82–90 Faith & Means Flashcards
- Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No mere man, since the fall, is able, in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but daily breaks them, in thought, word, and deed.
- Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
- What does every sin deserve?
Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
- What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?
To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.
- What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
- What is repentance unto life?
Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, with grief and hatred of his sin, turns from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.
- What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all of which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
- How is the word made effectual to salvation?
The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.
- How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence, preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
