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.

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]

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