Practical syllogism (theology)

In Reformed theology, the practical syllogism (Latin: syllogismus practicus)[1]:135 is a concept relating assurance of salvation to evidence in a person's life of such, such as good works and sanctification. The major premise of the syllogism is that some principle is characteristic of being a Christian. The minor premise is that the characteristic in present in oneself. The conclusion is that one is a Christian.[2]:273 Works are said to be the epistemological ground of faith and justification, rather than the ontological ground, because the evidences of faith only make faith apparent; they do not create it.[1]:136 John Calvin recognizes that outward signs of God's favor may confirm faith, but warns against inferring election from such signs. Faith is always to be placed in the preaching of the gospel rather than any outward action of the believer, but the outward actions may be a final confirmation of election.[3] The concept is present in several Reformed confessions of faith. The Heidelberg Catechism includes assurance as one of the reasons Christians should perform good works. The Westminster Confession calls good works "the Fruits and Evidences of a true and lively faith."[1]:136

References

  1. 1 2 3 Rohls, Jan (1998) [1987]. Theologie reformierter Bekenntnisschriften [Reformed confessions: Theology from Zurich to Barmen] (in German). Translated by John Hoffmeyer. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. ISBN 0-664-22078-9.
  2. ↑ Beeke, Joel (2011). "The Assurance Debate". In Haykin, Michael A.G.; Jones, Mark. Drawn Into Controversie: Reformed Theological Diversity and Debates Within Seventeenth-Century British Puritanism. Göttingen, Germany: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.
  3. ↑ Muller, Richard A (2012) [1986]. Christ and the Decree (Kindle ed.). Kindle location 718–758.


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