Catechism Question 30
Are all people saved through the redemptive work of Christ?
No, only those who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united to Christ in sincere faith are saved.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we show that the benefits of the redeeming work of Jesus are not given to all humans, but only to those who are born again and look to Christ with a true, living faith. Although all human beings were placed under the curse when Adam fell, only those who are “in Christ” receive the benefits of Christ’s redemptive work. Those who are not born again and who do not look to Christ in faith remain under the curse of sin.
Additional Questions:
Are all human beings saved?
Is everyone automatically saved because of the work of Christ?
Does Jesus’ redeeming work save everyone?
Scripture References:
Romans 5:17
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 3:22–24
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.
Titus 3:4–7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Since all human beings are punished for Adam’s fall, why don’t all of them automatically receive the benefits of Christ’s work?
Why are some human beings not saved by the work of Jesus?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 20 of the Heidelberg Catechism, question 29 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 27 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “Justification By Faith Alone” (February 6, 2005); “The Blessings of Faith” (February 20, 2005); “Our Redemption In Christ (God’s Saving Grace)” (May 20, 2007).
Suggested Worship Song:
How Sweet and Aweful Is the Place (Isaac Watts, 1707)
How sweet and aweful is the place
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores!
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast,
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
“Lord, why was I a guest?
“Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there’s room,
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come?”
’Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly drew us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perished in our sin.
Pity the nations, O our God!
Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.
We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May with one voice, and heart and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace.