(From Westminster Confession of Faith.)
Chap. xiv—Of Saving Faith.
I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their soul, 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 power, it is increased and strengthened.
II. 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 for that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.
III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; maybe 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.
For proofs consult your Confession of Faith? Millions confess to be “Christians” and to have faith, but it is not the confession of faith that is so essential to you. Be assured from the Word of God that it is God’s gift to you personally. The true faith cannot do without the Word of God: it will not part with chapter or verse of it. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.” Gal. v. Our fathers told us what was coming on the people of Scotland the day the “Leaders” introduced their foreign “gospel” into the Church. As Alexander Peden said that they would bury Christ in Scotland. He is buried out of the sight of the people in the Word, and Sacraments. Who knows the Lord Jesus Christ to-day in Scotland? Millions profess that they are Christians?
But who knows the Lord Jesus from soul experience, communion, and fellowship with Him in the spirit through the Word? It is our personal opinion that they are very few indeed. The Lord’s people know Him? Yes, we do not doubt that but is it not a fact that they shew by their life, walk, and conversation that they have been with Jesus? How many could speak from soul experience of divine fellowship, the divine presence, and personal soul communion with the Lord? Is it not a fact that the most are quite satisfied with the form without the holy substance—with the bare Word without the spiritual fellowship? J. MacLeod.