obedience is belief? This is the confusion of the cause (faith) and its effect (repentance), as Calvin argues from a number of texts that repentance follows faith logically, if not psychologically or chronologically.17 This distinction is especially important in that the proper nature of faith is rest and trust in the finished work of Christ. As Calvin writes, For a conditional promise that sends us back to our own works does not promise life unless we discern its presence in ourselves. Therefore,