What Is True Faith?

Faith consists of two parts: a true knowledge and a firm confidence. 

• In the first place, faith requires true knowledge. 
• And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). 
• Without the knowledge of Scripture there can be no faith. 

We also stress that faith acknowledges that what Scripture says is true.

• It is not only knowing what the Bible says, but also acknowledging it as true. 
• Faith is both a sure knowledge and an acknowledgment of the Scriptures.

Faith is an acknowledgment of all of Scripture. 

• It is not as though we may believe part of it, and disbelieve other parts. 
• This is done by many that profess to be Christians. 
• Modern Christianity teaches us that all we have to believe are the essentials. 

There are even some who go so far as to say that it does not matter what you believe, as long as you believe. 

• They suppose that even adherents to the Islam religion can be saved. 
• However, true faith accepts all that Scripture reveals.

Faith is also a firm confidence in the merits that Christ has obtained for us, 

• namely, the forgiveness of sins, righteousness and eternal life. 
• The believer is confident that Christ has paid for him the full price  of his sins. 
• He is confident that Christ has also rendered perfect obedience (righteousness) for him on his behalf, 
• so that the Father regards him as having perfectly kept all the commandments. 
• The believer is confident that on the basis of these two preceding merits, he is also made an heir to eternal life.

Faith is a gift from God. 

• We do not come to faith by ourselves, for as we are totally depraved. 
• Of ourselves, we would never seek God (Romans 3:11) 
• Of ourselves we would never come to Christ (John 6:44). 
• Of ourselves we would never confess Christ as our Lord and Savior (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3). 
• Faith is a gift (cf. Ephesians 2:8). 

How does God work this faith in me? 

• The Holy Spirit works faith. 
• As His tool, the Holy Spirit uses the Scriptures. 
• He inspired the Bible and He uses the Bible to work faith in our hearts. 
• Faith is worked in our hearts through the preaching of God’s Word.

For the Bible Tells Me So...

Hebrews 11:1 

• Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 

Romans 10:17 

• Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. 

John 1:12 

• Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 7