1689 14.1

14.1. Of Saving Faith

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 in their hearts; and is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the Word; by which also, and by the administration of Baptisme, and the Lords Supper, Prayer and other Means appointed of God, it is increased, and strengthned.

Proof texts

• 2 Corinthians 4:13 — [13] Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,
• Ephesians 2:8 — [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
• Romans 10:14, 17 — [14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? [17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
• Luke 17:5 — [5] The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
• 1 Peter 2:2 — [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation —
• Acts 20:32 — [32] And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Corinthians 4:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 14.1 · WCF 14.2 · WCF 14.3 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 14.1 · SD 14.2 · SD 14.3