Originally Published by World Reformed Fellowship: https://wrf.global/blog/blog-2/christian-life/braveheartedness-a-core-tenet-in-reformed-teachings
The early Reformers, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, faced persecution. Luther went into hiding, Calvin fled France, and Knox’s opposition imprisoned him. Hundreds of other Protestants and church leaders also faced the same fate as English Reformer Thomas Cranmer, being burned at the stake.
Within the English Reformation, a commonality appeared; even when facing death, the martyrs (several priests and bishops) exhibited bravery until their last moments.
This courageous approach resembled the moment of the death of Stephen (Acts 7:59-60) and the peacefulness of Paul.
R.C. Reed argued,
But certainly one of the most direct effects of Calvinistic belief is to free the soul in which it finds lodgment from the fear of man and to brace it for rendering unswerving allegiance to God. The Calvinist believes that God is in every incident that touches life; that every pain and every peril are of his appointment, and must, therefore, be encountered in the spirit of worship.[1]
Calvinists, cleaving to the sovereignty and providence of God, maintain every event is determined by the Almighty, and regardless of the outcome, one must face such uncertainty with the assurance that God’s purpose and approval are at the core of every occasion.
Of course, expressing such views is much easier to say than to carry out. Nevertheless, when studying history, we learn some of the most courageous warriors and reformers were Calvinists. Stonewall Jackson once said, “My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.”[2]
Within religious movements, both the Pilgrims and Puritans challenged the organized church and emphasized God’s sovereignty and the original Reformation’s basic principles. Several of both people groups fled England, with hundreds of willful Puritans dying.
Calvin taught on such an internal peace, “The Christian, then, being most fully persuaded, that all things come to pass by the dispensation of God, and that nothing happens fortuitously, will always direct his eye to him as the principal causes of events, at the same time paying due regard to inferior causes in their own place.”[3]
In another writing, Calvin explained, “His [Christian] mind will always be fixed on providence of God alone, and no consideration of present circumstances will be allowed to withdraw him from the steady contemplation of it.”[4]
The logic is simple: if a Christian sought to reform or purify the church to the standards found only in the Scriptures, a sense of tranquility often accompanied the movement, knowing the Lord would protect His church and ensure such purification prevailed. Yet, using the same understanding, if their movement faced opposition or failure, this was the will of God, regardless of the outcome.
Certainly, all faith groups have their own martyrs and brave leaders, but once any student of history delves into the teachings of the Reformed faith and past and current adherents, a common occurrence is profound, and it typically focuses on a tenacity, peacefulness, and valor strictly correlated to their faith in God.
There was a reason that both Oliver Cromwell and Stonewall Jackson sought a “Christian Army.” According to them, no opposing military could match their fortitude if they oversaw a regiment of devout Christians who held to their beliefs.
Bravery extends beyond facing persecution or a battle. Within any affliction, whether it be a health concern or another life circumstance, surrendering to Providence provides peace. Puritan John Flavel wrote, “Not a creature moves hand or tongue against thee but his permission… Men may look shy upon you, and alter their respects as your condition is altered; when Providence has blasted your estate, your summer-friends may grow strange, fearing you may be troublesome to them, but will God do so? No, no; ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,’ says he.”[5]
Bravery is a trait with which God has blessed His creation. Individuals can learn, embrace, and gradually cultivate bravery over time, but make no mistake, it is a quality that God grants to His flock.
Regardless of the affair, yielding to Providence in times of despair will activate a heavenly serenity found only in the Lord.
[1] R.C. Reed, The Gospel as Taught by Calvin (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979), 139.
[2] John D. Imboden (CSA), “Incidents of the First Bull Run” in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War – Volume I: From Sumter to Shiloh (1887), 238.
[3] John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008), 117.
[4] Ibid., 130.
[5] John Flavel, Keeping the Heart: How to Maintain Your Love for God (Ross-shire: Christian Focus Publications, 2023), 43.
