70.
You have said that our faith is counted to us for
righteousness when we obey the truth in baptism.
What is faith?
Answer:
It is the act of the mind by which we believe or
have confidence in professions or promises that
may be made.
Proof:
Now
faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1).
So
then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God. (Rom. 10:17).
He
staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief;
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
(Rom. 4:20).
For
what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God,
and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
(Rom. 4:3).
Cometh
this blessedness then upon the circumcision only,
or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that
faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
(Rom. 4:9).
71.
What is it that we are invited to believe or place
confidence in before our baptism?
Answer: In the gospel.
Proof:
He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark
16:16).
For
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for
it is the power of God unto salvation to every
one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek. (Rom. 1:16).
For
after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom
knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness
of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Cor.
1:21).
72.
What is the gospel?
Answer: The word "gospel"
means good news or glad tidings; and the glad
tidings announced by Christ and the Apostles are
the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the
name of Jesus Christ.
Proof:
And
it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout
every city and village, preaching and shewing
the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the
twelve were with him, (Luke 8:1).
And
he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of
God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
(Luke 4:43).
But
when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of
Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and
women. (Acts 8:12).
And
now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I
have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall
see my face no more. (Acts 20:25).
And
Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house,
and received all that came in unto him, (Acts
28:30)
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