In his view, the Bible stresses charity and works as necessary for saving faith (i.e., justification) and therefore salvation.

Jewel defines a true, saving faith as a "living faith" (II.23).

A second view is that assurance is of the essence of saving faith.

Within the Free Grace movement there has been disagreement over the essential content of saving faith.

One of their confessional statements explains: "the principle acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life."

This understanding of saving faith has remained within the Protestant tradition.

The nature of saving faith.

The gift of faith (sometimes called "special" faith) is different from "saving faith" and normal Christian faith in its degree and application.

Among other observations, the committee stated, "'fear of hell' is 'inconsistent with saving faith.'"

Apostasy (turning from Christ) is only committed through a deliberate, willful rejection of Jesus and renunciation of saving faith.