On Faith and Being Grafted Into Christ

Heidelberg Catechism 20

Q. Are all people then saved through Christ
just as they were lost through Adam?

A. No.
Only those are saved
who through true faith
   are grafted into Christ
   and receive all his benefits.

One of the interesting subtleties of the catechism is how it describes salvation. It is not actually faith that saves; faith is the mechanism by which salvation comes, but does not save in itself. Salvation comes from being grafted into Christ. Union with Christ is the essence of salvation and the fundamental distinguishing feature of the Christian.

To be lost in Adam is to be separated from God. To be saved in Jesus is greater than being found my him – it is to be joined to him…