WCF 14 – Faith, A Mighty Work of Grace in The Believer or (Part One Of The Components Of Conversion)

WCF 14 – Faith, A Mighty Work of Grace in The Believer or (Part One Of The Components Of Conversion)

Chapter 14:
Of Saving Faith

14:1 The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls (Heb_10:39), is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts (2Co_4:13; Eph_1:17-19; Eph_2:8); and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word (Rom_10:14, Rom_10:17): by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened (Luk_17:5; Act_20:32; Rom_1:16, Rom_1:17; Rom_4:11; 1Pe_2:2).

14:2 By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein (Joh_4:42; Act_24:14; 1Th_2:13; 1Jo_5:10); and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands (Rom_16:26), trembling at the threatenings (Isa_66:2), and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come (1Ti_4:8; Heb_11:13). But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace(Joh_1:12; Act_15:11; Act_16:31; Gal_2:20).

14:3 This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong (Mat_6:30; Mat_8:10; Rom_4:19, Rom_4:20; Heb_5:13, Heb_5:14); may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory(Luk_22:31, Luk_22:32; Eph_6:16; 1Jo_5:4, 1Jo_5:5); growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ (Col_2:2; Heb_6:11, Heb_6:12; Heb_10:22), who is both the author and finisher of our faith (Heb_12:2).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. The Faith To The Saving Of The Souls Is The Work Of The Spirit Of Christ In The Heart (WCF 14.1)

B. The Holy Spirit Works In The Believer To Believe That Which Is Revealed In The Word Regarding: God, Man, Christ. Grace And Faith. (WCF 14.2)

C. Faith Gets The Victory, No Matter The Degree (WCF 14.3)

D. God Is The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith! (WCF 14.3)