Reformers
The time of the Reformation was a great turning-point for all of Christendom. It sparked a renewed belief in the great doctrines that, in truth, frame the whole of what Christianity is. The great doctrines of the Reformation are summarized well in these Latin terms:
Sola Scriptura
(Scripture alone),
Sola Fide
(faith alone),
Sola Gratia
(grace alone),
Solus Christus
(Christ alone), and
Soli Deo Gloria
(to God alone be the glory). Many great men arose to defend these doctrines. Two, of which, are Martin Luther and John Calvin. Writings from these two are many - and to readers they are dear treasures. There, of course, were other reformers, such as, Ulrich Zwingli, John Knox and Phillip Malanchthon, but I will focus mainly on Luther and Calvin.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Bondage of the Will
This is probably Luther's most well-known writing, and probably his best. It is a must-read for every Christian.
Table Talk
A collection of Martin Luther's thoughts from everyday conversations, on a multitude of different topics. Enjoyable reading - of special interest is the wit and humor Luther uses to explain and tackle different subjects.
Commentaries on books of the Bible
Romans
Galatians
Peter & Jude
Also browse through this site of
Selected Works of Martin Luther.
This place has a limited, but still worthy, collection of Luther's hymns, sermons, prayers, etc.
Click here
for more of Luther.
John Calvin (1509-1564)
Institutes of the Christian Religion
This is a work of Genius - please get it. (By the way, don't get the abridged paperback - try and get the whole work in hardback. You won't regret it.)
Commentaries
What more can I say about Calvin's commentaries than what has already been said by others?
"After the reading of Scripture, which I strenuously inculcate, and more than any other ... I recommend that the Commentaries of Calvin be read ... For I affirm that in the interpretation of the Scriptures Calvin is incomparable, and that his Commentaries are more to be valued than anything that is handed down to us in the writings of the Fathers -- so much that I concede to him a certain spirit of prophecy in which he stands distinguished above others, above most, indeed, above all"
- Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609)
"It would not be possible for me too earnestly to press upon you the importance of reading the expositions of that prince among men, John Calvin!...Of all commentators I believe John Calvin to be the most candid."
- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Sermons on Galatians
Sermons on Ephesians
Sermons on 2 Samuel
Sermons on Deuteronomy
Sermons on Job
Sermons on Psalm 119
The Necessity of Reforming the Church
Calvin's Calvinism
Other Links
Please email me at
goodbooks@hotmail.com
with your thoughts, comments and suggestions.
Thankyou