WHAT IS SAVING FAITH ?

Two factors define 'faith' ... intellectual assent and applied trust. 

To help us understand the Biblical meaning, we can use this example ... 

Intellectual assent acknowledges that a chair is designed to support the person who sits on it. Trust is when you sit down in that chair.

Therefore, believing that Jesus died on the cross to pay your sin debt is not saving faith. You must 'sit in the chair' of salvation; an act of complete surrender to Christ's Lordship and finished work. 

Bridges - Faith is both a renunciation and a reliance. First, we must renounce any consideration of either our bad works or our good works as the means of relating to God. Second, we must place our reliance entirely on the perfect obedience and sin-bearing death of Christ as the sole basis of our standing before God. 

His work ... not yours.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

So ... how do you know if you have saving faith? 

If you believe that 'grace' is the foundation upon which salvation rests, make sure you apply that truth to your daily life. A transformation will take place and bring the assurance you long for. 

Spurgeon - A large portion of mankind does not believe that salvation is by grace. Another part of them profess to believe it but do not understand its meaning. And many who do understand it have never surrendered to it and embraced it.

Don't complicate faith by adding the religious doctrines of men. Christ is sufficient for every need, the beginning and the end of one's salvation. Your relationship with Him is to be intimate and personal.     

God saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9 

Sit down in that 'chair', pilgrim.