"You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy"

The quote by John Calvin, "You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy", encapsulates a profound philosophical and doctrinal perspective on the relationship in between suffering and pleasure. John Calvin, a prominent theologian and reformer, believed that the human experience is deeply intertwined with both suffering and happiness, which comprehending one necessitates a gratitude of the other.

Firstly, the phrase "submit to supreme suffering" implies an acceptance or endurance of life's biggest obstacles. This submission is not passive resignation but rather an active engagement with the trials and tribulations that life presents. In Calvinistic faith, suffering is frequently seen as a reflection of the fallen state of the world, an essential component of human existence that can lead to spiritual growth and advancement. By experiencing and embracing suffering, people can undergo a procedure of refinement and change, similar to a crucible for the soul.

The latter part of the quote, "to discover the completion of pleasure", recommends that real happiness can not be completely recognized or valued without the context of suffering. This viewpoint lines up with the Christian understanding that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion however a deep, abiding sense of satisfaction and peace that comes from comprehending and experiencing the breadth of human experience. The "conclusion of joy" implies a holistic, fully grown happiness that emerges from having weathered life's storms and grown through them.

This belief resonates with the broader Christian narrative of redemption and resurrection, where supreme delight and salvation are attained through the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. It highlights the paradoxical nature of the Christian journey: that through the darkest valleys, one can find the brightest peaks of delight and fulfillment. Calvin's quote encourages believers to see suffering not as an end, however as a necessary path to a more profound and complete experience of happiness, ultimately leading to a more detailed relationship with the divine.