§2005Since it belongs to the supernatural order, grace escapes our experience and cannot be known except by faith. We cannot therefore rely on our feelings or our works to conclude that we are justified and saved.56 However, according to the Lord's words "Thus you will know them by their fruits"57 - reflection on God's blessings in our life and in the lives of the saints offers us a…

Chapter 2.—What Was Prophetically Prefigured in the Sons of Noah. The things which then were hidden are now sufficiently revealed by the actual events which have followed. For who can carefully and intelligently consider these things without recognizing them accomplished in Christ? Shem, of whom Christ was born in the flesh, means “named.” And what is of greater name than Chris…

Gracious and holy affections have their exercise and fruit in Christian practice. This is the chief of all the signs of grace. Holy practice is the principal evidence of the truth of grace, both to the consciences of Christians themselves and to the observation of others. Men's deeds are the best interpreters of their words and profession.

Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit.