Today lunches the blog for the Calvin 500 Conference. Over the past week RHB has interviewed Dr. David Hall on the series of books which P & R are publishing, The Calvin 500 Series. This is the first of the many interviews to come with Dr. Hall on this series.

Q and A on Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essay and Analysis

1. Why did you choose to write the section on, “Calvin and Human Government and the State,” in the first volume of the Calvin 500 Series, Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes?
Hall: I have been studying Calvin and Beza on this topic for almost two decades, so it is a longstanding interest of mine. We had a grant to research a book (The Geneva Reformation and the American Founding) in 1999, and since that time this topic has probably become my main area of research. Moreover, this is a living issue, and bible-believers need all the resources of history to aid us as we seek to minister in the public square. Calvin certainly cast a large shadow in his own culture for good. He towers among most theologians both in his knowledge and articulations on these areas. Wouldn’t a wise Christian want his instruction? Think of it this way: if you had a grandfather who had some wisdom on an important area, wouldn’t you want to listen to him?
2. When editing and compiling these essays together, which one did you enjoy the most and why?
Hall: You know I can’t single just one out! Still, I thought Scott Clark’s essays was one of the finest, both in style and substance. Several of the essays had difficult tasks (Joe Hall’s and Bob Godrey’s in particular) since their topics spanned so many pages. Then again, I always enjoy Pete Lillback’s writing, and David Calhoun’s piece on prayer was quite devotional. Of course, my wife and I both agree that the Foreword by Dr. Packer is THE best 5 pages in this book and . . . most anywhere. Unbelievable!
3. In a culture that we live in America, what essay did you see most needed for today?
Hall: Several of the first articles are foundational to many concerns today. Bob Reymond’s article on Scripture will stand the test of time and remain a classic. Also Scott Oliphint’s piece on knowledge and apologetics will remain important. The more practical topics toward the end (worship, prayer, ethics, the church) may also be consulted over and over again.
4. When studying John Calvin’s political values and ideas, did it change or make you think different in how you viewed your own political views today in the 21st century?
Hall: I was reminded of this cautionary tale once again: we must be careful not to marry a particular party; but that should not disincentivize us from the full range of proclaiming and applying the Scriptures to political and social matters. Calvin also reminds us not to be overly dogmatic about micro concerns but to hold fast to major principles. One of my first books on Christians and politics was written because so many Christians in our own church were devastated when an election did not go as they hoped. That revealed that if one’s trust is placed in a narrow political outcome it may not be as scripturally founded as thought.
5. Seeing how John Calvin’s view of serving in civil government was, “the most sacred and by far the most honorable of all callings in the whole life of mortal men” what do you think believers in America should do to help bring about the glory of God in a culture that at times does not carry out biblical morals, ethics or laws.
Hall: While there is no 4-step formula, the most important thing I know to do is something very simple and practical: each sphere of life must do its own work every generation. By that, I mean that the church should (as in #4 above) proclaim the whole counsel of God. I customarily preach an election sermon every cycle, and other churches have found similar helps. Obviously, such preaching is a nonpartisan but biblical calling to apply the Lordship of Christ to political matters–just as we call folks to apply Christ’s Lordship to matters of morality, finances, childrearing, law, education, and other areas. Second, each home should disciple its own children in a Christian worldview. For the long term, such discipleship holds great promise. Perhaps the rediscovery of Calvin’s work will assist many of us in that.
Also, when Christians do not enjoy immediate electoral or political success, there are times for review and reformulation. Our goal, it seems to me, for the coming generation will be to disciple our members in all areas of life–not merely a few. Calvin and others can help us remember that God is the true and sovereign Ruler, regardless of any appearances. Knowing that usually yields the confidence to stick to biblical principles instead of either joining every crusade or of despairing if there is not quick success in politics.

There are two kinds of leaders: (1) those who predict future changes, and (2) those who change future predictions. The first type sees trends and quicly claims a place on the leading edge of change, thereby fitting in with those inevitable trends. That is the kind of leader senses the direction of a parade and runs to be at the head of the procession. The second type -  and Calvin was certainly one of these-obverses the tragectory but determines that it needs correction. Calvin was an event-maker, who changed the parade route and left a very large inprint on western history.

Duncan’s War
Young Duncan M’Kethe finds himself caught in the web of Sir James Turner, the former Covenanter turned military leader of the persecutors. Duncan is torn by his hatred of Turner’s Dragoons, who have treated his friends cruelly, and his father’s instructions to love them. He must be true to Jesus Christ while attempting to rescue his father from enemy hands.

King’s Arrow
Angus, Duncan’s younger brother, comes of age, physically and spiritually, as Scottish Covenanters face Highlanders at Drumclog. Covenanters wrestle with Christ’s command to love their enemies.

Rebel’s Keep
Rebel’s Keep concludes the Crown & Covenant series with a new, high-intensity adventure. Set in 17th century Scotland, in the midst of the brutal persecutions of King Charles II of England, Rebel’s Keep follows the history after Duncan’s War and King’s Arrow, the first two books in the series, and picks up the historical thread just before the devastating defeat of the Covenanters at Bothwell Brig, 1679. Thereafter the story follows the fortunes of the fictional M’Kethe family, from the point of view of the two younger boys, Angus and Malcolm.

How Do We Glorify God?

The simple truth is that we were created for one purpose: God’s glory. In a time when so many are seeking a reason to live, this booklet offers a concise understanding of God’s desire to restore his nature to us, renewing our souls, so that we may reflect his glory in our words, our actions, and our very being.

This book helps Christians to understand what it means to glorify God, and how that affects our everyday lives. Presented in an easy-to-understand booklet format. Part of the Basics of the Reformed Faith series, which introduces lay readers to Reformed distinctives.

What is True Conversion?

With his personal and warm style, Stephen Smallman clearly explains the roles of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit in conversion. For many people who have been converted to Christ, they are “profoundly aware” that something spiritual has happened, but just what that “something” is, is still unclear. Whether you are a new convert or have been a believing Christian for some time, this booklet will be a help to bring you to a place of trusting yourself into the care of the Savior.

What is Justification by Faith Alone?

Ever since Martin Luther, the famous sixteenth-century Reformer, nailed his ninety-nine these to the castle door of Wittenberg, the doctrine of justification by faith alone has been one of the great truths of the Reformed faith. In this concise booklet J.V. Fesko takes a fresh look at this critical doctrine, explaining Biblical teaching, examining classic Reformed statements, and answering common questions.

What is the Lord’s Supper?

Ever since the night Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, this sacrament has played a central role in the faith and practice of the church. That is why it is odd that many believers think so little of the Lord’s Supper. “They seldom observe it and assign to it little significance,” Phillips writes. “They derive no assurance, and seek no grace, as they receive from the Lord’s Table. How remarkable this is!” The goal of this booklet is to help readers understand the biblical institution of this sacrament, the theological issues surrounding it, and the pastoral considerations for administering and receiving it.

What is a Reformed Church?

An introduction to the Reformed view of Scripture, divine sovereignty, the covenant of grace, the law of God, the church, and the kingdom of God.

What is a True Calvinist

This practical introduction to Reformed spirituality encourages a God-centered mind, penitent spirit, grateful heart, submissive will, holy life, and glorious purpose.