Questions from Our Readers

By the word exercise is meant—if I understand the question correctly—the exercises of faith. In Dogmatics we distinguish between the principle (or planting) of faith and the acts or exercises of faith. Regarding the first, the soul is passive as the sinner is quickened when he is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-10). Regarding the second, the exercises, we can mention that the Word continually feeds faith and give it firmness (Hebrews 3:14, 11:1). In justification, faith embraces Christ and all His benefits, and in sanctification, faith bears fruit in a holy walk by which liberty is attained to come boldly to the throne of grace. I dare say that these matters are more than merely a continual thought that can occupy the mind. The disciples prayed, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). In Mark 9:24 the father of the son possessed with a dumb spirit cried out, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” The very institution of the sacraments is also proof of the need for strengthening and increasing of the same.

Rev. G.H. Kersten writes the following in his Dogmatics in the chapter on faith: “The faculty of faith, as an instrument to receive Christ is passive. However, it becomes active in the deeds of knowing, assenting, and trusting. Once the grace of faith has been wrought in the soul, it remains there, but the activity of faith is not always equally strong, conquering all doubt. There is no doubt in faith as there is no darkness in the light of the sun; but the believer is subject to many doubts since his faith is not always predominant.”

Hence, it is through the exercises of faith that faith is nourished, receives more knowledge, and increases in the grace of Christ. I hope it is clear that this is distinct from a mere thought or phrase that may continually or occasionally occupy someone’s mind. Such a thought could be anything but faith. Where faith is worked and in exercise, there is a spiritual, supernatural work of the Holy Ghost in the heart which is more than historical faith, goes further than miraculous faith, and is worked deeper than temporary faith. I realize that this subject lends itself to a much more elaborate explanation, but let it suffice for brevity’s sake that true saving faith is the gift of God and grows deeper through exercises. Examples of such exercises are found throughout Scripture. Trials of faith are exercises of faith. Psalm 25 shows these ways: all the paths of the Lord with His Church, paths of mercy and truth, the secret of the Lord, waiting on Him all the day, the guiding of the meek in judgment—all are such exercises. Rutherford writes, “Christ’s tenderness increases as He sees souls wrestle with unbelief.” Well, this is certainly also applicable when God teaches Ephraim to go, taking him by the arm (Hosea 11:3-4).

I am afraid that we live in a time that the term exercises of faith tends to be replaced with terms that obscure the need for the exercises as well as degrees in faith. While we strongly maintain that the gift of faith cannot be dormant, it seems that the many examples of exercises in Scripture are overlooked, to say the least. The Lord raises His children as children are raised by parents in a family: through trial and instruction, by growing and increasing, by being brought step by step, taken by heart and hand, led and instructed in the knowledge of the object of faith— the work and Persons of a Triune God.

Send your questions to: Rev. H. Hofman, 2339 Deer Trail Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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