Lord’s Day 7Questions 19–23

Whence knowest thou this?

From the holy Gospel which God first revealed in Paradise (Gen. 3;15); and afterwards published by the Patriarchs and Prophets (Acts 10;43); and was pleased to represent it by the shadows of sacrifices, and the other ceremonies of the law (Col. 2;17); and lastly has accomplished it by his only begotten son (John 1;29).

Are all men, then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ?

No (Matt. 7;13, 14); only those who are ingrafted into him, and receive all his benefits by a true faith (John 3;16).

What is true faith?

True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word (James 2;19); but also an assured confidence (Heb. 11;1), which the Holy Ghost works by the gospel in my heart (Rom. 10;17); that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God (Rom. 10;10); merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. (Eph. 2;8, 9.)

What is then necessary for a Christian to believe?

All things promised us in the gospel (Matt. 16;15, 16.); which the articles of our catholic undoubted Christian faith, briefly teach us.

What are these articles?

1. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord;

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the Holy Catholic Church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

11. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting.