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

by Randall C. Zachman

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.

Genres: Theology

268 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ester Habib]

I picked up this book as part of my own exploration of doctrines like calling, salvation, and assurance—and it really met me where I am. What I appreciated most is how it shows both Luther and Calvin wrestling with the same questions I’ve been asking: How can I be sure of my faith? Where does assurance come from?
Luther’s honesty about the struggle of the anxious conscience felt very real and human, all in all, it pushed me to reflect on my own walk with God and what it means to trust Him fully.

I hope to re-read it because I didnt grasp all of it because it is not a light reading at all :)

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conscience proves to be an exceedingly fruitful avenue into the topic of assurance in both Luther and Calvin.