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Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life Paperback – December 1, 2004
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In style and spirit, this book is much like Augustine's Confessions, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, or Thomas à Kempis's Imitation of Christ. However, its intense practicality sets it apart, making it easily accessible for any reader seeking to carry out Christian values in everyday life. Chapter themes include obedience, self-denial, the significance of the cross, and how we should live our lives today.
- Print length96 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBaker Books
- Publication dateDecember 1, 2004
- Dimensions5 x 0.22 x 7 inches
- ISBN-100801065283
- ISBN-13978-0801065286
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From the Back Cover
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.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Baker Books; 52972nd edition (December 1, 2004)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 96 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0801065283
- ISBN-13 : 978-0801065286
- Item Weight : 3.99 ounces
- Dimensions : 5 x 0.22 x 7 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #127,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #58 in Calvinist Christianity (Books)
- #559 in Devotionals
- #867 in Inspirational Spirituality (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
John Calvin (/ˈkælvɪn/; French: Jean Calvin, pronounced: [ʒɑ̃ kalvɛ̃]; born Jehan Cauvin: 10 July 1509 – 27 May 1564) was an influential French theologian, pastor and reformer during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism, aspects of which include the doctrines of predestination and of the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation of the human soul from death and eternal damnation, in which doctrines Calvin was influenced by and elaborated upon the Augustinian and other early Christian traditions. Various Congregational, Reformed, and Presbyterian churches, which look to Calvin as the chief expositor of their beliefs, have spread throughout the world.
Calvin was a tireless polemic and apologetic writer who generated much controversy. He also exchanged cordial and supportive letters with many reformers, including Philipp Melanchthon and Heinrich Bullinger. In addition to his seminal Institutes of the Christian Religion, Calvin wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible, confessional documents, and various other theological treatises.
Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, he broke from the Roman Catholic Church around 1530. After religious tensions erupted in widespread deadly violence against Protestant Christians in France, Calvin fled to Basel, Switzerland, where in 1536 he published the first edition of the Institutes. In that same year, Calvin was recruited by Frenchman William Farel to help reform the church in Geneva, where he regularly preached sermons throughout the week; but the governing council of the city resisted the implementation of their ideas, and both men were expelled.
At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg, where he became the minister of a church of French refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and in 1541 he was invited back to lead the church of the city.
Following his return, Calvin introduced new forms of church government and liturgy, despite opposition from several powerful families in the city who tried to curb his authority. During this period, Michael Servetus, a Spaniard regarded by both Roman Catholics and Protestants as having a heretical view of the Trinity, arrived in Geneva. He was denounced by Calvin and burned at the stake for heresy by the city council. Following an influx of supportive refugees and new elections to the city council, Calvin's opponents were forced out. Calvin spent his final years promoting the Reformation both in Geneva and throughout Europe.
In March 1536, Calvin published the first edition of his Institutio Christianae Religionis or Institutes of the Christian Religion.[15] The work was an apologia or defense of his faith and a statement of the doctrinal position of the reformers. He also intended it to serve as an elementary instruction book for anyone interested in the Christian faith. The book was the first expression of his theology. Calvin updated the work and published new editions throughout his life. (wikipedia).
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Customers find this book helpful for Christian living. It summarizes the lifestyle in a few words, with Scripture to back each teaching. They find it clear, concise, and easy to understand. The book provides practical guidance for day-to-day living.
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Customers find this book helpful for Christian living. It summarizes the Christian lifestyle in a few words with Scripture to back each premise. Readers appreciate the substantive and convicting teaching that impacts their lives. The book has been helpful for Christians for over 400 years, providing encouragement and wisdom for daily walks with Christ.
"Truth that is clear, brief, and to the point...." Read more
"...volume of 'Calvin's Institutes' and has been incredibly helpful for Christians for over 400 years!..." Read more
"Timeless wisdom from one of the church's greatest thinkers and teachers...." Read more
"...This little book, which is an excerpt from his great Institutes, is a great place to start...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and recommend it for those interested in using their minds. They say it has great content and is good reading for Christians. The book is clear, brief, and to the point, wallowing an appetite for further Calvin materials.
"Truth that is clear, brief, and to the point...." Read more
"Worth the read and to share!" Read more
"...It's a small, brief collection of Calvin's teachings and is a good read by itself which will perhaps ( hopefully) whet the appetite for further..." Read more
"...The gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. A good read." Read more
Customers find the book easy to understand and digestible. They appreciate its concise writing style and manageable size, which appeals to busy people. The guidelines for living a life pleasing to God are simple and straightforward.
"...The material was well organized and easy to understand, but sadly, it will take its readers a lifetime of prayer and focus to achieve...." Read more
"...One of the things you will find about this book is how extremely easy it is to understand it, as well as practical..." Read more
"...This book is not long, broken up into digestible parts, and easy to read. I have read through it many times and will continue to do so...." Read more
"...of one-on-one discipling relationships; its small size makes it manageable and appealing to busy people, but God uses its substantive and convicting..." Read more
Customers find the book practical and helpful for daily living. The kindle addition works well.
"...this book is how extremely easy it is to understand it, as well as practical (in fact it is almost like it was written yesterday)...." Read more
"...The kindle addition worked great." Read more
"...It reaches head and heart, and so is extremely practical--without being a simplistic "how-to" book...." Read more
"This book is most helpful for day to day living. A manual for life second only to the Bible." Read more
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024Truth that is clear, brief, and to the point. Calvin points out our blind spots about ourselves and helps us to begin to know what needs to be changed, why, and how to begin to do so. Most topics are less than one to one and a half pages. The material was well organized and easy to understand, but sadly, it will take its readers a lifetime of prayer and focus to achieve. I found much to reflect upon.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2002How do you review a book such as this one? When I first read this book several years ago, it changed the way I thought and lived the Christian life. Now, rereading it some years later, it reminds me of just how foundational it was in my way of thinking of "the Christian life". Especially in the way it taught me (and others through me who I teach) how important and "normal" is suffering in the true Christian life. It is through suffering God conforms us to the image of Christ.
This is a volume taken from the third volume of 'Calvin's Institutes' and has been incredibly helpful for Christians for over 400 years! One of the things you will find about this book is how extremely easy it is to understand it, as well as practical (in fact it is almost like it was written yesterday). Oftentimes, it is easy to think that a book written originally in the 16th century would be both difficult and impractical! However, this book is biblically crystal clear as well as useful! I have given this book away often and I have only seen growth in those to whom I have given it! May it be a new book for you, or one you buy again for a friend.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2024Worth the read and to share!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2016Timeless wisdom from one of the church's greatest thinkers and teachers. It's a small, brief collection of Calvin's teachings and is a good read by itself which will perhaps ( hopefully) whet the appetite for further reading of Calvin's materials.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024Small enough and handy to carry around to read at any oppoerunity.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2019Many, if not most, people who repel at the mention of John Calvin’s name have never read anything by him. This little book, which is an excerpt from his great Institutes, is a great place to start.
This book is not long, broken up into digestible parts, and easy to read. I have read through it many times and will continue to do so.
It is not expensive, and I would highly recommend it. Don’t believe biased caricatures. Read this book, and you will see why he is one of the giants of the faith.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2020This book may have been written for an ancient audience from our perspective, but it still resonates as so vital for our daily walk with Christ, for those who believe. Definitely recommend giving this a read if you’d like to hear some ageless wisdom and encouragement for the Church from a pastor and theologian’s heart. The kindle addition worked great.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2015This short handbook sums up the christian lifestyle in few words and with Scripture to back each premise. Would we expect anything less from John Calvin? Many Christians need this kind of simple guide to help us keep the application of Biblical principles close to our hands and hearts. Then, grounded, we can go for a more lofty understanding of various doctrines as other tomes (such as Calvin's Institutes) orient us. A quality translation, this book never feels dated or passé. I recommend it as a handy reminder for reading and re-reading during times when life feels too complicated.
Top reviews from other countries
- Mary BygraveReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Very inspirational and interesting
I read a lot of this little book and I like the idea of the cross of Christ being so important to our beliefs. The cross is mentioned a lot throughout this book. Despite being called a booklet the binding is not stapled, it is as a book would be. An Excellent keepsake!
- Keith GroomReviewed in Canada on August 26, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
It's a great book by John Calvin but costed more than I had thought.
- seahorseReviewed in Australia on June 11, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars True gold.
Best devotional book I've ever read; I've read it many times. I've tried some of the Catholic ones such as "Imitation of Christ" or "Practice of the Presence of God" among others but none compare with Calvin's practical wisdom and focus on scripture. It's not mystical, requiring the reader to spend hours trying to attain a state of mind, or requiring endlessly repetitious exercises, but speaks to the mind and heart directly, giving very practical advice on living the Christian life. I always wanted a book that I could read and go to at any time and get a blessing - this book does that for me.
This review is of the hard cover edition but I like it so much I bought it for my Kindle as well so that I could have it with me whenever I travel.
- pompadelugeReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Gem
This is a gem to uplift the discouraged Christian
- Darren JonesReviewed in Canada on May 3, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Excellent theology!!!!