Die sekerheid van die geloof by Calvyn en sommige van sy navolgers

Abstract

The thoughts of Calvin and some of his followers on the certainty of faith In this paper Calvin's thoughts on the certainty of faith are traced as he expresses this in the Institutes. It is also shown that the Heidelberg Catechism faithfully follows Calvin's line of thought as the priority of faith over repentance and rebirth, which are seen as fruits of faith, is stressed. It is shown from the Institutes that for Calvin the certainty of faith lies in adhering in faith to the objectively given surety of the Word of God and His promises. In the second part of the article it is shown how in Beza's work, in Calvinistic scholastic orthodoxy and in the Nadere Reformatie of the 17th and 18th century in the Netherlands there is a gradual shift of emphasis in this matter. The implications of this shift in accent is briefly discussed.