One for all

Whenever a law is passed, it can have a profound impact of the lives of many.  The change happens immediately and often we don't have to do anything. On the 25th March 1807, the Slave Trade Act was passed, and from that moment on people could no longer be traded as slaves. In June 2015, 16 and 17 year olds gained the right to vote in local government elections in Scotland. Two examples of changes in the law, which affected many lives - without the people themselves doing anything. As we return to the catechism (with apologies for the break), we come to a question which asks us - if Jesus death was so effective, do we have to do anything?  Or are we all OK - just because he has done it all?

Q27.  Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ?

A. No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith.  Nevertheless God in his mercy demonstrates common grace even to those who are not elect, by restraining the effects of sin and enabling works of culture for human well-being.

A few things to note:

• Salvation is not automatic

The scope of salvation is vast.  Jesus paid for all our sin.  Every single one.  As Q25 says, His death on the cross fully paid the penalty for all our sin.    And it doesn't just stop there.  Christ's death, means that every part of the fallen creation shall be redeemed (Q26.) However, salvation is not automatic. Jesus has won it, but we must rest in what he has done for us.  We must place our faith in him.

• God acts, we respond

God has acted in two ways.    All that Jesus has done on the cross, is an action of God.  Here, we learn that God also acts in

election.  

This means that God's action is personal.  It is not a vague, general offer.  He personally chooses to set his love upon us. And God is always the perfect gentleman.  He sets his love upon us, but he does not force us to love him.  We must respond.  We accept, trust, rest in all that God has done for us in Jesus Christ, by faith.

• God loves the whole world

The catechism teaches that God shows mercy to all of humanity.  This is called common grace.  In his grace, he holds back the relentless pace of sin and evil.  He enables cultures to flourish.  He enables technology to advance. And in his mercy, he has allowed us to learn about Jesus - so in all the questions this section of the catechism can raise, the biggest is - have you responded to Jesus?  Are you resting in him?