Attraction of the cross - Spring - VII - Chapter 8 (Faith in the cross)

Required reading
The attraction of the cross by Gardiner Spring (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 8 (Faith in the cross).

My summary
Today Spring teaches us about faith in the cross.

Firstly he answers the question, What is the faith of the gospel?  The answer is that faith is the act of the mind which receives and rests upon Christ alone for salvation, as he is freely offered in the gospel.

Secondly Spring answers the question, Why do the Scriptures attach so much importance to this particular grace, rather than any other, as the revealed condition of salvation?  Spring suggests the answer includes that:
(i) in the method of salvation by the cross, there is a demand for faith, which the exercise of no other Christian grace can satisfy;
(ii) faith is the most complete and most emphatic expression of the Christian character;
(iii) without the faith of the gospel, it is impossible that the hopes and blessedness of its redemption should be conveyed to the soul;
(iv) faith is the most powerful and energetic principle of action.

What grabbed me
I do think Spring's chapter endings are his finest moments: 'Would you possess this faith, it is to the Cross alone that we may direct you. Thither come, and as you look up, say with Job, " I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee ; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes!" Here there is a view of God that wins its way to the heart. Here the entrance of his word giveth light, and you may read the record, " There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." Here you may apprehend the Saviour as your surety and substitute, and may say, 'Though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me. Behold God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid ; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song ; he also is become my salvation." '

Amen.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 9 (The inquiring sinner directed to the cross).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.