Bible Basics for the FamilyBible Basics for the Family
A Study in Systematic TheologyA Study in Systematic Theology
SOTERIOLOGY
(The Study of Salvation)
FAITHFAITH
FAITH
• Scripture makes clear that Faith is the means by which we receive and appropriate the grace gift of salvation purchased for us by Jesus Christ on the cross.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through FAITH; and that not of
yourselves, it is the GIFT of God; not as a result of works, that no one should
boast.”
Galatians 2:16
“ . . . nevertheless, knowing that a person is not justified by the works of the law
but through FAITH in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we
may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law; since by the
works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
What is “Saving Faith?”
• Faith includes a full commitment of the whole person to the Lord Jesus; a commitment that involves three things:
1. Knowledge
2. Trust
3. Obedience
The Three “Musts” of Saving Faith:
1. Knowledge (Intellectual aspect of faith)
2. Trust (or Feeling) (Emotional aspect of faith)
3. Obedience (Volitional aspect of faith)
FAITH
KNOWLEDGE
OBEDIENCE
TRUST(FEELING)=
• Faith is not merely an intellectual assent or an emotional response, but a complete inward spiritual change confirmed to us by the Holy Spirit.
• The object of faith is not the teaching about Christ, but Christ himself. Though faith is more than doctrinal assent, it must include adherence to doctrine . . .
• In our belief and commitment to Jesus Christ we acknowledge him as Savior from sin and Lord of our lives (Romans 10:9).
• True conversion definitely involves a belief in Christ’s person as the God-man and in his work as Savior. We must remember, however, that it is possible to have an orthodox understanding of Christ without a living faith in Him (James 2:19) . . .
CONVERSION (Repentance and Faith)
I Know Whom I Have Believed
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
But “I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus thro’ the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
But “I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But “I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”