Category: Catechism

How does preventing grace re-establish the freedom of the will? | While in our bound and helpless state, preventing grace breaks through and enables genuine response to God’s further grace.

How does preventing grace lighten the effects of original sin? | It prevents the full consequences of our alienation from God and awakens conscience, giving an initial sense of God and the first inclinations toward life in its fullest sense.

How does God save us? | By his preventing [or prevenient], convincing, justifying, sanctifying, and glorifying grace.

Who, then, can be saved? | With mortals it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Can we free ourselves from the misery of this condition? | No. In our own strength, without divine grace, we cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God.

What is the natural state of humanity? | We believe humanity is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil.

Are there other means of grace? | Yes. Among them are prayer and searching the Scriptures.

How do we encounter Christ at the Lord’s Supper? | Those who rightly, worthily, and in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until he comes.

What is the Lord’s Supper? | The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, a representation of our redemption, a remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ, and a token of love and union which Christians have with Christ and with one another.

Is baptism sufficient for salvation? | No. Baptized children should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their baptism.