Lord’s Day 32
Q87. Can people who refuse to turn away from sin and be thankful to God be saved?
No. Scripture tells us that no unchaste person, no idolater, adulterer, thief, no covetous person, no drunkard, slanderer, or robber will inherit the kingdom of God.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Corinthians 6:9–10
Galatians 5:19–21
Ephesians 5:1–20
1 John 3:14
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does this answer say about people who refuse to turn from sin?
- 2
Does this mean we have to be perfect to be saved?
- 3
What is the difference between a Christian who struggles with sin and someone who refuses to turn from it?
Illustration
A tree that is alive produces fruit. It may produce slowly and some fruit may be small, but a living tree does not stay bare forever. A dead tree produces nothing at all. The catechism is not saying Christians never sin. It is saying that people who show zero fruit and no desire to change give no evidence of life in Christ.
Application
Examine your own heart this week. Do you want to obey God even when you fail? That desire itself is evidence of the Spirit working in you. Confess your sin, trust Christ's forgiveness, and ask for strength to keep growing.