What is the primary characteristic of faith in Jesus Christ?

Study for the Westminster Shorter Catechism Licensure Exam. Learn with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The primary characteristic of faith in Jesus Christ is that it is a saving grace that involves receiving and resting upon Jesus for salvation. This understanding is rooted in the Reformed theological perspective that emphasizes faith as a trusting belief in Jesus as the sole source of salvation.

Faith is not merely an intellectual exercise or agreement with certain theological doctrines; it goes beyond mere acknowledgment of truth. True faith acts on the belief that one is saved through Jesus Christ alone, which encompasses both receiving Him and resting in the assurance of salvation through His grace. This is often described as a deep reliance on Christ's redemptive work—where individuals recognize their inability to save themselves and wholly trust in Jesus for their reconciliation with God.

The essence of this saving faith is relational; it is about embracing the person of Christ and being transformed by His love and sacrifice. This contrasts with merely having an intellectual understanding of Christian beliefs, living a moral life without regard for salvation, or relying on emotional experiences during worship, which do not capture the complete reliance on Christ that defines true faith.

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