Calvin says in his Institutes that “the knowledge of faith consists in assurance rather than in comprehension.” Faith, of course, must also comprehend, for it is not a blind faith that we have. What Calvin means, is that faith grasps that which cannot be seen. He says in the same section that, “faith is so far above sense that man’s mind has to go beyond and rise above itself in order to attain it. Even where the mind has attained, it does not comprehend what it feels.” He uses Paul in Ephesians 3:18, 19 to say that faith “is the power to comprehend…what is the breadth and length… and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge”. This knowledge, he says, is lofty and we are “more strengthened by the persuasion of divine truth than instructed by rational proof.” We thus, acknowledge that we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:6, 7), and in this we are assured. (See Institutes III.2.14)
The Dangerous Craving for Miracles
Calvin points out quite rightly in his Institutes (Prefatory Address, p. 17, Battles edition) that Satan too, has his miracles which are nothing but deceitful tricks rather than true powers. They are of the kind that lead simple-minded and untutored folk astray. He then says that magicians and enchanters have always been noted for miracles, and idolatry is nourished by these so-called miracles. He concludes with these words,“What shall we say except that it has always been, and ever will be, a very just punishment of God to ‘send to those’ who have not received the love of the truth ‘a strong delusion to make them believe a lie'” (2 Thess. 2:11).
Is it any wonder that many seek miracles today as proof for their faith? What faith can it really be? Faith requires no miracle. Faith “is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Note those words, ‘assurance’ and ‘conviction’. Can God do miracles? Of course he can. Does God do miracles? No doubt he does everyday. But not the miracles the modern seeker of wonders desires. So beware of those who run after signs and wonders. They are not necessary for faith. Rather, if God in his grace should reveal himself in such a way to us, they are cause for worship and submission, for encouragement and endurance of and in the faith.
Sola Fide
Luther’s famous dictum (probably not his exact words-but certainly his conviction) is still true for us today:
“Justification is the article by which the church stands and falls” (justificatio est articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae).
Don’t let anything stand in the way of this great point. Don’t add anything to it either. God imputes the righteousness of Christ to us through the instrument of faith only. this is how we are right with God.
Happy Reformation Day!
Apprehended By Christ
Thomas Boston (1676 – 1732) says: “When Christ apprehends a man by His Spirit, he is so drawn that he comes away to Christ with his whole heart: for true believing is believing with all the heart.”
(Human Nature in its Fourfold State, p. 283)
The Hope of Glory
The Christian life and experience cannot be lived vicariously. This means that you cannot live the Christian life by clinging to the coat-tails of another Christian, nor can you live your spiritual life through someone else. Nobody lives your life, but you. Reading your Bible with your spouse or children is no substitute for reading the Bible on your own. Praying with others is no substitute for praying alone before God. These activities are important, but they do not replace your personal responsibility towards God. There are many, however, who think like this and live like this. [Read more…]