In the latest episode of Renewing Your Mind, Dr. Robert Gottfried turns to John Calvin’s treatise on the necessity of reforming the church. He asks whether today’s churches still see themselves as centered on worship and salvation, and what that means for how they teach about sin, Christ’s priesthood, free will, and faith.
Is Sin Still the Heart of the Church?
Gottfried opens by questioning how seriously contemporary churches confront sin. He highlights Calvin’s critique that many churches focus on surface‑level sins—stealing, murder, adultery—while neglecting deeper, corrosive sins such as pride, hatred, and enmity. The discussion invites listeners to consider whether the church still speaks about original sin and the inherited alienation from God that Calvin believed should shape Christian life.
Christ Alone as Priest: What Does That Mean?
Another key point Gottfried raises is Calvin’s insistence that Christ is the sole priest who offers the sacrifice for humanity. He contrasts this with the medieval and some modern practices that place human clergy between God and people. The conversation asks whether the emphasis on human priests dilutes the glory of Christ’s sole priesthood and how that affects worship and teaching.
Free Will and the Gospel: A Tension
Gottfried brings up Calvin’s view that the doctrine of free will can undermine the gospel. He explores how believing in free will may lead people to think they can earn salvation through works. The episode invites listeners to reflect on whether the church’s teaching on free will helps or hinders people’s understanding of grace.
Faith and Confidence: The Christian Life
Throughout the discussion, Gottfried echoes Calvin’s insistence that faith must be firm and confident. He contrasts medieval attitudes that encouraged fear and doubt with the Reformed view that assurance in Christ should produce a confident, life‑shaping relationship with God. The conversation leaves listeners pondering how confidence in Christ can transform worship and daily living.
To hear how these questions unfold and what insights Dr. Gottfried offers, listen to the full episode of Renewing Your Mind.