Q.82
Q.82: Can anyone perfectly keep the commandments of God?
Since the fall no ordinary man can perfectly keep the commandments of God in this life but breaks them every day in thought, word, and action.
Q83. Are all sins equally evil?
In the eyes of God some sins in themselves are more evil than others, and some are more evil because of the harm that results from them.
Q84. What does every sin deserve?
Every sin deserves God’s anger and curse, both in this life and in the life to come.
Q86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, by which we receive and rest on Him alone for salvation, as He is offered to us in the gospel.
Q87. What is repentance unto life?
Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace, by which a sinner, being truly aware of his sinfulness, understands the mercy of God in Christ, grieves for and hates his sins, and turns from them to God, fully intending and striving for a new obedience.
What is taught by the perfectionist error? Who teaches this?
A Christian believer can reach a point in their life, where they no longer sin. Roman Catholics
What will a sound Christian hold in distinction from these two errors?
A sound Christian will (1) continually strive to be obedient to God and (2) constantly confess their remaining imperfection and sin.
What are the three necessary ‘elements’ of conversion?
Light, Heat, Power
Why is it that the sinner can take no credit for repenting and believing?
It is because God has given the sinner a new nature (by regeneration) which cannot resist the powerful and effectual calling of the gospel. All praise goes to God for enabling sinners to repent and believe.
What is taught by the antinomian error?
Since no one can keep God's law perfectly and Christ has satisfied the law for us, we are free from all obligation to obey God's Word.
Is it possible to become more and more holy and yet (at the same time) more repentant?
Yes
Who is the only one who is active in conversion (repenting and believing)?
Only the sinner
When does repentance and faith cease in the life of the Christian?
It will not cease in the life of the Christian. Conversion is merely the beginning of repenting and having faith.
Is conversion always a momentary experience?
Yes and No.
How can we be sure that we have been converted?
The only sure proof of conversion is not the suddenness of it, but the continuance of it, and the fruit that comes from it. If a person can truly say that he now lives, daily, the life of repentance and faith––and if there is in that person’s life the evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit.