V. How is eternal life given?

Everlasting life is given us through faith, and faith by the doctrine of the gospel, and the inward efficacy of the Holy Spirit; for the Holy Spirit works in us, through the word, the knowledge of God, and of his will; which knowledge is accompanied with a desire of becoming more and more intimately acquainted with God, and of living according to the requirements of his will, as it is said: “To whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” “In Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel.” “The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (John 6:68. 1 Cor. 4:15. Rom. 1:16; 10:17.) The ordinary way in which we receive the beginning of eternal life is through the ministry of the word. It is different, however, with the infants of the church and those who are converted in a miraculous manner, as the thief on the cross, Paul, Cornelius, &c. Our remarks at this time have respect to the ordinary way, in which everlasting life is given, and which is peculiar to adults.