Blogs by Carl Trueman

In this section, Calvin addresses the first two petition sin the Lord's Prayer. First, he reflects upon the importance of saying that God is our Father. This allows us to approach him with confidence, knowing the our relationship to him is one... continue

In these paragraphs, Calvin addresses the rudiments of public worship. He sees speaking and singing in prayer to be highly commendable when they are connected to the heart's longing for God, as they help to exercise the mind and keep it... continue

In these paragraphs, Calvin moves on from his criticism of the contemporary practice of prayer to the saints to the nature of true prayer itself.  Underlying the discussion of private prayer is the understanding that God, as sovereign, is the... continue

In these paragraphs, Calvin continues to refute traditional notions of the veneration and intercession of the saints by surveying some of the scripture texts and incidents typically cited in support. Two things are particularly striking in this discussion.  The first... continue

In these paragraphs, Calvin emphasizes the uniqueness and the centrality of Christ's mediation for his intercession, underscoring the fact that it is only through his work, from the very beginning of time, that any believer has ever had access to... continue

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