Faith: Created or Wooed

Michael F. Bird over at Euangelion makes this observation,

It is my contention that God does not “draw out” or “woo” faith from us, but gives it as a gift through his efficacious Word….Overall, I think Martin Luther is right: God creates faith the same way that he made the universe, he found nothing and made something!

He bases this upon several texts. I agree with him on this issue. Here is his take on one of the texts he cites for his assertion of faith as the gift of God and not a “work” (for lack of a better term to not offend my Arminian brother; if you have one let me know so I can use it and not “work” because I know that Arminians don’t believe that faith is a meritorious work).

1. Philippians 1:29 – “For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him.” What has been graciously given (εχαρισθη) is to both believe and to suffer on behalf of Christ.