calvin packed his bags and make his way back to Geneva, he penned these words to Farel: “And for myself, I protest that I have no other desire than that, setting aside all consideration of me, they may look only to what is most for the glory of God and the advantage of the Church.” Calvin chose to boldly walk the path of obedience instead of treading on the convenient path of pragmatism. He writes, “Therefore I submit my will and my affections, subdued and held fast, to the obedience of God; and whenever I am at a loss for counsel of my own, I submit myself to those by whom I hope that the Lord himself will speak to me.”
This is exactly what we need in the church today. We need men and women of courage and conviction. We need people of character. We need people who say what they mean and mean what they say. We need nothing less than people who willingly and joyfully submit to the authority of God and his Word. We need more Christians like John Calvin.
In a stirring letter to William Farel dated October 24, 1538, Calvin points his dear friend, Godward: “But since the truth of the Lord remains firm and unshaken, let us stand resolutely upon the watchtower even to the end, until the kingdom of Christ, which is now hidden and obscured, may shine forth.”
We need more Christians like Calvin because his desire was to be Christ-like. Scripture tells us of the single-minded resolve of the Lord Jesus Christ: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).
More Alive Than Ever Before
Today is the 461st anniversary of John Calvin’s death. On May 27, 1564, Calvin breathed his last breath. They buried him in a common grave, a final act of humility, fulfilling one of Calvin’s last requests. The earthly life of the Genevan Reformer came to an end. But Calvin’s death only signified the beginning of a new life with his Savior in his heavenly home. D. L. Moody reminds us that death is not the final chapter for a follower of Jesus Christ: “Soon you will read in the newspaper that I am dead. Don’t believe it for a moment. I will be more alive than ever before.”
David W. Hall beautifully summarizes the life of the French reformer. He writes of Calvin: “A single man with heart aflame changed the world.” Calvin’s influence began in Geneva as he faithfully exercised the gifts God bestowed upon him. He taught God’s Word, preached God’s Word, counseled with God’s Word, and shepherded the flock with great care and patience. His pastoral ministry soon spread to the corners of Europe and eventually made its way around the world. His ultimate aim had nothing to do with building his platform or attracting the eye of men. Rather, the aim of Calvin was to glorify the great God of the universe.
A Godward Gaze
John Calvin was a man whose gaze was Godward. His gaze was fixated upon his heavenly home. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (Ps. 73:25). Calvin’s life echoed the words of the psalmist as he gazed heavenward.
Calvin riveted his gaze upon his Savior. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:26). For much of his adult life, Calvin battled poor health. Yet, he continued to gaze upon his Savior. There was no wavering in this man. His faith in Jesus was solid until the end. This man fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith. And when he entered into his heavenly rest, his gaze was Godward.
Oh, that we would follow the lead of this godly man. May our lives be marked by humility, contrition, and trembling before God’s Word. Then, and only then, will our gaze be Godward.
Soli Deo gloria!
Learn more in my book, A Godward Gaze: The Holy Pursuit of John Calvin.
Veritas et Lux 