“The Westminster Confession says, ‘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 believes to be true whatever is revealed in the word for the authority of God himself speaking therein, and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; 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 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.’
A little consideration of this account of faith will show how full, complete, and scriptural it is. The first thing asserted is that saving faith is not of earthly, but of heavenly origin; that it is not of man, but of God. Faith is the gift of God. It is expressly called a ‘faith of the operation of God.’ ‘Unto you it is given on the behalf of Christ to believe on him.’ ‘God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ When Peter said, ‘You are Christ, the Son of the living God,’ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father who is in heaven.’ This faith is particularly ascribed to the Holy Spirit as its author. He produces it in the heart. So say the Scriptures. ‘The fruit of the Spirit is faith.’ ‘To another is given faith by the same Spirit.’ ‘We having the same Spirit of faith, also believe.’ The reason why saving faith endures, is because it is the incorruptible seed of God.”
- William S. Plumer (1802-1880)
taken from: Vital Godliness
“[William S.] Plumer was an American J.C. Ryle—simple yet profound, heart-searching yet encouraging” — Joel R. Beeke
• Click here to read more by this author.
