Calvin's Defense of the Reformation

There were many who denied that the cause of the Reformation was sufficient to disturb the Church and “convulse the whole world.” Calvin answered this question in 1544 in a letter to the Emperor Charles V. in that letter Calvin did three things.
• He enumerated the evils which compelled him to seek for reform
• He showed that the remedies employed by the reformers were apt and salutary.
• He explained why the evils were such as “demanded instant amendment”

Calvin identifies two in particular reasons for the need of the Reformation.

1. The Source of Salvation.
   a. Rome adorns itself with the merits of works.
   b. Rome keeps believers in suspense and uncertainty of their salvation.