1Heb 10:39; ²2 Cor 4:13; Eph 1:17–19; ³Rom 10:14, 17; ⁴Acts 2:37; 16:30; Jn 16:8–9; Rom 5:6; Eph 2:1; Acts 4:12; ⁵Eph 1:13; ⁶Jn 1:12; Acts 16:31, 10:43; ⁷Phil 3:9; Acts 15:11.

We saw in our previous lesson that faith is the hand by which we receive the grace of justification. This is why it is called ‘justifying faith’ or ‘saving faith’ (WCF 14). In this question, we shall study in greater detail what is this faith.

What is faith? Faith is believing. To have saving faith is to "believe to the saving of the soul" (Heb 10:39). This is as much as what many modern evangelicals will say about faith. But the fact that the New Testament alone speaks about faith almost 250 times would indicate to us there is a lot more we can say about faith. This is why our catechism gives such an elaborate answer!

First, in regard to the nature of faith, we see that it is a ‘saving grace,’ which is given to us as part of our salvation. It is, in other words, a free gift of God (Eph 2:8). It is not something that the Christian can generate from his own heart, or it would be a work (cf. Rom 11:6).

Secondly, the source of this faith is the Holy Spirit. He is for this reason called the "Spirit of faith" (2 Cor 4:13).

Thirdly, as regards the genesis of this faith, it is wrought in the heart of the elect sinner by the Spirit, in conjunction with the ministry or instrumentality of the Word. Thus Paul says: "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:17; cf. Acts 16:14). And elsewhere he describes the creation of faith in heart as the enlightening of our eyes of understanding, through the mighty power of God (Eph 1:18-19). This happens at our regeneration (Eph 2:1, John 3:3).

Fourthly, as to the convictions that leads to faith, it is the sinner’s realisation that he is guilty of damnation and eternal death before God, and that he is powerless to save himself. One who is not convinced that he cannot do anything to save himself out of his lost condition will not come to true saving faith. Where does this conviction come from? It comes through hearing the preaching of God’s word; and through the common operation of God’s Spirit at such times (see Acts 2:37; Heb 6:4). Convictions, as such, must be distinguished from faith. It is possible to have conviction without saving faith. But at the same time it should be noted that it is possible for those who claim to have faith but no conviction, to be, in fact, entertaining a spurious faith.

Fifthly, the content of faith is "the word of truth" or the "the gospel of [our] salvation" in Christ (Eph 1:13). This is why faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). Practically, it means that it is meaningless and useless for anyone to pray that God would increase his faith if he refuses to make use of the means of grace that God has appointed for him.

Sixthly, the object of our faith is "Christ and His righteousness." Having justifying faith involves believe in Christ and His work of redemption. It is meaningless for anyone to claim to have faith while refusing to believe in the Christ of the Scriptures and in the substitutionary nature of His redemptive work.

Finally, as far as the act of faith is concerned, it involves (1) knowing the facts of the Gospel (notitia); (2) assenting to the truth of the promise of the Gospel (assensus); and (3) receiving and resting upon Christ (fiducia). Faith in other words, embraces Christ and believes that He lived and died for him so that God would not only pardon his sins, but receive him as righteous for Christ’s sake. W