My Notes
Authors
John Calvin - Commentaries
**Now he that hath fitted us. This is added in order that we may know, that this disposition is supernatural. For mere natural feeling will not lead us forward to this, for it does not comprehend that hundredfold recompense which springs from the _dying _of a single _grain. _(John 12:24 .) We must, therefore, be _fitted _for it by God. The manner of it is at the same time subjoined — that he confirms us by his Spirit, who is as it were an earnest At the same time the particle _also _seems to be added for the sake of amplification. “It is God who forms in us this desire, and, lest our courage should give way or waver, the Holy Spirit is given us as an _earnest, _because by his testimony he confirms, and ratifies the truth of the promise.” For these are _two _offices of the Holy Spirit — _first, _to show to believers what they ought to desire, and _secondly, _to influence their hearts efficaciously, and remove all their doubt, that they may steadfastly persevere in choosing what is good. There would, however, be nothing unsuitable in extending the word _fitted, _so as to denote that renovation of life, with which God adorns his people even in this life, for in this way he already separates them from others, and shows that they are, by means of his grace, marked out for a peculiar condition.