THE TOUCHSTONE OF SAVING FAITH

“Reverend Sir:

Through grace, (if I am not mistaken), I have long had hope of being saved by Christ alone, and yet am at some uncertainties as to the nature of true faith; whether I am a real believer or not: and am concerned to know, if my hope be not the hope of a Pharisee, too much built upon such acts of the mind, as arise from a legal principle; such as, an humbling sense of the pollution of my nature, and the sinfulness of my heart, strivings against sin, endeavors after a religious frame of mind, raised affections in worship; together with some knowledge and belief of Christ in his glorious person and offices, that he is an all-sufficient, ready, free, and the only Saviour. I strive against any trusting in duties and frames; but still I want to know, whether I have been made partaker of the true saving faith, that is of the operation of God, though mixed or accompanied with doubts and unbelief. Therefore, Sir, I entreat you, to describe that faith, by which the soul makes out to, applies and receives Christ alone for salvation; to describe what are those thoughts or acts of the mind towards Christ, or God in Christ, which flow from regenerating grace, or the new principle of spiritual life implanted in the soul by the Holy Spirit. Principles are known by their effects. This principle of living faith is known by its acts, by the inward frame, thoughts and affections of the heart. I have often heard of inward feelings of rest, joy, and peace, which I want and pray for. If a soul seeks to Christ at uncertainties, with this thought, If I am saved it must be by Christ alone, and therefore at a peradventure prays for pardon and salvation with some hope, is this a sufficient evidence of true justifying faith? Or may not an unrenewed sinner, under the influence of common grace, have these thoughts and desires working in his mind, and yet be destitute of the appropriating possession and enjoyment of Christ, or union with him? I have written thus much, because I would fain have my case rightly taken, and I nope you will comply with my request. Your kind instruction and help therein may be a means of my relief under this real concern of mind, and will much oblige me, and perhaps many others, I am,

“Reverend Sir,
“With cordial respect,
“Your’s,
“A Sincere Seeker.”

This letter is evidently a serious and deep inquiry into the very vitals of religion, into the very essence and foundation of experimental Christianity; and therefore deserves the closest attention in considering it, and the utmost care in handling it. A mistake here may be most detrimental: and we ought to be very cautious, lest we fall into an error on either hand; lest the false hope of the hypocrite be encouraged, or the true hope of the gracious soul be discouraged. We must not administer peace, where there is no peace; nor yet grieve the hearts of those whom the Lord would not have made sad. To steer the direct course between presumption and despondency, is most desirable, and yet truly difficult. Let every one therefore read what follows with close attention, comparing it with the word of God, and begging that the Lord, the Spirit, may enable them to apply it to their own cases and consciences in a right manner.

It will be needful to solve more than one question, in order to answer the design of this letter. And I think the two following will be sufficient.

Question 1. How far may a person’s heart and ways be rectified, and he notwithstanding be destitute of saving faith?

Question 2. How shall we know whether our faith be saving, amidst all the weaknesses and doubts that may attend it?

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen