Westminster Larger Catechism: Question 60

Question 60

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

They who, having never heard the gospel, (Rom. 10:14) know not Jesus Christ, (2 Thess. 1:8–9, Eph. 2:12, John 1:10–12) and believe not in him, cannot be saved, (John 8:24, Mark 16:16) be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, (1 Cor. 1:20–24) or the laws of that religion which they profess; (John 4:22, Rom. 9:31–32, Phil. 3:4–9) neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, (Acts 4:12) who is the Savior only of his body the church. (Eph. 5:23)


The Westminster Larger Catechism: With Scripture Proofs. (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1996).

This one is interesting because it directly relates to Article XVIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion and Article 31 of the Irish Articles of Religion, 1615.  

Article 31 says:

31. They are to be condemned that presume to say that every man shall be saved by the law or sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that law and the light of nature. For holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the name of Jesus Christ whereby men must be saved.

As you can see, this is almost word for word the same as Article XVIII in the Thirty-Nine Articles:

XVIII.  Of obtaining eternal salvation only by the name of Christ.

THEY also are to be had accursed that presume to say that every man shall be saved by the law or sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that law and the light of nature. For Holy Scripture doth set out to us only the name of Jesus Christ, whereby men must be saved.

It should be further noted that this article alludes to Romans 1:18-32 and refers specifically to Acts 4:10, 12.

  ". . . let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 "This is the`stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12 NKJ)

 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJ)

 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. (John 5:24-25 NKJ)

General revelation in "nature" is sufficient only to condemn men.  Special revelation is necessary as the instrument by which God effectually calls His elect.  (Hebrews 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 10:35; John 17:17).