Be warned. This looks like a book on how Calvin thought about living the Christian life. But open it and you will discover that Mike Horton is driving you on a grand Calvin tour of the whole of theology. And that, of course, is Professor Horton's (and John Calvin's) point: it takes the whole biblical gospel to make a whole Christian life. By employing the classical formulation of the two natures of Christ ('distinct but not separate'), Dr. Horton provides readers with a key to help unlock Calvin's teaching. But more than that, he shows why the Genevan Reformer's vision of the Christian life remains unsurpassed. Thoroughly satisfying, thoroughly enjoyable, and thoroughly recommended.
-Sinclair B. Ferguson,
Redeemer Seminary, Dallas, Texas
Learned and lucid, masterfully organized, and vigorously expressed, this full, solid, and exact study of Geneva's reforming pastor is an outstanding piece of work. In all four sections Calvin comes to vigorous life. Calvin's reputation for godly wisdom, and Horton's for vivid writing, will certainly be enhanced.
-J. I. Packer,
Regent College
Calvin on the Christian Life provides an amazingly personal and comprehensive portrait of the Reformer's passions and positions, constantly connecting them to issues of belief and practice in our day. Far more than a synthesis of Calvin's thought and practice, this book provides readers with an intimate glimpse into his private piety.
-Nancy Guthrie,
Bible Teacher
Scholar and pastor Michael Horton has provided us with a well-researched introduction to John Calvin's doctrine of piety - Calvin's word for the reverence and love that the gospel produces in all our relationships. One of the most intriguing aspects of Horton's book is the way he traces the theme of 'distinction without separation' through the Christian life, whether with respect to the two natures of Christ, grace and the sacraments, or church and state. This book will enlighten beginners and refresh and challenge veterans in the field.
-Joel R. Beeke,
President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Making use of the most recent in Reformation research, as well as letting the sources speak for themselves, Michael Horton gives us a wonderful overview of how John Calvin saw the life of the Christian. The book demonstrates the open attitude Calvin had toward living in this world and does away with the caricatures that still surround this Reformer. Horton's book is both academic and practical - a rare but very welcome combination.
-Herman Selderhuis,
Theological University of Apeldoorn
