Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 16 by reading up to the heading '3. Different kinds of faith'.
My summary
Today Hodge begins putting faith under the microscope.
Most of the chapter is taken up with explaining the three classes of commonly received definitions of faith. All include the general idea of persuasion of the truth but some seek the distinguishing character of faith in its:
(i) subjective nature;
(ii) objective nature;
(iii) evidential nature.
After this, Hodge teaches us the only other definition of faith: that which makes it a conviction of truth founded on testimony. He then gives proofs of this view from:
(i) the general use of the word;
(ii) consciousness;
(iii) Scripture.
What grabbed me
I liked this clear statement on faith: 'But in the strict and special sense of the word, as discriminated from knowledge or opinion, faith means the belief of things not seen, on the ground of testimony. By testimony, however, is not meant merely the affirmation of an intelligent witness. There are other methods by which testimony may be given than affirmation. A seal is a form of testimony ; so is a sign. So is everything which pledges the authority of the at- tester to the truth to be established. When Elijah declared that Jehovah was God, and Baal a lie, he said, " The God that answereth by fire, let him be God." The descent of the fire was the testimony of God to the truth of the prophet's declaration. So in the New Testament God is said to have borne witness to the truth of the Gospel by signs, and wonders, and divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost (Heb. ii. 4) ; and the Spirit of God is said to witness with our spirits that we are the children of God (Rom. viii. 16). The word in these cases is martureo to testify. This is not a lax or improper use of the word testimony ; for an affirmation is testimony only because it pledges the authority of him who makes it to the truth. And therefore whatever pledges that authority, is as truly of the nature of testimony, as an affirmation. When, therefore, it is said that faith is founded on testimony, it is meant that it is not founded on sense, reason, or feeling, but on the authority of him by whom it is authenticated.'
Because of the testimony of the Scriptures we have faith in Christ.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 16 by reading up to the heading '5. Faith and feeling'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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