Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Sola Fide

31 passages across 10 documents address Sola Fide. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Definition and Biblical Nature of True Faith

"True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also an assured confidence, which the Holy Ghost works by the gospel in my heart; that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"We shall now have a full definition of faith, if we say that it is a firm and sure knowledge of the divine favor toward us, founded on the truth of a free promise in Christ, and revealed to our minds, and sealed on our hearts, by the Holy Spirit." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"And the general nature of faith is thereby so modified, that it does not pass over into a firm and certain knowing, into an objective holding-for-true, but also includes a heartfelt trust in, an entire surrender to, a personal appropriation of the promises of God, bestowed in the gospel." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"True faith is grounded upon knowledge. Knowledge carries the torch before faith." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments (Modernized)]

II. The Divine Ground and Origin of Saving Faith

"The chief and peculiar instrument of justifying faith is the preaching of the gospel." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The author of faith in Jesus Christ is God, whose gift it is, and who works this grace of faith in the soul by his Spirit." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"The fides salvifica was again through and through religious. God’s grace in Christ was its object, the testimony of God in his word was its ground, the H. Spirit was its author." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Hence without the illumination of the Spirit the word has no effect; and hence also it is obvious that faith is something higher than human understanding." [John Calvin - Institutes]

III. Justification by Faith Alone (Sola Fide) as Forensic Imputation

"How art thou righteous before God? Answer. Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; so that, though my conscience accuse me that I have grossly transgressed all the commands of God, and kept none of them, and am still inclined to all evil; notwithstanding God, without any merit of mine, but only of mere grace, grants and imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ; even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin; yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which Christ hath accomplished for me; inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a believing heart."

"We are said to be justified by faith only: 1. Because we are justified by the object of faith alone, that is by the merits of Christ only, without which we can have no righteousness whatever: for we are justified for Christ's sake." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"From this statement, it appears that those who are justified by faith are justified independent of, nay, in the absence of, the merit of works, because faith receives that righteousness which the Gospel bestows." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Faith is a saving grace, not by the act of believing, as an act, for then it would save as a work -- whereas we are saved by faith in opposition to all works; but faith is a saving grace, as an instrument apprehending and applying Jesus Christ and his perfect righteousness, whereby alone we are saved." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"The righteousness that is the ground of justification is a righteousness of God and not of the human being; it comes to the human being only by a gift of grace; it therefore lies ready before his faith in Christ and has need of no supplementation at all." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

IV. Faith as the Instrument, Not the Merit, of Salvation

"so that when we say, we are justified by faith only, the sense is, that it is not by meriting, but only by receiving; as when it is said, This beggar is enriched only by receiving alms, all works and merits are excluded therefrom, yea, even the very acceptance of alms, in as far as it is viewed as a merit." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"We say that faith justifies not because it merits justification for us by its own worth, but because it is an instrument by which we freely obtain the righteousness of Christ." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"the righteousness of Christ is perfect, and sufficient for our justification; and by faith his righteousness is received and made ours in the account of God: therefore we are justified by faith." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Because faith eyes Christ in every duty —it touches the hem of his garment; and through Christ, both the person and the offering are accepted." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments (Modernized)]

V. The Inherent Certitude of Saving Faith Over Against Doubt

"Having this confidence, he trusts and rejoices in the present grace of God, and from this he thus concludes in reference to future good: since God now loves me, and grants unto me such great blessings, he will also preserve me unto eternal life; because he is unchangeable, and his gifts are without repentance." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"To have faith is not to fluctuate, to vary, to be carried up and down, to hesitate, remain in suspense, vacillate, in fine, to despair; it is to possess sure certainty and complete security of mind, to have whereon to rest and fix your foot." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"But however one determines it, faith is in its essence always certainty, excluding all doubt, fear, despair." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"He who truly believes, is as sure to go to heaven as if he were in heaven already." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

VI. The Inseparable Link Between Faith, Sanctification, and Good Works

"By no means; for it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness." "But although it never exists alone, and is always joined with love, by which it works, yet it alone justifies—is the act of embracing and applying to itself the merits of Christ." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"We dream not of a faith which is devoid of good works, nor of a justification which can exist without them: the only difference is, that while we acknowledge that faith and works are necessarily connected, we, however, place justification in faith, not in works." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"True faith is prolific . It brings forth fruit; ... Faith is full of good works. It believes as if it did not work—and it works as if it did not believe." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"We are justified only by faith in Christ's righteousness without us, but this justification is always accompanied with Sanctification, in which a righteousness is wrought within us, without which our justification cannot be true. By the same faith whereby our persons are justified our hearts also are purified." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

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Question 20

Q. Are all people then saved through Christ just as they were lost through Adam?

A. No. Only those are saved who through true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his benefits.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:14; John 3:16, 18, 36; Rom. 11:16–21.

    Matt. 7:14 For narrow [is] the gate and compressed the way that [is] leading to life, and few are those finding it.

    John 3:16, 18, 36 16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life. 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 11:16–21 16 Now if the firstfruit [is] holy, also [is] the lump; and if the root [is] holy, also [are] the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a fellow partaker of the fatness of the root of the olive tree, 18 do not boast over the branches. But if you boast over [them], you do not support the root, but the root you. 19 You will say, then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Rightly so: They were broken off by unbelief, but you have stood by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps He will not spare you.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 322 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Question 21

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These gifts are purely of grace, only because of Christ's merit.

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1–3; James 2:19.

    John 17:3, 17 3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

    Heb. 11:1–3 1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen. 2 For in this the ancients were well-attested. 3 By faith we understand the ages to have been completed thoroughly by the word of God, in order for that being seen not to have come into being out of the things being visible.

    James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well! Even the demons believe [that], and shudder!

  • Rom. 4:18–21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:14–16.

    Rom. 4:18–21 18 who against hope in hope believed, for him to become the father of many nations, according to that having been spoken, “So will your seed be.” 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God, 21 and having been fully assured that what He has promised, He is also able to do.

    5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

    10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    Heb. 4:14–16 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. 16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Matt. 16:15–17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14.

    Matt. 16:15–17 15 He says to them, “But you⁺, who do you⁺ say I am?” 16 And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood did not reveal [it] to you, but My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to attend to the things being spoken by Paul.

  • Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone believing—both to Jew first, and to Greek.

    10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

  • Gal. 2:20.

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10.

    Rom. 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

  • Rom. 3:21–26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–10.

    Rom. 3:21–26 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 59

Q. But how does it help you now that you believe all this?

A. That I am righteous in Christ before God and an heir to life everlasting.

Scripture proofs
  • John 3:36; Rom. 1:17 (Hab. 2:4); Rom. 5:1–2.

    John 3:36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    Hab. 2:4 Behold, one is not puffed up whose soul is upright within him, and the righteous one will live by his faith.

    Rom. 5:1–2 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 552 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 832 shared proof texts

Question 60

Q. How are you righteous before God?

A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments, of never having kept any of them, and of still being inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without any merit of my own, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me— if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:21–28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–9; Phil 3:8–11.

    Rom. 3:21–28 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Phil 3:8–11 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith, 10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection out from the dead.

  • Rom. 3:9–10.

    Rom. 3:9–10 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

  • Rom. 7:23.

    Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

  • Titus 3:4–5.

    Titus 3:4–5 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 4:3–5 (Gen. 15:6); 2 Cor. 5:17–19; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Rom. 4:3–5 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one working, the wage is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

    2 Cor. 5:17–19 17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being! 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 4:24–25; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 4:24–25 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • John 3:18; Acts 16:30–31.

    John 3:18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Acts 16:30–31 30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful12 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 867 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1947 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 61

Q. Why do you say that through faith alone you are righteous?

A. Not because I please God by the worthiness of my faith, for only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness are my righteousness before God, and I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 1:30–31.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

  • Rom. 10:10; 1 John 5:10–12.

    Rom. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    1 John 5:10–12 10 The one believing in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one not believing God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one having the Son has life; the one not having the Son of God does not have life.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 322 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 65

Q. It is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all his benefits: where then does that faith come from?

A. The Holy Spirit works it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.

Scripture proofs
  • John 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:10–14; Eph. 2:8.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    1 Cor. 2:10–14 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23–25.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Peter 1:23–25 23 having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, by the word of God, living and abiding, 24 because, “All flesh [is] like grass, and all the glory of it like a flower of grass. The grass withered, and the flower fell off, 25 but the word of the Lord remains to the age.” And this is the word having been proclaimed [as] good news to you⁺.

  • Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 10:16.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 305 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 595 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 674 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith

We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him. For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then he who has Christ by faith has his salvation entirely. Therefore, to say that Christ is not enough but that something else is needed as well is a most enormous blasphemy against God—for it then would follow that Jesus Christ is only half a Savior.

And therefore we justly say with Paul that we are justified "by faith alone" or by faith "apart from works." However, we do not mean, properly speaking, that it is faith itself that justifies us—for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness. But Jesus Christ is our righteousness crediting to us all his merits and all the holy works he has done for us and in our place. And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits. When those benefits are made ours they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:28.

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 601 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Article 23: The Justification of Sinners

We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works. And the same apostle says that we are justified "freely" or "by grace" through redemption in Jesus Christ.

And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting only on the obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him. That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God's approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves. In fact, if we had to appear before God relying—no matter how little—on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up. Therefore everyone must say with David: "Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified."

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:6.

    Ps. 32:1 Of David. A Maskil. Blessed [is he] with transgression lifted, with sin is covered.

    Rom. 4:6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

  • Rom. 3:24.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 143:2.

    Ps. 143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not anyone alive is righteous before Your face.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 702 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 712 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 7 shared topics

Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners

We believe that this true faith, produced in man by the hearing of God's Word and by the work of the Holy Spirit, regenerates him and makes him a "new man," causing him to live the "new life" and freeing him from the slavery of sin. Therefore, far from making people cold toward living in a pious and holy way, this justifying faith, quite to the contrary, so works within them that apart from it they will never do a thing out of love for God but only out of love for themselves and fear of being condemned. So then, it is impossible for this holy faith to be unfruitful in a human being, seeing that we do not speak of an empty faith but of what Scripture calls "faith working through love," which leads a man to do of himself the works that God has commanded in his Word. These works, proceeding from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable to God, since they are all sanctified by his grace. Yet they do not count toward our justification—for by faith in Christ we are justified, even before we do good works. Otherwise they could not be good, any more than the fruit of a tree could be good if the tree is not good in the first place.

So then, we do good works, but not for merit—for what would we merit? Rather, we are indebted to God for the good works we do, and not he to us, since it is he who "works in us both to will and do according to his good pleasure"—thus keeping in mind what is written: "When you have done all that is commanded you, then you shall say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have done what it was our duty to do.'"

Yet we do not wish to deny that God rewards good works—but it is by his grace that he crowns his gifts. Moreover, although we do good works we do not base our salvation on them; for we cannot do any work that is not defiled by our flesh and also worthy of punishment. And even if we could point to one, memory of a single sin is enough for God to reject that work. So we would always be in doubt, tossed back and forth without any certainty, and our poor consciences would be tormented constantly if they did not rest on the merit of the suffering and death of our Savior.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Cor. 5:17.

    2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being!

  • Rom. 6:4.

    Rom. 6:4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.

  • Gal. 5:6.

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • Phil. 2:13.

    Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.

  • Luke 17:10.

    Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 353 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 753 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 6 shared topics

First Head, Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel

God's anger remains on those who do not believe this gospel. But those who do receive it and embrace Jesus the Savior with a true and living faith are delivered through him from God's anger and from destruction, and receive the gift of eternal life.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 215 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 865 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 725 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topics

First Head, Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith

The cause or blame for this unbelief, as well as for all other sins, is not at all in God, but in man. Faith in Jesus Christ, however, and salvation through him is a free gift of God. As Scripture says, "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is a gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). Likewise: "It has been freely given to you to believe in Christ" (Phil. 1:29).

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 2:8

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Phil. 1:29

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 302 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 211 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 861 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

First Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching concerning election and reprobation, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that the will of God to save those who would believe and persevere in faith and in the obedience of faith is the whole and entire decision of election to salvation, and that nothing else concerning this decision has been revealed in God's Word.

For they deceive the simple and plainly contradict Holy Scripture in its testimony that God does not only wish to save those who would believe, but that he has also from eternity chosen certain particular people to whom, rather than to others, he would within time grant faith in Christ and perseverance. As Scripture says, "I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me" (John 17:6). Likewise, "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48), and "He chose us before the foundation of the world so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4).

Error II.

Who teach that God's election to eternal life is of many kinds: one general and indefinite, the other particular and definite; and the latter in turn either incomplete, revocable, nonperemptory (or conditional), or else complete, irrevocable, and peremptory (or absolute). Likewise, who teach that there is one election to faith and another to salvation, so that there can be an election to justifying faith apart from a peremptory election to salvation.

For this is an invention of the human brain, devised apart from the Scriptures, which distorts the teaching concerning election and breaks up this golden chain of salvation: "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Error III.

Who teach that God's good pleasure and purpose, which Scripture mentions in its teaching of election, does not involve God's choosing certain particular people rather than others, but involves God's choosing, out of all possible conditions (including the works of the law) or out of the whole order of things, the intrinsically unworthy act of faith, as well as the imperfect obedience of faith, to be a condition of salvation; and it involves his graciously wishing to count this as perfect obedience and to look upon it as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For by this pernicious error the good pleasure of God and the merit of Christ are robbed of their effectiveness and people are drawn away, by unprofitable inquiries, from the truth of undeserved justification and from the simplicity of the Scriptures. It also gives the lie to these words of the apostle: "God called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of works, but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (2 Tim. 1:9).

Error IV.

Who teach that in election to faith a prerequisite condition is that man should rightly use the light of nature, be upright, unassuming, humble, and disposed to eternal life, as though election depended to some extent on these factors.

For this smacks of Pelagius, and it clearly calls into question the words of the apostle: "We lived at one time in the passions of our flesh, following the will of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in transgressions, made us alive with Christ, by whose grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with him and seated us with him in heaven in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages we might show the surpassing riches of his grace, according to his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God) not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:3–9).

Error V.

Who teach that the incomplete and nonperemptory election of particular persons to salvation occurred on the basis of a foreseen faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness, which has just begun or continued for some time; but that complete and peremptory election occurred on the basis of a foreseen perseverance to the end in faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness. And that this is the gracious and evangelical worthiness, on account of which the one who is chosen is more worthy than the one who is not chosen. And therefore that faith, the obedience of faith, holiness, godliness, and perseverance are not fruits or effects of an unchangeable election to glory, but indispensable conditions and causes, which are prerequisite in those who are to be chosen in the complete election, and which are foreseen as achieved in them.

This runs counter to the entire Scripture, which throughout impresses upon our ears and hearts these sayings among others: "Election is not by works, but by him who calls" (Rom. 9:11–12); "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48); "He chose us in himself so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4); "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16); "If by grace, not by works" (Rom. 11:6); "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son" (1 John 4:10).

Error VI.

Who teach that not every election to salvation is unchangeable, but that some of the chosen can perish and do in fact perish eternally, with no decision of God to prevent it.

By this gross error they make God changeable, destroy the comfort of the godly concerning the steadfastness of their election, and contradict the Holy Scriptures, which teach that "the elect cannot be led astray" (Matt. 24:24), that "Christ does not lose those given to him by the Father" (John 6:39), and that "those whom God predestined, called, and justified, he also glorifies" (Rom. 8:30).

Error VII.

Who teach that in this life there is no fruit, no awareness, and no assurance of one's unchangeable election to glory, except as conditional upon something changeable and contingent.

For not only is it absurd to speak of an uncertain assurance, but these things also militate against the experience of the saints, who with the apostle rejoice from an awareness of their election and sing the praises of this gift of God; who, as Christ urged, "rejoice" with his disciples "that their names have been written in heaven" (Luke 10:20); and finally who hold up against the flaming arrows of the devil's temptations the awareness of their election, with the question "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" (Rom. 8:33).

Error VIII.

Who teach that it was not on the basis of his just will alone that God decided to leave anyone in the fall of Adam and in the common state of sin and condemnation or to pass anyone by in the imparting of grace necessary for faith and conversion.

For these words stand fast: "He has mercy on whom he wishes, and he hardens whom he wishes" (Rom. 9:18). And also: "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matt. 13:11). Likewise: "I give glory to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and have revealed them to little children; yes, Father, because that was your pleasure" (Matt. 11:25–26).

Error IX.

Who teach that the cause for God's sending the gospel to one people rather than to another is not merely and solely God's good pleasure, but rather that one people is better and worthier than the other to whom the gospel is not communicated.

For Moses contradicts this when he addresses the people of Israel as follows: "Behold, to Jehovah your God belong the heavens and the highest heavens, the earth and whatever is in it. But Jehovah was inclined in his affection to love your ancestors alone, and chose out their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as at this day" (Deut. 10:14–15). And also Christ: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! for if those mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:6

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

  • Acts 13:48

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

  • Eph. 1:4

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

  • Rom. 8:30

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • 2 Tim. 1:9

    2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Eph. 2:3–9

    Eph. 2:3–9 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • Rom. 9:11–12

    Rom. 9:11–12 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 12 not of works but of the One calling, it was said to her, “The greater will serve the lesser.”

  • John 15:16

    John 15:16 You⁺ did not choose Me, but I chose you⁺, and I appointed you⁺ so that you⁺ should go and bear fruit, and [that] your⁺ fruit should remain, so that whatever you⁺ might ask the Father in My name, He may give you⁺.

  • Rom. 11:6

    Rom. 11:6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • 1 John 4:10

    1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [as] a propitiation for our sins.

  • Matt. 24:24

    Matt. 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen.

  • John 6:39

    John 6:39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day.

  • Luke 10:20

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

  • Rom. 8:33

    Rom. 8:33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying.

  • Rom. 9:18

    Rom. 9:18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • Matt. 13:11

    Matt. 13:11 And answering, He said to them, “Because to you⁺ it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to these it has not been given.

  • Matt. 11:25–26

    Matt. 11:25–26 25 In that time, answering, Jesus said, “I acknowledge You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, because You hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and You revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because of this it was good pleasure before You.

  • Deut. 10:14–15

    Deut. 10:14–15 14 Behold, unto YHWH your God [are] the heavens and the heavens of the heavens, the earth and all that [is] in it. 15 Yet in your fathers YHWH delighted to love them, and He chose their seed after them, you⁺, above all peoples, as [it is] this day.

  • Matt. 11:21

    Matt. 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree14 shared proof texts · 12 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling11 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 677 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics

Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death

For it was the entirely free plan and very gracious will and intention of God the Father that the enlivening and saving effectiveness of his Son's costly death should work itself out in all his chosen ones, in order that he might grant justifying faith to them only and thereby lead them without fail to salvation. In other words, it was God's will that Christ through the blood of the cross (by which he confirmed the new covenant) should effectively redeem from every people, tribe, nation, and language all those and only those who were chosen from eternity to salvation and given to him by the Father; that he should grant them faith (which, like the Holy Spirit's other saving gifts, he acquired for them by his death); that he should cleanse them by his blood from all their sins, both original and actual, whether committed before or after their coming to faith; that he should faithfully preserve them to the very end; and that he should finally present them to himself, a glorious people, without spot or wrinkle.

Parallel passages (6+)Scots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election9 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topics

Second Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that God the Father appointed his Son to death on the cross without a fixed and definite plan to save anyone by name, so that the necessity, usefulness, and worth of what Christ's death obtained could have stood intact and altogether perfect, complete and whole, even if the redemption that was obtained had never in actual fact been applied to any individual.

For this assertion is an insult to the wisdom of God the Father and to the merit of Jesus Christ, and it is contrary to Scripture. For the Savior speaks as follows: "I lay down my life for the sheep, and I know them" (John 10:15, 27). And Isaiah the prophet says concerning the Savior: "When he shall make himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the will of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand" (Isa. 53:10). Finally, this undermines the article of the creed in which we confess what we believe concerning the church.

Error II.

Who teach that the purpose of Christ's death was not to establish in actual fact a new covenant of grace by his blood, but only to acquire for the Father the mere right to enter once more into a covenant with men, whether of grace or of works.

For this conflicts with Scripture, which teaches that Christ "has become the guarantee and mediator" of a better—that is, "a new"—"covenant" (Heb. 7:22; 9:15), and that "a will is in force only when someone has died" (Heb. 9:17).

Error III.

Who teach that Christ, by the satisfaction which he gave, did not certainly merit for anyone salvation itself and the faith by which this satisfaction of Christ is effectively applied to salvation, but only acquired for the Father the authority or plenary will to relate in a new way with men and to impose such new conditions as he chose, and that the satisfying of these conditions depends on the free choice of man; consequently, that it was possible that either all or none would fulfill them.

For they have too low an opinion of the death of Christ, do not at all acknowledge the foremost fruit or benefit which it brings forth, and summon back from hell the Pelagian error.

Error IV.

Who teach that what is involved in the new covenant of grace which God the Father made with men through the intervening of Christ's death is not that we are justified before God and saved through faith, insofar as it accepts Christ's merit, but rather that God, having withdrawn his demand for perfect obedience to the law, counts faith itself, and the imperfect obedience of faith, as perfect obedience to the law, and graciously looks upon this as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For they contradict Scripture: "They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood" (Rom. 3:24–25). And along with the ungodly Socinus, they introduce a new and foreign justification of man before God, against the consensus of the whole church.

Error V.

Who teach that all people have been received into the state of reconciliation and into the grace of the covenant, so that no one on account of original sin is liable to condemnation, or is to be condemned, but that all are free from the guilt of this sin.

For this opinion conflicts with Scripture which asserts that we are by nature children of wrath.

Error VI.

Who make use of the distinction between obtaining and applying in order to instill in the unwary and inexperienced the opinion that God, as far as he is concerned, wished to bestow equally upon all people the benefits which are gained by Christ's death; but that the distinction by which some rather than others come to share in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life depends on their own free choice (which applies itself to the grace offered indiscriminately) but does not depend on the unique gift of mercy which effectively works in them, so that they, rather than others, apply that grace to themselves.

For, while pretending to set forth this distinction in an acceptable sense, they attempt to give the people the deadly poison of Pelagianism.

Error VII.

Who teach that Christ neither could die, nor had to die, nor did die for those whom God so dearly loved and chose to eternal life, since such people do not need the death of Christ.

For they contradict the apostle, who says: "Christ loved me and gave himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20), and likewise: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died," that is, for them (Rom. 8:33–34). They also contradict the Savior, who asserts: "I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:15), and "My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12–13).

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:15, 27

    John 10:15, 27 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

  • Isa. 53:10

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

  • Heb. 7:22; 9:15

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • Heb. 9:17

    Heb. 9:17 For a covenant [is] firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made [it] is living,

  • Rom. 3:24–25

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Gal. 2:20

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • John 10:15

    John 10:15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.

  • John 15:12–13

    John 15:12–13 12 This is My commandment, that you⁺ should love one another as I have loved you⁺. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 714 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth: not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness, by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.

2. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.

3. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them; and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead; and both, freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.

4. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and, although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.

6. The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the new testament.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 5:15–16.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 5:15–16 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22–28; Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Titus 3:5, 7 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • John 1:12; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38–39; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 2:7–8; John 6:44–45, 65; Phil. 1:29.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:7–8 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • John 3:18, 36; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1.

    John 3:18, 36 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • James 2:17, 22, 26; Gal. 5:6.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19; Gal. 3:13; 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 1:3; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan. 9:24, 26. (See Isa. 52:13–53:12.)

    Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    Heb. 10:10, 14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 52:13–53:12 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Rom. 8:32; John 3:16.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:6–9; Isa. 53:10–11.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Eph. 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

    Phil. 2:6–9 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name,

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities.

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7; Zech. 9:9; Isa. 45:21.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

    Isa. 45:21 Declare [it] and approach, even let them take counsel together: Who has reported this from of old, from that time having declared it? Is it not I, YHWH? And [there is] no other God besides Me, and a righteous God bringing salvation [there is] none besides Me.

  • Rom. 8:29–30; Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2, 19–20.

    Rom. 8:29–30 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2, 19–20 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺. 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

  • Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Eph. 2:3; Titus 3:3–7; Gal. 2:16. (Cf. Col. 1:21–22.)

    Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

    Titus 3:3–7 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 5:1–5; Rom. 8:30–39; Heb. 10:14 (cf. Luke 22:32); John 10:28.

    Rom. 5:1–5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only [so], but also we boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

    Rom. 8:30–39 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified. 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:30–33; Ps. 51; Ps. 32:5; Matt. 26:75; Luke 1:20; 1 Cor. 11:30, 32.

    Ps. 89:30–33 30 If his sons should abandon My instruction, and do not walk in My ordinances, 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until that day these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season.”

    1 Cor. 11:30, 32 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9, 13–14; Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24; Rom. 10:6–13; Heb. 13:8.

    Gal. 3:9, 13–14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,” 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

    Rom. 10:6–13 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks thus: “You should not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring down Christ), 7 or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ (that is, to bring up Christ out from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith that we proclaim, 9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus [is] Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him out from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him, 13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7021 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6020 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7120 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Scripture proofs
  • Titus 1:1; Heb. 10:39.

    Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth that [is] according to godliness,

    Heb. 10:39 But we are not of [those] shrinking back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving [of] the soul.

  • 1 Cor. 12:3; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; John 6:44–45, 65; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29; 2 Peter 1:1. (See 1 Peter 1:2.)

    1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you⁺ that no one speaking in the Spirit of God says, “Jesus [is] accursed,” and no one is able to say, “Jesus [is] Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    Titus 3:5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

    John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

    2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those having obtained a faith equally precious with ours, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

  • Matt. 28:19–20; Rom. 10:14, 17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    Rom. 10:14, 17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

  • 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32; Rom. 1:16–17; Matt. 28:19 (see Acts 2:38); 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:23–29; Luke 17:5; Phil. 4:6–7.

    1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the reasonable, unspoiled milk, so that in it you⁺ may grow up into salvation,

    Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

    Rom. 1:16–17 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone believing—both to Jew first, and to Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

    1 Cor. 11:23–29 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

    Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Add to our faith!”

    Phil. 4:6–7 6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, will guard your⁺ hearts and your⁺ minds in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Peter 1:20–21; John 4:42; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 5:9–10; Acts 24:14.

    2 Peter 1:20–21 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

    John 4:42 And they were saying to the woman, “No longer because of your speech do we believe; for we ourselves have heard, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

    1 Thess. 2:13 And because of this, we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of God, hearing from us, you⁺ accepted, not the word of men, but just as truly it is, the word of God, which also works in you⁺, those believing.

    1 John 5:9–10 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one believing in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one not believing God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning His Son.

    Acts 24:14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things throughout the Law and that have been written in the Prophets,

  • Ps. 119:10–11, 48, 97–98, 167–168; John 14:15.

    Ps. 119:10–11, 48, 97–98, 167–168 10 With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. 11 In my heart I have hidden Your word, that I should not sin against You. 48 And I will lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate on Your statutes. 97 Oh, how I love Your law! All the day, it [is] my meditation. 98 [By] Your commandment You make me wiser than my enemies; for, it [is] with me forever. 167 My soul has kept Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies, because all my ways [are] before You.

    John 14:15 If you⁺ love Me, you⁺ will keep My commandments.

  • Ezra 9:4; Isa. 66:2; Heb. 4:1.

    Ezra 9:4 And they assembled to me—everyone trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the exiles. And I sat appalled until the sacrifice of the evening.

    Isa. 66:2 And all these [things] My own hand has made, and all these [things] have come to be!” a declaration of YHWH. “And to this one I will look: To the poor and stricken one in spirit, and [who] trembles at My word.

    Heb. 4:1 Therefore we should fear, lest ever, the promise to enter into His rest left remaining, any of you⁺ should seem to have fallen short.

  • Heb. 11:13; 1 Tim. 4:8.

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

    1 Tim. 4:8 For bodily exercise is to a little profit, but godliness is profitable for everything, having the promise of the present life and of the one about to be.

  • John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Gal. 2:20; Acts 15:11; 2 Tim. 1:9–10.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

    Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”

    2 Tim. 1:9–10 9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • Heb. 5:13–14; Rom. 14:1–2; Matt. 6:30; Rom. 4:19–20; Matt. 8:10.

    Heb. 5:13–14 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.

    Rom. 14:1–2 1 And receive the one being weak in the faith, not for passing judgment on reasonings. 2 Indeed, one believes to eat all things, but the one being weak eats vegetables.

    Matt. 6:30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith?

    Rom. 4:19–20 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God,

    Matt. 8:10 And having heard, Jesus marveled and said to those following, “Truly I say to you⁺, with no one in Israel did I find such great faith.

  • Luke 22:31–32; Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4–5.

    Luke 22:31–32 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked for all of you⁺ to sift like wheat. 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    Eph. 6:16 in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

    1 John 5:4–5 4 For everyone having been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory having overcome the world: our faith. 5 Now who is the one overcoming the world, except the one believing that Jesus is the Son of God?

  • Heb. 6:11–12; Heb. 10:22; Col. 2:2.

    Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

    Heb. 10:22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water.

    Col. 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God: Christ,

  • Heb. 12:2.

    Heb. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith26 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7210 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 10810 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 219 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1779 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper8 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 30

Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:12–16; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 2:12–16 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • John 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:9; Eph. 3:17.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

    1 Cor. 1:9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

    Eph. 3:17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 597 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 663 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 33

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:24.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 4:6, 11; Rom. 5:19.

    Rom. 4:6, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7010 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 605 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 715 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts

Question 86

Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 2:8–9. (Cf. Rom. 4:16.)

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Rom. 4:16 Because of this [it is] of faith, so that [it may be] according to grace for the promise to be sure to all the seed, not only to that of the law, but also to that of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

  • John 20:30–31; Gal. 2:15–16; Phil. 3:3–11.

    John 20:30–31 30 Therefore indeed Jesus also did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these have been written so that you⁺ may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you⁺ may have life in His name.

    Gal. 2:15–16 15 We by nature Jews and not “sinners of the Gentiles,” 16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:3–11 3 For we are the circumcision, those worshiping in the Spirit of God and boasting in Christ Jesus, and not having put confidence in the flesh— 4 though I have confidence even in the flesh. If any other thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I more: 5 circumcision [on] the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee; 6 according to zeal, persecuting the church; according to righteousness that [is] in the law, having become blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, these I have deemed loss because of Christ. 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith, 10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection out from the dead.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 607 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 606 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 70

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:22, 24–25; Rom. 4:5.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

  • Jer. 23:6; Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28.

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7.

    Titus 3:5, 7 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 4:6–8, 11; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification21 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3310 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man8 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 72

Q. What is justifying faith?

A. Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 10:39.

    Heb. 10:39 But we are not of [those] shrinking back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving [of] the soul.

  • 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 1:17–19; 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    Eph. 1:17–19 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength,

    1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you⁺ that no one speaking in the Spirit of God says, “Jesus [is] accursed,” and no one is able to say, “Jesus [is] Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

  • Rom. 10:14–17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

  • Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30; John 16:8–9; Rom. 6:6; Eph. 2:1; Acts 4:12.

    Acts 2:37 And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?”

    Acts 16:30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?”

    John 16:8–9 8 And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment: 9 concerning sin indeed, because they do not believe in Me;

    Rom. 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin.

    Eph. 2:1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins—

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

  • Eph. 1:13; Heb. 11:13.

    Eph. 1:13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

  • John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Acts 10:43; Zech. 3:8–9.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Zech. 3:8–9 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your companions sitting before you, for they [are] men of a sign: Now behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the Branch. 9 For behold, the stone that I have given before the face of Joshua, upon a single stone [with] seven eyes, behold, I am engraving its inscription, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

  • Phil. 3:9; Acts 15:11.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 73

Q. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?

A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 3:11; Rom. 3:28.

    Gal. 3:11 Now [it is] evident that no one is justified before God in the law, because, “The righteous will live out of faith.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Rom. 4:5; Rom. 10:10.

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Rom. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

  • John 1:12; Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:16.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter III: Of Original Sin

By which transgression, commonly called original sin, was the image of God utterly defaced in man. And he and his posterity of nature became enemies to God, slaves to Satan, and servants to sin (Eph. 2; Rom. 5), that death everlasting has had, and insofar will have, power and domination over all that have not been, are not, or will not be regenerated from above (John 3). Which regeneration is wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost (Rom. 5–6) working in the hearts of the elect of God, an assured faith in the promises of God revealed to us in His Word, by which faith they apprehend Christ Jesus with the graces and benefits promised in Him.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 3: Total Inability8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 677 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof7 shared topics

Chapter VIII: Election

For that same eternal God and Father, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus His Son before the foundation of the world was laid (Eph. 1), appointed Him to be our Head, our brother (Heb. 2), our pastor, and great bishop of our souls (John 10). But because the enmity betwixt the justice of God and our sins was such that no flesh by itself could or might have attained unto God, it behooved that the Son of God should descend unto us and take Himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bones of our bones: and so become the perfect mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as believe in Him to be the sons of God (John 1). As He Himself does witness, "I pass up to my Father and unto your Father, to my God and unto your God" (John 20). By which most holy fraternity, whatsoever we have lost in Adam is restored to us again. And for this cause are we not afraid to call God our Father, not so much that He has created us (which we have common with the reprobate) as for that, that He has given to us His only Son, to be our brother, and given unto us grace to acknowledge and embrace Him for our only mediator, as before was said. It behooved further the Messiah and Redeemer to be very God and very man because He was to undergo the punishment due for our transgressions (Isa. 53), and to present Himself in the presence of His Father's judgment as in our person to suffer for our transgression and disobedience by death, to overcome him that was author of death. But because the only Godhead could not suffer death, neither yet could the only manhood overcome the same, He joined both together in one person that the weakness of the one should suffer and be subject to death (which we had deserved), and the infinite and invincible power of the other, to wit, of the Godhead, should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty, and perpetual victory. And so we confess and most undoubtedly believe.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World11 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared topics

Chapter XV: The Perfection of the Law and Imperfection of Man

The Law of God we confess and acknowledge most just, most equal, most holy, and most perfect (Rom. 7; Ps. 19), commanding those things which being wrought in perfection were able to give life and to bring man to eternal felicity (Deut. 5). But our nature is so corrupt, so weak, and so imperfect (Rom. 10) that we are never able to fulfill the works of the Law in perfection. Yes, if we say we have no sin (even after we are regenerate, 1 John 1), we deceive ourselves and the verity of God is not in us. And, therefore, it behooves us to apprehend Christ Jesus with His justice and satisfaction, who is the end and accomplishment of the Law (Rom. 10), by whom we are set at this liberty (Gal. 3) that the curse and malediction of the Law (Deut. 26) fall not upon us, albeit we fulfill not the same in all points (Eph. 1; Rom. 4). For God the Father beholding us in the body of His Son Christ Jesus, accepts our imperfect obedience as it were perfect, and covers our works, which are defiled with many spots, with the justice of His Son. We do not mean that we are set so at liberty that we owe no obedience to the Law (for that before we have plainly confessed). But this we affirm that no man in earth (Christ Jesus only excepted) has given, gives, or will give in work that obedience to the Law which the Law requires (Luke 10). But when we have done all things, we must fall down and unfeignedly confess that we are unprofitable servants. And, therefore, whosoever boast themselves of the merits of their own works or put their trust in the works of supererogation boast themselves of that which is not, and put their trust in damnable idolatry.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 16: The Doctrine of Election4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topics

Chapter XXV: The Gifts Freely Given to the Church

Albeit that the Word of God truly preached, the sacraments rightly ministered and discipline executed according to the Word of God, be the certain and infallible signs of the true kirk, yet do we not so mean that every particular person joined with such a company is an elect member of Christ Jesus. For we acknowledge and confess that darnel, cockle, and chaff may be sown, grow and in great abundance lie in the midst of the wheat (Matt. 3, 13), that is, the reprobate may be joined in the society of the elect and may externally use with them the benefits of the Word and sacraments; but such being but temporal professors in mouth, but not in heart, do fall back and continue not to the end. And, therefore, have they no fruit of Christ's death, resurrection, nor ascension; but such as whose heart unfeignedly believe (Rom. 10) and whose mouth boldly confess the Lord Jesus (as before we have said) will most assuredly receive these gifts first in this life, remission of sins, and that by only faith in Christ's blood (John 3; Rom. 3–5, 8), in so much that albeit sin remains and continually abides in these our mortal bodies, yet is it not imputed unto us, but is remitted and covered with Christ's justice. Secondarily, in the general judgment there will be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh (Isa. 66; Dan. 12; 1 Cor. 15; Job 19); for the sea will give up her dead, the earth those that therein be enclosed: yes, our eternal God will stretch out His hand upon the dust and the dead will arise incorruptible and that in the substance of the selfsame flesh that every man now bears, to receive according to their works, glory, or punishment (Rom. 2). For such as now dealt in vanity, cruelty, filthiness, superstition, or idolatry will be adjudged to that fire inextinguishable in which they will be committed for ever (Rev. 20–21), as well in their own bodies as in their souls which now they give to serve the devil in all abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing the Lord Jesus, who constantly believe that they will receive glory, honor, and immortality to reign forever in life everlasting with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified body all His elect will be made like (1 John 5), when He will appear again to judgment and will render up the kingdom to God His Father, who then will be and ever will remain all in all things (1 Cor. 15), God blessed forever. To whom with the Son and with the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, now and ever.

Finis

Arise, O Lord, and let Thy enemies be confounded, let them flee from Thy presence that hate Thy godly name. Give Thy servants strength to speak Thy word in boldness, and let all nations attain to Thy true knowledge. So be it.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World10 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit7 shared topics

Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful

To justify, in the apostle's disputation touching justification, signifies to remit sin, to absolve from the fault and the punishment thereof, to receive into favor, to pronounce a man just. For the apostle says to the Romans, "God is He that justifieth; who is he that can condemn?" (Rom. 8:33–34) where to justify and to condemn are opposed. And in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle says, "Through Christ is preached unto you forgiveness of sins; and from all things (from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses) by Him, every one that believeth is justified" (Acts 13:38–39). For in the Law also and in the prophets, we read that "If a controversy were risen amongst any, and they came to judgment, the judge should judge them; that is, justify the righteous, and make wicked, or condemn, the wicked" (Deut. 25:1). And in Isaiah, "Woe to them which justify the wicked for rewards" (5:23).

Now it is most certain that we are all by nature sinners, and before the judgment seat of God convicted of ungodliness and guilty of death. But we are justified, that is, acquitted from sin and death by God the Judge through the grace of Christ alone, and not by any respect or merit of ours. For what is more plain than that which Paul says? "All have sinned, and are destitute of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:23–24). For Christ took upon Himself and bare the sins of the world and satisfied the justice of God. God, therefore, is merciful unto our sins, for Christ alone, that suffered and rose again, and does not impute them unto us. But He imputes the righteousness of Christ unto us for our own: so that now we are not only cleansed from sin, and purged, and holy, but also endued with the righteousness of Christ; yes, and acquitted from sin, death, and condemnation (2 Cor. 5:19–21); finally, we are righteous and heirs of eternal life. To speak properly, then, it is God alone that justifies us, and that only for Christ by not imputing unto us our sins, but imputing Christ's righteousness unto us (Rom. 4:23–25).

But because we receive this justification, not by any works, but by faith in the mercy of God, and in Christ; therefore, we teach and believe with the apostle that sinful man is justified only by faith in Christ, not by the Law, or by any works. For the apostle says, "We conclude that man is justified by faith, without the works of the law" (Rom. 3:28). "If Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to boast; but not with God: for what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness, but to him that worketh not, but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6). And again; "Ye are saved by grace through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works lest any might have cause to boast" (Eph. 2:8–9). Therefore, because faith apprehends Christ our righteousness and attributes all to the praise of God in Christ, in this respect justification is attributed to faith, chiefly because of Christ whom it receives, and not because it is a work of ours; for it is the gift of God.

Now that we do receive Christ by faith, the Lord shows at large (John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58) where He puts eating for believing, and believing for eating. For as by eating we receive meat, so by believing we are made partakers of Christ. Therefore, we do not part the benefit of justification, giving part to the grace of God or to Christ, and part to ourselves, our charity, works or merit; but we attribute it wholly to the praise of God in Christ, and that through faith. Moreover, our charity and our works cannot please God, if they are done of such as are not just; wherefore, we must first be just before we can love or do any just works. We are made just (as we have said) through faith in Christ, by the mere grace of God; who does not impute unto us our sins, but imputes unto us the righteousness of Christ; yes, and our faith in Christ He imputes for righteousness unto us. Moreover, the apostle plainly derives love from faith, saying, "The end of the commandment is love, proceeding from a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned" (1 Tim. 1:5).

Wherefore, in this matter we speak not of a feigned, vain, or dead faith, but of a lively and quickening faith; which, for Christ (who is life, and gives life) whom it apprehends, both is indeed, and is so called, a lively faith, and proves itself to be lively, by lively works. And, therefore, James does not speak contrary to our doctrine, for he speaks of a vain and dead faith, which certain bragged of but did not have Christ living within them by faith. And James also says that works do justify (2:14–16); yet he is not contrary to Paul (for then he would be rejected), but he shows that Abraham declared his lively and justifying faith by works. And so do all the godly, who yet trust in Christ alone, not to their own works. For the apostle said again, "I live, howbeit not I, but Christ liveth in me. But the life which now I live, in the flesh, I live through the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not despise the grace of God, for if righteousness is by the law, then Christ died in vain" (Gal. 2:20–21).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • Acts 13:38–39

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

  • Deut. 25:1

    Deut. 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, and they come to the court, they are to be judged, and the righteous shall be declared righteous, and the wicked condemned.

  • Rom. 3:23–24

    Rom. 3:23–24 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • 2 Cor. 5:19–21

    2 Cor. 5:19–21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 4:23–25

    Rom. 4:23–25 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Rom. 3:28

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6

    Rom. 4:2–3, 5 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a ground of boasting, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

  • Eph. 2:8–9

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58

    John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58 27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.” 33 For the bread of God is the One coming down out of heaven and giving life to the world.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your⁺ fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.”

  • 1 Tim. 1:5

    1 Tim. 1:5 Now the goal of [our] charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,

  • Gal. 2:20–21

    Gal. 2:20–21 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness [is] through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6012 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7610 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 215 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit

Christian faith is not an opinion or human persuasion, but a sure trust and an evident and steadfast assent of the mind; to be most brief, a most sure comprehension of the truth of God set forth in the Scriptures and in the Apostles' Creed; yes and of God Himself, the chief blessedness; and especially of God's promise, and of Christ, who is the consummation of all the promises. And this faith is the mere gift of God because God alone of His power gives it to His elect according to measure; and that when, to whom, and how much He will; and that by His Holy Spirit, through the means of preaching the gospel and of faithful prayer. This faith has also her increases; which unless they were likewise given of God, the apostles would never have said, "Lord, increase, our faith" (Luke 17:5).

Now all these things which we have said before of faith, the apostles taught them before us, even as we set them down. For Paul says, "Faith is the ground," or sure subsistence, "of things hoped for, and the evidence," or clear and certain comprehension, "of things which are not seen" (Heb. 11:1). And again he says that "All the promises of God in Christ are Yea, and in Christ are Amen" (2 Cor. 1:20). And the same apostle says to the Philippians that "it was given them to believe in Christ" (Phil. 1:29). And also, "God doth distribute unto every man a measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3). And again, "All men have not faith" (2 Thess. 3:2); and "All do not obey the gospel" (2 Thess. 1:8). Besides, Luke witnesses and says, "As many as were ordained to life, believed" (Acts 13:48). And, therefore, Paul also calls faith, "the faith of God's elect" (Titus 1:1). And again, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). And in other places he often wishes men to pray for faith. And the same also calls faith "powerful, and that showeth itself by love" (Gal. 5:6).

This faith pacifies the conscience and opens to us a free access unto God; that with confidence we may come unto Him and may obtain at His hands whatsoever is profitable and necessary. The same faith keeps us in our duty which we owe to God and to our neighbor and fortifies our patience in adversity: it frames and makes a true confession, and (in a word) it brings forth good fruit of all sorts; and good works (which are good indeed) proceed from a lively faith, by the Holy Ghost, and are done of the faithful according to the will or rule of God's Word. For Peter the apostle says, "Therefore, giving all diligence thereunto, join moreover virtue with your faith, and with virtue knowledge, and with knowledge temperance" (2 Peter 1:5–6).

It was said before that the law of God, which is the will of God, prescribes unto us the pattern of good works. And the apostle says, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from all uncleanness, and that no man oppress or deceive his brother in any matter" (1 Thess. 4:3, 6). But as for such works and worship of God as are taken up upon our own liking, which St. Paul calls "will-worship" (Col. 2:23), they are not allowed nor liked of God. Of such the Lord says in the gospel, "They worship Me in vain, teaching for doctrine the precepts of men" (Matt. 15:9).

We, therefore, disallow all such manner of works, and we approve and urge men unto such as are according to the will and commandment of God. Yes, and these same works that are agreeable to God's will must be done, not to the end to merit eternal life by them; for "life everlasting," as the apostle says, "is the gift of God" (Rom. 6:23), nor for ostentation's sake, which the Lord rejects (Matt. 6:1, 5, 16), nor for lucre, which also He dislikes (Matt. 23:23), but to the glory of God to commend and set forth our calling and to yield thankfulness unto God, and also for the profit of our neighbors. For the Lord says again in the gospel, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Likewise the apostle Paul says, "Walk worthy of your calling" (Eph. 4:1). Also, "Whatsoever ye do," he says, "either in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him" (Col. 3:17). "Let no man seek his own his own, but every man his brother's" (Phil. 2:4). And, "Let ours also learn to show forth good works for necessary uses; that they be not unprofitable" (Titus 3:14).

Notwithstanding, therefore, that we teach, with the apostle, that a man is justified by faith in Christ and not by any good works (Rom. 3:28), yet we do not lightly esteem or condemn good works: because we know that a man is not created or regenerated through faith that he should be idle, but rather that without ceasing he should do those things which are good and profitable. For in the gospel the Lord says, "A good tree bringeth forth good fruit" (Matt. 12:33); and again, "Whosoever abideth in Me, bringeth forth much fruit" (John 15:5). And lastly, the apostle says, "We are the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). And again, "Who gave Himself for us, that He might deliver us from all iniquity, and purge us to be a peculiar people to Himself, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). We, therefore, condemn all those which do condemn good works, and do babble that they are needless and not to be regarded. Nevertheless, as was said before, we do not think that we are saved by good works, or that they are so necessary to salvation that no man was ever saved without them. For we are saved by grace and by the benefit of Christ alone. Works do necessarily proceed from faith: but salvation is improperly attributed to them, which is most properly ascribed to grace. That sentence of the apostle is very notable: "If by grace, then not of works; for then grace were no more grace: but if of works, then is it not of grace; for then works were no more works" (Rom. 11:6).

Now the works which we do are accepted and allowed of God through faith because they which do them please God by faith in Christ, and also the works themselves are done by the grace of God through His Holy Spirit. For St. Peter says that "Of every nation, he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him" (Acts 10:35). And Paul also, "We cease not to pray for you, that ye may walk worthy of the Lord, and in all things please Him, being fruitful in very good work" (Col. 1:9–10).

Here, therefore, we diligently teach, not false and philosophical, but true virtues, true good works, and the true duties of a Christian man. And this we do with all the diligence and earnestness that we can inculcate and beat into men's minds; sharply reproving the slothfulness and hypocrisy of all those who with their mouths praise and profess the gospel, and yet with their shameful life do dishonor the same; setting before their eyes, in this case, God's horrible threatening, large promises, and bountiful rewards, and that by exhorting, comforting, and rebuking.

For we teach that God bestows great rewards on them that do good, according to that saying of the prophet, "Refrain thy voice from weeping, because thy work shall have a reward" (Jer. 31:16). In the gospel also the Lord said, "Rejoice, and be glad, because your reward is great in the heavens" (Matt. 5:12). And, "He that shall give to one of these little ones a cup of cold water, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward" (Matt. 10:42). Yet we do not attribute this reward, which God gives, to the merit of the man that receives it, but to the goodness, or liberality, and truth of God, which promises and gives it: who although He owes nothing unto any, yet He has promised to give a reward to those that faithfully worship Him, notwithstanding that He also gives them grace to worship Him. Besides, there are many things unworthy of the majesty of God, and many imperfect things are found in the works even of the saints; and yet because God receives into favor and embraces those who work them for Christ's sake, therefore, He performs unto them the promised reward. For otherwise, our righteousnesses are compared to a menstruous cloth (Isa. 64:6); yes, and the Lord in the gospel says, "When ye have done all things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; that which we ought to do, we have done" (Luke 17:10).

So that though we teach that God gives a reward to our good deeds, yet withal we teach with Augustine that "God doth crown in us, not our deserts, but His own gifts." And, therefore, whatsoever reward we receive, we say that it is a grace, and rather a grace than a reward: because those good things which we do, we do them rather by God than by ourselves; and because Paul says, "What hast thou that thou hast not received? but if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast, as though thou hadst not received it?" (1 Cor. 4:7). Which thing also the blessed martyr Cyprian gathers out of this place, that "we must not boast of anything, seeing nothing is our own." We, therefore, condemn those who defend the merits of men that they may frustrate the grace of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 17:5

    Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Add to our faith!”

  • Heb. 11:1

    Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen.

  • 2 Cor. 1:20

    2 Cor. 1:20 For as many as [are] the promises of God, in Him [is] the “Yes.” Therefore also through Him the “Amen” through us [is] for glory to God.

  • Phil. 1:29

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • Rom. 12:3

    Rom. 12:3 For through the grace having been given to me, I say to everyone being among you⁺ not to be high-minded above what it is necessary to think, but to think so as to be sound-minded, as God allotted to each a measure of faith.

  • 2 Thess. 3:2

    2 Thess. 3:2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for the faith [is] not unto all.

  • 2 Thess. 1:8

    2 Thess. 1:8 in a fire of flame, giving vengeance on those not knowing God and on those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus,

  • Acts 13:48

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

  • Titus 1:1

    Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth that [is] according to godliness,

  • Rom. 10:17

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

  • Gal. 5:6

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • 2 Peter 1:5–6

    2 Peter 1:5–6 5 Now also for this very [reason], having brought in all diligence, supply in your⁺ faith virtue, and in virtue knowledge, 6 and in knowledge self-control, and in self-control perseverance, and in perseverance godliness,

  • 1 Thess. 4:3, 6

    1 Thess. 4:3, 6 3 For this is the will of God—your⁺ sanctification: [for] you⁺ to abstain from sexual immorality; 6 not to go beyond and to take advantage of his brother in the matter, because the Lord [is] avenging concerning all these things, just as also we said before to you⁺ and earnestly testified.

  • Col. 2:23

    Col. 2:23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.

  • Matt. 15:9

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

  • Rom. 6:23

    Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Matt. 6:1, 5, 16

    Matt. 6:1, 5, 16 1 “And beware not to do your⁺ righteousness before men in order to be seen by them. Otherwise, you⁺ have no reward from your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens. 5 And when you⁺ may pray, you⁺ shall not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they might be seen by men. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full. 16 And when you⁺ may fast, do not be as the hypocrites, gloomy-faced; for they disfigure their faces so that they might appear to men [as] fasting. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full.

  • Matt. 23:23

    Matt. 23:23 Woe to you⁺, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you⁺ pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin, and you⁺ left aside the weightier [things] of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. And it was necessary to do these, and those not to leave aside.

  • Matt. 5:16

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

  • Eph. 4:1

    Eph. 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you⁺ to walk worthily of the calling to which you⁺ were called,

  • Col. 3:17

    Col. 3:17 And everything, whatever you⁺ may do in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

  • Phil. 2:4

    Phil. 2:4 each looking at not the things of yourselves, but each also the things of others.

  • Titus 3:14

    Titus 3:14 And also let our [people] learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.

  • Rom. 3:28

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Matt. 12:33

    Matt. 12:33 Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. For by the fruit, the tree is known.

  • John 15:5

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

  • Eph. 2:10

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • Titus 2:14

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • Rom. 11:6

    Rom. 11:6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • Acts 10:35

    Acts 10:35 but in every nation the one fearing Him and working righteousness is acceptable to Him,

  • Col. 1:9–10

    Col. 1:9–10 9 Because of this, we also from the day we heard do not cease praying for you⁺ and asking that you⁺ may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding 10 to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God,

  • Jer. 31:16

    Jer. 31:16 Thus says YHWH: “Restrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for there will be reward for your work, a declaration of YHWH, and they will return from the land of the enemy.

  • Matt. 5:12

    Matt. 5:12 Rejoice and exult, because your⁺ reward [is] great in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you⁺.

  • Matt. 10:42

    Matt. 10:42 And whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones merely a cup of cold [water] in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you⁺, he shall certainly not lose his reward.”

  • Isa. 64:6

    Isa. 64:6 And all of us have become like an unclean one, all our righteous acts [are] as a filthy rag; and all of us wither like the leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

  • Luke 17:10

    Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”

  • 1 Cor. 4:7

    1 Cor. 4:7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if also you did receive [it], why do you boast as not having received [it]?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 11 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting, and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness, they receiving, and resting on him, and his righteousness, by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.

2. Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ, and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.

3. Christ, by his obedience, and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified; and did by the sacrifice of himself, in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead, the penalty due unto them: make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf: yet in as much as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners.

4. God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit, doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification; yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that condition, they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith, and repentance.

6. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:24; Rom. 8:30.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Phil. 3:8–9; Eph. 2:8–10.

    Phil. 3:8–9 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • John 1:12; Rom. 5:17.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Rom. 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ!

  • Rom. 3:28.

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Gal.5:6; James 2:17, 22, 26.

    Gal.5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

  • Heb. 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Isa. 53:5–6.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    Isa. 53:5–6 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 1:6–7; Eph. 2:7.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 1:6–7 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

  • Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 2:6.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

  • Rom. 4:25.

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Col. 1:21–22; Titus 3:4–7.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

    Titus 3:4–7 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • John 10:28.

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:31–33.

    Ps. 89:31–33 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

  • Ps. 32:5; Ps. 51; Matt. 26:75.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9; Rom. 4:22–24.

    Gal. 3:9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham.

    Rom. 4:22–24 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7014 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6013 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7112 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith

1. 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 baptism, and the Lord's Supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and strengthened.

2. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true, whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself; and also apprehendeth an excellency therein, above all other writings; and all things in the world: as it bears forth the glory of God in his attributes, the excellency of Christ in his nature and offices, and the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in his workings, and operations; and so is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth thus believed; and also 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 have immediate relation to Christ, accepting, receiving, and resting upon him alone, for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

3. This faith although it be in different degrees, and may be weak, or strong; yet it is in the least degree of it, different in the kind, or nature of it (as is all other saving grace) from the faith, and common grace of temporary believers; and therefore though it may be many times assailed, and weakened; yet it 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.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 2:8.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 10:14, 17.

    Rom. 10:14, 17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

  • Luke 17:5; 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32.

    Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Add to our faith!”

    1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the reasonable, unspoiled milk, so that in it you⁺ may grow up into salvation,

    Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

  • Acts 24:14.

    Acts 24:14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things throughout the Law and that have been written in the Prophets,

  • Ps. 19:7–10; Ps. 119:72.

    Ps. 19:7–10 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether, 10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb.

    Ps. 119:72 The law from Your mouth [is] better to me than thousands of gold and silver.

  • 2 Tim 1:12.

    2 Tim 1:12 Because of this reason I also suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard my deposit entrusted for that day.

  • John 15:14.

    John 15:14 You⁺ are My friends if you⁺ do what I command you⁺.

  • Isa. 66:2.

    Isa. 66:2 And all these [things] My own hand has made, and all these [things] have come to be!” a declaration of YHWH. “And to this one I will look: To the poor and stricken one in spirit, and [who] trembles at My word.

  • Heb. 11:13.

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

  • John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Gal. 2:20; Acts 15:11.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

    Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”

  • Heb. 5:13–14; Matt. 6:30; Rom. 4:19–20.

    Heb. 5:13–14 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.

    Matt. 6:30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith?

    Rom. 4:19–20 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God,

  • 2 Peter 1:1.

    2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those having obtained a faith equally precious with ours, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

  • Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4–5.

    Eph. 6:16 in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

    1 John 5:4–5 4 For everyone having been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory having overcome the world: our faith. 5 Now who is the one overcoming the world, except the one believing that Jesus is the Son of God?

  • Heb. 6:11–12; Col. 2:2.

    Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

    Col. 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God: Christ,

  • Heb. 12:2.

    Heb. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith26 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 727 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 215 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1555 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 324 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Sola Fide: The Erosion of The Chief Article

Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. This is the article by which the church stands or falls. Today this article is often ignored, distorted or sometimes even denied by leaders, scholars and pastors who claim to be evangelical. Although fallen human nature has always recoiled from recognizing its need for Christ's imputed righteousness, modernity greatly fuels the fires of this discontent with the biblical Gospel. We have allowed this discontent to dictate the nature of our ministry and what it is we are preaching.

Many in the church growth movement believe that sociological understanding of those in the pew is as important to the success of the gospel as is the biblical truth which is proclaimed. As a result, theological convictions are frequently divorced from the work of the ministry. The marketing orientation in many churches takes this even further, erasing the distinction between the biblical Word and the world, robbing Christ's cross of its offense, and reducing Christian faith to the principles and methods which bring success to secular corporations.

While the theology of the cross may be believed, these movements are actually emptying it of its meaning. There is no gospel except that of Christ's substitution in our place whereby God imputed to him our sin and imputed to us his righteousness. Because he bore our judgment, we now walk in his grace as those who are forever pardoned, accepted and adopted as God's children. There is no basis for our acceptance before God except in Christ's saving work, not in our patriotism, churchly devotion or moral decency. The gospel declares what God has done for us in Christ. It is not about what we can do to reach him.

Thesis Four: Sola Fide

We reaffirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.

We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topics