Westminster Shorter Catechism – Lord’s Day 38
Q & A 85
Q What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
A To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life,1 with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.2
Q & A 86
Q What is faith in Jesus Christ?
A Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace,3 whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.4
Q & A 87
Q What is repentance unto life?
A Repentance unto life is a saving grace,5 whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,6 does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God,7 with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience.8
Q & A 88
Q What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
A The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.*9
*1 Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21.
*2 Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Colossians 3:16.
*3 Ephesians 2:8-9; Cf. Romans 4:16.
*4 John 20:30-31; Galatians 2:15-16; Philippians 3:3-11.
*5 Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25.
*6 Psalm 51:1-4; Joel 2:13; Acts 2:37.
*7 Jeremiah 31:18-19; Luke 1:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
*8 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 119:57-64; Matthew 3:8.
*9 Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42.
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