Calvin on Repentance: A Continual Process of Transformation

I have enjoyed reading John Calvin for years, finding his depth and sincerity a true pleasure. Many speak of John Calvin as if he were an enemy of the gospel, yet when one takes the time to read his works, they will discover a man deeply concerned for his fellow brethren. The following are notes from Calvin on Repentance: A Continual Process of Transformation (Grapevine Press), which highlight his profound insights into the nature of repentance as a lifelong journey of spiritual renewal, driven not by human effort but by the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Essence of Repentance

John Calvin teaches that repentance is central to the gospel, alongside the remission of sins. As he writes, “The substance of the gospel is, not without reason, said to be comprised in ‘repentance and remission of sins.’” These two elements are conferred by Christ and received through faith, granting believers both newness of life and reconciliation with God. Repentance, therefore, is not a mere act but a transformative process, as Calvin emphasizes: “Since the kingdom of heaven is at hand, therefore repent.”

Repentance and Faith: Distinct Yet United

Calvin clarifies that while repentance and faith are inseparable, they are distinct. Quoting Paul in Acts, he notes that Paul testified “both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” True repentance cannot exist without faith, yet they must be distinguished to avoid confusion. Faith is the root, and repentance flows from it, as “no man is truly persuaded that he is of God, except he has previously received his grace.”

The Nature of True Repentance

Calvin defines repentance as “a true conversion of our life to God, proceeding from a sincere and serious fear of God, and consisting in the mortification of our flesh and of the old man, and in the vivification of the Spirit.” This involves a turning from self to God, a change of mind and intention, and a transformation of the soul itself. The Hebrew word for repentance denotes “conversion or return,” while the Greek signifies a “change of mind.” Both reflect a forsaking of the old nature and the adoption of a new one, producing “fruits meet for repentance” in every action.

A Lifelong Process

Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process. Calvin draws from Jeremiah 4, where God calls Israel to “break up your fallow ground” and “circumcise yourselves to the Lord,” signifying a deep, inward transformation. This process begins with a “serious fear of God,” sparked by the knowledge of divine judgment, which compels sinners to adopt a new course of life. As Calvin notes, “God assigns them the race of repentance to run during their whole life,” a journey marked by the Spirit’s work in destroying carnal corruptions and renewing believers in holiness.

Godly Sorrow and the Role of the Spirit

Calvin emphasizes that repentance is rooted in “godly sorrow,” a hatred of sin arising from its offense to God, not merely fear of punishment. This sorrow, combined with the Spirit’s work, overcomes the “carnal sluggishness” of the human heart. The Spirit “tinctures our souls with his holiness,” enabling believers to renounce their old nature and pursue righteousness. As Calvin writes, “we cannot be formed to the fear of God, and learn the rudiments of piety, without being violently slain and annihilated by the sword of the Spirit.”

The Fruits of Repentance

Repentance manifests in a life transformed, producing actions that testify to inner renewal. Calvin, referencing John and Paul, speaks of “bringing forth fruits meet for repentance,” a life aligned with God’s will. A note from John Child in the text summarizes this: “The fruits of repentance are duties in pitch towards God and chain towards others.” This alignment with God’s will, guided by the Spirit, is the evidence of true repentance.

A Call to Persevere

For believers, Calvin’s teaching on repentance is both a challenge and an encouragement. It reminds us that our struggle against sin is not won by our own strength but through the Spirit’s transformative power. As we face temptations and the pull of our old nature, we are called to rely on God’s grace, trusting that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. Repentance is a lifelong race, but it is one we run with the assurance of God’s mercy and the promise of renewal.