A glimpse of nineteenth century religious life on the American frontier, and appropriate elucidations
A. S. Hayden's Early History of The Disciples in the Western Reserve includes the
following account of an incident involving John Whitacre (1790-1867), a disciple of Jesus
Christ and surveyor for Stark county, Ohio.
On another occasion, he was at a meeting where several persons were gathered at the "altar" in prayer for divine power to come down. Among them was a lady of intelligent appearance, who evidently was in deep distress. She prayed that God would "give her faith - saving faith; that he would help her to believe in Jesus." When she closed, Whitacre spoke to her: "Madam," said he, "what would you give for faith in Mahomet?" "Nothing," was her somewhat indignant reply. "Why not?" he continued. "Because," she rejoined, "I believe him to be an impostor." "But why are you so anxious for faith in Jesus Christ?" "Because," said she, " I believe he is my only Savior." "Well," said Whitacre, "why are you praying for that which you say you have? Why not go forward and obey the gospel, and be made free from sin?"
Romans 10:17 says, "belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." If
you lack faith, go to the scriptures. And don't be deceived by those who tell you an
unconverted individual cannot understand them. John explained why he wrote of the signs
Jesus did saying, "these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God; and that believing ye may have life in his name."
If your salvation consisted of some experience wherein you believe you were supernaturally endowed with faith, you need to reconsider the validity of your supposed salvation. You can't find anyone who was saved that way in the Bible.