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I. THE FAITH BY WHICH MAN IS MADE RIGHTEOUS AND SAVED IS THE FAITH OF THE HEART. Faith in general is conviction arising from evidence.

1. The faith of the intellect is based on the evidence of the senses, or on the results of reasoning. Mathematical reasoning, with its definitions, postulates, axioms, etc., metaphysical proofs of the existence of God, the external evidences of Divine revelation, appeal to the mind as distinguished from the heart. Education, prejudice, circumstances, and associations frequently determine the mind to a languid acquiescence in various doctrines.

2. The faith of the heart supposes the assent of the understanding, the approval of the judgment, the submission and choice of the will.

(1) It springs from the heart. It is the confidence of love. The heart trusts when the mind cannot explain. It is the heart that trusts in character. Feeling quickens and strengthens the faith of the mind. The emotions of penitence prepare the heart of man to trust in the heart of the Saviour. "Our eyes were made to weep, but also made to see. Our hearts were made to suffer, but also to believe."

(

V. Hugo).

(2) It carries the heart with it. Many of our intellectual beliefs are inoperative. Many men are firmly convinced of the duty and advantages of early rising, but still caress the sluggard's pillow. What the heart believes, puts the whole man in movement.

(3) It reacts upon the heart. Sufficient evidence enables the mind to dispel doubt. The faculties are at rest. So when the heart trusts in God, the affections are at peace. The disquietudes of spiritual anxiety are allayed, and the agitation of fear subsides. "I know whom I have believed," etc. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace," etc.

II. THE OBJECT OF THIS FAITH IS THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS FROM THE DEAD BY THE POWER OF GOD. The Resurrection is presented —

1. As the object of our faith, rather than His death.

(1) Because this belief is distinctive of a Christian. Pagans and infidels will easily admit that Christ was born, lived, and died, but they deny His resurrection. Pharisees and philosophers deny the fact (Acts 17:32); Sadducees denied its possibility. Hence, belief in it was a capital article of faith in those days.

(2) All that Christ did and suffered would have profited us little, unless He had risen again. By His resurrection He triumphed over death and hell, and was enabled to ascend to His throne.

(3) The Resurrection pre-supposes all the other facts of Christ's life, such as His incarnation, sacrifice and exaltation.

2. In a special point of view, viz., as having been accomplished by the power of God. In other passages Christ's resurrection is ascribed to His own power, or to the energy of the Holy Spirit. As an act of the Father, it is designed —

(1)  To recognise and vindicate the claims of Christ to be the Son and the sent of God.

(2)  To confirm His teachings.

(3)  To declare His acceptance of His atonement.

(4)  To fulfil His promise to Christ. "Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell," etc.

III. OPEN CONFESSION OF THE LORD JESUS IS AN INDISPENSABLE ACCOMPANIMENT OF THIS FAITH.

1. What is to be confessed? Jesus, as —

(1)  Lord.

(2)  The Lord.

(3)  Our Lord.

2. Why is this confession enjoined? It is required —

(1)  By Christ. "Whosoever shall confess Me," etc.

(2)  By the interests of Christ's cause. "Ye are My witnesses."

(3)  By gratitude.The instructor to whom you owe your career, the lawyer who has saved your property, the physician who has saved your life, will you not thankfully speak of them? How much more should you speak of the great Physician, Teacher, Advocate. How is it to be made? Avow your principles. Join His Church. Confess Him boldly, sincerely, wisely, meekly, reverentially.Conclusion:

1. The way of salvation is —

(1) Not so easy as often represented. The exercise of faith is often found difficult; to confess Christ before men requires moral courage.

(2) Nor so difficult; the gospel is easy to be understood; the terms of salvation are simple, etc.

2. A profession of religion is necessary. Christ demands it, and we are not His disciples, and compromise our salvation if we disobey. "With the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

3. Faith must be attended by confession, and confession by faith.

(W. C. St. Freare.)

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KJV: For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

WEB: For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."