Calvin's Institutes: July 23

John Calvin's Institutes in a Year · Jul 23, 2026 · 12m

In the closing sections of Chapter 1, John Calvin urges us to hold fast to the true marks of the visible Church—the pure preaching of the word and the right administration of the sacraments—while exercising wise tolerance toward imperfections in doctrine and conduct. He warns against both rash separation and laxity, showing from the example of the Corinthians and Galatians that even flawed churches remain true churches so long as the essential ministry remains. To leave such a church is to revolt from Christ himself.Today’s Readings John Calvin — Institutes of the Christian Religion Book 4…