Quotes from John Calvin

We acknowledge, indeed, that Christ in human nature is called a Son, not like believers by gratuitous adoption merely, but the true, natural, and, therefore, only Son, this being the mark which distinguishes him from all others. Those of us who are regenerated to a new life God honours with the name of sons; the name of true and only-begotten Son he bestows on Christ alone. But how is he an only Son in so great a multitude of brethren, except that he possesses by nature what we acquire by gift?

O, man! learn from the precept what you ought to do; learn from correction, that it is your own fault you have not the power; and learn in prayer, whence it is that you may receive the power.

The greatest victory of God took place when Christ, having overcome sin, conquered death, and put Satan to flight, was lifted up to heaven in majesty, that he might reign gloriously over the church. Therefore

Without the Word, there is nothing left for us but darkness.

For the one who has learned to regard God in everything he does is at the same time being drawn away from every vain thought.

For this is spiritual sobriety, when we use this world so sparingly and temperately that we are not entangled with its allurements.

The language of the Apostle well agrees with this view;   for he says that he was declared by power, because power, peculiar to   God, shone forth in him, and uncontestably proved him to be God; and   this was indeed made evident by his resurrection.

The ancient proverb says, "Satiety   produces disgust

In particular, we must observe   this general rule, that we cordially desire and labor for the welfare   of the whole human race. Thus it will come to pass, that we shall not   only give way to the exercise of God's mercy, but shall also wish the   conversion of those who seem obstinately to rush upon their own   destruction. In

The blasphemy of the papists is damnable, when they pretend that the light of Scripture merely dazzles the eye. This

Our lust is furious and our greed limitless in pursuing wealth and honors, chasing after power, heaping up riches, and gathering all those vain things which seem to give us grandeur and glory. On the other hand, we greatly fear and hate poverty, obscurity, and humility, and so we avoid these realities in every way. Thus, we see that those who order their lives according to their own counsel have a restless disposition. We

It lays down a   clear distinction between spiritual and civil government, in order to   inform us that outward subjection does not prevent us from having   within us a conscience free in the sight of God.