07 - The core of the problem

Fuller:
It is allowed that the testimony of man may, in many cases, be believed merely by the understanding, and without being at all influenced by the state of the heart; but it is only in cases with which the heart has no concern... Faith implies that we think well of the testifier, or possess a confidence in his veracity; but conviction [of this] may consist with both ill opinion and ill will. It is the persuasion of sense, rather than of faith. Such was that of some of the chief rulers, that Christ was the Messiah (John 12:42-43). The miracles which he wrought silenced their opposition, and planted in their consciences a conviction that it [that Christ was the Messiah] must be so. It is true this conviction is called ‘believing’, but it is only in an improper sense; it is not that faith which is connected with justification or salvation. Whatever conviction any man may have of the truth, while it is against the grain of his heart, he is not a believer in the proper sense of the term; nor do the Scriptures acknowledge him as such. It is only the receiving the love of the truth that will prove saving; and he that does not thus receive it is described as an unbeliever (2 Thess. 2:10-12).