Westminster Larger Catechism · 1647

Q72. What is justifying faith?

Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.
Answer · Westminster Larger Catechism

Scripture proofs

  1. [1]
    Hebrews 10:39

    But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

  2. [2]
    2 Corinthians 4:13

    We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

    Ephesians 1:17-19

    That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

  3. [3]
    Romans 10:14

    How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

    Romans 10:17

    So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  4. [4]
    Acts 2:37

    Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

    Acts 4:12

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

    Acts 16:30

    And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

    John 16:8-9

    And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me;

    Romans 5:6

    For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

    Ephesians 2:1

    And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

  5. [5]
    Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  6. [6]
    John 1:12

    But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

    Acts 10:43

    To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

    Acts 16:31

    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

  7. [7]
    Philippians 3:9

    And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

    Acts 15:11

    But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Proof texts as given in the original; verse text from the King James Version.