May 2009 Archives

3.2.28 - 3.2.31 As Calvin continues to discuss the nature of faith, he makes the point that the assurance of faith is not connected to any promises of worldly prosperity of comfort but rather to the expectation of the life... continue

Calvin continues his discussion of faith by addressing the issue of fear, talking his cue from Paul's reference in Phil. 2.12 to `fear and trembling.'  Fear can, of course, be a very bad thing, antithetical to the kind of assurance... continue

In these paragraphs, Calvin continues his discussion of faith when, having distinguished the true from the false, he addresses the manner in which the believing individual experiences the world.  What is particularly significant here is the way in which Calvin... continue

In these paragraphs, Calvin continues to address the many complexities that surround the relationship between true faith and its counterfeits.  Both pastoral experience and accounts given in scripture lead Calvin to believe that there is such a thing as false... continue

In this section, Calvin defines true faith over against false alternatives.  It is, he says, `a firm and certain knowledge of God's benevolence toward us, founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our... continue

The blogs covering ICR 2.16.2 - 3.2.6 are not avaialble. They will be posted at a later date... continue

In sections 8-12 Calvin seeks to explain a confusing part of the Apostle's Creed: Christ's descent into hell. Calvin wants us to understand and not despise this mysterious summary of our redemption. Dropping it from our creed means we lose... continue