WCF 14.2 WSC 80

By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatever is revealed in the Word, on the basis of the authority of God himself speaking in it(1), and acts differently based on what each particular passage in it contains. A Christian yields obedience to the commands(2), trembles at the threats(3), and embraces the promises of God for this life and that which is to come(4). But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting on Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace(5).

[1] John 4:42 “They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”” ; Acts 24:14 “But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,” ; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” ; 1 John 5:10 “Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.”

[2] Romans 16:26 “but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—”

[3] Isaiah 66:2 “All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

[4] 1 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”

[5] John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” ; Acts 15:11 “But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”” ; Acts 16:31 “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”” ; Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Q. 80. What does the tenth commandment require?

The tenth commandment requires us to be completely satisfied with our own status in life(1) and to have a proper, loving attitude toward others and their possessions(2).

[1] Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” ; Philippians 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” ; 1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain,” ; Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

[2] Luke 15:6 “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’” Luke 15:9 “And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’” Luke 15:11–32 “And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ And…” ; Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” ; Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”