The Knowledge and Trust of True Faith (Chapter 14, Paragraph 2)

“By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatever is revealed in the Word…”

Faith embraces the whole counsel of God—not just favorite doctrines. A believer submits to the full authority of Scripture, even when it is hard to understand or obey.

“…for the authority of God Himself speaking therein…”

We believe Scripture not because it seems reasonable, but because God has spoken. Faith rests on divine testimony (1 Thess. 2:13).

“…and also apprehends an excellency therein above all other writings and all things in the world…”

The regenerate heart sees the beauty of God’s truth. Scripture is not only true but precious—more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey (Ps. 19:10).

“…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…”

Faith sees the triune God revealed in Scripture. It delights in the glory of the Father, the sufficiency of the Son, and the power of the Spirit. Faith is God-centered, not man-centered.

“…and so is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth thus believed…”

True faith involves resting on the truth, not just affirming it. The believer casts himself on Christ, trusting in the gospel as the only hope for salvation.

“…and also acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains…”

Faith is not generic—it responds rightly to each truth of Scripture: believing promises, obeying commands, trembling at warnings, rejoicing in grace.

“…yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.”

Faith is active. It submits to God’s will, fears His justice, and clings to His promises. It is a life of responsive trust.

“But the principal acts of saving faith have immediate relation to Christ…”

At its core, saving faith centers on Jesus. It is not faith in faith—it is faith in Christ.

“…accepting, receiving, and resting upon Him alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.”

Faith does not merely agree with facts—it accepts Christ, receives Him as a gift, and rests in Him. This is covenantal trust—believing that God will save through the promised Mediator, as He said.

Application for the Believer:

True faith looks to Christ—not to self. It trusts in what God has said, delights in who God is, and rests in what Christ has done. Do not settle for a shallow faith that knows truths without trusting the Truth. Ask yourself: Am I leaning entirely on Jesus? Do I tremble at His warnings, submit to His commands, and cherish His promises? Let your faith grow by feeding on the Word, meditating on God’s attributes, and clinging to the gospel in every season. Saving faith is not perfect faith—it is dependent, repentant, and fixed on Christ alone.