Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 10, section 4
Shorter Catechism, Q. 32
IV. Others, not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the Word [p], and may have some common operations of the Spirit [q], yet they never truly come unto Christ, and therefore cannot be saved [r]: much less can men, not professing the Christian religion, be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the laws of that religion they do profess [s]. And to assert and maintain that they may, is very pernicious, and to be detested [t].
[p] Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
[q] Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mathew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Ver.21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Ver.5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.
[r] John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. Ver.65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. Ver.66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
[s] Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.
John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
[t] 2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Ver.10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: Ver.11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Ver.7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Ver.8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Shorter Catechism
Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification [z], adoption [a], and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them [b].
[z] Romans 8:30 Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
[a] Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
[b] 1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. Ver.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
End of Lesson, Day 42
Q. 33. What is justification?
A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins [c], and accepteth us as righteous in his sight [d], only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us [e], and received by faith alone [f].
Q. 34. What is adoption?
A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace [g], whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God [h].
Q. 35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace [i], whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God [k], and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness [l].
For Further Study:
Francis R. Beattie's The Presbyterian Standards
The Benefits of Redemption: Justification
James Fisher's Catechism on the Catechism
John Flavel's Exposition of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism
Matthew Henry's A Scripture Catechism in the Method of the Assembly's
Thomas Vincent's The Shorter Catechism Explained from Scripture
Thomas Watson's Body of Divinity
John Whitecross' The Shorter Catechism Illustrated
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