Westminster 1647

Loading

Of Saving Faith

Of Saving Faith

Of Saving Faith - Chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith

  1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,278 is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts;279 and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word:280 by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.281

    • 278. Hebrews 10:39.
    • 279. 2 Corinthians 4:13.
    • Ephesians 1:17-19.
    • Ephesians 2:8.
    • 280. Romans 10:14,17.
    • 281. 1 Peter 2:2.
    • Acts 20:32.

  2. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;282 and acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,283 trembling at the threatenings,284 and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come.285 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.286

    • 282. John 4:42.
    • 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
    • 283. Romans 16:26.
    • 284. Isaiah 66:2.
    • 285. Hebrews 11:13.
    • 1 Timothy 4:8.
    • 286. John 1:12.
    • Acts 16:31.
    • Galatians 2:20.
    • Acts 15:11.

  3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;287 may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory;288 growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,289 who is both the author and finisher of our faith.290

    • 287. Hebrews 5:13,14.
    • Romans 4:19,20.
    • Matthew 6:30.
    • Matthew 8:10.
    • 288. Luke 22:31,32.
    • Ephesians 6:16.
    • 1 John 5:4,5.
    • 289. Hebrews 6:11,12.
    • Hebrews 10:22.
    • Colossians 2:2.
    • 290. Hebrews 12:2.