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The Catechism in Questions & Answers
- Introduction
- Contents
- 215. Why are human beings in need of redemption?
- 216. What does “redemption” mean?
- 217. Where does evil come from?
- 218. What is evil?
- 219. How does evil reveal itself?
- 220. Does evil also exist as a person?
- 221. How did evil come to mankind?
- 222. Will evil always exist?
- 223. What is related in Holy Scripture concerning the fall into sin?
- 224. What were the consequences for mankind of the fall into sin?
- 225. What was God’s position toward fallen mankind?
- 226. How was the further development of mankind after the fall into sin?
- 227. Did the fall into sin have consequences for all human beings?
- 228. Did the fall into sin also have consequences for the creation?
- 229. What is sin?
- 230. What is the distinction between sin and guilt?
- 231. How can this separation from God be undone?
- 232. Who defines what is sinful?
- 233. How can we recognise what is sinful?
- 234. With what gifts did God equip sinful mankind?
- 235. How are we to engage the conscience, reason, and faith?
- 236. What is the purpose of the conscience?
- 237. What is the function of reason?
- 238. Are there limitations to human reason?
- 239. What is faith?
- 240. How does a human being come to believe?
- 241. What is the task of the believer?
- 242. What can faith help achieve?
- 243. What is meant by the term “salvation history”?
- 244. What is meant by the term “plan of salvation”?
- 245. How will salvation history transpire?
- 246. What was the object of hope for salvation in the time of the Old Testament?
- 247. What is the foundation for salvation?
- 248. Who is able to attain salvation?
- 249. In what phase of God’s plan of salvation do we live?
- 250. How can salvation be attained today?
- 251. What form of salvation will the bridal congregation experience at the return of Christ?
- 252. When will God’s plan of salvation be fulfilled?
- 253. What is the basis for our election by God?
- 254. Why does God elect people?
- 255. Are there examples of election in the Old Testament?
- 256. Are there examples of election in the New Testament?
- 257. Can anyone lay claim to election by God?
- 258. What does election signify from the perspective of the gospel?
- 259. What is the result of accepting this election?
- 260. What is blessing?
- 261. How is blessing attained, and how does it unfold?
- 262. How is God’s blessing revealed in the creation?
- 263. How was blessing experienced in the old covenant?
- 264. What were the implications for the Israelites if they accepted or rejected the blessing of God?
- 265. From whom does blessing emanate in the new covenant?
- 266. How did Jesus bless?
- 267. Where does the emphasis of the blessing of Jesus Christ lie?
- 268. What constitutes this spiritual blessing?
- 269. How can this blessing be attained and how should it be treated?
- 270. What constitutes the fullness of blessing?
- 271. Did God give His people a law in the old covenant?
- 272. What is the purpose of the Mosaic Law?
- 273. How was the Mosaic Law assessed in Old Testament times?
- 274. How is the Mosaic Law assessed from the perspective of the gospel?
- 275. What is the content of the gospel?
- 276. What other names are there for the gospel?
- 277. What is the relationship between the law and the gospel?
- 278. What are the fundamental prerequisites for obtaining the grace offered in the gospel?
- 279. What is the relationship between a person’s good works and his redemption?
240. How does a human being come to believe?
Faith always starts with God, who reveals Himself through His word and His works. Faith is a gift of God. True faith is based on God’s grace of election. At the same time, faith is an obligation for human beings. Whether and to what degree a human being comes to believe is also dependent on his own effort: a person must want to believe. For this reason it is necessary to pray for faith.
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9: 24