A clear call to reject Romish rites, idolatry, and all methods of reform not true to Scripture. Calvin shows why compromises with lukewarm adherents of Protestantism, modern day Nicodemites so to speak, must be rejected.

Even Calvin's beloved friend Melancthon receives a rebuke here, as Calvin steadfastly proclaims the path of duty, though it would mean persecution and death at the hand of Rome for some. In spite of the severe hardships his teaching would cause, Calvin maintained the impossibility of reconciling two systems so discordant as Popery and Protestantism - for matters of eternity were (and are) involved here.

Eire's War Against the Idols sets the context of these debates, which are being renewed again in our day.