Need good and simple quotes on the nature of saving faith

Pergamum · #1 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 01:23 AM

Hello;

I am gathering good and simply put quotes on the nature of faith, particularly that faith is not a work but is our clinging to the work of Christ.

Christusregnat · #2 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:12 AM

Well, saving face has to be done in order to feel good about our personal image... Joel Olsteam.

Pergamum · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:34 AM

I need quotes about saving face too, but let's stick to saving faith for now.

ewenlin · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:44 AM

Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling?

Scott1 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Westminster Confession of Faith
(emphasis added)

CHAPTER XIV.
Of Saving Faith.

I. 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.

II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of god himself speaking therein; and acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principle 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.

III. 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.

I thought you might also appreciate the doctrine that saving faith is strengthened by the ordinary means of grace God has provided- Word, prayer and sacrament, so included that also. (That's why believers sometimes feel "dry" or "that God is far away," because they are not availing themselves of the ordinary means God has provided to strengthen their faith.)

APuritansMind · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 06:45 AM

"Faith redeems our consciences, makes them upright, and preserves them, since by it we recognize the truth that justification does not depend on our works, although good works neither can nor ought to be absent... Still it is not on them that our justification is based, but on faith; and yet they ought not on that account to be despised or neglected." Martin Luther

Pergamum · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 12:58 PM

Thanks, now, do you have any analogies from nature or simple objects to illustrate the nature of saving faith. e.g., there is a chair analogy. Any others? How would you explain saving faith to litle children?