Chapter XIVOf Saving Faith
Text of the 1646 manuscript
About this text
Text public domain · U.S.
1946 transcription of the 1646 manuscript; the copyrighted editorial note is omitted. Source: Wikisource scan transcription.
The 1646 text is public domain; Wikisource omits the 1946 editorial note and identifies the remaining transcription as insufficiently transformative for a new copyright. Rights evidence. Verified 2026-07-14.
The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe 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 the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.
By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. 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.
This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory: growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance, through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.