Catechism Question 35
What does it mean that we are saved by Christ alone through faith alone?
It means that we are accepted before God because of Christ’s righteousness and atoning work alone, apart from any works or merits of our own, and that His righteousness is received by faith alone, apart from any efforts on our part.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we expand on the idea that we are saved by Christ alone through faith alone. It explores in what sense we are saved by Christ and in what sense through faith. Furthermore, it begins to show why there is an emphasis In this question, is on the word ‘alone.’ This will be more fully developed in the next question.
Note that we are saved by the work of Christ. The basis of our salvation is not our faith; it is the Person and work of Christ. Faith is not the ground or basis of our justification and salvation; Christ is the ground, and faith is the instrument or means by which we receive Christ’s righteousness as our own. This is critical. Some have falsely said that faith is the only work God accepts. Faith is not a work, and it is not why we are saved. We are not saved because of our faith, but because of Christ. Faith is merely the way we receive Christ.
Also, note that we are saved by Christ alone through faith alone. We do not add anything to Jesus, nor do we receive Him by any means other than faith.
Additional Questions:
How are we saved by Jesus alone through faith alone?
What does it mean that we are saved by Jesus alone? What does it mean that we are saved through faith alone?
Scripture References:
Philippians 3:7–9
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
Galatians 2:15–16
We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:20–21
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Ephesians 2:8–9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Questions for Further Discussion:
In what sense are we saved by Christ? In what sense are we saved by faith?
What does it mean to say that Christ is the ground or basis of our salvation? What does it mean to say that faith is the instrument or means of our salvation?
Why is it wrong to say that faith is the only work that God accepts? Is faith a work?
Are we accepted by God because we have faith, or because of what Christ did for us, which is received by faith? What is the difference?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 61 of the Heidelberg Catechism, question 86 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and questions 29, 30, and 33 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 “Solus Christus – Saved By Christ Alone” (October 15, 2017); “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).
Suggested Worship Song:
Rock of Ages (by Augustus Toplady, 1763)
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.