Q.58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured?

A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the application of them unto us,[i] which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost.[k]

[i] John 1:11,12.

[k] Tit. 3:5,6.

Q.59. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?

A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it;[l] who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.[m]

[l] Eph. 1:13,14. John 6:37,39. John 10:15,16.

[m] Eph. 2:8. 2 Cor. 4:13.

Q.60. Can they who have never heard the gospel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature?

A. They who, having never heard the gospel,[n] know not Jesus Christ,[o] and believe not in him, cannot be saved,[p] be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature,[q] or the laws of that religion which they profess;[r] neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone,[s] who is the Saviour only of his body the church.[t]

[n] Rom. 10:14.

[o] 2 Thess. 1:8,9. Eph. 2:12. John 1:10-12.

[p] John 8:24. Mark 16:16.

[q] 1 Cor. 1:20-24.

[r] John 4:22. Rom. 9:31,32. Phil. 3:4-9.

[s] Acts 4:12.

[t] Eph. 5:23.

Q.61. Are all they saved who hear the gospel, and live in the church?

A. All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible.[v]

[v] John 12:38-40. Rom. 9:6. Matt. 22:14. Matt. 7:21. Rom. 11:7.