John Calvin (July 10, 1509 – May 27, 1564) was a French theologian, pastor, and reformer in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation. He is best known for his role in developing Reformed theology and for his foundational influence on the system of Christian theology later known as Calvinism. Calvin's writings, particularly the Institutes of the Christian Religion, played a critical role in shaping Protestant thought and established principles that guided various Reformed churches worldwide.

John Calvin was born in Noyon, Picardy, France, to Gérard Cauvin and Jeanne le Franc. His father, a lawyer, held a significant position in the local ecclesiastical court, which likely influenced Calvin's early exposure to theological matters. After attending the College de la Marche in Paris, he transferred to the University of Orléans to study law. During his studies, Calvin became interested in humanism and theology, particularly the works of Erasmus and Luther.

Calvin's conversion to Protestantism is generally believed to have occurred in the early 1530s, likely influenced by the writings of Martin Luther and the growing discontent with the Catholic Church. After the outbreak of religious violence in France, Calvin fled to Switzerland, where he sought refuge from persecution.

In 1536, Calvin published the first edition of his seminal work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, which outlined his theological views and became a foundational text for Protestantism. The same year, he settled in Geneva, where he initially worked alongside William Farel to reform the church.

Calvin's influence grew as he established a structured form of church governance, which included a council of elders and a system of discipline. In 1538, after a conflict with the city council regarding the enforcement of moral discipline, Calvin was expelled from Geneva. During his exile, he spent time in Strasbourg, where he developed his theology further and established a successful congregation.

In 1541, Calvin was invited back to Geneva, where he continued his reforming efforts and strengthened the theological and political structure of the city. He implemented a rigorous moral code and established the Geneva Academy, which trained future leaders of the Reformed tradition.

Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion is his most significant theological work. It was published in multiple editions, with the final version being released in 1559. The Institutes articulate Calvin's doctrines of justification by faith alone, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of Scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

One of Calvin's most controversial doctrines is that of predestination, the belief that God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation and others for damnation. This doctrine underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation and became a key tenet of Calvinism. Calvin argued that this belief should inspire humility among believers and encourage them to live pious lives in gratitude for God's grace.

Calvin emphasized the importance of the sacraments, particularly Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He rejected the Catholic understanding of transubstantiation, proposing instead that Christ is spiritually present in the Eucharist. Calvin's views on the sacraments influenced Reformed liturgy and practice.

Calvin's influence extended far beyond Geneva, shaping the Reformation in various European countries, including France, Scotland, and the Netherlands. His writings inspired the development of Reformed churches and significantly impacted Protestant theology.

Calvinism, the theological tradition arising from Calvin's teachings, is characterized by the five points often summarized by the acronym TULIP:

• Total Depravity: Humanity is completely unable to choose God due to sin.
• Unconditional Election: God’s choice of certain individuals for salvation is not based on any foreseen merit or action.
• Limited Atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice was specifically intended for the elect.
• Irresistible Grace: The grace of God effectively brings the elect to salvation.
• Perseverance of the Saints: Those who are truly elect will persevere in faith until the end.

Calvin's reforming efforts in Geneva established a model for church governance that influenced political thought and practice in Europe, advocating for a separation of church and state. His views on education, civil responsibility, and ethics significantly shaped the development of Western culture.

John Calvin died on May 27, 1564, in Geneva. He was buried in an unmarked grave, reflecting his humility and focus on Christ. His theological legacy continues to be felt in various branches of Protestantism, particularly within the Reformed tradition.

• Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536; expanded in 1539, 1541, and 1559)
• Commentaries on various books of the Bible
• The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543)
• The Christian Instruction (1545)