I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,[1] is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,[2] and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word,[3] by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.[4]
II. By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;[5] and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands,[6] trembling at the threatenings,[7] and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come.[8] But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.[9]
III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;[10] may often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory:[11] growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance, through Christ,[12] who is both the author and finisher of our faith.[13]
Reference texts
[1]. Heb 10:39. • [2]. Eph 1:17-19; 2:8; 2 Cor 4:13. • [3]. Rom 10:14, 17. • [4]. Luke 17:5; Acts 20:32; Rom 1:16-17; 4:11; 1 Pet 2:2.
[5]. John 4:42; Acts 24:14; 1 Thes 2:13; 1 John 5:10. • [6]. Rom 16:26. • [7]. Isa 66:2. • [8]. 1 Tim 4:8; Heb 11:13. • [9]. John 1:12; Acts 15:11; 16:31; Gal 2:20.
[10]. Mat 6:30; 8:10; Rom 4:19-20; Heb 5:13-14. • [11]. Luke 22:31-32; Eph 6:16; 1 John 5:4-5. • [12]. Col 2:2; Heb 6:11-12; 10:22. • [13]. Heb 12:2.