True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word.¹ At the same time it is a firm confidence² that not only to others, but also to me,³ God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation,⁴ out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits.⁵ This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.⁶