Q. 20
Are all men, then, saved by Christ as they have perished in Adam?
A.
No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his benefits.
Scripture Matthew 7:14 · John 3:16-18 · Romans 11:16-21
Q. 21
What is true faith?
A.
True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word. At the same time it is a firm confidence that not only to others, but also to me, God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits. This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.
Scripture John 17:3 · Hebrews 11:1-3 · Romans 4:18-21 · Romans 5:1 · Ephesians 2:8-10
Q. 22
What, then, must a Christian believe?
A.
All that is promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith teach us in a summary.
Scripture Matthew 28:19 · John 20:30-31
Q. 23
What are these articles?
A.
I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended to heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.