Article XXII

I. What faith is:

A. As such.

1. Potential and Actual (Active).

a. Potential faith is that given in regeneration.

1) It is the ability to believe–though it is not yet visible.

2) That ability is part of the work of regeneration.

a) Regeneration includes the entire seed of new life.

b) Faith, the potential, is part of that seed.

b. Actual (active) faith is the development of this potential.

1) This is the actual confession which the Christian makes.

2) A confession which arises under the preaching of the Word.

a) God’s Word is applied to the heart.

b) Thus bringing forth this confession.

2. Elements of saving faith:

a. A certain knowledge:

1) A knowledge of facts of the revelation of God.

2) Also the certainty that these facts apply to me personally.

b. An assured confidence.

1) There is not fear, doubt, or question concerning my salvation.

2) But assurance that the just God delivers and preserves me for Jesus’ sake.

B. Its necessity:

1. Faith is not a pre-requisite unto salvation.

a. Such a presentation separates faith from salvation itself.

b. Faith is part of the work of salvation.

2. But faith is a necessary part of salvation.

a. Salvation is not effected apart from faith.

b. But faith is the beginning of the consciousness of salvation in the Christian.

II. The evidence of faith.

A. Negatively:

1. Other forms of “faith.”

a. Miraculous faith.

b. Historical faith.

c. Temporary faith.

2. These must not be confused with true faith.

B. Positively:

1. Belief.

a. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

b. The awareness that Christ is the Source of all blessings.

c. The eating and drinking, spiritually, of Christ.

d. Thus an appropriation of all the benefits of salvation.

2. Thus does one from the heart acknowledge that his whole salvation is out of Christ.

III. The benefit of faith.

A. What that is:

1. Negatively:

a. It is not a “work ” which earns before God.

b. Therefore, nothing in which we can boast.

2. Positively:

a. That which brings to full consciousness of Christ’s work.

b. That which keeps in the consciousness of Christ’s benefits.

B. Faith as an instrument:

1. Set forth as a means ordained by God for the axperience of God’s blessings.

2. Thus repudiates the idea of meritorious faith.

Worksheet

A. Supplementary reading:

1. Scripture: Romans 3 and 4; Gal. 3; Eph. 2.

2. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 7.

3. Canons, IITI-IV; A; 14, 15; rejection of errors: IV.

4. Westminster Catechism, questions 72 and 73.

B. Questions for consideration:

1. If justification is “by faith”, does this not make of faith a work?

2. When is “potential faith” given to the elect of God?

3. What is historical faith?

4. What is temporary faith? What gives rise to this? Scriptural references to it?

5. What is miraculous faith? Can you find Scriptural instances of this?

6. Is faith always the same in believers?

7. What is the position of the Roman Catholic Church on faith and works?

8. What was the statement of Rev, H. De Wolf in the 1953 controversy relating to faith?