Q. What is the second effect of faith?
A. The second effect of faith is that eternal life is already begun in us; for eternal life is nothing else than knowing God. This the Lord announced when He said:
“This is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent.” John 17:3
This knowledge of God Begins here through faith, but it is perfected in the future life when we shall know God as He is. Therefore, St. Paul says:
“Faith is the substance of things to be hoped for.” Hebrews 11:1
No one then can arrive at perfect happiness of Heaven, which is the true knowledge of God unless first he knows God through faith.
“Blessed are they that have not seen and have believed.” John 20:29
-St Thomas Aquinas
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