Wolfgang Musculus on Genesis 1:2c

tmnk-00171a-jpgHere there is an image of God’s working to be considered. Accordingly, in the midst of tribulations and the shadow of death, however they may appear, God refreshes and revives the hearts of the elect by his spirit and preserves them for the happiness of the light that will follow. This passage offers a great consolation. No matter what our impression is of the works by which God undertakes to benefit mortals, they never lack that spiritual and life-giving operation by which they are not only preserved in their primitive state but also carried along to their final perfection.

~Genesis 1-11, eds. John L. Thompson, Reformation Commentary on Scripture, OT Vol. I, p. 19