Saving Faith, Repentance, and Good Works
Understand the nature of saving faith as resting on Christ, of evangelical repentance as turning from sin to God, and of good works as the fruit and not the root of salvation.
The Standards now describe the graces by which redemption is received and shown. Faith and repentance are the means God requires of us, and good works are their proper fruit, so that the gospel of free grace issues in a transformed life.
Saving faith: receiving and resting on Christ
Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, and the Standards locate its heart in two words: we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel. Faith is more than bare assent to the truth of Scripture; it includes that assent, but it goes further, actually laying hold of Christ for pardon, righteousness, and life. The act of faith is to look away from self to a Saviour outside us.
Because saving faith varies in strength, it may be weak or strong, often assaulted and weakened, yet getting the victory and growing to full assurance. Its smallest true exercise still unites the soul to Christ, for its value lies not in its degree but in its object.
Repentance unto life
Repentance unto life is likewise a saving grace, and the Standards describe it as an evangelical grace, not a mere remorse. It springs from a true sense of sin and an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ, so that the sinner, with grief and hatred of his sin, turns from it to God with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience. Sorrow and hope are held together: the sinner mourns his sin precisely because he has seen the mercy that pardons it.
Faith and repentance are inseparable companions, both wrought by the Spirit and word of God. The Standards refuse to rest repentance on the ground of pardon, yet they insist no one should expect pardon without it, for grace that saves is grace that turns the heart.
Good works: the fruit of faith
Good works are only those the Standards define as done in obedience to God's commandments, not those devised by human invention. They are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith, never its foundation. By them believers show their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, and adorn the gospel before others.
The Standards are careful to give all the glory to grace. Our ability to do good works is wholly from the Spirit of Christ, and even our best works are defiled with imperfection and could never satisfy God or merit pardon. Yet, accepted in Christ, they are truly pleasing to God, who looks upon them with a Father's favour.
Study the full text, Scripture proofs, and commentary on each:
- Read WSC 86 and 87 together and note how faith and repentance each look both to sin and to the mercy of God in Christ.
- Study WCF Ch. 16 and observe carefully why good works can neither merit nor be dispensed with.
- Trace the Scripture proofs on saving faith and consider what is meant by receiving and resting on Christ.
See how this doctrine is stated across the Reformed confessions side by side.
Saving Faith, Repentance, and Good Works →