This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory: growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance, through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.
The Westminster divines had a very realistic (which is to say, biblical) view of the Christian life. They knew that Christian experience is typified by highs and lows. Anyone who tries to tell you, "Accept Jesus, and all your problems will disappear," is selling you a wagonload. The Bible is replete with examples of believers who faced many difficulties in their lives.
But that's not where we place our emphasis. Instead, we look to Christ himself, "the author and finisher of our faith." Our lives may be shaky, but he is ever firm and steady. What he has started he most assuredly will bring to completion.
Assurance is the subject of chapter XVIII; we'll explore the topic in greater detail there.
Tomorrow: Repentance.
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