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Faithful, Faith Knows, Day 26

by David Joynt on January 31, 2019

Faithful, Faith Knows, Day 26

HEBREWS 1:1-3A | Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

If knowledge of our great God is partial and humbling, it is also certain. John Calvin defines faith as “the 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 minds and sealed upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” (Institutes III.II.7)

God has revealed, in mind and deed, his character and will. We know him through his many encounters with actual people within the scriptures and pre-eminently in the life of his Son. We are aided in understanding what he has chosen to reveal by his Holy Spirit, who acts as a personal interpreter and guide and who has inspired the great discussion mentioned earlier in the week. We don’t have to come to our knowledge of God alone but can do so accompanied by saints and thinkers, past and present—a great company of the faithful.

Our knowledge is objective—the Bible contains actual, real identifiable claims and promises, centering on Christ. It is also subjective and personal—it is sealed upon our hearts by the warm, convicting presence of God’s own spirit within us.

What do you make of Calvin’s definition?

How certain is your knowledge?

How high is your trust in scripture?

 


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