How did John Calvin's beliefs differ from those of Martin Luther?

How did John Calvin's beliefs differ from those of Martin Luther?

• A. Calvin emphasized justification by works
• B. Calvin focused on the priesthood of all believers
• C. Calvin believed in predestination and a strict moral code
• D. Calvin rejected the influence of humanism

Answer: (C)

John Calvin's beliefs are distinguished by his doctrine of predestination, which asserts that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, independent of individual actions or faith. This concept significantly diverges from Martin Luther's views, which emphasized justification by faith alone, suggesting that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation. Additionally, Calvin promoted a stringent moral code that dictated how individuals should live their lives according to biblical principles, reflecting his belief in God's sovereignty and the importance of a disciplined Christian community. This focus on predestination and moral rigor set Calvinism apart not only from Lutheranism but also from broader Christian practices of the time, positioning Calvin's ideas as a unique theological framework within the Reformation. Thus, the correct answer highlights this key theological divergence between Calvin and Luther, illustrating distinct approaches to salvation and the role of human agency in faith.

John Calvin's beliefs are distinguished by his doctrine of predestination, which asserts that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, independent of individual actions or faith. This concept significantly diverges from Martin Luther's views, which emphasized justification by faith alone, suggesting that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation. Additionally, Calvin promoted a stringent moral code that dictated how individuals should live their lives according to biblical principles, reflecting his belief in God's sovereignty and the importance of a disciplined Christian community.

This focus on predestination and moral rigor set Calvinism apart not only from Lutheranism but also from broader Christian practices of the time, positioning Calvin's ideas as a unique theological framework within the Reformation. Thus, the correct answer highlights this key theological divergence between Calvin and Luther, illustrating distinct approaches to salvation and the role of human agency in faith.