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)
