CD 1.5

1.5. First Head of Doctrine, Article 5

The cause or guilt of this unbelief, as well as of all other sins, is no wise in God, but in man himself; whereas faith in Jesus Christ and salvation through Him is the free gift of God, as it is written: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him," etc. (Phil. 1:29).

Proof texts

• Eph. 2:8 — [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
• Phil. 1:29 — [29] For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Eph. 2:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · WCF 3.1 · BC 5.1 · 1689 3.1