Of Saving Faith - Chapter 13

Jun. 21, 2017

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-02:14

Transcription

Article 13 of sanctification. They are united to Christ, effectually called and regenerated. Having a new heart and a new Spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by the Word and spirit dwelling in them. The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Section 2.

This sanctification is throughout the whole man. Yet imperfect in this life, there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. Section 3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome. And so the Saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after and heavenly life in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as head and King in his word hath prescribed them.

1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word; by which also, and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and strengthened. ( 2 Corinthians 4:13; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:14, 17; Luke 17:5; 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32 )

2. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word for the authority of God himself, and also apprehendeth an excellency therein above all other writings and all things in the world, 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: and so is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth thus believed; and also acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come; but the principal acts of saving faith have immediate relation to Christ, accepting, receiving, and resting upon him alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. ( Acts 24:14; Psalms 27:7-10; Psalms 119:72; 2 Timothy 1:12; John 14:14; Isaiah 66:2; Hebrews 11:13; John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Galatians 2:20; Acts 15:11 )

3. This faith, although it be different in degrees, and may be weak or strong, yet it is in the least degree of it different in the kind or nature of it, as is all other saving grace, from the faith and common grace of temporary believers; and therefore, though it may be many times assailed and weakened, yet it gets the victory, growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith. ( Hebrews 5:13, 14; Matthew 6:30; Romans 4:19, 20; 2 Peter 1:1; Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:4, 5; Hebrews 6:11, 12; Colossians 2:2; Hebrews 12:2 )

Speakers

1S

The Baptist Confession of 1689 with Scripture proofs was put forth by the Elders and Brethren of many Congregations of Christians (baptized upon profession of their faith) in London and the Country. "...for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth, he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:10

The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, also called the Second London Baptist Confession, was written by Particular Baptists, who held to a Calvinistic soteriology in England to give a formal expression of their Christian faith from a Baptist perspective. This confession, like the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and the Savoy Declaration (1658), was written by Puritans who were concerned that their particular church organization reflects what they perceived to be Biblical teaching.

WB

William (Bill) E. Brown was a WWII P51 Mustang fighter pilot, arriving on the island of Iwo Jima to assist in bombing raids by protecting B-29 Super fortresses over Japanese targets. After the war, Bill Brown was a public school teacher in Alaska and California. He spent 10 years as a docent for the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. He then moved to North Carolina and lived with his son Scott and his family until he passed away on November 4th, 2020 at the age of 97.

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