Truth for All Time: A Brief Outline of the Christian Faith

I purchased Calvin's 1537 book Truth For All Time as I continue my study of Sovereign Grace. This book was designed to be a brief statement of the faith of the Reformers in Switzerland during the time of Calvin. This is a small book intended for the common folk, whereas his Institutes was a longer work intended for the more intellectual types.I found this book interesting. There are a few areas where Calvin and I disagree, such as infant baptism and his basically unlimited submission to civil government. I did learn from this book; I especially enjoyed Calvin's explanation of the Ten Commandments and Jewish superstition regarding days (Sabbath observance). When I read this book, I felt that Calvin was expressing a love of God and the scriptures that is missing from modern preachers. Overall, I enjoyed this book.

One of the problems in learning about Calvin's theology is where to begin. Often his Institutes are recommended. But the Institutes are, in reality, the deep side of the theological pool. Many take up the Institutes only to put the whole thing down. Truth for All Time is the Institutes in prototype. If a person wants to learn about Calvin's theology this is the place to begin. Only after one masters this little booklet should they move on into deeper water. But it is important to note that one's reading should not be casual but analytical. The reader needs to look for key words, principles, and images (images like Calvin's "descending deep into oneself").The booklet reads well, has good type, an important table of contents (which shows Calvin's beginning commitment to the "loci method" -- he will ultimately switch to the outline of the Apostles' Creed), and an insightful preface telling of its history in "calvinalia." Highly recommended.

If you had to summarize the elements of the Christian faith - this would be what you'd write. Calvin begins with the concept of knowing God - what we are made for as humans. But since sin has entered the world, we are separated from God which introduced the concept of salvation and eternal life. Calvin them moves from these core elements of the gospel to other central themes from Scripture - the law, the sacraments, faith, prayer and the role of the church and state. Great synopsis of the Christian faith and wonderfully produced in a short, leather-bound 134-page book that is small enough to fit in a pocket or a purse. Highly recommended.

This is a delightful little book which was probably handed out by John Calvin to new converts or church members. It's like the Heiddleburg catechism. It is devotional and easy to read and covers all of the reformed faith in a devotional way.

This is smaller in size/font than I realized, so be aware of the dimensions. Otherwise, it was fine.

A very good concise explanation of Christian beliefs. Highly recommend it.

A great and concise little book that covers a lot of ground and gives a brief summary of significant theological topics! I highly recommend this book!

All as advertised.

Just a book of John calvin.

Brilliant little expository book on the Foundations of the faith. Similar to the Westminster Confession of Faith which I highly recommend.

Olyott tells us in the introduction that this work by Calvin has laid buried for many years. To be honest I can see why, and wonder why it has been brought into the light of day at all. I cannot agree with Olyott that this is a gem of a book. Calvin's style is heavy and he meanders. I assume that the topics he deals with in this book were of relevance in his day (though that in itself is questionable as I don't think it was every a best seller), but a modern reader would certainly struggle to see where they fit into our lives today.True there is a treatment of the Ten Commandments in the chapter on the law but it would hardly add to anyone's store of knowledge. I like Calvin as a rule and love Olyott as a writer but this is a disappointing work.