has no faith at all; for such a one does not believe God, but his own judgment.
44. When is our faith 'firm'?
Our faith is firm when we believe without the least doubt.
Examples. Abraham, rewarded for his firm faith: 'In the promise of God he staggered not by distrust, but was strengthened in faith; and therefore it was reputed to him unto justice' (Rom. iv. 20, 22). Moses and Aaron, punished on account of a doubt (Numbers xx. 12).
45. When is our faith 'lively'?
Our faith is lively when we live up to it; that is, when we avoid evil, and do good in the manner our faith prescribes.
'As the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead' (James ii. 26).
46. Will a dead faith also save us?
No; our faith must prove itself active by charity, or else it is not sufficient for obtaining eternal salvation.
'In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith, that worketh by charity' (Gal. v. 6). 'And if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing' (1 Cor. xiii. 2).
47. When is our faith 'constant'?
Our faith is constant when we are ready to lose all, even our life, rather than fall away from it.
' Take heed, brethren, lest perhaps there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living God' (Hebr. iii, 12). — Example of the holy Martyrs.
48. What leads people to fall away from their faith?
1. Pride and excessive reasoning on the mysteries of our religion; 2. Neglect of prayer and of the other religious duties; 3. Worldliness and a wicked life; and 4. Reading irreligious books, intercourse with scoffers at religion, and such matrimonial or other connections as endanger the true faith.
1. 'I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,
