Faith that works

Edwards emphasizes that faith must do in order to be faith at all in this arresting formulation ( The Miscellanies, 833-1152 , #856):

“The acts of holy Christian practice do as much belong to the acceptance of Christ as the outward act of a beggar, in putting forth his hand, and outwardly taking the gift offered him. Actually yielding to Christ’s teachings is the same thing as actually accepting him as a prophet and teacher; actually submitting to Christ as our king, and obeying him, is the same as actually accepting him in his kingly office. Venturing upon his word and promise, in what we do or suffer, is the same as actually trusting him. Actually following Christ and practically cleaving to him, in hope of salvation from him, is actually accepting him and trusting in him as a savior. Forsaking sin is actual accepting of freedom or deliverance from sin. Practicing holiness is actual accepting that benefit of Christ’s purchase, as much as the beggar’s taking the gift, and voluntary having it, is the very same as his accepting it; or, as the eating food given him is accepting that food.”

Acceptance of Christ in faith takes form as obeying Him as King, following Him as Master, abandoning the sin from which he delivers, eating the food He offers.