20. Are all men, then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ?
No (Matt. 7;13, 14); only those who are ingrafted into him, and receive all his benefits by a true faith (John 3;16).
Matt. 7;13, 14.—Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Straight is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.—Matt. 7;21.—John 3;36.
John 3;16.—God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.—2 Cor. 5;17.—John 3;18.—John 1;12.—Matt. 1;21.—1 Cor. 1;30.—Rom. 11;20.
21. What is true faith?
True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word (James 2;19); but also an assured confidence (Heb. 11;1), which the Holy Ghost works by the gospel in my heart (Rom. 10;17); that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God (Rom. 10;10); merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. (Eph. 2;8, 9.)
James 2;19.—Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devils also believe and tremble.—Luke 8;13.—Matt. 13;21.—John 17;3.
Heb. 11;1.—Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.—Rom. 4;20, 21.—Eph. 3;11, 12.—Heb. 3;6.—Acts 8;37.
Rom. 10;17.—Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.—2 Cor. 4;13.—Gal. 5;22.
