Questions 81–90Sin, Faith & the Means of Grace

English text of 1647

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Wikisource transcription of the 1647 English text; source edition not documented; formatting and a known Q85 omission are normalized. Source: Wikisource transcription.

The catechism was first published in 1647; this edition reproduces its historical English text. Rights evidence. Verified 2026-07-14.

What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate^a, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his^b.

Scripture proofs

aI Cor. 10:10; Jas. 3:14-16

bGal. 5:26; Col. 3:5

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 doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed^a.

aGen. 8:21; Rom. 3:9ff, 23

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^a.

aEzek. 8:6, 13, 15; Matt. 11:20-24; John 19:11

What doth every sin deserve?

Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come^a.

aMatt. 25:41; Gal. 3:10; Eph. 5:6; Jas. 2:10

What doth 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 requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

aMark 1:15; Acts 20:21 [b]: Acts 2:38; I Cor. 11:24-25; Col. 3:16

What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace^a, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel^b.

aEph. 2:8-9; cf. Rom. 4:16

bJohn 20:30-31; Gal. 2:15-16; Phil. 3:3-11

What is repentance unto life?

Repentance unto life is a saving grace^a, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ^b, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God^c, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience^d.

aActs 11:18; II Tim. 2:25

bPs. 51:1-4; Joel 2:13; Luke 15:7, 10; Acts 2:37

cJer. 31:18-19; Luke 1:16-17; I Thess. 1:9

dII Chron. 7:14; Ps. 119:57-64; Matt. 3:8; II Cor. 7:10

What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth 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^a.

aMatt. 28:18-20; Acts 21:41, 42

How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

The Spirit of God maketh 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^a.

aNeh. 8:8-9; Acts 20:32; Rom. 10:14-17; II Tim. 3:15-17

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 thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer^a; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives^b.

aDeut. 6:6ff; Ps. 119:18; I Pet. 2:1-2

bPs. 119:11; II Thess. 2:10; Heb. 4:2; Jas. 1:22-25