GOD'S ETERNAL ELECTION Catechism mentions by so much as a syllable at any appropriate point this doctrine of the Syllogismus practicus. Calvin's theology is too closely dependent on the Bible for
him
to be able to dismiss the texts which were quoted to him by opponents or which confronted him in exegesis. He concerned himself seriously with them. But he did not feel it appropriate to generalize from occasional apostolic observations, such as he found in i John, and to build upon them dogmatic definitions, however much the latter might have
appeared the necessary consequence of a theology which, like that of Calvin, laid no less emphasis upon sanctification than
upon justification. Calvin felt able to admit that our works may become a sign of our godliness provided that in Christ we have previously gained assurance of salvation. But he emphatically called attention to the great danger of the Syllogismus We have already seen how grave were his doubts practicus. Our "conscience feels upon consideration of our works more 53 1 fear and despondency than confidence Or, as he says in another place "When a Christian looks into himself he finds cause to be afraid or even to despair; but since he is called to communion with Christ he must, in so far as assurance of salvation is concerned, regard himself as a member of the body of Christ so that he is in a position to appropriate all the benefits of Christ's passion. Thus he will win a sure hope of eternal perseverance when he considers that he belongs to Him who cannot fall or fail. 352 Our salvation is grounded solely and exclusively in the mercy of God, which is to say in Christ. Hence we recognize that He alone is the Author of our salvation, who gives us the certainty of final deliver:
.
:
ance.
not meant to suggest that we tarry here in our wretchedness and uncertainty of deliverance while in the remote past looms the cross of Golgotha, bearing the figure of Him in whom all our hopes are anchored, and that we must look backwards, linking ourselves with the Crucified, in
But
this is
i
2
In. Ill, 14, 20.
179
CR 49,
313.