John Calvin: The Admiral Of The Reformation Fleet

Using some maritime imagery, I have decided to examine the ministry and legacy of the great French Reformer, John Calvin.

The Reformation was a flotilla of chosen vessels, both large and small, that set sail across the seas of heresy and sin, launched an invasion against the forces of Satan, and installed the crimson banners of the crosswork of Jesus Christ on citadel after citadel formerly occupied by the devil’s hordes across Europe.

Though Martin Luther is correctly viewed as a massive figure in the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin, under God, rose to the status of Admiral of the Reformation Fleet.

This is the first in a planned series of four messages on this subject.

It gives an overview of the life and labours of John Calvin, paying particular attention to:

(a) His STATURE - "the greatest theologian since the apostles, and the greatest influence on the Church since Peter and Paul";

(b) His SCHOOLING;

(c) His SALVATION – quoting what he records about his conversion to Christ in the preface to his commentary on the Psalms;

(d) His SERVICE – including his ministry in Strasbourg and Geneva;

(e) His SORROWS –

(i) Mentally, through Painful Bereavements,
(ii) Physically, though Poor Health,
(iii) Socially, through Opposition,
(iv) Morally, through Rampant Sin.