Lesson #86—Faith in Jesus Christ

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #86

Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

Why is faith in Jesus Christ called A SAVING GRACE? For it is God alone who can exercise mercy which is efficacious to the saving of our souls: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” Eph. 2:4–5. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” Eph. 2:8.

What does it mean?

Discuss the benefits we receive when we place our faith and belief in Christ alone as our Savior and Lord:

1. Heb. 10:39, salvation
2. John 1:12, sons of God
3. Phil. 3:9, righteousness
4. John 6:40, everlasting life
5. Gal. 2:16, justified by faith

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

What is our practice?

Our salvation being eternally secured in Christ, we are able to do good works, acts of mercy, etc, from the heart and not out of fear of reprisal. It is our will to do good works without the desire to receive something in return.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

Faith is a saving grace, “Because it is a God-exalting grace. It glorifies God. Abraham ‘was strong in faith, giving glory to God.’ Rom 4:20. To believe that there is more mercy in God and merit in Christ than sin in us, and that Christ has answered all the demands of the law, and that his blood has fully satisfied for us, is in a high degree to honour God. Faith in the Mediator brings more glory to God than martyrdom, or the most heroic act of obedience.” (Thomas Watson)

“But faith is the principle work of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, the terms commonly employed to express his power and working are, in large measure, referred to it because by faith alone he leads us into the light of the gospel, as John teaches: to believers in Christ is given the privilege of becoming children of God, who are born not of flesh and blood, but of God [John 1:12–13]. Contrasting God with flesh and blood, he declares it to be a supernatural gift that those who would otherwise remain in unbelief receive Christ by faith. Similar to this is that reply of Christ’s: ‘Flesh and blood have not revealed it to you, but my father, who is in heaven’ [Matt. 16:17].” (John Calvin, Institutes Bk 3 Ch 1)

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