Q25. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consisteth in the guilt of Adam's first sin [w], the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually [x]; which is commonly called original sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions [y].

Q26. How is original sin conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity?
A. Original sin is conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity by natural generation, so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin [z].

Q27. What misery did the fall bring upon mankind?
A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God [a], his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature children of wrath [b], bond slaves to Satan [c], and justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that which is to come [d].

Q28. What are the punishments of sin in this world?
A. The punishments of sin in this world are either inward, as blindness of mind [e], a reprobate sense [f], strong delusions [g], hardness of heart [h], horror of conscience [i], and vile affections [k]; or outward, as the curse of God upon the creatures of our sakes [l], and all other evils that befall us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments [m]; together with death itself [n].

Q29. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come?
A. The punishments of sin in the world to come, are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul and body, without intermission, in hell-fire forever [o].

Q30. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
A. God doth not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery [p], into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant, commonly called the covenant of works [q]; but of his mere love and mercy delivereth his elect out of it, and bringeth them into an estate of salvation by the second covenant, commonly called the covenant of grace [r].

Q31. With whom was the covenant of grace made?
A. The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed [s].

Q32. How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant?
A. The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator [t], and life and salvation by him [v]; and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him [w], promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit [x] to all his elect, to work in them that faith [y], with all other saving graces [z]; and to enable them unto all holy obedience [a], as the evidence of the truth of their faith [b] and thankfulness to God [c], and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation [d].

Q33. Was the covenant of grace always administered after one and the same manner?
A. The covenant of grace was not always administered after the same manner, but the administrations of it under the Old Testament were different from those under the New [e].

Q34. How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?
A. The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises [f], prophecies [g], sacrifices [h], circumcision [i], the passover [k], and other types and ordinances, which did all fore-signify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah [l], by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation [m].

Q35. How is the covenant of grace administered under the New Testament?
A. Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word [n], and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism [o] and the Lord's Supper [p]; in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations [q].

Q36. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?
A. The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ [r], who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father [s], in the fulness of time became man [t], and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever [v].