Sermons on Job
How does suffering show us God? In Sermons on Job, Banner of Truth presents John Calvin’s 159 sermons preached on the Book of Job.
Vibrant and Flowing
Divided into 3 volumes, this expository work is a wonder. Translated from the original French by Dr. Rob Roy McGregor, the modern English text is vibrant and flowing. What I most appreciated about this translation is that McGregor gave each sermon a title! These titles are one-sentence summaries of the big idea for the text. They are typically a central truth supported by the Scripture. This helps to track Calvin’s thought while showcasing a theological framework for Job.
The sermons seem relatively lengthy at around 10-15 pages, but they read quickly. Calvin stays true to the text by getting to the point and applying it well. He begins by quickly noting Job’s character. Even before his trials, Job is declared to be whole and upright. Calvin calls Christians to a life of holiness and to abstain from evil. Calvin does not pull his punches. His directness is refreshing and invigorating to read.
God’s Sovereignty and Justice
God’s sovereignty is an obvious theme throughout the book. When explaining what first happens to Job, Calvin declares that God has “sovereign authority over all creatures and even has a leash on Satan and all the wicked in this world.” God remains at the center of the story and Calvin does not miss him for the details.
While examining the speeches from Job’s friends, Calvin ultimately lands on the justice of God. With God in his courtroom throughout the book, Calvin admonishes us to “learn to enter into ourselves and acknowledge our sins and accuse ourselves before God.” This is to present ourselves in the true light of Christ, where we can ask forgiveness of our sins before the Judge. When done with sincerity, it is here, Calvin says, where we will find grace and mercy. These books are a treasure, filled with riches from the Word of God.
Enlightening, Delightful, and Inspiring
I was most interested to read what Calvin had to say about Elihu. He sees Elihu as a young man who has done his homework. Elihu ridicules and reproaches Job’s friends for being too simplistic. He condemns Job as well. Calvin sees holy zeal in Elihu, someone who needs to speak the truth, and who was given by God the ability to speak. I can’t help but wonder if Calvin saw himself in Elihu, and I can imagine the passion from Calvin as he delivered these sermons.
Calvin concludes the book of Job by stating that Job did seek forgiveness, but also sought to be taught. I am moved to do the same. Reading Calvin’s sermons will enlighten and delight. To read the words of the Reformer is inspiring. His heart to communicate God’s truth in the common language is on full display along with his love for the just, sovereign, and holy Lord.
I received a media copy of Sermons on Job and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.