Q. 21. What is true faith?

Question. What is true faith?

Answer. True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word (James 2;19); but also an assured confidence (Heb. 11;1), which the Holy Ghost works by the gospel in my heart (Rom. 10;17); that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God (Rom. 10;10); merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. (Eph. 2;8, 9.)

Proofs.

• [proof-1] James 2;19.—Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devils also believe and tremble.— Luke 8;13.—Matt. 13;21.—John 17;3.
• [proof-2] Heb. 11;1.—Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.— Rom. 4;20, 21.—Eph. 3;11, 12.—Heb. 3;6.—Acts 8;37.
• [proof-3] Rom. 10;17.—Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.—2 Cor. 4;13.—Gal. 5;22.
• [proof-4] Rom. 10;10.—For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.— Acts 8;37.—Rom. 10;9.—Gal. 2;20.—Eph. 1;6, 7.—2 Tim. 4;8.
• [proof-5] Eph. 2;8, 9.—By grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.— Rom. 3;24.—Rom. 8;32.—Eph. 1;7.