Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin light from the sun. I acknowledge, indeed, that, in proportion to the measure of faith, confidence is small in some and greater in others; but faith will never be found unaccompanied by these effects or fruits. A trembling, hesitating, doubting conscience, will always be a sure evidence of unbelief; but a firm, steady faith, will prove to be invincible against the gates of hell. To trust in Christ as Mediator, and to entertain a firm conviction of our heavenly Father's love, --- to venture boldly to promise to ourselves eternal life, and not to tremble at death or hell, --- is, to use a common phrase, a holy presumption.
Observe the expression, access with confidence. Wicked men seek rest in forgetfulness of God, and are never at ease but when they remove to the greatest possible distance from God. His own children differ from them in this respect, that they ``have peace with God,'' (Romans 5:1,) and approach to him with cheerfulness and delight. We infer, likewise, from this passage, that, in order to call on God in a proper manner, confidence is necessary, and thus becomes the key that opens to us the gate of heaven. Those who doubt and hesitate will never be heard.
him ask in faith,'' says James, ``nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.'' (James 1:6,7)
The sophists of the Sorbonne, 146 when they enjoin men to hesitate, know not what it is to call upon God.
13. Wherefore I desire. His reason for alluding formerly to his imprisonment is now manifest. It was to prevent them from being discouraged when they heard of his persecution. 147 O heroic breast, which drew from a prison, and from death itself, comfort to those who were not in danger! He says that, he endured tribulations for the Ephesians, because they tended to promote the edification of all the godly. How powerfully is the faith of the people confirmed, when a pastor does not hesitate to seal his doctrine by the surrender of his life! And accordingly he adds, which is your glory. Such lustre was thrown around his instructions, that all the churches among whom he had labored, had good reason to glory, when they beheld their faith ratified by the best of all pledges.
Ephesians 3:14-19
Ephesians 3:14-19
14. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 14. Hujus rei gratia flecto genua ad Patrem Domini nostri Iesu Christi, 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 15. Ex quo omnis cognatio in coelis et super terram nominatur, 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
146See note, page 160. 147"The original word {ἐκκακεῖν} signifies `to behave like a coward, and through fear to desert the post of battle.' '' --- Chandler.