Episode Summary: The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson – Question & Answer 85

Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Guest/Teacher: Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

Episode Overview

This episode explores Question 85 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “What doth God require of us, that we may escape His wrath and curse due to us for sin?” Dr. Sinclair Ferguson unpacks the catechism’s answer, addressing the foundational requirements for sinners to be delivered from God's righteous judgment. The discussion is tailored for listeners interested in clear, practical teaching on biblical repentance, faith, and spiritual growth.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Catechism Question and Answer

• [00:02] Dr. Ferguson presents:
  • Question: “What doth God require of us, that we may escape His wrath and curse due to us for sin?”
  • Answer: “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.”

2. Three Core Requirements for Salvation

• Faith in Jesus Christ
  • Dr. Ferguson emphasizes faith as a trusting reliance on Christ’s work.
  • Not just intellectual assent but heartfelt trust.
• Repentance unto Life
  • Explains repentance is a turning from sin to God, marked by sincere sorrow and a new way of living.
  • Describes repentance as an ongoing, not a one-time, act.
• Diligent Use of Outward Means
  • Refers to the “means of grace” such as hearing the Word preached, partaking in sacraments, and prayer.
  • Stresses that these are gifts Christ uses to communicate His saving benefits.

3. Spiritual Growth: From Milk to Solid Food

• Sound Doctrine and Basics
  • Sinclair likens biblical truth to a healthy diet: Christians need both the “milk” (basics) and “meat” (deeper doctrine).
  • Quotes Hebrews, urging believers not to remain at the basics but to grow in maturity.
• Role of Discipleship
  • Encourages pastors, teachers, and parents to help others “enjoy the solid food of Scripture.”
  • “One of the most important components of Christian discipleship is helping others savor the solid food of the gospel.” (Sinclair Ferguson, 02:10)

4. Practical Application

• Engaging the Means of Grace

  • Listeners are urged not to neglect gathering with God’s people, hearing the Scriptures, and prayer.
  • “These means are God’s gracious provision to keep us close to Christ.” (Sinclair Ferguson, 03:25)

• A Balanced Spiritual Diet

  • Dr. Ferguson reminds that a balanced Christian life draws from both foundational doctrines and deeper theological truths.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Repentance and Faith:
  “It’s not enough to simply know about Christ—we are called to trust Him, to rely on Him with all our heart.” (Sinclair Ferguson, 01:30)

• On the Means of Grace:
  “God has provided outward means... through which Christ personally nourishes our souls with the benefits He’s won for us.” (Sinclair Ferguson, 02:55)

• On Discipleship:
  “The task of every Christian—parents, teachers, pastors—is to help others grow from drinking milk to feasting on solid food.” (Sinclair Ferguson, 03:40)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 — Recitation of Question & Answer 85
• 01:30 — The significance of heartfelt faith in Christ
• 02:10 — The role of discipleship in spiritual growth
• 02:55 — Explanation of the means of grace
• 03:25 — Encouragement to diligently use means of grace
• 03:40 — The calling to nurture others toward deeper biblical understanding

Tone and Closing Remarks

Dr. Ferguson’s tone is pastoral and encouraging, blending doctrinal clarity with deep practical concern for listeners’ spiritual health. He challenges Christians not to be content with the basics, but to grow in faith and knowledge through God’s appointed means.

This episode is well-suited for those wanting a clear, accessible explanation of the essentials of Christian salvation, and offers practical insight for anyone involved in teaching or discipleship.