Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - The Sum of the Christian Life: The Denial of Ourselves

The foundational principle of Christian life is the profound understanding that believers are not their own masters, but belong wholly to God. This means their entire being—thoughts, speech, meditations, and actions—must be consecrated and dedicated solely to His glory. Their own reason and will are to be surrendered, and they must depart from themselves, allowing God's wisdom and will to rule all their actions. This transformation, known as the "renewal of the mind," requires human reason to submit entirely to the bidding of God's Spirit, a concept distinct from ancient philosophical reliance on human reason.

This core principle manifests in believers' actions in several ways:

• Devotion to God's Glory: Believers actively seek not their own interests, but God's will and glory, subordinating self-concern and zealously obeying His commandments. This self-denial eradicates vices like pride, arrogance, ambition, avarice, and other evils spawned by self-love, allowing for genuine goodness and humility.
• Renouncing Worldly Desires: It trains believers to renounce "irreligion and worldly passions" and to live "sober, upright, and godly lives." This includes chastity, temperance, a frugal use of temporal goods, patience in poverty, fulfilling duties of equity, and connecting with God in true holiness.
• Transformed Interactions with Others: Self-denial reshapes relationships by combating self-love. Believers esteem others above themselves, honor God's gifts in others, overlook their faults, and treat everyone with cordiality and humility. They practice sincere generosity, recognizing all benefits as entrusted for the common good of the church and liberally sharing them. This love extends even to the "unworthy," as believers look upon the image of God in all men, forgiving wrongs and returning good for evil.
• Trust in God's Providence: Believers resign themselves and all possessions to God's will, trusting solely in His blessing for prosperity and avoiding wicked means to acquire wealth or status. When facing adversity—be it disease, war, famine, or loss—they bear it with a peaceful and grateful mind, understanding it is "ordained of God." Unlike pagans who attribute misfortune to blind fortune, Christians know that God's hand, with "most orderly justice," governs all circumstances.

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