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What is Faith?
Leather Binding on Spine and Corners with Golden Leaf Printing on round Spine (extra customization on request like complete leather, Golden Screen printing in Front, Color Leather, Colored book etc.) Reprinted in 2022 with the help of original edition published long back [1946]. This book is printed in black & white, sewing binding for longer life, Printed on high quality Paper, re-sized as per Current standards, professionally processed without changing its contents. As these are old books, we processed each page manually and make them readable but in some cases some pages which are blur or missing or black spots. If it is multi volume set, then it is only single volume, if you wish to order a specific or all the volumes you may contact us. We expect that you will understand our compulsion in these books. We found this book important for the readers who want to know more about our old treasure so we brought it back to the shelves. Hope you will like it and give your comments and suggestions. - English, Pages 272. EXTRA 10 DAYS APART FROM THE NORMAL SHIPPING PERIOD WILL BE REQUIRED FOR LEATHER BOUND BOOKS. COMPLETE LEATHER WILL COST YOU EXTRA US$ 25 APART FROM THE LEATHER BOUND BOOKS. {FOLIO EDITION IS ALSO AVAILABLE.} Complete What is faith? By J. Gresham Machen ... 1946 Machen, J. Gresham -.
263 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 1946
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About the author
J. Gresham Machen
101 books142 followersJohn Gresham Machen was an influential American Presbyterian theologian in the early 20th century. He was the Professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary between 1915 and 1929, and led a conservative revolt against modernist theology at Princeton and formed Westminster Seminary as a more orthodox alternative. This split was irreconcilable, and Machen led others to form the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 10, 2021
Despite being written in the early 20th century, Machen provides cutting and profound remarks for the reality of the Christian faith and its necessity in an ever increasing secular world. In this book he provides a commitment to orthodoxy and a stand for the gospel that is necessary in the midst of secular world. What I find fascinating about his writing style is how he interweaves doctrine and the everyday life of the Christian for the sake of living out the gospel more fully to the glory of God. One of my favorite parts about this book is that you can see how influential it has been in those who defend orthodoxy and fight the secular world. Truly, a book that is worthy to be on any book shelf.
January 14, 2025
Machen had an unusual genius about him. A sparkling and marvellous book. He writes with the warmth of Lloyd-Jones, and a clarity of thought afforded to few. Less a systematic treatment of his subject, but powerfully helpful nonetheless.
In particular, Machen makes clear the crucial connection between faith and knowledge.
In particular, Machen makes clear the crucial connection between faith and knowledge.
March 4, 2024
Every Christian ought to be interested in the question posed in the title. And Machen does an excellent job answering it. In Chapter VII: "Faith and Works" he has a great discussion on the question regarding the relationship between James and Paul on the doctrine of justification by faith. This book should be read as a companion to his Christianity and Liberalism.
April 18, 2021
Biblical faith is reasonable and required for Christianity. A great book answering liberal ideology and thought. The chapter on faith in the person of Christ expresses the very heart of the conflict. One of my favorite reads.
March 22, 2021
The book is small, but the content is massive. This little work definitely packs a punch above its weight class.
February 26, 2023
There are few theological writers that are as clear and punchy as Machen. This volume is certainly no different. Here are some gems.
Referring to faith as being more than a viewing God as a means to certain desirable (even good) ends, "God is not content to be an instrument in our hand or a servant at our beck and call. He is not content to minister to the worldly needs of those who care not a bit for Him" (78).
Or this rousing section on faith in God who justifies, "There may be some foul spot in our lives; the kind of thing that the world never forgives, the kind of thing, at any rate, for which we who know all can never forgive ourselves. But what care we whether the world forgives, or even whether we can forgive ourselves, if God forgives, if God has received us by the death of His Son? That is what Paul means by " boasting " in the Cross of Christ. If we could appeal to God's approval as ours by right, how bravely we should boast--boast in the presence of a world of enemies! If God knows that we are right, what care we for the blame of men? Such boasting, indeed, can never be ours. But we can boast in what God has done. Little care we whether our sin be thought unpardonable or no, little interested are we in the exact calculation of our guilt. Heap it up mountain high, yet God has removed it all. We cannot explain God's act; it is done on His responsibility, not ours. "I know not," the Christian says, "what my guilt may be; one thing I know: Christ loved me and gave Himself for me. Come on now ye moralists of the world, come on ye hosts of demons, with your whisperings of hell! We fear you not; we take our stand beneath the shadow of the Cross, and standing there, in God's favour, we are safe. No fear of challenge now! If God be for us, who can be against us? None, in heaven or in earth or in hell. 'Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor dings present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate as from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'"
Another gem from Machen. Men who change the world are men who ask, "What does God think?" He writes, "It is an answer to the greatest personal question ever asked by a human soul- the question: "How shall I be right with God; how do I stand in God's sight; with what favour does He look upon me?" There are those, it must be admitted, who never raise that question; there are those who are concerned with the question of their standing before men, but never with the question of their standing before God; there are those who are interested in what "people say," but not in the question what God says. Such men, however, are not those who move the world; they are apt to go with the current; they are apt to do as others do; they are not the heroes who change the destinies of the race. The beginning of true nobility comes when a man ceases to be interested in the judgment of men, and becomes interested in the judgment of God."
The list of quotes goes on... Machen is well worth reading for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
Referring to faith as being more than a viewing God as a means to certain desirable (even good) ends, "God is not content to be an instrument in our hand or a servant at our beck and call. He is not content to minister to the worldly needs of those who care not a bit for Him" (78).
Or this rousing section on faith in God who justifies, "There may be some foul spot in our lives; the kind of thing that the world never forgives, the kind of thing, at any rate, for which we who know all can never forgive ourselves. But what care we whether the world forgives, or even whether we can forgive ourselves, if God forgives, if God has received us by the death of His Son? That is what Paul means by " boasting " in the Cross of Christ. If we could appeal to God's approval as ours by right, how bravely we should boast--boast in the presence of a world of enemies! If God knows that we are right, what care we for the blame of men? Such boasting, indeed, can never be ours. But we can boast in what God has done. Little care we whether our sin be thought unpardonable or no, little interested are we in the exact calculation of our guilt. Heap it up mountain high, yet God has removed it all. We cannot explain God's act; it is done on His responsibility, not ours. "I know not," the Christian says, "what my guilt may be; one thing I know: Christ loved me and gave Himself for me. Come on now ye moralists of the world, come on ye hosts of demons, with your whisperings of hell! We fear you not; we take our stand beneath the shadow of the Cross, and standing there, in God's favour, we are safe. No fear of challenge now! If God be for us, who can be against us? None, in heaven or in earth or in hell. 'Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor dings present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate as from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'"
Another gem from Machen. Men who change the world are men who ask, "What does God think?" He writes, "It is an answer to the greatest personal question ever asked by a human soul- the question: "How shall I be right with God; how do I stand in God's sight; with what favour does He look upon me?" There are those, it must be admitted, who never raise that question; there are those who are concerned with the question of their standing before men, but never with the question of their standing before God; there are those who are interested in what "people say," but not in the question what God says. Such men, however, are not those who move the world; they are apt to go with the current; they are apt to do as others do; they are not the heroes who change the destinies of the race. The beginning of true nobility comes when a man ceases to be interested in the judgment of men, and becomes interested in the judgment of God."
The list of quotes goes on... Machen is well worth reading for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
November 2, 2020
'...Weak faith will not remove mountains, but there is one thing at least that it will do; it will bring a sinner into peace with God. Our salvation does not depend upon the strength of our faith; saving faith is a channel not a force. If you are once really committed to Christ, then despite your subsequent doubts and fears you are His for ever."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
A good introduction to Machen, whom I have heard before. He writes comprehensively on the topic of Christian faith. Solidly reformed. Some of his illustrations though are clearly meant for a different era.
A good book overall. Worth a read if you want to know more about the Christian faith, including on Christian faith and works.
A good book overall. Worth a read if you want to know more about the Christian faith, including on Christian faith and works.
June 19, 2023
Yet again, Machen lays it down like no other of his contemporaries. Fantastic, engaging writing on a topic that is still very relevant today. While this book may not go into the weeds as much as some would like, Machen's writings would be an excellent introduction to answering hard questions posed to the faith.
September 28, 2017
Only gave it four stars because it never really answers the question! What is Faith?! I was expecting something different. A great book nonetheless, but it was very similar as his other word 'Christianity and Liberalism'. Again, worth a read.
May 18, 2025
Just what I was looking for. This book helped me a lot to understand faith and how it relates to works, love, hope, science etc. There are still further questions that I have and answers to seek but I definitely progressed in my quest.
September 6, 2020
I'm appreciating Machen's works. This is not a simple book, but it is short, and it covers an important theme. In particular, Machen grounds faith in knowledge rather than experience.
May 28, 2024
A must read for anyone involved in a fight against the liberal religion.
February 2, 2023
I finished this work some time between 2010 to 2016. I would have to check my Facebook feed from when I quoted from it. This work was critical in my understanding of faith which I learned from Dr. Clark and the Heidelberg Catechism. This work was foundational to my understanding of justification, the dangers of self-righteousness, faith, the passive and active obedience of Christ. Machen is a clear writer who is Biblical sound. This work brought me much joy, I could not put it down. The binding fell apart and I underlined and wrote a lot in this book. In my travels from Korea to America this work was lost, or possibly water damaged when left for storage, a new copy embraces my bookshelf. This work was very powerful for me, I’ll never forget this work.
July 3, 2015
To set up his thesis, J. Gresham Machen quickly refutes the pragmatism and the anti-intellectual "Christianity" of our age in explanation of historical knowledge as the groundwork of our faith. He is absolutely right, that people are deceived into thinking that they can obtain a personal relationship with God without being educated in God. But in order to believe in Jesus Christ, we must first know who it is we believe in and why. Machen gives a strong and accurate argument for the true nature of faith, delving into the subject from many different directions. Great book!
April 27, 2013
Probably my favorite Machen book. He clearly and convincingly explains the intellectual nature of the Christian faith. I strongly recommend it especially for those who feel bombarded by a culture that relegates all religious thought to the realm of the subjective.
April 19, 2012
Really good. Worth every penny I never spent on it. As incisive as Christianity and Liberalism, and very lucid.
Want to read
June 7, 2013Read to page 50... will come back to this excellent little book when I've finished a few others I've started.
October 3, 2012
Outstanding treatment of biblical faith: in God, in Christ, born of need, in relation to the gospel and works, and hope.
Read
March 28, 2015A clear and profound discussion of God's salvation. I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2025
Machen provides a fantastically clear definition and description of Biblical faith. Highest of recommendations.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews