Anchor of the Soul: The transforming truths of the Christian Faith: an exposition of the Apostles Creed

by Pierre Viret, R.A. Sheats (Translator)

Within the pages of this book, Swiss Reformer Pierre Viret (1511-1571) delves into the marvelous and transforming truths of the Christian faith. From the persons of the Trinity to the communion of the saints and the life everlasting, Viret examines each foundational doctrine with insightful clarity and devotional wonder. Rich gems and practical answers fill the pages of this profound yet easy-to-read exposition.Viret's exposition of the Apostles Creed rehearses the age-old truths of the Faith but does so in a refreshingly pertinent way. With characteristic concern for the spiritual as well as intellectual wellbeing of his readers, Viret spends large portions of his commentary explaining how to apply the truths presented in this creed to the hearts, souls, and lives of his readers. As he notes, a knowledge of the tenets of the Faith is futile unless it is accompanied by a true understanding of how these truths affect and benefit a believer. What comforts and joys should Christians derive from a true knowledge of what they believe? And how should a proper understanding of their God and Savior change a believer’s day-to-day life? Moving from the truths themselves to a deep, heart-searching application of them, the reader is challenged to put into practice the truths held so dear. From the tenderness and insight of a pastor’s heart, Viret invites his readers to taste the goodness of the Lord and to meditate anew upon the glorious faith once for all delivered to the saints—to the glory of God and the untold blessings of His church.The present volume is an English translation of a portion of Pierre Viret’s 16th century classic, Instruction Chrestienne et somme generale de la doctrine comprinse és sainctes Escritures, originally published in Geneva in 1559. Volume two of that three-volume set included Viret’s exposition of the Apostles L’Exposition du symbole des apostres contenant la declaration des articles de la Foy. This book went through several printings in the following decade, during which it was revised and greatly enlarged. The text of the present English translation has been taken from the 1559 edition of Viret’s work and has been slightly abridged. Parts of this translation have been previously published in three separate volumes, Marvelous Trinity, the Believer’s Hope and Delight (2019); Jesus Christ, the Believer’s Comfort and Joy (2018); and His Glorious A Practical Look at Jesus Christ’s Church (2018).

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2020

About the author

Pierre Viret (entre 1509 et 1511 - 1571) est un théologue réformateur suisse et une figure importante de la Réforme protestante,

Pierre Viret (1511 – 1571) was a Swiss Reformed theologian and an important figure in the Protestant Reformation.