Many of the pastors and leaders who were trained by Calvin were sent out to plant churches in Europe.  Steven Lawson reports, “Since persecution was certain and martyrdom common for these saints, Calvin’s school of theology became known as ‘Calvin’s School of Death.’” The dead guys serve as heroes to all of God’s people.  They teach us (via pen and through their example) how to endure the trials of life and the flames of persecution.

5. The dead guys enrich us with rich theological treasures

There are many theological treasures that should attract our attention.  I mention only a few in this post.  First, consider the great creeds bestowed on us by the dead guys.  The Nicene Creed (A.D. 325), The Constantinople Creed (A.D. 381), the Chalcedonian Creed (A.D. 451), the Athanasian Creed, the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647), and the Heidelberg Catechism.

Second, we can be thankful for the many books that the dead guys wrote for our edification – works from Augustine, Calvin, Bunyan, Spurgeon, Owen, and Edwards.  The list goes on and on and provides a lifetime of godly counsel for Christian pilgrims.

Third, consider the great hymns of the faith.  The dead guys have written literally thousands of hymns to prompt God-centered worship.  I recently read Douglas Bond’s new book, The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts.  The book describes how Watts penned over 750 hymns, some of them great hymns – like When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Jesus Shall Reign, Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed, and Joy to the World!

The dead guys enrich us with rich theological treasures that inform our Christian lives.  Do you hear them?  Dead men are talking!

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