and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Psalm 36:5 |
![]() "Nec tamen consumebatur." Yet the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:2
Chapter XIV. Of Saving Faith
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 believeth to be true whatesoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of god himself speaking therein;5 and acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; 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 principle 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 be 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
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Hebrews 10 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. |
2 Corinthians 4 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.
Ephesians 1
Ephesians 2 |
Romans 10 14, 17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. |
1 Peter 2 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
Acts 20
Romans 4
Luke 17
Romans 1 |
John 4:42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. 1 Thessalonians 2:13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 John 5:10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. Acts 24:14. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. |
Romans 16:26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. |
Isaiah 66:2. For all those things hath mine hand made, and those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. |
Hebrews 11:13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 1 Timothy 4:8. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. |
John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Acts 16:31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Galatians 2:20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Acts 15:11. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. |
Hebrews 5 13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Romans 4
Matthew 6
Matthew 8 |
Luke 22 31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Stan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Ephesians 6
1 John 5 |
Hebrews 6 11-12 And we desire that every one of you do show the same dilligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end; that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 10 |
Hebrews 12 2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. . |