Reformation Profiles

In the United States and many other affluent countries, people avoid facing mortality, anesthetizing themselves in a multitude of ways. In the sixteenth century, this option generally did not exist, and John Calvin stood as no exception. He and his family struggled with illness and death throughout their lives, eventually succumbing to it earlier than expected. Nonetheless, Calvin clung to the promise of eternal life, letting it infuse and shape everything he did. He understood the principle of solus Christus ("Christ alone"), believing that the blessing of salvation by grace through faith alone awaits those who cling to our Lord and Savior, Jesus.