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

by Thomas Vincent

LXXXV. Ques. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
Ans. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

Q. 1. How many things doth God require of us to escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
A. God requireth three things of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin— 1. Faith in Jesus Christ. 2. Repentance unto life. 3. The diligent use of all the outward means wherehy Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

Q. 2. Why doth God require of us faith in Jesus Christ, that we may escape his wrath and curse?
A. God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ to escape his wrath and curse, because by faith in Jesus Christ we have an interest in Jesus Christ and his imputed righteousness, and the promise he hath made of remission and salvation unto us. "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."— Phil. 3:9. "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."— Acts 10:43. "By grace we are saved, through faith."— Eph. 2:8.

Q. 3. Why doth God require of us repentance unto life, that we may escape his wrath and curse?
A. God requireth of us repentance unto life, that we may escape his wrath and curse, because the promise of forgiveness of sin is made to repentance, as a concomitant of faith; and it is not for God's honour to pardon and save any that go on still in their trespasses. "Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."— Acts 3:19. "Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."— Acts. 20:21.

Q. 4. Why doth God require of us the diligent use of all outward means, that we may escape his wrath and curse?
A. God doth require of us the diligent use of all outward means to escape his wrath and curse, because although God could save without means, yet it is his wilt to appoint means, which, having his institution, we cannot expect the benefits of redemption and salvation should be communicated to us any other way. "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."— 1 Cor. 1:21. "Pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."— Acts 8:22.