What Faith in God Does

Faith justifies, because the believer's obligations to justice are all canceled by Christ, his surety.

Faith sanctifies, because the believer forsakes his own righteousness, which at best is but filthy rags, and accepts the righteousness of Christ.

Faith purifies, because it begets hope, and he who hath hope in him "purifieth himself, even as He is pure."

Faith strengthens, because the believer forsakes his own strength, which is utter weakness, and lays hold on the mighty arm of God. ''He stays on his God."

Faith gives courage, because it enables the believer to penetrate the darkest clouds, and see that there are more with him than against him; it makes him cry out, "Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear."

Faith gives joy in the midst of sorrow, because it tells the believer that his light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh out for him "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Faith gives patience, because it shows the believer that "he is faithful who hath promised," and that "in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

Faith gives peace, because it shows the believer that, "being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Faith gives rest, not by and by only, but now —here—in this world of toil and sorrow, because it leads the believer, laboring and heavy laden, to him who gives him rest.
 
Anon