A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's
by Matthew Henry
Q. 85. What does God require of us, that we may escape the wrath and curse due to us for sin?
A. To escape the wrath and anger of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with a diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.
1. Is the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin? Yes: we are by nature children of wrath, Eph. 2:3. Has God provided a way of escape from that wrath? Yes: I have found a ransom, Job 33:24. Does the gospel show us that way? Yes: He shall tell thee words whereby thou mayest be saved, Acts 11:14. Is it through Christ that we may escape this wrath? Yes: It is Jesus that delivereth us from the wrath to come, 1 Thess. 1:10. Is anything to be done by us in order to our escape? Yes: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, Phil. 2:12,13.
2. Are we concerned to inquire what is to be done by us in order to our escape? Yes: Wherewithal shall I come before the Lord? Mic. 6:6. Will a convinced conscience put us upon this inquiry? Yes: When they were pricked to the heart they said, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37. Must we be serious and solicitous in this inquiry? Yes: as the gaoler that came trembling and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Acts 16:30. Must we be speedy in this inquiry? Yes: The morning cometh, and also the night, if ye will inquire, inquire ye, Isa. 21:12. Must we make this inquiry with resolution? Yes: They shall ask their way to Zion with their faces thitherward, Jer. 50:5. Must we apply ourselves to Christ with this inquiry Yes: Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? Matt. 19:16.
3. Is that which is to be done by us for our salvation required of us? Yes: This is his commandment, That we believe, 1 John 3:23. And are we called upon to do it? Yes: Turn ye, turn ye: why will ye die, 0 house of Israel? Ezek. 33:11.
4. Is faith in Jesus Christ required that we may escape this wrath? Yes: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, Acts 16:31. Is repentance required? Yes: Repent, and be converted, that our sins may be blotted out, Acts 3:19. Did our Lord Jesus preach these as the two great commandments of the gospel? Yes: The kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel, Mark 1:15. Did the apostles preach them? Yes: testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, aud faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 20:21. And is it required that we diligently use the means of grace? Yes: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Matt. 28:20.