by John Calvin
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Divine Election & Reprobation Explored
Translated into English by John Fielde
In these sermons, Calvin does not tiptoe around the most controversial doctrines of Scripture—he preaches them with the gravity of one who has stood before the majesty of God. Here, the Reformer boldly unfolds the mystery of God’s eternal election and righteous reprobation, showing that the distinction between Jacob and Esau was no accident of history, but the outworking of God's sovereign and holy will.
Preaching through Genesis 25–27, Calvin draws his hearers into the deep things of God—not to speculate, but to humble the soul before the Creator. This is not abstract theology. Calvin is a pastor, not a mere lecturer. He presses these truths upon the conscience: “If we be numbered among God’s elect, let us walk in holiness; if we presume without fruit, we are but Esau in disguise.” He warns against boasting in outward membership in the Church, showing how Ishmael and Esau—though born in the covenant community—were cast off. God's mercy is not bound to lineage or ritual, but flows according to His eternal purpose.
What makes this volume spiritually vital is Calvin’s pastoral balance. He is no fatalist. Instead, he urges readers to look to Christ, in whom election is made sure, and to examine themselves for the fruits of the Spirit. “Let us not be drunk,” he says, “with a presumptuous claim to belong to God’s people, but let us labor to make our calling and election sure.” These sermons are meant to awaken the sluggish, comfort the trembling, and silence the rebellious heart that dares to accuse God of injustice.
For those who struggle with the doctrine of predestination—or worse, ignore it—Calvin offers not only instruction but soul-searching application. He brings the mystery down to the level of the heart: How do you respond to God’s Word? Does His sovereign grace humble you, or provoke you? Do you envy the prosperity of the wicked, or rest in the promise given to a despised and barren Church?
This is not light reading. But for any who want to understand what it means to be chosen by grace, and what becomes of those who reject the Lord, this book is fire for the soul. It will deepen your worship, sharpen your discernment, and increase your trembling joy before a holy God who says, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Read it. Let it wound. Let it heal.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
To the Right Honorable and my very good Lord
The First Sermon Concerning Jacob and Esau - Genesis 25:12-22
The Second Sermon Concerning Jacpb and Esau - Genesis - 25:20-22
The Third Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 25:21-22
The Fourth Sermon of Jacob and Esau, Genesis 25:24-28
The Fifth Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 25:29-34
The Sixth Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 26: 1-5
The Seventh Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 26: 6-10
The Eighth & Ninth Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 26: 11-21
The Tenth Sermon of Jacob and Esau, Genesis 26: 26- Genesis 27:2
The Eleventh Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 27: 3-9
The Twelfth Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 27:13-21
The Thirteenth Sermon of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 27: 31-38
An Answer to certain slanders and blasphemies