Catechism for Young Children · Question 41 of 145

Can any one be saved through the covenant of works?

A.None can be saved through the covenant of works.

What does this answer mean?

No one can be saved through the covenant of works. The way of earning life by perfect obedience is closed to sinners. Question 42 gives the reason. Salvation must come another way, and question 43 introduces it: the covenant of grace.

What can we ask our children?

  1. Can anyone be saved through the covenant of works?
  2. What did the covenant of works require? (See question 24.)
  3. Then how are sinners saved?

Can I print this question?

Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.

Text: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism, Presbyterian Board of Publication (copyright entered 1840). Public domain (1840).

Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.