The object, the focal point, of true saving faith is God and His Word, especially the Person of Jesus Christ and God's promise of salvation in Him. The following chart provides scriptural references of this.
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1. The Triune God |
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. - Mark 11:22 And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness. - James 2:23a |
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2. The Word of God |
And they believed the Scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said. - John 2:22b That is, the Word of faith which we preach. - Romans 10:8b |
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3. Jesus Christ as Mediator |
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. - John 3:36 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. - Galatians 2:16b |
The Author, Performer, and Applier of true saving faith is God he Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit plants saving faith in the hearts of sinners in the moment of regeneration and continues to maintain and strengthen it in the souls of the saved. Faith is a gift of God graciously given in regeneration to fallen, spiritually dead sinners.
The normal means through which the Holy Spirit works saving faith is God's Word. Children dying in infancy and mentally-handicapped persons would be examples of exceptions; God can savingly reach those who are unreachable by normal means. However, this is not His normal method of working.
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Read the texts listed below. Why is Jesus Christ particularly emphasized as the object of faith in Scripture? |
That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- John 3:15
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
- John 11:25
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.
- John 12:46
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing ye might have life through His Name.
- John 20:31
To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.
- Acts 10:43
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
- Acts 16:31
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
- Romans 10:9
