Few Find the Way to Life

Are all men, then, saved by Christ just as they perished through Adam? 

A. No. Only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His benefits.

• grafted — a branch of one plant is inserted into the stem of another where it continues to grow and produce fruit. Here it refers to how we are made part of Christ and so produce the fruits of faith. 
• benefits — forgiveness of sins, sanctification, everlasting righteousness, salvation, eternal life. 

For the Bible Tells Me So...

Matthew 7:14 “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” 

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 

John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” 

John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” 

Romans 11:16-21 

• For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 
• And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 
• do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 
• You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 
• Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 
• For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 7