Faith and Sacraments

What must we do to be saved, asks Westminster Shorter Catechism 85 – saved from the wrath and curse of God due to sin.

The answer is noteworthy: We must have “faith in Jesus Christ.” Of course. It happens to be a Protestant Catechism.

But the answer does not stop there. It goes on to say that escape from wrath and curse “requires” also “repentance unto life,” later defined as turning to God “with full purpose of , and endeavor after, new obedience” (q. 87). To be saved from wrath, in short, we must strive after obedience, the obedience that comes from faith for sure, but obedience nonetheless.

The other clause of q. 85 is also revealing: To escape the wrath and curse of God, God “requires . . . the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.” If we are saved by faith, how can God require the “use” of anything? But that’s what the Catechism says: ” requires . . . use .” As the Catechism continues, it becomes clear that word, sacraments, and prayer are the “outward means” by which Christ communicates the benefits of redemption.

Here’s the logic: To be saved from wrath, God requires faith in Jesus, repentance that includes the endeavor of obedience, and the reception of the sacraments by faith. Or, to cut to the chase: If we want to be saved from wrath, God requires our participation in sacraments . As I said, it’s a Protestant Catechism.