This is evident, whether we consider it from the human or from the divine side. As an act of man, it has an intellectual, an emotional, and a voluntary element, each of which is capable of growth. As a work of God in the soul of man, it can receive, through the presentation of the truth and the quickening agency of the Holy Spirit, continually new accessions of knowledge, sensibility, and active energy. Such increase of faith, therefore, we are to seek, both by resolute exercise of our own powers, and above all, by direct application to the source of faith in God (Luke 17:5). _Luke 17:5_—“_And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith._” The adult Christian has more faith than he had when a child,—evidently there has been increase. _1 Cor. 12:8, 9_—“_For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom ... to another faith, in the same Spirit._” In this latter passage, it seems to be intimated that for special exigencies the Holy Spirit gives to his servants special faith, so that they are enabled to lay hold of the general promise of God and make special application of it. _Rom. 8:26, 27_—“_the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity ... maketh intercession for us ... maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God_”; _1 John 5:14, 15_—“_And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him._” Only when we begin to believe, do we appreciate our lack of faith, and the great need of its increase. The little beginning of light makes known the greatness of the surrounding darkness. _Mark 9:24_—“_I believe; help thou mine unbelief_”—was the utterance of one who recognized both the need of faith and the true source of supply. On the general subject of Faith, see Köstlin, Die Lehre von dem Glauben, 13‐85, 301‐341, and in Jahrbuch f. d. Theol., 4:177 _sq._; Romaine on Faith, 9‐89; Bishop of Ossory, Nature and Effects of Faith, 1‐40; Venn, Characteristics of Belief, Introduction; Nitzsch, System of Christ. Doct., 294. IV. Justification. 1. Definition of Justification. By justification we mean that judicial act of God by which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, he declares that sinner to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law, but to be restored to his favor. Or, to give an alternative definition from which all metaphor is excluded: Justification is the reversal of God’s attitude toward the sinner, because of the sinner’s new relation to Christ. God did condemn; he now acquits. He did repel; he now admits to favor.