A Treatise on the Faith and Influence of the Gospel (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from A Treatise on the Faith and Influence of the Gospel

But are we proceed, let us, in explanation of the term fast/r, advert to the wide distinction which obtains between the popular imagination of what it is, and the Apostle'a definition of what it is. The common conception about it is, that it consists in a correct apprehension of the truths of theology -or soundness of belief as opposed to error of belief. It appears to be a very prevalent inpreso don, that faith lies in our judging rightly of the doctrines of the Bible - or that we have a proper understanding of them. And, in this way, the pri vileges annexed to faith in the New Testament, are very apt to be regarded as a sort of remuneration for the soundness of our orthodoxy. Heaven is viewed as a kind of reward, if not for the worth of our doings, at least for the worth and the justness of our dog mata. Under the old economy, eternal life was held out as a return to us for right practice. Under the new economy, is it conceived by many, that it is held out to us as a return for right thinking. Figure two theologians 'to be listed, the one against the other, in controversy. He who espouses error is estimated to be a heretic, and wanting in the faith. He who espouses truth, is estimated to be a sound believer, so that his faith resolves itself into the accuracy of his creed. It is not, Do this, and you shall live - but it is, Think time, and you shall live.

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