The Assurance of Faith: Conscience in the Theology of Martin Luther and John Calvin - Softcover

Zachman, Randall C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0664228658 ISBN 13: 9780664228651

Publisher: Westminster/John Knox Press, 2005

Synopsis

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. Randall Zachman undertakes the long-overdue 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.

About this title

Review:

"A judicious, balanced, fresh and insightful study into a central aspect of the pastoral theology of the Reformation. It deserves a wide readership." - Alister McGrath in The Expository Times"

About the Author:

Randall C. Zachman is Professor of Reformation Studies at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. He is the author or editor of several books and articles.

About this edition

• Publisher: Westminster/John Knox Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0664228658
• ISBN 13: 9780664228651
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250