The ordo salutis (5): Saving faith: Given to believe
Rev. McGeown's article examines saving faith as the fourth step in the ordo salutis, explaining faith as both a divine gift and human activity comprising knowledge of God and confident trust in Christ. Drawing on the Heidelberg Catechism, the article clarifies that true faith is not mere intellectual assent or ignorance, but a Spirit-wrought knowledge of and reliance upon God's revealed character and redemptive work in Christ.
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29 Introduction In the ordo salutis, the logical sequence in which the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of salvation decreed by God in election and purchased by Christ on the cross, the fourth step after regeneration, calling, and conversion is saving faith. Faith is both the activity of the regenerated, called, converted sinner, and the gift of God. We believe (our...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org