Baptist Beliefs (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ... FAITH. Saving faith includes belief and trust: belief of the facts and truths of the Gospel and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Faith is the grace which is the root of all other graces. When genuine it leads to a godly life. It is the condition of all God's gifts to us in Jesus Christ. It is the condition of justification and pardon, adoption and regeneration. None of these take place apart from faith. It is the action not only of the intellect but of the will and emotions as well. It brings a real knowledge of God. It is an abiding attitude of the soul and even in the life to come faith in its essential meaning of union and fellowship with God will continue. Salvation has always been conditioned on faith, not only since, but also before Christ. Abraham was saved through faith, that is to say, faith with him as with us is not a means or ground, but a condition of salvation. Our faith does not procure salvation for us, but it so relates us to Christ that he lays hold of us and saves us when we believe in him. "But," it is said, "were not the Old Testament saints saved by works? And even now, if one should lead a perfect life, would that not be salvation by works?" The question completely overlooks the relation of faith to works. None save Jesus ever lived a perfect life. But if one should so live his good works would grow directly out of his faith. Good works axe impossible in the Gospel sense without faith. The energy of God never comes into the soul in its regenerating power save through faith. In Heaven we shall be without sin and our faith will continue there. But our heavenly perfection will not be credited to us as works meriting salvation. They will be wrought in us by the power of God through our abiding union with him in...