The instrumental cause of our salvation (1)
This article explores the doctrine of justification by examining faith as the instrumental cause of salvation, drawing from the Belgic Confession and Westminster Confession of Faith. Using Aristotle's framework of four causes, Griess provides a technical theological explanation of how faith functions as the instrument through which believers receive Christ's righteousness and the benefits of His atoning work.
However, to speak more clearly, we do not mean, that faith itself justifies us, for it is only an instrument with which we embrace Christ our righteousness. But Jesus Christ, imputing to us all His merits and so many holy works which He has done for us and in our stead, is our righteousness. And faith is an instrument that keeps us in communion with Him in all His benefits, which, when become ours, are more than sufficient to acquit us of our sins. -- Belgic Confession, Article 22 Faith,...
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