There are three types of faith, only one of which is saving faith. There is the “wishful thinking” faith. There is the “free will” faith. There is the “God-given assurance, conviction, and hope” faith which is the only saving faith.
The “wishful thinking” faith is driven by the individual’s wants. I want it, therefore, I wish for it. Some call it: “Name it. Claim it.” Just wish upon a star! It is “Your Best Life Now”, using the title of Joel Osteen’s book.
The “free will” faith is driven by the individual’s will. In a sense, this “free will” faith may be nobler than “wishful thinking” faith in the sense that it may have Biblical truths as its objects rather than the Cadillac or other luxuries as its objects, but like the “wishful thinking” faith, the “free will” faith is still dependent on the individual’s free will. By my “free will”, I believe it, therefore God reacts and moves to fulfill it. I must exercise my willpower to believe harder. In another sense, such a “free will” faith is a work. The strength of one’s “free will” faith governs the amount of success and fulfillment.
Finally, there is the “God-given assurance, conviction, and hope” faith. It is driven by God. The rest of this article will describe this type of faith.
First of all and foremost, the “God-given assurance, conviction, and hope” faith is a gift of God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
Second of all, as my Pastor Bob said tonight in the evening worship service, it is based on the promises of God. Hebrews 6:18 : “so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.”
Third, figuratively, such a faith has “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”. Literally, such a faith functions through The Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:12 : “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,”
Fourth, such a faith is God’s grace and means to save us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
In summary, do you see how this “God-given assurance, conviction, and hope” faith is driven by God? It is a gift of God. It is based on the promises of God. It functions through the Spirit of God. It is the grace and means by which God saves us.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 