CHAP. XIV.
Of Saving Faith.
1. The Grace of Faith, whereby the Elect
are enabled to beleive to the saving of their souls, is the work of the
Spirit of Christ (a)
in their hearts; and is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the (b)
Word; by which also, and by the administration of Baptisme, and
the Lords Supper, Prayer and other Means appointed
of God, it is increased, (c)
and strengthned.
a 2 Cor. 4.13. Eph. 2.8.
2. By this Faith, a Christian believeth
to be true, (*) whatsoever is revealed in
the Word, for the Authority of God himself; and also apprehendeth
an excellency therein, (d) above
all other Writings; and all things in the world: as it bears
forth the Glory of God in his Attributes, the excellency
of Christ in his Nature and Offices; and the Power and Fullness
of the Holy Spirit in his Workings, and Operations; and so is enabled
to (e) cast his Soul upon the truth
thus beleived; and also acteth differently, upon that which each particular,
passage thereof containeth; yeilding obedience to the (f)
commands, trembling at the (g) threatnings,
and embracing the (h) promises of
God, for this life, and that which is to come: But the principal
acts of Saving Faith, have immediate relation to Christ, accepting,
receiving, and resting upon (i)
him alone, for Justification, Sanctification, and Eternal Life, by vertue
of the Covenant of Grace.
* Act. 24.14.
3. This Faith although it be different in
degrees, and may be weak, (k) or
strong; yet it is in the least degree of it, different in the kind, or
nature of it (as is all other saving Grace) from the Faith, (l)
and common grace of temporary beleivers; and therefore though it may be
many times assailed, and weakned; yet it gets (m)
the victory; growing up in many, to the attainment of a full (n)
assurance through Christ, who is both the Author (o)
and finisher of our Faith.
k Heb. 5.13.14. Mat. 6.30 Rom. 4.19
20.
