Expanded Portions on Reformation and Puritan Eras
Below, I’ve expanded the sections on the Reformation and Puritan/Post-Reformation eras from the previous list. This includes additional key figures who engaged with the concept of “calling upon the name of the Lord,” drawing from their commentaries, treatises, and sermons. I’ve maintained the chronological order within each era, added more context where possible, and included multiple quotes for depth. These expansions are based on historical theological sources, emphasizing how the phrase relates to prayer, worship, salvation, and public profession of faith.
Reformation Era (16th Century)
This period saw reformers reclaiming biblical practices of invocation and faith, often in commentaries on Genesis 4:26 (the origin of the phrase) or New Testament applications like Romans 10:13 and Acts 2:21. I’ve added Martin Luther for his foundational insights.
- Martin Luther (1483–1546, Father of the Reformation)
Context: In his Lectures on Genesis, Luther views “calling upon the name of the Lord” as integral to early sacrificial worship, involving public preaching, invocation, and gratitude. He sees it as a divine institution from Adam’s family, distinguishing true worship from mere ritual, and links it to hope in God’s mercy.
Major Quotes:- “And in the same way also calling upon the name of the Lord was added to this original sacrifice.” 111 (Emphasizing that offerings by Cain and Abel included preaching and divine invocation, with Adam and Eve acting as priests teaching their children.)
- In broader Reformation theology, Luther ties this to faith in Romans 10, stressing confession: “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 50
- John Calvin (1509–1564, Reformation Theologian)
Context: In his Commentary on Acts, Calvin explains Acts 22:16, associating calling on the Lord’s name with baptism and the washing away of sins as an act of faith. He also comments on Genesis 4:26 as the start of public worship amid human corruption.
Major Quotes:- “And now why stayest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, in calling upon the name of the Lord.” 102
- On Genesis: “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord,” marking a renewal of piety and public invocation despite worldly distractions.
Puritan/Post-Reformation Era (17th–18th Centuries)
Puritans emphasized practical divinity, viewing “calling upon the name” as essential to personal conversion, family worship, public profession, and communion with God through the Spirit. I’ve added William Perkins, Richard Baxter, and John Owen for their direct engagements, expanding on prayer, vocation, and salvation.
- William Perkins (1558–1602, Early Puritan Theologian)
Context: In The Foundation of Christian Religion and other works, Perkins sees calling on the Lord as a core principle of faith, linked to salvation and daily household worship. He stresses it as a family duty before daily labors and a promise for eternal life.
Major Quotes:- “For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom 10.13).” 101 (As part of the sixth principle on the Last Judgment and salvation.)
- “The morning, in which the family coming together in one place, is to call upon the name of the Lord, before they begin the works of their calling.” 100 (Emphasizing family devotion as sanctifying daily life.)
- Richard Baxter (1615–1691, Puritan Pastor and Writer)
Context: In A Call to the Unconverted, Baxter urgently exhorts sinners to turn to God, equating this with calling upon Him for mercy and life. He views it as God’s promise for salvation, warning that refusal leads to self-caused damnation, and applies it to pastoral ministry.
Major Quotes:- “It is the promise of God, that the wicked shall live, if they will but turn.” 113 (Linking turning—implying invocation—to eternal life.)
- “Take heed to yourselves, lest you perish, while you call upon others to take heed of perishing.” 93 (A warning to ministers about hypocrisy in urging others to call on God.)
- John Owen (1616–1683, Puritan Theologian)
Context: In works like Communion with God and on the Holy Spirit, Owen describes calling upon the Lord as enabled by the Spirit, involving prayer, worship, and filial cries to God. He sees it as central to spiritual life and public worship.
Major Quotes:- “He sends his Spirit into their hearts, ‘crying Abba, Father’ (Gal. 4:6).” 114 (The Spirit prompts believers to call upon God as Father.)
- “It is he who enables us to pray rightly and effectively.” 114 (Prayer as invocation, part of communion with the triune God.)
- Thomas Manton (1620–1677, Puritan Preacher)
Context: In his Practical Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, Manton expands on hallowing God’s name as equivalent to calling upon it in prayer, praise, and profession. He views it as owning God publicly and subordinating all desires to His glory.
Major Quotes:- “Calling upon the name of the Lord in prayer and praise, it is an open professing act, by which we own God in Christ for our God.” 107
- “The glory of God, in all requests that we make to him, like oil, still swims on the top, and must be the end of all the rest.” 115 (Expanded: Prayers must prioritize God’s honor.)
- Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Nonconformist Commentator)
Context: In his Commentary on the Whole Bible, Henry expounds on Romans 10:13 and Genesis 4:26, seeing calling on the Lord as the essence of practical religion, public worship, and distinction from the profane.
Major Quotes:- “Calling upon the name of the Lord is here put for all practical religion. What is the life of a Christian but a life of prayer? It implies a sense of our dependence on him, a living communion with him, and a resignation of ourselves to him.” 106
- On Genesis 4:26: “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord… Now men began to worship God, not only in their closets and families, but in public and solemn assemblies.” 112 (Marking a reformation in religion and distinction between godly and worldly.)
- Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758, Revivalist Theologian)
Context: In his theological works, Edwards comments on Genesis 4:26, seeing the phrase as marking a new era of intensified social worship and religion in the early church of God.
Major Quote: “There was something new in the visible church of God with respect to calling upon the name of the Lord; that there was a great addition to the degree of the exercise of religion, with respect to social worship, calling on God, and praising him.” 105
These expansions highlight the reformers’ and Puritans’ focus on the phrase as a call to authentic, Spirit-enabled worship and salvation. If you’d like further details on any figure or additional eras, let me know!
