as a mark of their authenticity. Like a signature on a cheque or other financial document, it denotes a pledge of commitment that will be fully honoured in the future. We find this idea in John Calvin’s definition of faith, which many regard as one of the most comprehensive and helpful to have been developed by a Christian theologian. Here is what he has to say: [Faith] is a steady and certain knowledge of the divine benevolence towards us, which is founded upon the truth of the gracious promise