Roberts Liardon tells us that there have been hundreds of books written to portray every aspect of Calvin’s life; this is only a chapter. In one chapter, I can only highlight certain specifics. My goal is to present great men as human beings who gave their lives in obedience to the call of God. The simplicity of Calvin’s call is evident as one studies the passions of his heart.

Later in the chapter, I will highlight a few of Calvin’s theological positions. My goal is not to present a theological exposition or debate on Calvin’s beliefs, but to present the spirit by which he reformed the body of Christ. If you wish to study Calvin with a theological tone, there are volumes of books that have been written throughout the centuries that can amply educate you in that area.

Roberts Liardon tells us that Noyon was a small yet influential town approximately sixty-five miles northeast of Paris, France. It was here on the summer morning of July 10, 1509, that the distinguished notary Gerard Calvin and his wife, Jeanne, gave birth to their fourth child, a son, whom they named John.

In the year that Calvin was born, whispers and waves of a new Reformation were already circulating throughout France. The leader of this Reformation, a German named Martin Luther, had received his baccalaureate degree in Bible and was giving lectures on obtaining salvation through a relationship with God.

John Calvin enjoyed a childhood of prominence and influence. Although he wasn’t born into wealth, his mother was the daughter of a very successful innkeeper, and his father had a prominent position as a notary in the service of clergy and magistrates. Having a practical knowledge of legal matters, his father also acted as an attorney for the cathedral chapter and was a secretary to the bishop, overseeing his financial records and accounts.