When we speak of great men whom God used to shape the church after the Reformation, one name rises to the top John Calvin. His writings have helped generations of believers understand the truths of Scripture with clarity, conviction, and reverence. For anyone seeking to grow in biblical faith and sound doctrine, John Calvin’s books are essential tools.
Whether you’re new to Reformed theology or have been studying it for years, here are the top 7 books by John Calvin every Christian should read.
1. Institutes of the Christian Religion
“Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” — Calvin
Calvin’s Institutes is one of the most important works in all of Christian history. It explains the major teachings of the Bible, including God's sovereignty, grace, salvation by faith, and how we are to live as Christians.
Written with both depth and devotion, this book remains the cornerstone of Reformed theology. If you read only one book by Calvin, let it be this.
📖 Get it here on ReformedBooks.org »
2. A Guide to Christian Living (from the Institutes)
This is a shorter, more accessible version drawn from Book 3 of the Institutes. In it, Calvin outlines what it means to follow Christ in holiness, humility, and obedience.
It’s perfect for personal devotion or small group study deep theology, yet heart-searching and practical.
3. Calvin’s Sermons
Many don’t know that Calvin was a preacher before he was a theologian. His sermons are full of pastoral wisdom, rich with Scripture, and always Christ-centered.
Whether preaching through the Psalms, Ephesians, or Job, Calvin brings out the treasures of God’s Word to feed the soul. These are great resources for devotional reading.
4. Commentaries on the Bible
Calvin wrote commentaries on almost every book of the Bible. His insights are clear, faithful, and focused on the plain meaning of the text.
- Want to study Romans? Start with Calvin.
- Want to understand the Gospels? Calvin brings clarity to the teachings of Christ.
- Looking for help in the Old Testament? Calvin’s commentaries are gold.
You can find selected volumes on ReformedBooks.org.
5. Calvin on the Psalms
The Psalms were close to Calvin’s heart. In them, he saw the full range of Christian experience: joy, sorrow, repentance, praise, and trust.
Reading Calvin’s Commentary on the Psalms will not only deepen your understanding of Scripture but also stir your affections toward God.
6. Treatises and Letters
Calvin's shorter works and letters give a glimpse into his pastoral heart. From defending the faith to encouraging suffering believers, his words are rich in truth and grace.
One such treatise, The Necessity of Reforming the Church, was written to explain the biblical foundation of the Reformation and remains relevant today.
7. Calvin's Confession of Faith
In this short document, Calvin lays out the essentials of the Christian faith Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, to the glory of God alone. It’s a helpful summary of Reformed belief and a wonderful tool for discipleship.
Why Read Calvin Today?
John Calvin wasn’t writing to impress scholars he wrote to help ordinary Christians love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. His works are full of Scripture, grounded in the gospel, and written to glorify Christ.
In an age of confusion and compromise, Calvin’s biblical clarity is a gift to the church.
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Final Encouragement
If your desire is to know God more deeply and walk more faithfully in His ways, start reading Calvin. You will find, as many have, that his writings point you not to himself but to Christ, the solid rock.
“There is no knowing that does not begin with knowing God.” — John Calvin