Primitive Baptist Manifesto (Part 03)

To properly understand Ephesians 2 one must have an accurate definition of faith. The bible describes faith as:

1. A gift of God (Eph 2:8-9, Phil 1:29)
2. Not given to all (II Thes 3:2)
3. A fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)
4. An evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1) such as:
   a) regeneration (Gal 4:6)
   b) sonship/election (Gal 4:6)

When God's people see faith as founded on the footing of regeneration, and regeneration on the footing of sonship/election (Gal 4:6) they enter into an understanding of the plan of salvation that provides great assurance by identifying their salvation with the grace and mercy of God and as part of a covenant that is ordered in all things and sure.