Faith Sees The Nature of The Object

For to this you were called,

Because Christ also

suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that you should

follow His steps:

1 Peter 2:21

     This discussion on the object of our faith has been considering the objections to this Doctrine and has been shown and distinguished acts of faith that is the direct and the reflex act of faith. The term direct act of faith we embrace Christ as Savior; by the reflex act, is that which arises out of the consciousness of believing, in other words, we believe that He loved us and died for us, further, we believe that nothing can ever separate us from His love. These two acts are inseparable. How is this? It is that there is no separation as the cause and effect, the antecedent and consequent, nor are they separate in time or in the conscience of the believer. So what are they? They are on different elements of this complex mechanism that is involved in accepting Christ as He is offered in the Gospel. We find that there is no separation either in joy or gratitude for such favor to be granted to the children of God. These things are revealed in the consciousness of the believer as the very nature of the act. We cordially and gratefully accept the promise made to all those who accept and embrace this object of or faith, our salvation. This acceptance needs to be clarified so that a wrong impression be left to the mind for we accept but not because of ourselves for John so aptly writes: "Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (john 6:29).  No belief in God or in the object of saving faith unless God participates in order to save you: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:44).  As a side note here, those who wish to believe in the so-called "rapture" have a difficult time with their doctrinal position for Jesus clearly stated that it is the "last day" in which men are raised. It is always clear, in context interpretation that is needed to deepen our faith and understanding of all that God has done for His children. As an example of the general promise made to all those given to His Son (John 6:39); as a criminal upon his confession of his guilt is pardoned and everyone who also makes confession of their guilt knows that the promise of pardon is made to him. The Sinner exercises saving faith, repents of his sins, and believes that for the sake of Christ, the One who paid the debt he owed, is pardoned and accepted by God. Jesus Christ loved him and gave Himself for him. In the founding document, the Heidelberg Catechism it is said in regards to saving faith:

"Q21. What is true faith?

Answer: It is not only a certain knowledge by which I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word, but also a wholehearted trust which the Holy Spirit creates in me through the gospel, that, not only to others, but to me also God has given the forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, out of sheer grace solely for the sake of Christ's saving work." 

     It is not that faith implies assurance. It is the nature of the object seen, not the clearness of the vision, it is that the soul believes, not the strength of its faith. John Calvin wrote: "When the least drop of faith is instilled into our minds, we begin to see the serene and placid face of our reconciled Father; far off and on high, it may be, but still it is seen." An example may be of the one who is in a dark dungeon and sees a ray of light.  This light is not the same as broad daylight, but he knows it is light. So that the penitent believes is that God for Christ's sake is reconciled to him.  It may be dim and doubtful vision, but he apprehends that truth, that it is upon that truth where his trust lies and is stayed.

     I will not allow this teaching to be just that, a teaching without proof, so the next blog will be the subject of proof and all that is involved in the appropriation of this general promise.

All flesh is as grass,

     And all the glory of mans as

The flower of the grass.

    The grass withers, 

and it s flower falls away,

    But the word of the LORD

endures forever.

                              1 Peter 1:24-25

May the grace of God be upon you

Richard L. Crumb