Lord’s Day 7
Q20. Is everyone saved through Christ, just as everyone fell into sin through Adam?
No. Only those who have true faith in Christ and receive all his gifts are saved.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 7:14
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
John 3:16, 18, 36
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. … He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. … He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Romans 11:16–21
“For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Is everyone in the world saved through Christ?
- 2
What does the catechism say is needed to be saved?
- 3
What do you think "true faith" looks like in a person's life?
Illustration
A parent might set dinner on the table for the whole family, but if a child refuses to come and eat, the food does not help that child. Christ's work is enough to save, but a person must receive it by faith. Faith is coming to the table and eating what God has provided.
Application
Ask God to give you true faith in Jesus. Because faith itself is a gift from God, the right thing to do is ask him for it. You cannot make yourself believe. Only the Holy Spirit can open your heart.