Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559) - John Calvin
Book 3 - How We Receive the Grace of Christ
Chapter 2 - Faith: Its Definition Set Forth, & Properties Explained
Sections 14-15 - Detailed examination of of faith: knowledge
Section 14 - Faith as higher knowledge
Faith does not comprehend what it knows - Eph 3:17-19.But it is a knowing - Eph 1:17; 4:13; Col 1:9; 3:10; 1 Tim 2:4; Tit 1:1; Philemon 6; 2 Pet 2:21; 1 John 3:2.
Believers "are more strengthened by the persuasion of divine truth than instructed by rational proof.... Faith consists in assurance rather than in comprehension" - 2 Cor 5:6-7.
Section 15 - Faith implies certainty
Without certainty, it isn't faith.
And God's Word is trustworthy - Ps 12:6; 18:30; 119; Prov 30:5.
Many know God intends mercy to us, but doubt whether they will receive it.
This is not faith; faith is feeling and experiencing the sweetness of God's goodness.
Col 2:2; 1 Thess 1:5; Heb 6:11; 10:22.
Faith is almost synonymous with confidence - Eph 3:12.
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