The covenant and Dordt (11): Head IV: The wonder of faith
Dykstra examines the Reformed understanding of faith as an instrument of salvation in light of the Canons of Dort, arguing that faith must not be presented as a condition for the covenant if one is to remain consistent with Reformed confessional theology. The article critiques conditional covenant theology for conflicting with the Canons' teaching that faith is a fruit of election rather than a prerequisite for it, and clarifies the proper distinction between faith as God's gift and faith as human condition.
Key to a proper understanding of the Reformed doctrine of salvation and therefore also of the doctrine of the covenant, is faith. How faith fits as an instrument must be carefully taught, lest one slip into hyper-Calvinism or into Arminianism. That faith is an instrument is clear from the confessions. The Belgic Confession (Art. 22) teaches that "the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all His merits, appropriates Him, and seeks nothing more...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org