Saving Faith

In regards to salvation, the 1689 London Baptist Confession states,

1. The grace of faith by which the elect are enabled to believe, so that their souls are saved, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily brought into being by the ministry of the Word. It is also increased and strengthened by the work of the Spirit through the ministry of the Word, and also by the administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God.

Applicable Verses: Luke 17:5; Acts 20:32; Romans 10:14,17; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Peter 2:2.

2. By this faith a Christian believes to be true whatever is revealed in the Word because this Word has the authority of God Himself. Also, by this saving faith, a Christian apprehends an excellency in the Word which is higher than in all other writings and everything else in the world, because the Word shows forth the glory of God, revealing His attributes, showing the excellency of Christ’s nature and offices, and also the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in His workings and operations. – So the Christian is enabled to cast his soul upon the Truth he has believed, and to see and respond to the different kinds of teaching which different passages of Scripture contain. Saving faith equips him to perceive and obey the commands, hear the threatenings with fear and respect, and to embrace the promises of God for this life and the life to come. – But the first and most important acts of saving faith are those directly to do with Christ, when the soul accepts, receives, and rests upon Him alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

Applicable Verses: Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:72; Isaiah 66:2; John 1:12; Jn 15:14; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; 24:14; Galatians 2:20; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 11:13.

3. This faith, although it differs in degree, and may be weak or strong, even at its very weakest is in an entirely different class and has a different nature (like other aspects of saving grace) from the kind of faith and common grace which is possessed by temporary believers. Therefore, though it may be frequently assailed and weakened, it gets the victory, growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, Who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Applicable Verses: Matthew 6:30; Romans 4:19,20; Ephesians 6:16; Col. 2:2; Hebrews 5:13,14; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:4,5.

 
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