This catechism is a revised and expanded version of The Baptist Catechism, first put forth by Baptists in 1689 in Great Britain and patterned on the Westminster Catechism. It was adopted by the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 1742. It includes teaching notes for parents and cross-references to the GraceHaven Doctrinal Statement and Systematic Theology.
Study this with GraceHavenCross-reference key
| Abbreviation | Resource |
|---|---|
| FC | The GraceHaven Catechism |
| DS | GraceHaven Doctrinal Statement (§ = section number) |
| ST | GraceHaven Systematic Theology (chapter number) |
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
We are pleased to present to you The GraceHaven Catechism. In our day the term "catechism" is not necessarily a familiar word. To "catechize" is to train or instruct someone in basic religious truths. Therefore, a catechism is a tool, usually a document, for the purpose of teaching the basics of religious doctrine. Such a tool is not to be considered inerrant, as Scripture is. However, in so much as it accords with Scripture, it is a faithful summary of much that is taught in God's Word. As such it should be embraced as a means by which we can know God better.
An effective formula for children to better understand the significance of learning this catechism follows:
God is truth. God has provided His Word, the Bible. The Bible reveals God. Everything in the Bible is true. This catechism helps me to understand the Bible. Therefore, this catechism helps me to understand God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
While it is true that we are not disciples until we are saved, it is equally true that Jesus commanded us to "make disciples" (Matthew 28:19). To disciple someone is to strive to make them a disciple (salvation), or to help them grow in their own discipleship (sanctification). This catechism is designed to accomplish both, with our children as the primary focus. By instituting the use of this resource we desire to accomplish many things, three of which include overcoming: ignorance of our parental duty; ignorance of how to accomplish our parental duty; and lack of a means by which the pastors can faithfully and consistently assist the parents in these instructions, and thereby instill accountability.
The Lord instructs us through the Shema1 to teach His commands diligently to our children, day in and day out, from sun up to sun down, so that they will be constantly reminded of them and pondering His ways (Deu 6:4-5; Psalm 78:5; Proverbs 1:8). To fail to do so is one of the many ways in which a father exasperates or provokes his children to wrath (Eph 6:4). A father's love is in no better manner displayed than in the faithful instruction and discipline of his children (Col 3:21, Heb. 12:3-11), resulting in the hearts of fathers and children being turned toward God and one another (Mal 4:6).
Too often the instruction of children is relegated to Sunday School teachers or other resources rather than embraced by the parents as their God given responsibility according to Scripture. As Charles H. Spurgeon once said,
Let no Christian parents fall into the delusion that Sunday School is intended to ease them of their personal duties. The first and most natural condition of things is for Christian parents to train up their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Our greatest desire for our children is that they know their Creator and are reconciled with Him. Our fervent prayer is that the questions and answers in this booklet will help you and your children know God and His Word better. They dwell on God's character as found in Scripture. They answer the heart issues of the Gospel and reveal both our lost condition and the salvation provided in Jesus Christ. They are designed to give students a solid foundation upon which to build their walks. Consider the reasons and value of a catechism.2
In 1 Corinthians 14:19 Paul says, "yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue." In Galatians 6:6 he says, "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches." Acts 18:25 says that Apollos "had been instructed in the way of the Lord."
In each of these verses the Greek word for "instruct" or "teach" is katecheo. From this word we get our English word "catechize." It simply means to teach Biblical truth in an orderly way. Generally this is done with questions and answers accompanied by Biblical support and explanation.
This is a revised and expanded version of "The Baptist Catechism" first put forth by Baptists in 1689 in Great Britain, having been patterned on the well-known reformed Westminster Catechism and eventually adopted by the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 1742. We have used much of John Piper's adaptation and the few comments, set aside by [NOTE: ...], are meant to help parents make things plain to their children.
Several texts teach that there is. For example, in Romans 6:17 Paul gives thanks that "you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered." Second Timothy 1:13 says, "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me." Acts 2:42 says, "they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says, "stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." And Acts 20:27 says, "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."
So it appears that there was a body of authoritative instruction and even a way of teaching it in the early church.
During your child's early years they have the opportunity to be instructed in this catechism during our worship time. The goal is to have them instructed both here, during our services, and at home. While we have no desire to replace you in the instruction of your children, we do desire to come alongside and assist you as you train up your own children. Therefore, we are providing this booklet to you as a tool to assist you in training your children by helping them to memorize and understand this catechism. In doing so you will begin establishing foundational doctrinal principles in the mind of your child; and probably pick up some better understanding in your own mind.
This catechism is an excellent devotional tool as well. The family can sit together and go over the questions, looking up the verse references, cross checking references and discussing the meaning, application and implications of what you are learning.
It is our goal to use this tool in order to give parents a readily available means by which to provide a well rounded understanding of God and His Word for their children. For further study, the GraceHaven Doctrinal Statement will be referenced throughout as well. If used as a family devotion it should take no more than one year to go through. During our worship time it is our goal to complete this every year, following the months listed in the catechism as a guide. Because of the breadth of information involved, it will be infinitely more profitable if the children are learning and memorizing these during the week. It will be most difficult for children to pick up this volume of information if their instruction in it is relegated to only one day a week.
Completion of these accompanied by clear evidence of good understanding will be the criteria we will use in promoting your children to the main church service. As you can see, such a promotion is based on knowledge and maturity, not on age. In recognition of their hard work and diligence, we will present them to the church as those who have grown in their understanding of the Lord and now have a level of understanding that will help them to gain a better appreciation of God through the preaching of His Word. This "promotion" will be preceded by a time of questioning from the elders as well as answering a few questions in front of the congregation. It is our intention that this will result in more confidence in the instruction of our children in the Lord as well as encouragement for parents and the congregation alike. Such participation is not in any way compulsory, but simply provided as a ministry to our families. Furthermore, this resource is by no means to be seen as a replacement for parental instruction. We encourage parents to be proactive in the training of their children, whether they desire to utilize this tool or not. May God bless you and our church body as we grow in His grace.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
--- 2 Peter 3:17-18
For the glory of King Jesus,
The GraceHaven Team
Q. A. Who is the first and most supreme being? A. God is the first and most supreme being (Is. 44:6; 48:12; Ps. 8:1; 96:4; 97:9; 1 Sam 2:2).
Q. B. Where is God? A. God is everywhere (Ps. 13:7-10; Jer. 23:23-24).
Q. C. Who made you? A. God made me (Ps 139:13-16; DS § 36).
Q. D. What else did God make? A. God made everything (Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; Rev. 4:11; Ps. 148).
Q. E. In how many days did God create the world? A. God created the world in six days (Ex. 31:17; 20:11; DS § 3).
Q. F. Why did God make all things? A. God made all things for His own glory (1 Chr. 29:11; Ps. 8:1; 148).
Q. G. What is the chief end of God? A. The chief end of God is to glorify himself for His own good pleasure (Eph. 1:3-14; Hag. 1:8; Num. 14:21; Is. 42:8).
Q. 1. Who are our first parents? A. Adam and Eve are our first parents (Gen 1; 2; 3).
Q. 2. What is the chief end of man? A. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 16:11; 37:4; 50:14-15; 73:25-26; Is. 43:7).
NOTE: "Chief end" could be rendered "foremost objective." "Glorify" does not mean "make glorious." It means "to reflect or display as glorious." This is commonly the first question in historical catechisms.
Q. 3. How can you glorify God? A. I glorify God by loving Him and obeying His commandments (Mark 12:29-33; Matt. 28:18-20; John 13:34-35; 1 Cor. 10:31-33; Rom. 15:1-7; 1 Pet. 4:15-16).
Q. 4. Ought everyone to believe there is a God? A. Everyone ought to believe there is a God (Heb. 11:6); and it is their great sin and folly who do not (Ps. 14:1).
Q. 5. How may we know there is a God? A. The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declare there is a God (Rom. 1:18-20; Ps. 19:1-3; Acts 17:24); but only by His word and Spirit is He fully declared and is effectually revealed unto sinners for our salvation (Matt. 11:27; 1 Cor. 1:21-24; 2:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:15, 16).
NOTE: The question distinguishes two kinds of knowledge: one is natural and comes from conscience ("the light of nature in man") and from the works of God in nature; the other is spiritual or saving, and comes from the recognition of the true value of God and the beauty of His character. Natural knowledge is possessed by all people and thus makes all people accountable to honor and thank God (Rom 1:18-32). Spiritual knowledge is possessed only by those whose natural blindness has been overcome by the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:14-16). Our children must come to see the difference between these lest they think they are saved by much natural knowledge about God---which the devils also have (see James 2:19). Psalm 19 would be an excellent passage to consider, as is Romans 1:18-32.
Q. 6. What is the Word of God? A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Psalm 19:7-8; Eph. 2:20).
NOTE: "Scriptures" is a special word for the "writings" of the OT and NT. It may help to explain that the OT deals with God's word that came before Jesus was born; and the NT is the word of God that came after Jesus was born. "Infallible" means it will never lead us astray in what it teaches. It is true and does not err. It can be trusted. "Faith" refers to right thinking and feeling; and "practice" refers to right doing. We measure our thoughts and emotions and actions by the rule of the Bible. "Inspiration" means that it is God-breathed: by His Spirit he guided His spokesmen to speak His word in their language.
Q. 7. How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God? A. The Bible evidences itself to be God's Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, and its power to convert sinners and to edify saints. But only the Spirit of God can make us willing to agree and submit to the Bible as the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:6-7, 13-16; Psalm 19:7-9; 119:18,129; Acts 10:43; 26:22; 18:28; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 15:4; John 16:13-14; 1 John 2:20-27; 2 Corinthians 3:14-17; 4:4, 6).
NOTE: "Heavenliness" refers to the fact that the teachings of Scripture are of such a nature that they cannot be explained by mere human resources. They bear the marks of the divine. "No man ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). The "unity of its parts" has to do especially with the way all Scripture points to Christ. "To him all the prophets bear witness" (Acts 10:43). There are detailed and scholarly historical arguments for the reliability of the Bible, but these are generally beyond the acquaintance of ordinary Christians, and so do not serve as widespread support for Scripture. They are needed, however, in the scholarly arena.3
Q. 8. May all men make use of the Holy Scriptures? A. All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, understand and obey the holy scriptures (John 5:38-39; Luke 16:29; John 17:17-18; Rev.1:3; Acts 8:28-30; 17:11).
Q. 9. What things do the Holy Scriptures primarily teach? A. The holy scriptures primarily teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man (2 Tim. 1:13; 3:15-16; John 20:31; Acts 24:14; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Q. 10. What is God? A. God is a Spirit (John 4:24), infinite (Job 11:7, 8, 9), eternal (Ps. 110:2), and unchangeable (Jas. 1:17) in His being (Ex. 3:14), wisdom (Ps. 147:5), power (Rev. 4:8), holiness (Rev. 15:4), justice, goodness, and truth (Ex. 34:6-7; Ps 89:14; 90:2; 1 Tim 1:17; Numbers 23:19).
NOTE: Ask what "infinite" means (there is no limit to how great he is!). What does "eternal" mean? (He never had a beginning and will never have an ending!) Talk about how God can respond to us and yet not be "changeable." (His character never changes; he acts consistently on the same principles always. Even his responses to us are known and planned long before so that his purposes are unchanging.)
Q. 11. Are there more gods than one? A. There is but only one, the living and true God (Deut. 6:4; Jer 10:10; Ps 96:4-5).
NOTE: There are "gods" which are idols, but they are not "living". And there are "gods" which are angels or demons, but they are not "true" God, that is they are not eternal, infinite and unchanging. Only one God is living and true.
Q. 12. How many persons are there in the Godhead? A. There are three persons in the godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory (1 Corinthians 2:11; 8:6; John 1:1; 10:30; 14:9; 20:28; Acts 5:3-4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3; ST Ch 9).
NOTE: The word "Godhead" is needed because we shouldn't say that there are three persons in God. No, there are three persons who are God. Nor should we say that there are three Gods. There is one God. They are distinct persons with special roles in creation and redemption. But they are in perfect harmony and are (in ways beyond our comprehension) perfectly One God.
Q. 13. What are the decrees of God? A. The decrees of God are His eternal purposes, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass (Eph. 1:4, 11; Rom. 9:22-23; 11:36; Ps 115:3; Dan 4:35; Is. 46:10; Lam. 3:37; Amos 3:6; DS §§ 32-35).
NOTE: God's purpose for the world is eternal because there never was a time when He didn't know what He was going to do. His purpose accords with the counsel of HIS will---that is, He did not consult anyone else. He thought it ALL up. All plans were made in order to maximize the display of His glory. NOTHING falls outside the decrees of God.
Q. 14. How does God execute His decrees? A. God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 5:45; 6:26; Acts 14:17: Proverbs 16:9, 33; 19:21; 20:24; 21:1, 31).
NOTE: "Execute" means to accomplish or bring about. "Providence" will be addressed later, but for now it might help to point out that it refers to God's government of all His creatures and every action in all creation.
Q. 15. What is the work of creation? A. The work of creation is God's making all things from nothing, by the word of His power, in six literal days, and all very good (Gen. 1-2; Heb. 11:3; Ex 20:11; Rom 4:17; DS § 10).
NOTE: Nothing existed before creation. Only God is eternally existent. Therefore only God can create from nothing. Man cannot make anything without relying on or using God's creation.
Q. 16. How did God create man? A. God created man, male and female, in His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures and without sin (Gen. 1:26-28; Col. 3:10, Eph. 4:24).
NOTE: In saying that we were created after His image "in knowledge, righteousness and holiness," we do not mean we know all God knows, nor that we are a fountain of righteousness and holiness the way He is. We mean that we were capable of sharing His knowledge and righteousness and holiness in a relationship of trust and love unlike any other creature under the angels.
Q. 17. What are God's works of providence? A. God's works of providence are His most holy, (Ps. 145:17) wise (Is. 28:29, Ps. 104:24), and powerful acts which He preserves (Heb. 1:3) and governs all His creatures, and all their actions (Ps. 103:19; Mt. 10:29-31; Neh 9:6; Col 1:17).
NOTE: Is there such a thing as luck in a world ruled by the providence of God? "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord" (Proverb 16:33). We must stress the reality of Romans 8:28 in light of the fact that many of God's acts of providence may not look "holy and wise" (like storms that kill thousands of people). But then stress that God has his secret purposes (Deut. 29:29) that our understanding is limited and influenced by sin (Rom 3:23), and the Judge of all the earth always does right (Genesis 18:25).
Q. 18. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man when he was first created? A. God had created man with all the joy and benefits of creation before him, with the exception that God forbade him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death (Gen. 2:15-17; Gal. 3:12; Rom. 5:12). To obey was an act of faith. To disobey was to forsake his child-like dependence upon God for all things.
NOTE: The "knowledge of good and evil" is the ability to judge independently what is beneficial (good) and harmful (evil) for yourself. What God is forbidding is that man should choose to be independent from God in his evaluation of things. He is commanding man to walk by faith in the wise and loving care of his heavenly Father. (See the use of this phrase in Gen. 3:5, 22; 2 Sam. 14:17; Is. 7:15; 2 Sam 19:35.)
Q. 19. Did our first parents continue in the joyful condition wherein they were created? A. Our first parents forsook faithful obedience in their desire to be like God and fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God (Gen. 3:1-8, 13; Ecc. 7:29; DS § 38).
Q. 20. What is sin? A. Sin is any rebellious act or thought that defies or is contrary to and in opposition to the holiness that is inherent in the character of God, specifically as revealed in His commandments (1 John 3:4; 5:17; Proverbs 21:4; 24:9; Romans 14:23; James 4:17).
NOTE: "Sin" is often defined as disobeying God's commandments or law. While this correct, it does not reveal enough about the character of sin. As God's image bearers, discussing sin in light of being rebellious against God helps us understand the seriousness of it on a relational basis.
Q. 21. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the joyful innocence of their created condition? A. Our first parents ate the forbidden fruit and fell from the joyful innocence in which they were created (Gen. 3:6, 12-13, 16-17; Rom. 5:12).
Q. 22. Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression? A. All mankind descending from Adam by ordinary procreation inherit his sin, and are born as sinners, dead in their trespasses (Gen. 2:16, 17; Rom. 5:12, 18-19; 1 Cor. 15:21-22; Eph. 2:1-5; DS § 39).
NOTE: As both our physical and spiritual representative, Adam's sin corrupted the nature of the human race. As a result we are condemned already, under the wrath of God from conception (John 3:18; Eph 2:3). This is why salvation requires a new birth (John 3:3), creating a new heart to replace our deceptively wicked ones (Ezek. 36:26; Jer. 17:9).
Q. 23. Into what condition did the fall bring mankind? A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery (Psalm 51:5; Rom. 3:23; 5:12, 18-19; 7:18; Isaiah 53:6; 64:6; John 3:6-7; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Cor. 2:14.).
Q. 24. What is the sinfulness of that condition into which mankind has fallen? A. The sinfulness of that condition into which mankind fell is the guilt of Adam's first sin, the lack of personal righteousness, and the corruption of our whole nature (which is commonly called original sin), together with all actual transgressions which result from our fallen nature (Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 51:5; Rom. 3:10; 5:12-21; Eph. 2:1-3; James 1:14, 15; Mt. 15:19).
NOTE: The Bible says that "in Adam all die" (1 Cor. 15:22) and "through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation" (Rom. 5:18) and that "one man's disobedience made many sinners" (Rom. 5:19). These statements lead us to conclude that God, in a way beyond our comprehension, established a unity between Adam and his posterity which makes it just for his guilt and corruption to be handed down to us. He was in some sense our representative head. We sinned in him and fell with him.
Q. 25. What is the misery into which all mankind fell? A. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God (Gen. 3:8, 10, 24), are under His wrath and curse (Eph. 2:2-3; Gal. 3:10), and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever (Psalm 9:17; Lam. 3:39; Rom. 6:23; Mt. 25:41-46).
NOTE: It must be remembered that "liable" means that this is exactly what men deserve, and will receive unless God graciously intervenes.
Q. 26. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the condition of sin and misery? A. God, out of His own good pleasure alone, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life (Eph. 1:3-5), did provide for man a gracious covenant in order to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into a condition of salvation, by a Redeemer (Jeremiah 31:33; Rom. 3:20-22; 5:21; 8:29-30; 9:11-12; 11:5-7; Acts 13:48; Gal. 3:21, 22; 2 Thess 2:13).
NOTE: This covenant is sometimes referred to as the Covenant of Grace. It is the New Covenant established by Jesus and provided for the church through His obedient life, vicarious sacrifice and victorious resurrection. Since God is the author, initiator and sustainer of the New Covenant, providing for all conditions, it is impossible for it to fail.
Q. 27. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect? A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5-6), who, being the eternal Son of God, became man (John 1:14; Gal. 4:4), and so was and continues to be fully God and fully man, in two distinct natures, and one person for ever (Rom. 9:5; Gal 3:13; Lk. 1:35; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim 3:16; Heb. 7:24, 25).
Q. 28. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? A. Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to himself a true body (Heb. 2:14, 17; 10:5) and a reasonable soul (Mt. 26:38). He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her (Luke 1:27, 31, 34-35, 42; Gal. 4:4), yet without sin (Heb. 4:15; 7:26; DS §§ 15-17).
NOTE: The virgin birth is a mysterious miracle of God that defies our comprehension. It is a wonderful and inescapable truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through which we understand much of the essence of who Christ was, as both man and God.
Q. 29. What offices does Christ perform as our Redeemer? A. Christ performs the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of king, both in His condition of humiliation and exaltation (Acts 3:22; Heb. 12:25; 2 Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5-7; 7:25; Ps. 2:6; Is. 9:6, 7; Mt. 21:5; Ps. 2:6-11; DS § 24).
Q. 30. How does Christ execute the office of a prophet? A. Christ performs the office of prophet in revealing to us, by His word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation (John 1:18; 14:26; 15:15; 20:31; 1 Pet.1:10, 11, 12; John).
Q. 31. How does Christ perform the office of a priest? A. Christ performs the office of priest by once offering up himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice (Heb. 9:14, 28; 1 Pet. 2:24) and reconcile us to God (Heb. 2:17), and in making continual intercession for us before God the Father (Heb.7:24-25; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 8:34).
Q. 32. How does Christ perform the office of king? A. Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to himself (Acts 15:14, 15, 16), in ruling (Is. 33:22) and defending us (Is. 32:1, 2), and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies (1 Cor. 15:25; Ps. 110; Matthew 2:6; Luke 1:32-33).
Q. 33. What do we mean by Christ's humiliation? A. By Christ's humiliation we mean that He was born, and that in a low condition (Luke 2:7), made under the law (Gal. 4:4), underwent the miseries of this life (Heb. 12:2, 3; Is. 53:2-3), the wrath of God (Luke 22:44; Mt. 27:46), and the cursed death of the cross (Phil. 2:8); that He was buried (1 Cor. 15:3-4), and continued under the power of death for a time (Acts 2:24-27, 31; Mt. 12:40; Mark 15:45-46).
Q. 34. What do we mean by Christ's exaltation? A. By Christ's exaltation we mean He arose again from the dead on the third day (1 Cor. 15:4), ascended up into heaven (Mark 16:19), sits at the right hand of God the Father (Eph. 1:20), and will come to judge the world at the last day (Acts 1:11; 17:31; DS §§ 21-23).
Q. 35. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual application of it to us (John 1:11-12) by His Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5-6).
Q. 36. How does the spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ? A. The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us (Eph. 1:13-14; John 3:8; 6:37-39, 64f; Eph. 2:8), and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual calling (Eph. 3:17; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 John 5:1; Phil 1:21; Acts 16:14; 18:27; DS §§ 28-29).
Q. 37. What is effectual calling? A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:13, 14), convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Ez. 36:26, 27), and thereby effectively persuading and enabling us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44-45; Phil. 2:13; DS §§ 42-44).
Q. 38. What benefits do all who are effectually called receive in this life? A. They that are effectually called in this life are justified (Rom. 8:30-32), adopted (Eph. 1:5), sanctified, and receive the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from such benefits (1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11; Gal 3:26).
NOTE: All men receive a general call from the gospel. However, only those who are effectually called by God believe. Such a call is irresistible.
Q. 39. What is justification? A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, by which He pardons all our sins (Rom. 3:24-25; and 4:6-8), and accepts us as righteous in His sight (2 Cor. 5:19, 21), only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us (Rom. 5:17-19), and received by faith alone (Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 1:7; DS § 48).
Q. 40. What is adoption? A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace (1 John 3:1), by which we are received into God's family, as His beloved children, and inherit all the privileges of God's sons (John 1:12; Rom. 8:14-17; 1 John 3:1; DS § 49).
Q. 41. What is sanctification? A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace (2 Thess. 2:13) by which we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God (Eph. 4:23-24), and are progressively enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness (Rom. 6:4, 6, 11; 8:1; DS §§ 50-51).
Q. 42. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, fellowship with the Father and son (1 John 1:3), joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:1-5, 17), increase of grace (Pr. 4:18), the privilege of prayer and perseverance therein to the end (1 John 5:13; 1 Pet. 1:5; Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 1:9; John 15:7; DS §§ 52-54).
Q. 43. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death? A. At death the souls of believers are made perfect in holiness (Heb. 12:23), and immediately pass into glory (2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Luke 23:43); and their bodies rest in their graves (1 Thess. 4:14; Is. 57:2) till the resurrection (Job 19:26-27).
Q. 44. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? A. At the resurrection believers, being raised up in glory (1 Cor. 15:43), shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment (Mt. 10:32 25:23), and made perfectly blessed, both in soul and body, in the full enjoyment of God (1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 13:12) to all eternity (1 Thess. 4:17-18; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:42-43; DS § 58).
Q. 45. But what shall be done to the wicked at their death? A. The souls of the wicked shall, at their death, be cast into the torments of hell, and their bodies lie in their graves till the resurrection and judgment of the great day (Luke 16:22-24; John 5:29; Acts 2:24; Jude 5, 7; 1 Pet. 3:19; Rev. 20:11-15; Ps. 49:14; Dan. 12:2; DS § 82).
Q. 46. What shall be done to the wicked, at the Day of Judgment? A. At the day of judgment the bodies of the wicked, being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with the devil and his angels for ever (John 5:28-29; Mt. 25:41, 46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; Dan. 12:2; Rev. 20:14-15; DS § 87).
Q. 47. What is the duty which God requires of man? A. The duty which God requires of man is faith that produces submission and obedience to His revealed will (Mic. 6:8; 1 Sam. 15:22; Gal. 5:6; 1 Thes. 1:3; 2 Thes. 2:11; Rom. 1:5; 15:18; 16:26; DS §§ 92-93).
NOTE: Consider questions 25-27.
Q. 48. Where is God's revealed will to be found? A. God's revealed will is to be found in the 66 books of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17; DS § 1).
Q. 49. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of His obedience? A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law (Rom. 2:14-15; 5:13-14; DS § 4).
Q. 50. Where is the obedience of faith given in summary form? A. A summary form of the obedience of faith is given in The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; 34:28; Deut. 5; 10:4; Mt. 19:17; Rom. 9:32; Heb. 3:18-19; 4:2).
NOTE: The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.
Q. 51. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-33).
Q. 52. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? A. The preface to the Ten Commandments is, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Ex. 20:2).
Q. 53. What does the preface to the Ten Commandments teach us? A. The preface to the Ten Commandments teaches us that because God is the Lord, and our gracious redeemer, His commandments are not burdensome, and are for our good as we trust in His grace and power to obey then, rather than on our own strength (Deu. 10:13, 16; 30:6; Luke 1:74-75; 1 Pet. 1:15-19).
Q. 54. Which is the first commandment? A. The first commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3).
Q. 55. What is required in the first commandment? A. The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God (1 Chron. 28:9; Deut. 26:17), and to worship and glorify Him accordingly (Mt. 4:10; Ps. 29:2; Joshua 24:15).
Q. 56. What is forbidden in the first commandment? A. The first commandment forbids the denying (Ps. 14:1), or not worshipping and glorifying the true God (Rom. 1:20-21), as God and our God (Ps. 81:10, 11), and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due unto Him alone (Rom. 1:25-26; Joshua 24:27).
Q. 57. What are we especially taught by these words "before me," in the first commandment? A. These words "before me," in the first commandment, teach us that God, who sees all things, takes notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other god (Ex. 8:5, to the end; Deu. 30:17-18; Ps. 44:20-21; 90:8).
Q. 58. Which is the second commandment? A. The second commandment is, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image---any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments" (Ex. 20:4-6).
Q. 59. What is required in the second commandment? A. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances, as God has appointed in His word (Deut. 12:32; 32:46; Mt. 28:20; Acts 2:42).
Q. 60. What is forbidden in the second commandment? A. The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images (Deut. 4:15-19; Ex. 32:5, 8), or any other way that influences the heart to in any way have any greater desire than what brings God the greatest glory (Deut. 7:31-32; Romans 1:22-23; Col 2:18; 3:17; 1 Cor 10:31).
Q. 61. What are the reasons added to the second commandment? A. The reasons added to the second commandment are God's sovereignty over us (Ps. 45:2-6), His holy jealousy for His name and the zeal He has to His own worship (Ex. 20:4-6; 34:13-14; 1 Cor 10:22).
Q. 62. Which is the third commandment? A. The third commandment is, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain" (Ex. 20:7).
Q. 63. What is required in the third commandment? A. The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God's names (Mt. 6:9; Deut. 23:58), titles (Ps. 68:4), attributes (Rev. 15:3-4), ordinances, (Mal. 1:11, 14), word (Ps. 136:1, 2) and works (Job 36:24; Ps 29:2; 111:9; 138:2; Deut. 32:1-4; 28:58-59; Ecc. 5:1; Rev. 4:8).
Q. 64. What is forbidden in the third commandment? A. The third commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of any thing whereby God makes himself known (Mal. 1:6-7, 12; 3:14; Lev. 20:3; 19:12; Mat. 5:34-37; Is. 52:5).
Q. 65. What is the reason attached to the third commandment? A. The reason attached to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape His righteous judgment (1 Sam. 2:12, 17, 22, 29; 3:13; Deut. 28:58-59; Mal 2:2).
Q. 66. Which is the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment is, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it" (Ex. 20:8-11).
Q. 67. What is required in the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as He hath appointed in His word, expressly, one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to himself (Lev. 19:30; Deut. 5:12-14).
Q. 68. Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath? A. God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-14).
Q. 69. How was the Sabbath to be sanctified? A. The Sabbath was to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day (Ex. 20:8, 10), even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days (Ex. 16:25-28; Neh. 13:15-22); and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship (Lk. 4:16; Ps. 92:title; Is. 66:23), except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (Mt. 12:1-13; Is 58:13; Lev 23:3).
Q. 70. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment forbids the omission or careless performance of the duties required (Ez. 22:26; Amos 8:5; Mal. 1:13), and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful (Ez. 23:38), or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about worldly employments or recreations (Jer 17:21-27; Is. 58:13; Neh. 13:15-17).
Q. 71. What are the reasons attached to the fourth commandment? A. The reasons attached to the fourth commandment, are God's provision of six days each week for our own lawful employments (Ex. 20:9), His challenging a special propriety in a seventh, His own example, and His blessing the Sabbath day (Ex. 20:11).
Q. 72. In what way is the Sabbath observed today? A. The Christian takes up his cross and worships God in spirit and in truth day by day (Luke 9:23; John 4:23; Rom 7:5-6). Though we gather for worship on Sunday to celebrate Christ's resurrection, we no longer observe a Sabbath day because our true Sabbath is found in our rest from sin today and eternal rest tomorrow, as found only in Christ Jesus (Matt 11:29; 2 Cor. 5:1; Heb 9:15; Jude 21).
NOTE: Some teach that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath, however there is no Scriptural warrant for such teaching.
Q. 73. Which is the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment is, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you" (Ex. 20:12).
Q. 74. What is required in the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment requires that we preserve the honor and perform the duties which belong to every person in their various positions and relations as superiors (Eph. 5:21-22), inferiors (1 Pet. 2:17), or equals (Rom. 12:10; 13:1; Lev 19:32; Eph. 6:1, 5, 9; Col 3:19-22; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:7, 17).
Q. 75. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment forbids neglecting or offending the honor and duty which belongs to every person in their several places and relations (Mt. 15:4-6; Prov 30:17; Ez. 34:24; Rom. 13:7-8).
Q. 76. What is the reason attached to the fifth commandment? A. The reason attached to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory, and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment (Deut. 5:16; Eph. 6:2-3).
Q. 77. What is the sixth commandment? A. The sixth commandment is, "You shall not murder" (Ex. 20:13; DS § 40).
Q. 78. What is required in the sixth commandment? A. The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life (Eph. 5:28-30) and the life of others (1 Kings 18:4; Ps 82:3-4; Prov. 24:11-12; Acts 16:28).
Q. 79. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment? A. The sixth commandment absolutely forbids the taking of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, including any acts which contribute to their deaths (Acts 26:28; Gen. 4:10-11; 9:6-9; Matt 5:21-26).
Q. 80. Which is the seventh commandment? A. The seventh commandment is, "You shall not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14).
Q. 81. What is required in the seventh commandment? A. The seventh commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbor's chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5, 34-36; 7:2; Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:22; Matt 5:28; 1 Pet. 3:2).
Q. 82. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment? A. The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions (Matt. 5:28-32; 15:19, 5:28; Eph. 5:3-4; Job 31:1; Rom 13:13; Col 4:6).
Q. 83. Which is the eighth commandment? A. The eighth commandment is, "You shall not steal" (Ex. 20:15).
Q. 84. What is required in the eighth commandment? A. The eighth commandment requires that we pursue lawful and useful work to provide for our needs and for those unable to provide for themselves (Eph 4:28; Prov. 27:23; Gen. 30:30; 1 Tim. 5:8; Lev. 25:35; Deut. 5:10; 22:1-5; Ex. 23:4-5; Gen. 47:14, 20).
Q. 85. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment? A. The eighth commandment forbids whatever does or may unjustly hinder our own household's (1 Tim. 5:8; Pr. 28:19) or our neighbor's possessions or attainments (Pr. 21:17, and 23:20, 21; Eph. 4:28).
Q. 86. Which is the ninth commandment? A. The ninth commandment is, "you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex. 20:16).
Q. 87. What is required in the ninth commandment? A. The ninth commandment requires that we maintain and promote truth between man and man (Zech. 8:16) and preserve our neighbor's good name (John 5:12), as well as our own (Prov. 14:5, 25; Acts 25:10; Eccl. 7:1; 3 John 12).
Q. 88. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment? A. The ninth commandment forbids whatsoever dishonors truth, or injures our own or our neighbor's good name (Eph 5:25; 1 Sam. 17:28; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:2-3; 2 Cor. 8:20-21).
Q. 89. Which is the tenth commandment? A. The tenth commandment is "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's" (Ex. 20:17).
Q. 90. What is required in the tenth commandment? A. The tenth commandment requires full contentment with our own condition (Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6), with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbor, and all that is his (Job 31:29; Rom. 7:15; 12:15; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Cor. 8:4, 7; 13:4-7; Lev 19:18).
Q. 91. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment? A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate (1 Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor (Gal. 5:26; James 3:14-16; 5:9) and all inordinate actions and affections toward anything that is his (Rom. 7:7-8, 13:9; Col 3:5; Deut. 5:21).
Q. 92. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life to perfectly keep the commandments of God (Ecc. 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10; Gal. 5:17), but daily breaks them in thought, word, or deed (Gn 4:5; 6:5; 7:21; 8:21; Rom. 3:9-23; 7:15; Phil. 3:12; James 3:2-13).
Q. 93. What then is the purpose of the law since the fall? A. The purpose of the law, since the fall, is to reveal the perfect righteousness of God so that his people may know the path of faith that leads to life and that the ungodly may be convicted of their sin, restrained from evil and brought to Christ for salvation (Ps. 19:7-11; Rom. 3:20, 31; 7:7; 8:13; 9:32; 12:2; Tit. 2:12-14; Gal. 3:22, 24; 1 Tim. 1:8; Lk. 10:25-28).
Q. 94. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? A. Some sins, in themselves and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others (Ez. 8:6, 13, 15; John 19:11; Ps. 78:17, 32, 56; 1 Jn. 5:16).
Q. 95. What does every sin deserve? A. Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come (Eph. 5:6; Gal. 3:10; Prov 3:33; Ps 11:6; Lam. 3:39; Mt. 25:41; Rom. 6:23; Rev 21:8; DS § 95).
Q. 96. What does God require of us that we may escape His wrath and curse, due to us for sin? A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life (Acts 20:21), with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption (Acts 16:30-31; 17:30; Pr. 2:1-6, 8:33-36; Is. 55:2-3).
Q. 97. What is faith in Jesus Christ? A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace (Heb. 10:39) whereby we receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation, trusting Him to forgive our sins and guide us to eternal joy on the basis of His divine power and atoning death (Jn. 1:12; 6:35; Is. 26:3, 4; Ph. 3:9; Gal. 2:15-16, 20; Matt 14:31; DS § 96).
Q. 98. What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace (Acts 11:28), whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin (Acts 2:37-38), and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (Joel 2:12-13; Jer 3:22), does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God (Jer 31:18-19; Ez. 36:31), with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience (2 Cor. 7:10-11; Is. 1:16-17; Rom. 6:18; DS § 97).
Q. 99. What are the outward and ordinary means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption? A. The outward and ordinary means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, baptism, the Lord's supper and prayer; all which means are made effectual to the elect for salvation (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-47; 14:1; Rom. 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Cor. 3:5).
Q. 100. How is the Word made effectual for salvation? A. The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation (Neh. 8:8; Acts 26:18; Ps. 19:7-8; 119:11, 18; Acts 20:32; Rom. 1:15-16, 10:13-17; 15:4; 1 Cor. 14:24-25; 1 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Thess 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:1-2).
Q. 101. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? A. In order that the word may become effectual for salvation, we must attend to it with diligence (Prov. 8:34), preparation (1 Pet. 2:1-2) and prayer (Ps. 119:11, 18), receive it with faith and love (Heb. 4:2; 2 Thes. 2:10), lay it up in our hearts and practice it in our lives (Luke 8:15; James 1:21, 25; 1 Tim 4:13; Heb. 2:1-3).
Q. 102. How do baptism and the Lord's supper become effective means of salvation? A. Baptism and the Lord's supper become effectual means of salvation, not because of any virtue in them, or in him who administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Pet. 3:21; Mt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 3:6-7) and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:3, 13; Matt. 28:19; DS § 74).
Q. 103. Why do we call baptism and the Lord's supper ordinances? A. Baptism and the Lord's supper were specially instituted by Christ to represent and apply to believers the benefits of the new covenant by visible and outwards acts of faith and remembrance (Acts 22:16; Matthew 26:26-28; 28:19; Rom. 6:4).
Q. 104. What is baptism? A. Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament in which the one being baptized identifies with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, proclaims that he is engrafted into Him (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27) and testifies of his remission of sins (Mk. 1:4; Acts 2:38, 22:16) and of his giving up himself unto God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-5; Matt. 28:19; DS § 75).
Q. 105. To whom is baptism to be administered? A. Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God (Acts 2:38; Matt. 3:6) and faith in and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ and to none other (Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48; Mark 16:16).
Q. 106. Are the infants of professing believers to be baptized? A. The infants of professing believers are not to be baptized because the holy Scriptures contain no command, example nor implication of such, but teach that baptism is an expression of faith. (Ex. 23:13; Pr. 30:6; Luke 3:7-8; Col 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21; Gal 3:26-27).
Q. 107. How is Baptism rightly administered? A. Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person, in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16; 28:19-20; Jn. 3:23; 4:1-2; Acts 8:38-39; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12).
Q. 108. What is the duty of those who are rightly baptized? A. It is the duty of all who are rightly baptized to give themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ in order that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless (Acts 2:41-42; 46-47; 5:13-14; 9:26; 1 Pet. 2:5; Lk. 1:6; Heb. 10:25; Rom. 16:5).
Q. 109. What is the visible church? A. The visible church is the body of professing believers of all ages and in places where the Gospel of Christ is truly preached and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's supper are administered in true faith (Acts 2:41-42; 7:38; 20:7; Eph. 4:11-12).
Q. 110. What is the invisible church? A. The invisible church includes all believers who have or ever will live, under Christ as the head (Eph. 1:10, 22-23; John 10:16; 11:52).
Q. 111. What is the Lord's Supper? A. The Lord's supper is an ordinance of the New Testament in which bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Christ, are given and received in remembrance of both the necessity and verity of His death for our salvation, with all its benefits, and as a joyful shadow of the great marriage supper of the Lamb that all the saints will attend, thereby providing both spiritual nourishment and growth in grace (Mt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 10:16, Rev. 19:9; DS § 76).
Q. 112. Who are the proper subjects of this ordinance? A. They who profess faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from dead works (Acts 2:41-42).
Q. 113. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper? A. It is required of them that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, faith to feed upon Him (2 Cor. 13:5), repentance, love and new obedience (1 Cor. 5:7-8), in humility recognizing their inability to save themselves and the necessity of Christ's death for their salvation, lest coming unworthily they eat and drink judgment to themselves (1 Cor. 11:17-34).
Q. 114. What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up our desires to God (Ps. 62:8), by the assistance of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26), for things agreeable to His will (1 Jn. 5:14; Rom. 8:27), in the name of Christ (Jn. 16:23), in belief (Mt. 21:22; James 1:6), with confession of our sins (Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4) and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies (Phil. 4:6; 1 John 1:9; Ps 10:17; 145:19; John 14:13-14).
Q. 115. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer (1 Jn. 5:14; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), but the special rule of direction is the model prayer which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer (Mt. 6:9-13; Lk. 11:2-4).
Q. 116. What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us? A. The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is "Our Father in heaven" (Mt. 6:9), teaches us to draw near to God with holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father who is able and ready and will answer for our good (Rom. 8:15, 28; Lk. 11:13; Is. 24:8); and that we should pray with and for others (Acts 12:5; 1 Tim. 2:1-3).
Q. 117. What do we pray for in the first petition? A. In the first petition, which is "Hallowed be thy name" (Mt. 6:9), we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify Him in our every thought and action (Ps. 67:1-3), and that He would dispose all things to His own glory (Ps. 83; Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 10:31).
Q. 118. What do we pray for in the second petition? A. In the second petition, which is "Your kingdom come" (Mt. 6:10), we pray that Satan's kingdom may be destroyed (Ps. 68:1-18), that the kingdom of grace may be advanced (Rev. 12:10-11), ourselves and others brought into and kept in it (2 Thes. 3:1; Rom. 10:1; Jn. 17:19-20) and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened (Rev. 22:10, 20; Matt 9:37-38).
Q. 119. What do we pray for in the third petition? A. In the third petition, which is "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt. 6:10), we pray that God, by His grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to His will in all things (Ps. 67; 119:26, 36; 2 Sam. 15:25; Job 1:21), as the angels do in heaven (Ps. 103:20-21; 25:4-5).
Q. 120. What do we pray for in the fourth petition? A. In the fourth petition, which is "Give us this day our daily bread" (Mt. 6:11), we pray that of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy His blessing with them (Pr. 30:8-9; Gn 28:20; 1 Tim. 4:4-5; 6:6-8).
Q. 121. What do we pray for in the fifth petition? A. In the fifth petition, which is "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" (Mt. 6:12), we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins (Ps. 51:1-9; Dan. 9:17-19); which we are rather encouraged to ask, because of His grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (Lk. 11:4; Mt. 18:35; Mark 11:25).
Q. 122. What do we pray for in the sixth petition? A. In the sixth petition, which is "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Mt. 6:13), we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (Mt. 26:31, 41), or support and deliver us when we are tempted (2 Cor. 12:8; 1 Cor. 10:13; Ps 19:13; John 17:15).
Q. 123. What does the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach? A. The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" (Mt. 6:13), teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only (Dan. 9:4, 7-9, 16-19), and in our prayers to praise Him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to Him (1 Chron. 29:10-13). And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, "Amen" (1 Cor. 4:16; 14:16; Phil. 4:6; Rev. 11:20; 22:20-21).
9In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Exodus 20:1-17 (Deuteronomy 5:6-21)
1And God spoke all these words, saying: 2"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3"You shall have no other gods before Me. 4"You shall not make for yourself a carved image---any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. 7"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. 8"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. 12"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. 13"You shall not murder. 14"You shall not commit adultery. 15"You shall not steal. 16"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Christian Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
"Shema" is the Hebrew word for "hear," as found in Deuteronomy 6:4. ↩
Much of this is directly from Piper's adaptation; however it has been edited for our purposes. ↩
See "Is the Bible a Reliable Guide to Lasting Joy" in Desiring God by John Piper; Multnomah Press, 1986. ↩
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