WSC2.7 From Wrath by Grace. Qs 85-88

17. The Way of Escape from God's Wrath by the means of Grace (Qs 85-88)

Q. 85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life [a, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communi]cateth to us the benefits of redemption [b].

[a]. Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21

[b]: Acts 2:38; I Cor. 11:24-25; Col. 3:16

Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. 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].

[a]. Eph. 2:8-9; cf. Rom. 4:16

[b]. John 20:30-31; Gal. 2:15-16; Phil. 3:3-11

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?

A. 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].

[a]. Acts 11:18; II Tim. 2:25

[b]. Ps. 51:1-4; Joel 2:13; Luke 15:7, 10; Acts 2:37

[c]. Jer. 31:18-19; Luke 1:16-17; I Thess. 1:9

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

Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

A. 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].

[a]. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 21:41, 42