The Shorter Catechism
of the Westminster Assembly
Explained and Proved
from Scripture

by Thomas Vincent

XXX. Ques. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
Ans. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Q. 1. Whence is it that the redemption purchased by Christ is applied to us, or that we have an interest therein?
A. We have an interest in the redemption purchased by Christ, through our union to him in our effectual calling. "Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." — 1 Cor. 1:30. "Whom he called, them he also justified." — Rom. 8:30.

Q. 2. What is the union between Christ and us?
A. The union between Christ and us is that whereby Christ and we are joined together, and made one. "He that is joined unto the Lord, is one spirit." — 1 Cor. 6:17.

Q. 3. Whence is it that we are united unto Christ?
A. We are united unto Christ — 1. By the Spirit on God's part, whereby he draws us, and joins us unto Christ. "No man can come unto me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him." — John 6:44. 2. By faith on our part, whereby we come unto Christ, and lay hold upon him. "He that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." — John 6:35. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." — Eph. 3:17.

Q. 4. Is faith from ourselves, or from God?
A. Though faith be our act, yet it is God's gift, and the work of his Spirit. "By grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." — Eph. 2:8. "Ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God." — Col. 2:12.