--- title: "Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 14: Of Saving Faith 1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Ch" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-14-saving-faith/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=51" --- # Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith | Westminster Confession of Faith 1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts; and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word: by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. Scripture proofs: Heb. 10:39; 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 1:17-19; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 10:14, 17; 1 Pet. 2:2; Acts 20:32; Rom. 4:11; Luke 17:5; Rom. 1:16-17. 2. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. Scripture proofs: John 4:42; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 5:10; Acts 24:14; Rom. 16:26; Isa. 66:2; Heb. 11:13; 1 Tim. 4:8; John 1:12; Acts 16: 31; Gal. 2:20; Acts 15:11. 3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory; growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith. Scripture proofs: Heb. 5:13-14; Rom. 4:19-20; Matt. 6:30; Matt. 8:10; Luke 22:31-32; Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4-5; Heb. 6:11-12; Heb. 10:22; Col. 2:2; Heb. 12:2. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowSaving faithReceiving and resting on Jesus Christ for salvation, rather than merely agreeing with facts about him.SacramentsBaptism and the Lord’s Supper: visible signs and seals Christ gave his church. ### WCF 14.1 · God gives and strengthens faith The Spirit gives God’s chosen people saving faith, ordinarily through hearing his Word. He also strengthens that faith through the Word, the sacraments, and prayer. These are ordinary gifts God uses; we should make use of them. Explore the ScripturesHebrews 10:39; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Ephesians 1:17-19. Talk about itWhat ordinary gifts does God use to strengthen faith? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-14-saving-faith/#paragraph-1) ### WCF 14.2 · Trusting and resting in Christ Faith believes Scripture because God speaks in it. It responds to commands with obedience, warnings with serious attention, and promises with trust. Above all, saving faith receives and rests on Christ alone for acceptance with God, growth in holiness, and eternal life. It relies on his covenant grace. Explore the ScripturesJohn 4:42; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:10. Talk about itWhat is the difference between knowing a promise and trusting its giver? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-14-saving-faith/#paragraph-2) ### WCF 14.3 · Weak faith can grow Faith can be weak or strong. It may be attacked and shaken, but God brings it through the struggle. Many believers grow into fuller assurance through Christ. He begins their faith and brings it to completion. The strength of our Savior matters more than boasting about our own strength. Explore the ScripturesHebrews 5:13-14; Romans 4:19-20; Matthew 6:30. Talk about itWhere should someone with weak faith look for help? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-14-saving-faith/#paragraph-3) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - Who do we trust for salvation? - How is trusting Jesus different from only knowing facts about Him? #### Scripture to remember Ephesians 2:8–9 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Ephesians%202%3A8%E2%80%939) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Tell an adult what you are learning about depending on Christ. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=51) ## Related reading - [Salvation by grace through faith](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/salvation-by-grace/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-10-effectual-calling/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 29: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-29-how-are-we-made-partakers-of-the-redemption-purchased/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 67: What is effectual calling?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-67-what-is-effectual-calling/) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 14](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-14-saving-faith/) - [Chapter 13](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/) - [Chapter 15](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-15-repentance-unto-life/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-14-saving-faith/