Catechism Question 37
What change in status occurs for those who receive Christ through faith alone?
Those who receive Christ through faith alone are justified and adopted by God.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we explore how our position before God changes when we are saved by Christ alone through faith alone. In short, when the Spirit regenerates us and we turn to Christ in faith, we are justified and adopted by God. In this question, we simply introduce these two terms. We will define them in the next two questions.
It is important to note that other things happen when we are saved. For example, the Spirit comes to live in us and He begins the process of sanctification in us. We will consider some of these in later questions. Here we are not looking at all of the benefits we receive through the work of Christ, but only the change in our standing before God that accepting His work through faith brings about.
Additional Questions:
When we believe in Jesus, how is our standing before God changed?
How does receiving Christ through faith change our position before God?
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 3:21–25
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:33–34
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 8:15–16
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Galatians 4:4–7
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Before someone is a Christian, they are guilty before God and counted as a child of Satan. How is this changed after we receive Christ by faith?
Why is it important to understand how our legal situation before God is changed when we are united to Christ by faith?
How does justification change our legal standing before God? How does adoption change our legal standing before God?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 60 of the Heidelberg Catechism, and question 32 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg or Westminster Shorter Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “Sola Fide – Justified By Faith Alone” (October 22, 2017); “Justification By Faith Alone” (February 6, 2005); “Our Confidence In Christ – Holding On To the Gospel” (April 6, 2008); “Christ: The True Son of God” (May 30, 2004); and “Heirs of God Through Christ” (March 6, 2005).
Suggested Worship Song:
You Are My King (by Billy James Foote, 1997; verse 2 lyrics by Perry Anderson)
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be?
That You, my King. would die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
Its my joy to honor You
Amazing love how can it be?
That my King would die for me
Amazing love I know it’s true
Its my joy to honor You
In all I do
I honor You
I’m adopted, You left the Father
I am righteous, You wore my sin
I’m alive and well
And reigning in your kingdom
Because You died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be?
That You, my King. would die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
Its my joy to honor You
Amazing love how can it be?
That my King would die for me
Amazing love I know it’s true
Its my joy to honor You
In all I do
I honor You