Test of Faith

Instant, 1W (2)
Prevent the next 3 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn, and put a +1/+1 counter on that creature for each 1 damage prevented this way.
Those who survive the test bear a mark of power anyone can recognize.
Illus. Vance Kovacs

Gatherer Card Rulings [Nov 2009]

• 12/1/2004: The +1/+1 counters are put onto the creature at the time the damage is prevented. If a 1/1 creature would be dealt 6 damage, 3 damage is prevented and three +1/+1 counters are put onto the creature. The creature is a 4/4 creature with 3 damage on it, so it won't be destroyed because State-Based Actions aren't checked until after Test of Faith is finished resolving.

Format Legality	Legal in Vintage, Legacy, Extended, MTGO Classic Banned in Standard
Printings (1/8)	Darksteel (Uncommon)