Overview

After the law’s verdict that all deserve God’s wrath (Q82–84), the catechism asks the gospel question: how may we escape it? The answer (Q85) is faith, repentance, and the diligent use of the outward means of grace. Q86–87 then define the two saving graces: faith in Christ and repentance unto life.

The Questions & Answers

Q85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin? A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“…Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15, ESV)

“…Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31, ESV)

Further proofs: Acts 20:21; 2 Tim. 2:25; Prov. 2:1–5; 8:33–36.

Q86. What is faith in Jesus Christ? A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12, ESV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8, ESV)

Further proofs: Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:15–16; John 6:35; Heb. 10:39.

Q87. What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“…repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” (2 Cor. 7:10, ESV)

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19, ESV)

Further proofs: Joel 2:12; Jer. 31:18–19; Ezek. 36:31; Acts 11:18; 26:18.

Exposition: Q85 gives the gospel’s answer to the law’s verdict, with three parts held together: faith (receiving Christ), repentance (turning from sin), and the diligent use of the means (the channels through which grace comes — Word, sacraments, prayer, the subjects of Q88ff). Faith and repentance are the two inseparable sides of conversion. Q86’s definition of faith is jewel-like: faith “receive[s] and rest[s] upon him alone for salvation” — the empty hand that leans its whole weight on Christ. Q87’s repentance is “evangelical”: it springs not from mere fear but “from… apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,” and it both turns from sin (grief and hatred) and turns to God (new obedience). Crucially, both are called “saving grace” — gifts of God (Eph. 2:8), not works we generate to earn His favor.

Connections

• WLC Q153–154 — what God requires that we may escape His wrath; the outward means Christ uses to communicate the benefits of His mediation.
• WCF 14 (Of Saving Faith) and WCF 15 (Of Repentance unto Life) — the full doctrine.
• Loci: Conversion (faith and repentance); the means of grace; the application of redemption.

Pastoral & Practical Significance

After the crushing weight of Q82–84, these answers are pure relief: God Himself has provided the way of escape. And notice how that way removes all grounds for boasting — both faith and repentance are “saving grace,” God’s gifts, not our achievements. Faith especially (Q86) directs us entirely away from ourselves: it does not rest on the strength of our believing, our repentance, or our obedience, but “upon him alone.” This is the cure for the anxious soul who keeps inspecting his own faith — the saving power is in Christ the object, not in faith the instrument. Repentance (Q87) is likewise gospel-shaped: it flows from grasping God’s mercy, so it is not the groveling of a slave trying to appease an angry master but the glad about-face of one who has glimpsed grace. Faith and repentance are not a one-time entry fee but lifelong postures: the Christian keeps believing and keeps turning. And Q85’s “diligent use of all the outward means” reminds us that grace, though free, comes through appointed channels — so we are to give ourselves to the Word, the sacraments, and prayer, where Christ communicates His benefits.

For Memory & Reflection

• Memorize Q86 and Q87 — two of the most valuable definitions in the catechism; anchor verses: John 1:12 and 2 Corinthians 7:10.
• Faith rests on “him alone.” When I doubt, do I look at the strength of my faith, or at the sufficiency of Christ?
• Repentance flows from “apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ.” Is my turning from sin driven by mere fear, or by grasping grace?