Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith
I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,[a] is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,[b] and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the word:[c] by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.[d]
[a] Heb. 10:39.
[b] 2 Cor. 4:13. Eph. 1:17-19. Eph. 2:8.
[c] Rom. 10:14,17.
[d] 1 Pet. 2:2. Acts 20:32. Rom. 4:11. Luke 17:5. Rom. 1:16,17.
II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;[e] and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,[f] trembling at the threatenings,[g] and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.[h] 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.[i]
[e] John 4:42. 1 Thess. 2:13. 1 John 5:10. Acts 24:14.
[f] Rom. 16:26.
[g] Isa. 66:2.
[h] Heb. 11:13. 1 Tim. 4:8.
[i] John 1:12. Acts 16:31. Gal. 2:20. Acts 15:11.
III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;[k] may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory;[l] growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,[m] who is both the author and finisher of our faith.[n]
[k] Heb. 5:13,14. Rom. 4:19,20. Matt. 6:30. Matt. 8:10.
[l] Luke 22:31,32. Eph. 6:16. 1 John 5:4,5.
[m] Heb. 6:11,12. Heb. 10:22. Col. 2:2.
[n] Heb. 12:2.