The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,[1] is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,[2] and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word;[3] by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.[4]
Section 2
By this faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;[1] and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,[2] trembling at the threatenings,[3] and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.[4] 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.[5]
Section 3
This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;[1] may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory;[2] growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,[3] who is both the author and finisher of our faith.[4]