Research Catalog

Title

The assurance of faith : conscience in the theology of Martin Luther and John Calvin / Randall C. Zachman.

Author

Zachman, Randall C., 1953-

Publication

Louisville, Ky. : Westminster John Knox Press, c2005.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

x, 258 p.; 23 cm.

Summary

"Common wisdom concerning Luther and Calvin suggests that these two theologians do not relate the testimony of Christ to the conscience in the same way. Zachman undertakes the comparison of their theologies, especially the ways in which Luther and Calvin define and describe the conscience and relate this to the testimonies of the Word and the Spirit. While remaining critical of the distinction that both Luther and Calvin sought to maintain between the foundation of assurance and its confirmation in faith and election, Zachman concludes that although Luther and Calvin have different emphases in their theological treatment of the conscience, they fundamentally agree: the foundation of the peace, assurance, and certainty of conscience lies in the grace of God for us, as revealed to the conscience both by the external witness of the Word of God and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit."--BOOK JACKET.

Subject

• Assurance (Theology) > History of doctrines > 16th century
• Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564
• Conscience > History of doctrines > 16th century
• Luther, Martin, 1483-1546

Note

• Originally published: Minneapolis : Fortress Press, 1993.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 249-253) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

• Introduction: How can we be assured that God is merciful to us? -- Part One: Luther -- let God be true and all others be liars -- The idolatrous religion of conscience -- The condemnation of the law leading sinners to pardon -- The pardon of the gospel for those who confess their sin -- The exhortation of the command for the justified
• Part Two: Calvin -- the Father has sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts -- The Lord is our Father -- To render the ungodly without excuse -- Created to be children of the Father -- The law as the true preparation for Christ -- The image of the invisible Father in Jesus Christ -- The true witness of the Father -- The confirmation of adoption in uprightness of life -- The foundation of adoption in the forgiveness of sins -- Building up the adopted children of God -- Conclusion: Is God merciful only to those who believe in Christ?

ISBN

0664228658 (alk. paper)

LCCN

^^2005043388

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library