Faith is Knowledge
Our faith is not to be confused with a human notion
of “fact-finding,” scientific inquiry, or logical argumentation. We do not
reason ourselves to faith, nor is faith an academic exercise. Faith is knowledge, but it is a belief in knowing that God has revealed himself to us in his Word and through creation.
We acknowledge that our finite minds are
incapable of fully appreciating the immeasurable “breadth, and length, and
depth, and height” of the salvific work of Christ. We have an inescapable
conviction of our sin and misery, but we know that God has called us out of our
sin into a relationship with him through the redemptive work of his son, Jesus
Christ.
That the object of our faith, that is salvation through Christ, is
beyond our ability as humans to fully comprehend points to the immeasurable the
“breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of the salvific work of Christ and
not to our own human abilities.
Our weakness and sinful nature betrays our ability to
maintain proper standing before our Lord. Indeed, although we confess with our
lips Jesus as Savior, our hearts fall prey to human doubt and worry about our
individual salvation. True faith acknowledges this sinful human nature, but it
demonstrates an unwavering knowledge and assurance of Christ’s efficacious
grace. As believers, then, we may take full confidence that our salvation is
not and will never be in jeopardy. “Such boldness,” says Calvin, “springs only
from confidence in the divine favor and salvation. So true is this, that the
term faith is often used as equivalent to confidence.”
I found this helpful to understand faith.
ReplyDeleteHeidelberg Catechism Q&A 21
Q. What is true faith?
A. True faith is a sure knowledge
whereby I accept as true
all that God has revealed to us in his Word. 1
At the same time it is a firm confidence 2
that not only to others, but also to me, 3
God has granted forgiveness of sins,
everlasting righteousness, and salvation, 4
out of mere grace,
only for the sake of Christ's merits. 5
This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart
by the gospel. 6
1. Jn 17:3, 17; Heb 11:1-3; Jas 2:19.
2. Rom 4:18-21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb 4:16.
3. Gal 2:20.
4. Rom 1:17; Heb 10:10.
5. Rom 3:20-26; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-10.
6. Acts 16:14; Rom 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor 1:21.
See more at: http://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/en/lords-days/7.html#sthash.L4MlWbQo.dpuf
I think the language of WCF 14 shows the influence of the Heidelberg:
Delete1. 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 believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ 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.