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I. The NATURE of faith. "Taking God at His Word," is perhaps one of the best definitions ever given. The truths connected with salvation, which require to be cordially believed, may be stated in the following manner.

1. That all have sinned.

2. I am a guilty sinner, and exposed to the just punishment of sin.

3. That Jesus having died for all, is the Saviour of all that truly believe on Him.

II. The PROVISIONS for faith. You are authorized to believe. God has made rich provision that you might believe. That you cannot believe in Christ without being saved is evident —

1. From the character of God.

2. From the Word of God.

3. From the assurance God has given to attest His word.

4. From the promises of God.

5. From the covenant of God (Hebrews 6:13, 18).

6. From the experience of His people in all ages.

III. The EXERCISE of faith. Includes —

1. Attention to the great objects of faith.

2. Knowledge (Matthew 13:16; Acts 27:27).

3. Reason.

4. Memory (1 Corinthians 15:1, 4).

5. The affections.

6. The will — the determined exercise of the affections, aided by the understanding. What shall hinder the exercise of faith? Answer objections.

IV. The MIGHTY POWER of faith. Examples — Abraham, three Hebrew children, Daniel, the man with the withered hand, the dying thief, etc.

1. Let every impenitent sinner believe that he is on the very brink of ruin, etc.

2. Let every penitent believe the record God has given of His Son, and apply it to himself.

3. Let every child of God in distress, etc., "trust, not be afraid."

4. Let the Christian who is seeking full salvation, believe, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanseth from all sin." Be it unto thee according to thy faith. Believe now. Continue to believe.

(A. Weston.)

I. ALL REAL GOODNESS IS TO BE ATTAINED BY THE EXERCISE OF FAITH IN CHRIST. This implies the absence of

(1)  distrust;

(2)  presumption;

(3)  indifference.

II. FAITH MUST ALWAYS BE LIMITED BY THE PROMISES OF GOD.

III. FAITH MUST HAVE REFERENCE TO THE PARTICULAR BLESSING SOUGHT. We must therefore be well versed in

(1)  the particular promises God has given, and in

(2)  the method in which God bestows them.

(B. Noel.)

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KJV: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

WEB: Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."