Lord’s Day 23
Q61. Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God?
It is not because my faith is worth something that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's sacrifice, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God. And I can only receive this righteousness by faith alone.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Corinthians 1:30–31
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
Romans 10:10
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
1 John 5:10–12
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does the catechism say we are right with God by faith alone?
- 2
Does faith itself earn anything from God?
- 3
What is the difference between faith being the way we receive a gift and faith being the reason God gives it?
Illustration
A hand that receives a gift is not the same as the gift itself. Your hand does not make the gift valuable. It simply takes hold of what is offered. Faith works the same way. Faith does not earn righteousness. It receives the righteousness Christ already won.
Application
When you are tempted to think your faith needs to be stronger before God will accept you, remember that faith is the open hand, not the prize. Ask God to keep your hands open to receive what Christ gives.