Calvin Defines Faith

After explaining that biblical 'faith' is not less than doctrinal conviction yet must also include a settled reliance (fiducia), too, Calvin concludes--

Now we shall possess a right definition of faith if we call it a firm and certain knowledge of God's benevolence toward us, founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

--John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.2.7