A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ ?
A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

1. Is redemption purchased by Christ? Yes: he obtained eternal redemption for us, Heb. 9:12. Is he then the Author of it? Yes: he became the Author of salvation, Heb. 5:9. Is it redemption by price? Yes: Ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6:20. Is it a redemption by power? Yes: for he hath led captivity captive, Ps. 68:18. Is this redemption offered to all? Yes: he hath proclaimed liberty to the captives, Isa. 61:1. May all that will take the benefit of it ? Yes: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, Isa. 55:1. Have all the world therefore some benefit by it? Yes: Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, Mark 16:15. But have all the world a like benefit by it? No: Thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not unto the world, John 14:22.

2. Is it enough for us that there is a redemption purchased? No: for there are those who deny the Lord who bought them, 2 Pet. 2:1. Is it enough to hear of it? No: for to some it is a savour of death unto death, 2 Cor. 2:16. Is it enough to have a name among the redeemed? No: Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead, Rev. 3:1. Is it necessary therefore that we be partakers of the redemption? Yes: that we may say, Who loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2:20. Do all partake of it? No: Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, Acts 8:21. Do all believers partake of it? Yes: We are made partakers of Christ, Heb. 2:14. Do they receive the Redeemer? Yes: We have received Christ Jesus the Lord, Col. 2:6. Do any receive this of themselves? No: A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above, John 3:27.

3. Must the redemption be applied to us? Yes: It is Christ in you the hope of glory, Col. 1:27. Is it the Spirit's work to apply it? Yes: for it is the Spirit that quickens, John 6:68. Is he sent for that purpose? Yes: He shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you, John 16:15. Is he sent in Christ's name? Yes: He is the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, John 14:26. Have we as much need of the Spirit to apply the redemption to us, as of the Son to purchase it for us? Yes: for when Christ had purchased it, it was expedient for us he should go away, that he might send the Comforter, John 16:7.

4. Is the Spirit given to the church in general? Yes: Another Comforter shall abide with you for ever, John 14:16. Is he promised to particular persons? Yes: Turn ye at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, Prov. 1:28. Are we to pray for the Spirit then? Yes: our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, Luke 11:13. Do all believers receive of the Spirit? Yes: God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, Gal. 4:6. Is he their teacher? Yes: he shall teach them all things. Is he their remembrancer? Yes: he shall bring all things to their remembrance, John 14:26. Is he the earnest? Yes: he hath given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts, 2 Cor. 1:22. Does he begin the good work of grace in the heart? Yes: for when he is come, he shall convince, John 16:8. And does he perfect it? Yes: for he hath wrought us for the selfsame thing, 2 Cor. 5:5.