Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Heidelberg Catechism

The complete text of the Heidelberg Catechism, in 129 sections. Each passage is tagged with the doctrinal topics it addresses.

About this document

Written in Heidelberg at the request of Elector Frederick III and drafted largely by Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus, the Heidelberg Catechism gave the Reformed churches of the Palatinate a warm, pastoral summary of the faith. Its 129 questions and answers fall under three headings, guilt, grace, and gratitude, and famously open by asking what is our only comfort in life and in death.

One of the Three Forms of Unity, it has long been prized for its personal, devotional tone, and is often divided into fifty-two Lord's Days so a congregation can work through the whole catechism over a year.

Open in the interactive reader →

Lord’s Day 1

Question 1

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Rom. 14:7–9.

    Rom. 14:7–9 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 8 For both if we should live, we live to the Lord, and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14.

    1 Cor. 3:23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7–9; 2:2.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    1 John 1:7–9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • John 8:34–36; Heb. 2:14–15; 1 John 3:1–11.

    John 8:34–36 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house to the age; the son remains to the age. 36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

    1 John 3:1–11 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you⁺ know that He appeared so that He should take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who [is] remaining in Him does not sin; everyone who [is] sinning has not seen Him, nor has he known Him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you⁺ astray; the one doing righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: everyone not doing righteousness is not of God, and the one not loving his brother. 11 For this is the message that you⁺ heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

  • John 6:39–40; 10:27–30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5.

    John 6:39–40 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.”

    10:27–30 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    2 Thess. 3:3 But faithful is the Lord, who will strengthen you⁺ and guard [you] from the evil one.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Luke 21:16–18.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Luke 21:16–18 16 And you⁺ will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put to death some of you⁺. 17 And you⁺ will be hated by all because of My name. 18 And no, not a hair of your⁺ head shall perish.

  • Rom. 8:28.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

  • Rom. 8:15–16; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13–14.

    Rom. 8:15–16 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

    5:5 Now the One having prepared us for this very [thing] [is] God, the One having given to us the pledge of the Spirit,

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

  • Rom. 8:1–17.

    Rom. 8:1–17 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those being according to the flesh mind the [things] of the flesh, but those according to the Spirit the [things] of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh [is] death, but the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace, 7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able. 8 And those being in the flesh are not able to please God. 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 10 But if Christ [is] in you⁺, the body [is] indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of the One having raised Jesus out from the dead dwells in you⁺, the One having raised Christ Jesus out from the dead will also make alive your⁺ mortal bodies through His Spirit, the One dwelling in you⁺. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 2

Q. How many things must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

A. Three: first, how great my sin and misery are; second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:9–10; 1 John 1:10.

    Rom. 3:9–10 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

    1 John 1:10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

  • John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43.

    John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

    10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

  • Matt. 5:16; Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:8–10; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:9–10.

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    Rom. 6:13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness.

    Eph. 5:8–10 8 For you⁺ were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth— 10 discerning what is well-pleasing to the Lord.

    2 Tim. 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, straightly cutting the word of truth.

    1 Peter 2:9–10 9 But you⁺ [are] a chosen kindred, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [His] possession, so that you⁺ may proclaim the excellencies of the One having called you⁺ out of darkness into His marvelous light, 10 who once [were] not a people, but now [are] the people of God—those not having received mercy, but now having received mercy.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling3 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 722 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1942 shared proof texts · shared topic

Part I: Misery

Lord’s Day 2

Question 3

Q. How do you come to know your misery?

A. The law of God tells me.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:20; 7:7–25.

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

    7:7–25 7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, having taken the opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all covetousness; for apart from the law, sin [is] dead. 9 And I was once alive apart from the law, but [on] the commandment's having come, sin revived and I died; 10 and the commandment that [was] unto life, this was found by me unto death. 11 For sin, having taken the opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed [me]. 12 So indeed, the law [is] holy, and the commandment [is] holy and righteous and good. 13 Did that which [is] good, then, become death to me? Never may it be! But so that sin might be shown as sin, it is producing death through that which [is] good to me, so that through the commandment sin might become sinful beyond excess. 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 16 Now if what I do not want, this I do, I assent to the law, that [it is] good. 17 But now I no longer carry it out, but the sin dwelling in me. 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 20 Now if what I do not want, this I do, no longer do I carry it out, but sin dwelling in me. 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will12 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification12 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 9: Of Free Will5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 4

Q. What does God's law require of us?

A. Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22:37–40: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:5.

    Deut. 6:5 And you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

  • Lev. 19:18.

    Lev. 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, and you shall not bear [a grudge] against sons of your people, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I [am] YHWH.

Parallel passages (5)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 991 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof textWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 61 shared proof textWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1041 shared proof text

Question 5

Q. Can you live up to all this perfectly?

A. No. I am inclined by nature to hate God and my neighbor.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:9–20, 23; 1 John 1:8, 10.

    Rom. 3:9–20, 23 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 13 “Their throat [is] a grave having been opened; they keep practicing deceit with their tongues;” “the poison of vipers [is] under their lips,” 14 “of whom the mouth is full of cursing and of bitterness;” 15 “their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 17 and a way of peace they did not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God. 20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin. 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

    1 John 1:8, 10 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

  • Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 7:23–24; 8:7; Eph. 2:1–3; Titus 3:3.

    Gen. 6:5 And YHWH saw that the wickedness of mankind on the earth [was] great and [that] every inclination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil all the day.

    Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick—who can know it?

    Rom. 7:23–24 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death?

    8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.

    Eph. 2:1–3 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 2 in which once you⁺ walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

    Titus 3:3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof21 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof18 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 2515 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1813 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 19412 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Lord’s Day 3

Question 6

Q. Did God create man so wicked and perverse?

A. No. God created man good and in his own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that he might truly know God his creator, love him with all his heart, and live with God in eternal happiness, for his praise and glory.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:31.

    Gen. 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.

  • Gen. 1:26–27.

    Gen. 1:26–27 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

  • Eph. 4:24.

    Eph. 4:24 and to have put on the new man, having been created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth.

  • Col. 3:10.

    Col. 3:10 and having put on the new, the one being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One having created him,

  • Ps. 8.
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 174 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 103 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts

Question 7

Q. Then where does man's corrupt nature come from?

A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise. This fall has so poisoned our nature that we are all conceived and born in sin.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3.
  • Rom. 5:12, 18–19.

    Rom. 5:12, 18–19 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Ps. 51:5.

    Ps. 51:5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 163 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 183 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 223 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man3 shared proof texts

Question 8

Q. But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined toward all evil?

A. Yes, unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Job 14:4; Isa. 53:6.

    Gen. 6:5 And YHWH saw that the wickedness of mankind on the earth [was] great and [that] every inclination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil all the day.

    8:21 And YHWH smelled the pleasing aroma, and YHWH said in His heart, “I will not continue to curse anymore the ground on account of mankind, though the inclination of the heart of man [is] evil from his youth. I will not continue anymore to destroy every living thing, as I have done.

    Job 14:4 Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one!

    Isa. 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.

  • John 3:3–5.

    John 3:3–5 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus says to Him, “How is a man able to be born, being old? Is he able to enter into the womb of his mother a second time and to be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 583 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 4

Question 9

Q. But doesn't God do man an injustice by requiring in his law what man is unable to do?

A. No, God created man with the ability to keep the law. Man, however, at the instigation of the devil, in willful disobedience, robbed himself and all his descendants of these gifts.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:31; Eph. 4:24.

    Gen. 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.

    Eph. 4:24 and to have put on the new man, having been created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth.

  • Gen. 3:13; John 8:44.

    Gen. 3:13 And YHWH God said to the woman, “What [is] this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

    John 8:44 You⁺ are of [your] father the devil, and you⁺ want to do the desires of your⁺ father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he may speak falsehood, he speaks from [his] own, because he is a liar and the father of it.

  • Gen. 3:6.

    Gen. 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

  • Rom. 5:12, 18–19.

    Rom. 5:12, 18–19 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 183 shared proof texts

Question 10

Q. Will God permit such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?

A. Certainly not. He is terribly angry with the sin we are born with as well as our actual sins. God will punish them by a just judgment both now and in eternity, having declared: "Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law."

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 34:7; Ps. 5:4–6; Nah. 1:2; Rom. 1:18; Eph. 5:6; Heb. 9:27.

    Ex. 34:7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Ps. 5:4–6 4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You. 5 The one boasting shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those speaking falsehood; a man of blood and deceit YHWH abhors.

    Nah. 1:2 A God jealous and avenging [is] YHWH; avenging [is] YHWH and owner of fury; avenging [is] YHWH on His adversaries, and He is watching for His enemies.

    Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness,

    Eph. 5:6 Let no one deceive you⁺ with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

    Heb. 9:27 And inasmuch as it is apportioned to men to die once, and after this, judgment,

  • Gal. 3:10; Deut. 27:26.

    Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.”

    Deut. 27:26 ‘Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing it.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 193 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 272 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 11

Q. But isn't God also merciful?

A. God is certainly merciful, but he is also just. His justice demands that sin, committed against his supreme majesty, be punished with the supreme penalty— eternal punishment of body and soul.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 34:6–7; Ps. 103:8–9.

    Ex. 34:6–7 6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth, 7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Ps. 103:8–9 8 Compassionate and gracious [is] YHWH, slow [to] anger and abounding [in] loving devotion. 9 He will not contend forever, and He will not keep [it] forever.

  • Ex. 34:7; Deut. 7:9–11; Ps. 5:4–6; Heb. 10:30–31.

    Ex. 34:7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Deut. 7:9–11 9 And you shall know that YHWH your God, He [is] God, the faithful God, keeping the covenant of loving devotion for those loving Him and keeping His commandments for a thousand generations. 10 And He repays those who hate Him to their faces, to destroy them. He delays not to him who hates Him—to his face He will repay him. 11 And you shall keep the commandment and the statutes and the ordinances that I command you today to do.

    Ps. 5:4–6 4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You. 5 The one boasting shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those speaking falsehood; a man of blood and deceit YHWH abhors.

    Heb. 10:30–31 30 For we know the One having said, “Vengeance [is] Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

  • Matt. 25:35–46.

    Matt. 25:35–46 35 For I hungered, and you⁺ gave Me [something] to eat; I thirsted, and you⁺ gave Me [something] to drink; I was a stranger, and you⁺ took Me in; 36 [I was] naked, and you⁺ clothed Me; I was ailing, and you⁺ visited Me; I was in prison, and you⁺ came to Me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungering, and fed [You]? Or thirsting, and gave [You] to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and took [You] in? Or naked, and clothed [You]? 39 And when did we see You ailing or in prison, and came to You?’ 40 And answering, the King will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you⁺, inasmuch as you⁺ did [it] to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you⁺ did [it] to Me.’ 41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I hungered, and you⁺ did not give to Me to eat; and I thirsted, and you⁺ did not give Me to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you⁺ did not take Me in; naked, and you⁺ did not clothe Me; ailing and in prison, and you⁺ did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or ailing, or in prison, and we did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Truly I say to you⁺, inasmuch as you⁺ did not do [it] to one of the least of these, you⁺ did not do [it] to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment12 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works5 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 893 shared proof texts

Part II: Deliverance

Lord’s Day 5

Question 12

Q. According to God's righteous judgment we deserve punishment both now and in eternity: how then can we escape this punishment and return to God's favor?

A. God requires that his justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of this justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or by another.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 23:7; Rom. 2:1–11.

    Ex. 23:7 From a false matter you shall keep far, and the innocent and righteous you shall not kill, for I will not justify the wicked.

    Rom. 2:1–11 1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, every one who is judging. For in that which you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, for you, the one judging, practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God upon those practicing such things is according to truth. 3 Now do you reckon this, O man, the one judging those practicing such things, and doing them [yourself], that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will repay to each according to his works,” 7 to those who indeed with perseverance in good work are seeking glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those of self-interest and disobeying the truth but obeying unrighteousness, wrath and anger; 9 tribulation and distress upon every soul of man working evil, both of Jew first, and also of Greek; 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone working good, both to Jew first, and to Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

  • Isa. 53:11; Rom. 8:3–4.

    Isa. 53:11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities.

    Rom. 8:3–4 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 972 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 41 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1511 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 831 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 13

Q. Can we make this payment ourselves?

A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our debt every day.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:12; Rom. 2:4–5.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    Rom. 2:4–5 4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1941 shared proof text · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man1 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 991 shared proof text

Question 14

Q. Can another creature—any at all—pay this debt for us?

A. No. To begin with, God will not punish any other creature for what a human is guilty of. Furthermore, no mere creature can bear the weight of God's eternal wrath against sin and deliver others from it.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 18:4, 20; Heb. 2:14–18.

    Ezek. 18:4, 20 4 behold, all souls, they [are] unto Me—as the soul of the father, also the soul of the son—they [are] unto Me: The soul that is sinning, it will die. 20 The soul sinning, it will die. The son will not bear the guilt of the father, and the father will not bear the guilt of the son; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

    Heb. 2:14–18 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death. 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

  • Pss. 49:7–9; 130:3.

    Pss. 49:7–9 7 A brother surely cannot ransom a man, and he cannot give to God his redemption price. 8 For costly [is] the ransom of their soul, and it shall cease forever, 9 that he might live on forever, [and] not see the Pit.

    130:3 If You were to mark iniquities, O YAH, O Lord, who could stand?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 374 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 18: The Incarnation2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 222 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 392 shared proof texts

Question 15

Q. What kind of mediator and deliverer should we look for then?

A. One who is a true and righteous man, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:21; Heb. 2:17.

    Rom. 1:3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh,

    1 Cor. 15:21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead.

    Heb. 2:17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Isa. 53:9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26.

    Isa. 53:9 And He appointed His grave with the wicked, and with a rich one in his death; although He had done no violence, and no deceit [was] in his mouth.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

  • Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Jer. 23:6; John 1:1.

    Isa. 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give to you⁺ a sign: Behold the virgin is conceiving and is bringing forth a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

    9:6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 223 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 373 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 422 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 6

Question 16

Q. Why must the mediator be a true and righteous man?

A. Because God's justice requires that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:12, 15; 1 Cor. 15:21; Heb. 2:14–16.

    Rom. 5:12, 15 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many!

    1 Cor. 15:21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead.

    Heb. 2:14–16 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death. 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

  • Heb. 7:26–27; 1 Peter 3:18.

    Heb. 7:26–27 26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens, 27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself.

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 374 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 223 shared proof texts

Question 17

Q. Why must he also be true God?

A. So that, by the power of his divinity, he might bear in his humanity the weight of God's wrath, and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 331 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 701 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 711 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 18

Q. Then who is this mediator—true God and at the same time a true and righteous man?

A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to us for our complete deliverance and righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21–23; Luke 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Matt. 1:21–23 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 And all this has come to pass so that it might be fulfilled, that having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    Luke 2:11 For today in the City of David a Savior was born to you⁺, who is Christ the Lord.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30.

    1 Cor. 1:30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 402 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 362 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 19

Q. How do you come to know this?

A. The holy gospel tells me. God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, he proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets and foreshadowed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and finally he fulfilled it through his own beloved Son.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:15.

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

  • Gen. 22:18; 49:10.

    Gen. 22:18 And in your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have listened to My voice.”

    49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until that he comes to Shiloh; and to him [is] the obedience of the peoples.

  • Isa. 53; Jer. 23:5–6; Mic. 7:18–20; Acts 10:43; Heb. 1:1–2.

    Jer. 23:5–6 5 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, when I will raise up for David a Branch of Righteousness, and a King shall reign who will deal wisely, and he will do justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    Mic. 7:18–20 18 Who [is] a God like You, lifting away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. 19 He will turn back, He will have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins. 20 You will give forth faithfulness to Jacob, loving devotion to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Lev. 1–7; John 5:46; Heb. 10:1–10.

    John 5:46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me.

    Heb. 10:1–10 1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, because of no more having conscience of sins, those serving having been cleansed once? 3 But in these [is] a reminder of sins every year. 4 For [it is] impossible [for] the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Leviticus 1 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 2 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 3 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 4 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 5 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 6 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 7 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:4–5; Col. 2:17.

    Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.

    Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

    Col. 2:17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 13: Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Also of Promises; of the Spirit and of the Letter3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 7

Question 20

Q. Are all people then saved through Christ just as they were lost through Adam?

A. No. Only those are saved who through true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his benefits.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:14; John 3:16, 18, 36; Rom. 11:16–21.

    Matt. 7:14 For narrow [is] the gate and compressed the way that [is] leading to life, and few are those finding it.

    John 3:16, 18, 36 16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life. 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 11:16–21 16 Now if the firstfruit [is] holy, also [is] the lump; and if the root [is] holy, also [are] the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a fellow partaker of the fatness of the root of the olive tree, 18 do not boast over the branches. But if you boast over [them], you do not support the root, but the root you. 19 You will say, then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Rightly so: They were broken off by unbelief, but you have stood by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps He will not spare you.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 322 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Question 21

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These gifts are purely of grace, only because of Christ's merit.

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1–3; James 2:19.

    John 17:3, 17 3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

    Heb. 11:1–3 1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen. 2 For in this the ancients were well-attested. 3 By faith we understand the ages to have been completed thoroughly by the word of God, in order for that being seen not to have come into being out of the things being visible.

    James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well! Even the demons believe [that], and shudder!

  • Rom. 4:18–21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:14–16.

    Rom. 4:18–21 18 who against hope in hope believed, for him to become the father of many nations, according to that having been spoken, “So will your seed be.” 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God, 21 and having been fully assured that what He has promised, He is also able to do.

    5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

    10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    Heb. 4:14–16 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. 16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Matt. 16:15–17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14.

    Matt. 16:15–17 15 He says to them, “But you⁺, who do you⁺ say I am?” 16 And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood did not reveal [it] to you, but My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to attend to the things being spoken by Paul.

  • Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone believing—both to Jew first, and to Greek.

    10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

  • Gal. 2:20.

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10.

    Rom. 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

  • Rom. 3:21–26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–10.

    Rom. 3:21–26 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 22

Q. What then must a Christian believe?

A. All that is promised us in the gospel, a summary of which is taught us in the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:18–20; John 20:30–31.

    Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    John 20:30–31 30 Therefore indeed Jesus also did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these have been written so that you⁺ may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you⁺ may have life in His name.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 263 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 883 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 423 shared proof texts

Question 23

Q. What are these articles?

A. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 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 to heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Ecumenical Creeds · Apostles' Creed11 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World10 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Nicene Creed9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Athanasian Creed7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church6 shared topics

Lord’s Day 8

Question 24

Q. How are these articles divided?

A. Into three parts: God the Father and our creation; God the Son and our deliverance; and God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.

Parallel passages (6+)Belgic Confession · Article 9: The Scriptural Witness on the Trinity4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Athanasian Creed4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared topics

Question 25

Q. Since there is only one divine being, why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

A. Because that is how God has revealed himself in his Word: these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6.

    Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One.

    1 Cor. 8:4, 6 4 Therefore concerning the eating of the [things] sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world and that [there is] no God except one. 6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.

  • Matt. 3:16–17; 28:18–19; Luke 4:18 (Isa. 61:1); John 14:26; 15:26; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal. 4:6; Titus 3:5–6.

    Matt. 3:16–17 16 And having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon Him. 17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    28:18–19 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance,

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you⁺ all things and will remind you⁺ of all the things that I said to you⁺.

    15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.

    2 Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit [be] with all of you⁺.

    Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

    Titus 3:5–6 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 67 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 64 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 94 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 9

Question 26

Q. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth"?

A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father for the sake of Christ his Son. I trust God so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends upon me in this vale of tears. He is able to do this because he is almighty God; he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1–2; Ex. 20:11; Ps. 33:6; Isa. 44:24; Acts 4:24; 14:15.

    Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

    Ps. 33:6 By the word of YHWH the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.

    Isa. 44:24 Thus says YHWH, your Redeemer, and the One forming you from the womb: “I [am] YHWH, the One making all things, the One stretching out the heavens by Myself alone, the One spreading out the earth—who besides Me—

    Acts 4:24 And having heard, they lifted up [their] voice with one accord to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that [is] in them,

    14:15 and saying, “Men, why do you⁺ do these things? We also are men of like nature with you⁺, proclaiming the gospel to you⁺ to turn from these vain [things] to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,

    Genesis 1 on BibleHub ↗

    Genesis 2 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ps. 104; Matt. 6:30; 10:29; Eph. 1:11.

    Matt. 6:30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith?

    10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father.

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Psalm 104 on BibleHub ↗

  • John 1:12–13; Rom. 8:15–16.

    John 1:12–13 12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of will of flesh, nor of will of man, but of God.

    Rom. 8:15–16 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

  • Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:25–26; Luke 12:22–31.

    Ps. 55:22 Cast your burden upon YHWH, and He will sustain you; He will not give a righteous one to be shaken forever.

    Matt. 6:25–26 25 Because of this I say to you⁺, do not be anxious for your⁺ life, what you⁺ might eat or what you⁺ might drink, nor for your⁺ body, what you⁺ might put on. Is not life more than food, and the body [more] than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor do they gather into barns, and your⁺ heavenly Father feeds them. Are you⁺ not much more valuable than they?

    Luke 12:22–31 22 And He said to His disciples, “Because of this I say to you⁺, do not be anxious for life, what you⁺ may eat, nor for your⁺ body, what you⁺ might put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, that they do not sow nor reap; unto them there is not a storehouse nor a barn—and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you⁺ than the birds! 25 And who of you⁺, being anxious, is able to add to his lifespan a cubit? 26 If, then, you⁺ are not even able [to do] the least, why are you⁺ anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: They do not labor, nor do they spin. Yet I say to you⁺, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. 28 But if God thus clothes the grass in the field, being [here] today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, how much more you⁺, O little of faith! 29 And you⁺, do not seek what you⁺ might eat and what you⁺ might drink, and do not be in suspense; 30 for all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your⁺ Father knows that you⁺ have need of these. 31 But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you⁺.

  • Rom. 8:28.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

  • Gen. 18:14; Rom. 8:31–39.

    Gen. 18:14 Is any word is too difficult for YHWH? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and unto Sarah [will be] a son.”

    Rom. 8:31–39 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Matt. 7:9–11.

    Matt. 7:9–11 9 Or which man is of you⁺ who, [if] his son will ask for bread, will give to him a stone, 10 or also, [if] he will ask for a fish, will give to him a serpent? 11 Therefore if you⁺, being evil, know to give good gifts to your⁺ children, how much more will your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens give good things to those asking Him!

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption4 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 10

Question 27

Q. What do you understand by the providence of God?

A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which God upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty— all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 23:23–24; Acts 17:24–28.

    Jer. 23:23–24 23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?” 24 “Can a man hide himself in the hidden places, and I shall not see him?” A declaration of YHWH. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” A declaration of YHWH.

    Acts 17:24–28 24 The God having made the world and all things that [are] in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples, 25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things. 26 And He made out of one [man] every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 to seek God, if perhaps indeed they might feel after Him and might find Him. And indeed, He is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in Him we live and move and are.’ As also some of the poets among you⁺ have said, ‘For we are also [His] offspring.’

  • Heb. 1:3.

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • Jer. 5:24; Acts 14:15–17; John 9:3; Prov. 22:2.

    Jer. 5:24 and they do not say in their heart, ‘Let us now fear YHWH our God, the One giving rain, the spring rain, and the autumn rain in its season, [and] the weeks appointed for the harvest He keeps for us.

    Acts 14:15–17 15 and saying, “Men, why do you⁺ do these things? We also are men of like nature with you⁺, proclaiming the gospel to you⁺ to turn from these vain [things] to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, 16 who in the generations past allowed all the nations to go their ways. 17 And yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving to you⁺ rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your⁺ hearts with food and gladness.”

    John 9:3 Jesus answered, “Neither this [man] sinned, nor his parents; but [it was] so that the works of God should be displayed in him.

    Prov. 22:2 The rich and the poor meet together; the maker of them all [is] YHWH.

  • Prov. 16:33.

    Prov. 16:33 Into the lap the lot is cast, and all its judgment [is] from YHWH.

  • Matt. 10:29.

    Matt. 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 112 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 182 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 28

Q. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?

A. We can be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature will separate us from his love. For all creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved.

Scripture proofs
  • Job 1:21–22; James 1:3.

    Job 1:21–22 21 and he said, “Naked I came forth from the womb of my mother, and naked I shall return there. YHWH gave, and YHWH has taken away. Let the name of YHWH be blessed.” 22 In all this Job did not sin, and he did not ascribe foolishness to God.

    James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your⁺ faith produces perseverance.

  • Deut. 8:10; 1 Thess. 5:18.

    Deut. 8:10 And you will eat and be satisfied; and you will bless YHWH your God for the good land that He has given you.

    1 Thess. 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this [is] the will of God for you⁺ in Christ Jesus.

  • Ps. 55:22; Rom. 5:3–5; 8:38–39.

    Ps. 55:22 Cast your burden upon YHWH, and He will sustain you; He will not give a righteous one to be shaken forever.

    Rom. 5:3–5 3 And not only [so], but also we boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

    8:38–39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Job 1:12; 2:6; Prov. 21:1; Acts 17:24–28.

    Job 1:12 And YHWH said to Satan, “Behold, all that [is] unto him [is] in your hand; only against him do not stretch out your hand.” And Satan went out from the face of YHWH.

    2:6 And YHWH said to Satan, “Behold, he [is] in your hand, yet his life you must spare.”

    Prov. 21:1 Channels of water [is] the heart of a king in the hand of YHWH; upon all that He wishes, He stretches it out.

    Acts 17:24–28 24 The God having made the world and all things that [are] in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples, 25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things. 26 And He made out of one [man] every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 to seek God, if perhaps indeed they might feel after Him and might find Him. And indeed, He is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in Him we live and move and are.’ As also some of the poets among you⁺ have said, ‘For we are also [His] offspring.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 11

Question 29

Q. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning "savior"?

A. Because he saves us from our sins; and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21; Heb. 7:25.

    Matt. 1:21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

  • Isa. 43:11; John 15:5; Acts 4:11–12; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Isa. 43:11 I—I [am] YHWH, and besides Me there is no one saving.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

    Acts 4:11–12 11 This is ‘the stone having been rejected by you⁺, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 363 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 5: Of the Adoring, Worshipping, and Invocating of God, through the Only Mediator, Jesus Christ2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1812 shared proof texts

Question 30

Q. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus?

A. No. Although they boast of being his, by their actions they deny the only savior, Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect savior, or those who in true faith accept this savior have in him all they need for their salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 1:12–13; Gal. 5:4.

    1 Cor. 1:12–13 12 Now I say this, that each of you⁺ says, “I am indeed of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you⁺? Or were you⁺ baptized into the name of Paul?

    Gal. 5:4 You⁺ were severed from Christ, whoever are being justified in the law; you⁺ fell away from grace.

  • Col. 1:19–20; 2:10; 1 John 1:7.

    Col. 1:19–20 19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.

    2:10 And you⁺ are made complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority,

    1 John 1:7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 912 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1612 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1672 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 12

Question 31

Q. Why is he called "Christ," meaning "anointed"?

A. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance; our only high priest who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually intercedes for us before the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the deliverance he has won for us.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 3:21–22; 4:14–19 (Isa. 61:1); Heb. 1:9 (Ps. 45:7).

    Luke 3:21–22 21 Now it came to pass, in all the people having been baptized and Jesus having been baptized and praying, [that] heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in a bodily form as a dove. And a voice came out of heaven: “You are My Son, the Beloved; in You I was well pleased.”

    4:14–19 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report went out through all the surrounding region concerning Him. 15 And He was teaching in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and having unrolled the scroll, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    Heb. 1:9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

  • Acts 3:22 (Deut. 18:15).

    Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

    Deut. 18:15 YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me; you⁺ must listen to him

  • John 1:18; 15:15.

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

    15:15 No longer do I call you⁺ servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you⁺ friends, because all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you⁺.

  • Heb. 7:17 (Ps. 110:4).

    Heb. 7:17 For it is testified: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

    Ps. 110:4 YHWH has sworn, and He will not change His mind: “You [are] a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Heb. 9:12; 10:11–14.

    Heb. 9:12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption.

    10:11–14 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 [as to] the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed [as] a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Matt. 21:5 (Zech. 9:9).

    Matt. 21:5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King comes to you, gentle and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

  • Matt. 28:18–20; John 10:28; Rev. 12:10–11.

    Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

    Rev. 12:10–11 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brothers was cast down, the one accusing them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their life unto death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 427 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 32

Q. But why are you called a Christian?

A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for eternity.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 12:12–27.

    1 Cor. 12:12–27 12 For just as the body is one, and it has many members, and all the members of the body being many are one body, so also [is] Christ. 13 For also in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For also the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” not on account of this is it not of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” not on account of this is it not of the body. 17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [is] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [is] the sense of smell? 18 But now God placed the members, each one of them in the body, as He wanted. 19 And if all were one member, where [is] the body? 20 But now indeed, [there are] many members, but one body. 21 Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you⁺.” 22 But much more, the members of the body seeming to be weaker are essential, 23 and those of the body we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor. And our unseemly [parts] have more abundant decorum, 24 but our seemly [parts] have no need. But God composed the body, having given more abundant honor to the [parts] lacking [it], 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have the same concern for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; if one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with [it]. 27 Now you⁺ are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

  • Acts 2:17 (Joel 2:28); 1 John 2:27.

    Acts 2:17 ‘And it will come to pass in the last days, God says, [that] I will pour out from My Spirit upon all flesh, and your⁺ sons and your⁺ daughters will prophesy, and your⁺ young men will see visions, and your⁺ old men will dream dreams.

    Joel 2:28 And it will come to pass after this, [that] I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your⁺ sons and your⁺ daughters will prophesy; your⁺ old men will dream dreams, your⁺ young men will see visions.

    1 John 2:27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.

  • Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9–10; Heb. 13:15.

    Matt. 10:32 Therefore everyone who will confess in Me before men, I will also confess in him before My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    Rom. 10:9–10 9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus [is] Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him out from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    Heb. 13:15 Through Him, then, we should offer up a sacrifice of praise through all [time] to God, that is, the fruit of lips confessing His name.

  • Rom. 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5, 9.

    Rom. 12:1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service.

    1 Peter 2:5, 9 5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you⁺ [are] a chosen kindred, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [His] possession, so that you⁺ may proclaim the excellencies of the One having called you⁺ out of darkness into His marvelous light,

  • Gal. 5:16–17; Eph. 6:11; 1 Tim. 1:18–19.

    Gal. 5:16–17 16 Now I say, walk by the Spirit, and you⁺ shall never complete the desire [of] the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

    Eph. 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, for you⁺ to be able to stand against the schemes of the devil,

    1 Tim. 1:18–19 18 I commit to you this charge, Timothy [my] child, according to the prophecies upon you going before, so that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having thrust away, made a shipwreck concerning the faith,

  • Matt. 25:34; 2 Tim. 2:12.

    Matt. 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, the blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you⁺ from the foundation of the world.

    2 Tim. 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign together [with Him]; if we will deny [Him], He also will deny us;

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints14 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 633 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints2 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 13

Question 33

Q. Why is he called God's "only begotten Son" when we also are God's children?

A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God— adopted by grace for the sake of Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:1–3, 14, 18; Heb. 1.

    John 1:1–3, 14, 18 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 This One was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one [thing] came into being that has come into being. 14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

    Hebrews 1 on BibleHub ↗

  • John 1:12; Rom. 8:14–17; Eph. 1:5–6.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Rom. 8:14–17 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].

    Eph. 1:5–6 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 745 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 363 shared proof texts

Question 34

Q. Why do you call him "our Lord"?

A. Because— not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood— he has delivered and purchased us body and soul from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, to be his very own.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

  • Col. 1:13–14; Heb. 2:14–15.

    Col. 1:13–14 13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

  • 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Tim. 2:5–6.

    1 Cor. 6:20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 714 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 972 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 14

Question 35

Q. What does it mean that he "was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary"?

A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a true human nature so that he might also become David's true descendant, like his brothers in all things except for sin.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:1; 10:30–36; Acts 13:33 (Ps. 2:7); Col. 1:15–17; 1 John 5:20.

    John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    10:30–36 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 Therefore the Jews took up stones again so that they might stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I showed you⁺ many good works from the Father; because of which work of them do you⁺ stone Me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, “We do not stone You concerning a good work, but concerning blasphemy, and because You, being a man, make Yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your⁺ Law: ‘I said you⁺ are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture is not able to be broken— 36 do you⁺ say [of Him] whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?

    Acts 13:33 that God has fulfilled this to us their children, having raised up Jesus, as it has also been written in the second psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’

    Ps. 2:7 I will recount the decree of YHWH; He has said to Me: “You [are] My Son; today I have begotten You.

    Col. 1:15–17 15 [He] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, 16 because in Him were created all things in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

  • Luke 1:35.

    Luke 1:35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

  • Matt. 1:18–23; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 2:14.

    Matt. 1:18–23 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being righteous and not willing to make an example of her, resolved to send her away secretly. 20 But [on] his having pondered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, you should not be afraid to receive Mary [as] your wife, for that having been begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 And all this has come to pass so that it might be fulfilled, that having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Heb. 2:14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil,

  • 2 Sam. 7:12–16; Ps. 132:11; Matt. 1:1; Rom. 1:3.

    2 Sam. 7:12–16 12 When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you who will come from your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom even to forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he will be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will churry him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of man, 15 And My loving devotion shall not depart from him as I took [it] from Saul, whom I turned aside from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom will endure even to forever before My face. Your throne will be established even to forever.”

    Ps. 132:11 YHWH has sworn [in] truth of David; He will not turn back from it: “I will set one from the fruit of your belly on the throne of yours.

    Matt. 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:

    Rom. 1:3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh,

  • Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:17.

    Phil. 2:7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men.

    Heb. 2:17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Heb. 4:15; 7:26–27.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

    7:26–27 26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens, 27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 378 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 368 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 18: The Incarnation7 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 36

Q. How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?

A. He is our mediator and, in God's sight, he covers with his innocence and perfect holiness my sin, in which I was conceived.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 9:13–15.

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 9:13–15 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God! 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • Rom. 8:3–4; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 4:4–5; 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    Rom. 8:3–4 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God7 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 715 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 15

Question 37

Q. What do you understand by the word "suffered"?

A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18.

    1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having been dead to sins, we might live to righteousness, “by whose stripes you⁺ were healed.”

    3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 3:25; Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.

    Rom. 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    1 John 2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

    4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [as] a propitiation for our sins.

  • Rom. 8:1–4; Gal. 3:13.

    Rom. 8:1–4 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

  • John 3:16; Rom. 3:24–26.

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    Rom. 3:24–26 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 974 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1943 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 38

Q. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?

A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 23:13–24; John 19:4, 12–16.

    Luke 23:13–24 13 And Pilate, having called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 said to them, “You⁺ brought to me this man as one misleading the people; and behold, having examined [Him] before you⁺, I found nothing in this man guilty of that accusation you⁺ are bringing against Him— 15 no, nor even Herod, for he sent Him back to us. And behold, nothing worthy of death is done by Him. 16 Therefore, having chastised Him, I will release [Him].” 17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) (KJV) 18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this [man], and release to us Barabbas,” 19 who was one having been cast into the prison on account of a certain insurrection having been made in the city, and murder. 20 Therefore Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, called to them again. 21 But they were crying out, saying, “Crucify! Crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them a third [time], “What evil indeed did this [man] commit? I found no cause of death in Him. Therefore having chastised Him, I will release [Him].” 23 But they were urgent, asking with loud voices for Him to be crucified. And their voices were prevailing. 24 And Pilate sentenced their demand to be done.

    John 19:4, 12–16 4 And Pilate went forth outside again, and he says to them, “Behold, I bring Him out to you⁺ so that you⁺ may know that I find no guilt in Him.” 12 From this [time] Pilate was seeking to release Him; but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this [man], you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone making himself a king speaks against Caesar.” 13 Therefore Pilate, having heard these words, brought Jesus out and sat down upon the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he says to the Jews, “Behold your⁺ King!” 15 So they cried out, “Away with Him, away! Crucify Him!” Pilate says to them, “Shall I crucify your⁺ King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.” 16 So then he delivered Him to them so that He might be crucified. Therefore they took Jesus.

  • Isa. 53:4–5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13.

    Isa. 53:4–5 4 Surely, our sicknesses He has lifted, and our sorrows, He has borne them; and we considered Him stricken—struck by God and afflicted. 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 713 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 39

Q. Is it significant that he was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?

A. Yes. By this death I am convinced that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was cursed by God.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 3:10–13 (Deut. 21:23).

    Gal. 3:10–13 10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.” 11 Now [it is] evident that no one is justified before God in the law, because, “The righteous will live out of faith.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    Deut. 21:23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him on the day—for cursed of God [is] he who is hanged [on a tree]—so that you do not defile the land that YHWH your God is giving to you [as] an inheritance.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1664 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 242 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 302 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 932 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 16

Question 40

Q. Why did Christ have to suffer death?

A. Because God's justice and truth require it: nothing else could pay for our sins except the death of the Son of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 2:17.

    Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

  • Rom. 8:3–4; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9.

    Rom. 8:3–4 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

    Heb. 2:9 But we see Jesus, the One having been made a little less than the angels, because of the suffering of death, having been crowned with glory and with honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 972 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 41

Q. Why was he "buried"?

A. His burial testifies that he really died.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53:9; John 19:38–42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    Isa. 53:9 And He appointed His grave with the wicked, and with a rich one in his death; although He had done no violence, and no deceit [was] in his mouth.

    John 19:38–42 38 And after these things, Joseph from Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus (but concealed because of the fear of the Jews) asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave permission. Therefore he came and took away His body. 39 And Nicodemus, the one having come to Him by night at the first, also came bearing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred litras. 40 Therefore they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the custom among the Jews to prepare for burial. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where He was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one was yet having been laid. 42 Therefore because of the Preparation of the Jews [and] since the tomb was near, they laid Jesus there.

    Acts 13:29 And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, having taken [Him] down from the tree, they put [Him] in a tomb.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 272 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 502 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 462 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 42

Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?

A. Our death is not a payment for our sins, but only a dying to sins and an entering into eternal life.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 49:7.

    Ps. 49:7 A brother surely cannot ransom a man, and he cannot give to God his redemption price.

  • John 5:24; Phil. 1:21–23; 1 Thess. 5:9–10.

    John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that the one hearing My word and believing the One having sent Me has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

    Phil. 1:21–23 21 For to me, to live [is] Christ and to die [is] gain. 22 But if [I am] to live in flesh, this for me [is] the fruit of work; and what will I choose? I do not know. 23 But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better,

    1 Thess. 5:9–10 9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 the One having died for us, so that whether we may watch or we may sleep, we may live together with Him.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 26: Of the Burial of the Faithful, and of the Care Which Is to Be Had for Such As Are Dead; of Purgatory, and the Appearing of Spirits1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 861 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 43

Q. What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?

A. By his power our old man is crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may offer ourselves as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to him.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:5–11; Col. 2:11–12.

    Rom. 6:5–11 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

    Col. 2:11–12 11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.

  • Rom. 6:12–14.

    Rom. 6:12–14 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your⁺ mortal body, in order to obey its desires. 13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:1–2.

    Rom. 12:1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service.

    Eph. 5:1–2 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism9 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1676 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 755 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 354 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification3 shared proof texts

Question 44

Q. Why does the creed add, "He descended into hell"?

A. To assure me during attacks of deepest dread and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from hellish anguish and torment.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; Matt. 26:36–46; 27:45–46; Luke 22:44; Heb. 5:7–10.

    Matt. 26:36–46 36 Then Jesus comes with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He says to the disciples, “Sit here until, having gone away over there, I shall pray.” 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.” 39 And having gone forward a little, He fell upon His face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You.” 40 And He comes to the disciples and finds them sleeping. And He says to Peter, “So, were you⁺ not able to watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.” 42 Again, for a second time, having gone away, He prayed, saying, “My Father, if this is not possible to pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And having come again, He found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And having left them again, having gone away, He prayed for the third time, having said the same thing again. 45 Then He comes to the disciples and says to them, “Sleep and take your⁺ rest later on. Behold, the hour has drawn near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise up, let us go! Behold, he who is betraying Me has drawn near!”

    27:45–46 45 And from the sixth hour darkness was over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Heb. 5:7–10 7 [He] in the days of His flesh having offered both supplications and entreaties with strong crying and tears to the One being able to save Him from death, and having been heard from reverence, 8 although being a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered, 9 and having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those obeying Him, 10 having been designated by God [as] high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 493 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 382 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 17

Question 45

Q. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?

A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:16–20; 1 Peter 1:3–5.

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    1 Cor. 15:16–20 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your⁺ faith is futile; you⁺ are still in your⁺ sins. 18 Then also those having fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If only in this life we are having hope in Christ, we are more to be pitied than all men. 20 But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep.

    1 Peter 1:3–5 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One according to His great mercy having begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from the dead, 4 into an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being kept in the heavens for you⁺, 5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Rom. 6:5–11; Eph. 2:4–6; Col. 3:1–4.

    Rom. 6:5–11 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

    Eph. 2:4–6 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

    Col. 3:1–4 1 If, then, you⁺ were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth. 3 For you⁺ died, and your⁺ life has been hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, your⁺ life, shall appear, then you⁺ also will appear with Him in glory.

  • Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:12–23; Phil. 3:20–21.

    Rom. 8:11 And if the Spirit of the One having raised Jesus out from the dead dwells in you⁺, the One having raised Christ Jesus out from the dead will also make alive your⁺ mortal bodies through His Spirit, the One dwelling in you⁺.

    1 Cor. 15:12–23 12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised out from the dead, how do some among you⁺ say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then also our preaching [is] void, and your⁺ faith [is] void. 15 Then also we are found false witnesses of God, because we have witnessed concerning God that He raised Christ, whom He has not raised if then the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your⁺ faith is futile; you⁺ are still in your⁺ sins. 18 Then also those having fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If only in this life we are having hope in Christ, we are more to be pitied than all men. 20 But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep. 21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive— 23 but each in [his] own order: Christ the firstfruit, then those of Christ at His coming,

    Phil. 3:20–21 20 For our citizenship is in the heavens, from where also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our body of humiliation [to be] conformed to the body of His glory, according to the working of His powering, even to subject all things to Himself.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 527 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism7 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 755 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 875 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1674 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints4 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 18

Question 46

Q. What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"?

A. That Christ, while his disciples watched, was taken up from the earth into heaven and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 24:50–51; Acts 1:9–11.

    Luke 24:50–51 50 And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and having lifted up His hands, He blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, in His blessing them, [that] He was separated from them and was carried up into heaven.

    Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

  • Rom. 8:34; Eph. 4:8–10; Heb. 7:23–25; 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Eph. 4:8–10 8 Therefore it says: “Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.” 9 Now what is the [saying] “He ascended,” except that He also descended into the lower regions of the earth? 10 The One having descended is also the same One having ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.

    Heb. 7:23–25 23 And indeed those having become priests are many, because of by death being prevented from continuing. 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Acts 1:11.

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 535 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 543 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts

Question 47

Q. But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?

A. Christ is true man and true God. In his human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit he is never absent from us.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:20.

    Matt. 28:20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

  • Acts 1:9–11; 3:19–21.

    Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    3:19–21 19 Repent, therefore, and turn back, for the blotting out of your⁺ sins, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and [that] He may send the One having been appointed to you⁺, Christ Jesus, 21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

  • Matt. 28:18–20; John 14:16–19.

    Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    John 14:16–19 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you⁺ another Advocate so that He may be with you⁺ to the age— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not see Him, nor does it know [Him]. But you⁺ know Him, for He abides with you⁺ and will be in you⁺. 18 I will not leave you⁺ as orphans; I am coming to you⁺. 19 Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more, but you⁺ see Me. Because I live, you⁺ also will live.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 536 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 424 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 324 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures3 shared proof texts

Question 48

Q. If his humanity is not present wherever his divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other?

A. Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is evident that Christ's divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity that has been taken on, but at the same time his divinity is in and remains personally united to his humanity.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 23:23–24; Acts 7:48–49 (Isa. 66:1).

    Jer. 23:23–24 23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?” 24 “Can a man hide himself in the hidden places, and I shall not see him?” A declaration of YHWH. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” A declaration of YHWH.

    Acts 7:48–49 48 But the Most High does not dwell in hand-made [houses]. As the prophet says: 49 ‘Heaven [is] unto Me a throne, and the earth a footstool for My feet. What kind of house will you⁺ build for Me, says the Lord, or what [is] the place of My rest?

    Isa. 66:1 Thus says YHWH: “The heavens [are] My throne, and the earth [is] the stool for My feet! Where [is] this house for Me that you⁺ will build, and where [is] this place of My rest?

  • John 1:14; 3:13; Col. 2:9.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    3:13 And no one has gone up into heaven except the One having come down out of heaven, the Son of Man.

    Col. 2:9 because in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 362 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 41 shared proof text

Question 49

Q. How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?

A. First, he is our advocate in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that Christ our head will also take us, his members, up to himself. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a corresponding pledge. By the Spirit's power we seek not earthly things but the things above, where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

  • John 14:2; 17:24; Eph. 2:4–6.

    John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. And if not so, would I have told you⁺ that I am going to prepare a place for you⁺?

    17:24 Father, [those] whom You have given to Me, I want that they also may be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory that You have given to Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

    Eph. 2:4–6 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

  • John 14:16; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; 5:5.

    John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you⁺ another Advocate so that He may be with you⁺ to the age—

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

    5:5 Now the One having prepared us for this very [thing] [is] God, the One having given to us the pledge of the Spirit,

  • Col. 3:1–4.

    Col. 3:1–4 1 If, then, you⁺ were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth. 3 For you⁺ died, and your⁺ life has been hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, your⁺ life, shall appear, then you⁺ also will appear with Him in glory.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints3 shared proof texts · shared topicCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 833 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 523 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 553 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 19

Question 50

Q. Why the next words: "and sits at the right hand of God"?

A. Christ ascended to heaven, there to show that he is head of his church, the one through whom the Father governs all things.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:20–23; Col. 1:18.

    Eph. 1:20–23 20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above every principality and authority and power and lordship and every name being named, not only in this age, but also in the one about to be. 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.

    Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,

  • Matt. 28:18; John 5:22–23.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

    John 5:22–23 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one not honoring the Son does not honor the Father, the One having sent Him.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 525 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 113 shared proof texts

Question 51

Q. How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?

A. First, through his Holy Spirit he pours out gifts from heaven upon us his members. Second, by his power he defends us and preserves us from all enemies.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:33; Eph. 4:7–12.

    Acts 2:33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear.

    Eph. 4:7–12 7 Now to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Therefore it says: “Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.” 9 Now what is the [saying] “He ascended,” except that He also descended into the lower regions of the earth? 10 The One having descended is also the same One having ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things. 11 And He gave some indeed [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] shepherds and teachers, 12 toward the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,

  • Ps. 110:1–2; John 10:27–30; Rev. 19:11–16.

    Ps. 110:1–2 1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2 YHWH sends forth the rod of your strength from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies!”

    John 10:27–30 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    Rev. 19:11–16 11 And I saw heaven having been opened, and behold, a white horse, and the One sitting upon it called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 Now His eyes [are] like a flame of fire, and upon His head many diadems, having a name written, which no one knows except He Himself, 13 and clothed with a garment dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies who [were] in heaven were following Him upon white horses, dressed in fine linen, white [and] pure. 15 And out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations; and He will shepherd them with a rod of iron. And He treads the press of the wine of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 And He has a name written upon the robe and upon His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 534 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1584 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 544 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 454 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts

Question 52

Q. How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?

A. In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head, I confidently await the very judge who has already offered himself to the judgment of God in my place and removed the whole curse from me. Christ will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but will take me and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:22–25; Phil. 3:20–21; Titus 2:13–14.

    Luke 21:28 And these things beginning to come to pass, look up and lift up your⁺ heads, because your⁺ redemption draws near.”

    Rom. 8:22–25 22 For we know that all the creation groans together and travails together until now. 23 And not only [so], but we ourselves, even having the firstfruit of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we were saved, but hope being seen is not hope. For does anyone hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly await in perseverance.

    Phil. 3:20–21 20 For our citizenship is in the heavens, from where also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our body of humiliation [to be] conformed to the body of His glory, according to the working of His powering, even to subject all things to Himself.

    Titus 2:13–14 13 awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • Matt. 25:31–46; 2 Thess. 1:6–10.

    Matt. 25:31–46 31 And when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon the throne of His glory. 32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And indeed, He will set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on [His] left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, the blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you⁺ from the foundation of the world. 35 For I hungered, and you⁺ gave Me [something] to eat; I thirsted, and you⁺ gave Me [something] to drink; I was a stranger, and you⁺ took Me in; 36 [I was] naked, and you⁺ clothed Me; I was ailing, and you⁺ visited Me; I was in prison, and you⁺ came to Me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungering, and fed [You]? Or thirsting, and gave [You] to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and took [You] in? Or naked, and clothed [You]? 39 And when did we see You ailing or in prison, and came to You?’ 40 And answering, the King will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you⁺, inasmuch as you⁺ did [it] to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you⁺ did [it] to Me.’ 41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I hungered, and you⁺ did not give to Me to eat; and I thirsted, and you⁺ did not give Me to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you⁺ did not take Me in; naked, and you⁺ did not clothe Me; ailing and in prison, and you⁺ did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or ailing, or in prison, and we did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Truly I say to you⁺, inasmuch as you⁺ did not do [it] to one of the least of these, you⁺ did not do [it] to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

    2 Thess. 1:6–10 6 For indeed [it is] righteous with God to repay those oppressing you⁺ with tribulation, 7 and to you⁺ being oppressed, relief with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of His power 8 in a fire of flame, giving vengeance on those not knowing God and on those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus, 9 who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at among all those having believed—because our testimony to you⁺ was believed—in that day.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment25 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works9 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgment8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 896 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 566 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 195 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 20

Question 53

Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?

A. First, that the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, that he is given also to me, so that, through true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his benefits, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:1–2; Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3–4.

    Gen. 1:1–2 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was formless and void, and darkness [was] over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    Acts 5:3–4 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart [for] you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the proceeds of the land? 4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it [not] in [your] own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”

  • 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; Gal. 4:6.

    1 Cor. 6:19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own,

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

    Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

  • Gal. 3:14.

    Gal. 3:14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • John 15:26; Acts 9:31.

    John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.

    Acts 9:31 Then indeed the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

  • John 14:16–17; 1 Peter 4:14.

    John 14:16–17 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you⁺ another Advocate so that He may be with you⁺ to the age— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not see Him, nor does it know [Him]. But you⁺ know Him, for He abides with you⁺ and will be in you⁺.

    1 Peter 4:14 If you⁺ are reproached in the name of Christ, [you are] blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 95 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 114 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 63 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 21

Question 54

Q. What do you believe concerning "the holy catholic church"?

A. I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:14–16; Acts 20:28; Rom. 10:14–17; Col. 1:18.

    John 10:14–16 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

    Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,

  • Gen. 26:3b–4; Rev. 5:9.

    Gen. 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and I will bless you. For to you and to your seed I will give all these lands, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to Abraham your father.

    Rev. 5:9 And they sing a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and You purchased for God by Your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

  • Isa. 59:21; 1 Cor. 11:26.

    Isa. 59:21 “And Me, this [is] My covenant with them,” says YHWH. “My Spirit who [is] upon you, and My words that I have put in your mouth, they will not depart from your mouth and from the mouth of your seed, and from the mouth of the seed of your seed, says YHWH, from now and even to forever.”

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • Matt. 16:18; John 10:28–30; Rom. 8:28–30; Eph. 1:3–14.

    Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

    John 10:28–30 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    Rom. 8:28–30 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Eph. 1:3–14 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 10 for the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ—the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth— 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will 12 for us to be to the praise of His glory, the ones having first hoped in Christ, 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

  • Acts 2:42–47; Eph. 4:1–6.

    Acts 2:42–47 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. 43 And fear was coming upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those believing were in the same [place] and were having all things in common. 45 And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need. 46 And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding every day to the same those being saved.

    Eph. 4:1–6 1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you⁺ to walk worthily of the calling to which you⁺ were called, 2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; 4 one body and one Spirit, just as also you⁺ were called in one hope of your⁺ calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who [is] over all and through all and in all.

  • 1 John 3:14, 19–21.

    1 John 3:14, 19–21 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death. 19 And in this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will assure our heart before Him, 20 that if our heart may condemn [us], that God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart may not condemn [us], we have confidence toward God,

  • John 10:27–28; 1 Cor. 1:4–9; 1 Peter 1:3–5.

    John 10:27–28 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

    1 Cor. 1:4–9 4 I thank my God always concerning you⁺ for the grace of God having been given to you⁺ in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you⁺ were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you⁺, 7 so as for you⁺ not to be lacking in [any] gift, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who also will confirm you⁺ until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

    1 Peter 1:3–5 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One according to His great mercy having begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from the dead, 4 into an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being kept in the heavens for you⁺, 5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church8 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling8 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 55

Q. What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?

A. First, that believers one and all, as members of Christ the Lord, have communion with him and share in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 6:17; 12:4–7, 12–13; 1 John 1:3.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    1 Cor. 6:17 But the one being joined to the Lord is one spirit.

    12:4–7, 12–13 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, and the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of workings, but the same God who is working all things in all. 7 Now to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit, for the common profiting. 12 For just as the body is one, and it has many members, and all the members of the body being many are one body, so also [is] Christ. 13 For also in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

    1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and have heard we declare to you⁺ also, so that you⁺ also may have fellowship with us. And indeed our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

  • Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:20–27; 13:1–7; Phil. 2:4–8.

    Rom. 12:4–8 4 For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 And we are having different gifts according to the grace having been given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith; 7 and if service, in the service; and if teaching, in the teaching; 8 and if exhorting, in the exhortation; giving, in generosity; leading, in diligence; showing mercy, in cheerfulness.

    1 Cor. 12:20–27 20 But now indeed, [there are] many members, but one body. 21 Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you⁺.” 22 But much more, the members of the body seeming to be weaker are essential, 23 and those of the body we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor. And our unseemly [parts] have more abundant decorum, 24 but our seemly [parts] have no need. But God composed the body, having given more abundant honor to the [parts] lacking [it], 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have the same concern for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; if one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with [it]. 27 Now you⁺ are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

    13:1–7 1 If I should speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I should have prophecy and should understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I should give away all my possessions, and if I should deliver up my body that I may boast, but have not love, I am profited nothing. 4 Love is patient, it is kind; love does not envy, love does not boast, it is not puffed up. 5 It does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own [things], it is not provoked, it keeps no reckoning of evil. 6 It does not rejoice at unrighteousness, but it rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

    Phil. 2:4–8 4 each looking at not the things of yourselves, but each also the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you⁺ that [was] also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1474 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 364 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared proof texts

Question 56

Q. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?

A. I believe that God, because of Christ's satisfaction, will no longer remember any of my sins or my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, by his grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ that I may never come into judgment.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 103:3–4, 10, 12; Mic. 7:18–19; 2 Cor. 5:18–21; 1 John 1:7; 2:2.

    Ps. 103:3–4, 10, 12 3 the One forgiving all your iniquities, the One healing all your diseases, 4 the One redeeming your life from destruction, the One crowning you with loving devotion and compassion, 10 He has not done to us according to our sins, and He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities. 12 As far as the east [is] from the west, [so] has He put our transgressions far from us.

    Mic. 7:18–19 18 Who [is] a God like You, lifting away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. 19 He will turn back, He will have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins.

    2 Cor. 5:18–21 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    1 John 1:7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 7:21–25.

    Rom. 7:21–25 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

  • John 3:17–18; Rom. 8:1–2.

    John 3:17–18 17 For God did not send the Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Rom. 8:1–2 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will5 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 22

Question 57

Q. How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you?

A. Not only will my soul be taken immediately after this life to Christ its head, but also my very flesh, raised by the power of Christ, will be reunited with my soul, and made like Christ's glorious body.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:21–23.

    Luke 23:43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

    Phil. 1:21–23 21 For to me, to live [is] Christ and to die [is] gain. 22 But if [I am] to live in flesh, this for me [is] the fruit of work; and what will I choose? I do not know. 23 But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better,

  • 1 Cor. 15:20, 42–46, 54; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2.

    1 Cor. 15:20, 42–46, 54 20 But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep. 42 So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruptibility; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual. 45 So also it has been written: “The first man Adam became into a living soul;” the last Adam into a life-giving spirit. 46 But the spiritual [was] not first, but the natural, then the spiritual. 54 Now when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then the word having been written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

    Phil. 3:21 who will transform our body of humiliation [to be] conformed to the body of His glory, according to the working of His powering, even to subject all things to Himself.

    1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead6 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 874 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 863 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 383 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 903 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 58

Q. How does the article concerning "life everlasting" comfort you?

A. Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has ever imagined: a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 14:17.

    Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

  • John 17:3; 1 Cor. 2:9.

    John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.

    1 Cor. 2:9 But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man—as much as God prepared for those loving Him.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation1 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 361 shared proof textWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 831 shared proof textLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling1 shared proof text

Lord’s Day 23

Question 59

Q. But how does it help you now that you believe all this?

A. That I am righteous in Christ before God and an heir to life everlasting.

Scripture proofs
  • John 3:36; Rom. 1:17 (Hab. 2:4); Rom. 5:1–2.

    John 3:36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    Hab. 2:4 Behold, one is not puffed up whose soul is upright within him, and the righteous one will live by his faith.

    Rom. 5:1–2 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 552 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 832 shared proof texts

Question 60

Q. How are you righteous before God?

A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments, of never having kept any of them, and of still being inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without any merit of my own, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me— if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:21–28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–9; Phil 3:8–11.

    Rom. 3:21–28 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Phil 3:8–11 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith, 10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection out from the dead.

  • Rom. 3:9–10.

    Rom. 3:9–10 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

  • Rom. 7:23.

    Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

  • Titus 3:4–5.

    Titus 3:4–5 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 4:3–5 (Gen. 15:6); 2 Cor. 5:17–19; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Rom. 4:3–5 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one working, the wage is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

    2 Cor. 5:17–19 17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being! 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 4:24–25; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 4:24–25 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • John 3:18; Acts 16:30–31.

    John 3:18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Acts 16:30–31 30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful12 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 867 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1947 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 61

Q. Why do you say that through faith alone you are righteous?

A. Not because I please God by the worthiness of my faith, for only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness are my righteousness before God, and I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 1:30–31.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

  • Rom. 10:10; 1 John 5:10–12.

    Rom. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    1 John 5:10–12 10 The one believing in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one not believing God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one having the Son has life; the one not having the Son of God does not have life.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 322 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 24

Question 62

Q. Why can't our good works be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of our righteousness?

A. Because the righteousness which can pass God's judgment must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. But even our best works in this life are all imperfect and stained with sin.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:10 (Deut. 27:26).

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

    Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.”

    Deut. 27:26 ‘Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing it.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

  • Isa. 64:6.

    Isa. 64:6 And all of us have become like an unclean one, all our righteous acts [are] as a filthy rag; and all of us wither like the leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 302 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant2 shared proof texts

Question 63

Q. How can our good works be said to merit nothing when God promises to reward them in this life and the next?

A. This reward is not merited; it is a gift of grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 5:12; Heb. 11:6.

    Matt. 5:12 Rejoice and exult, because your⁺ reward [is] great in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you⁺.

    Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.

  • Luke 17:10; 2 Tim. 4:7–8.

    Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”

    2 Tim. 4:7–8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all those loving His appearing.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant2 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 64

Q. But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?

A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 6:43–45; John 15:5.

    Luke 6:43–45 43 For there is no good tree producing rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree producing good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by [its] own fruit. For they do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a bramble bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what [is] good, and the evil out of the evil brings forth what [is] evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 301 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 661 shared proof text · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit1 shared proof text · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 14: The Creation and Fall of Man1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will1 shared proof text

Lord’s Day 25

Question 65

Q. It is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all his benefits: where then does that faith come from?

A. The Holy Spirit works it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.

Scripture proofs
  • John 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:10–14; Eph. 2:8.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    1 Cor. 2:10–14 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23–25.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Peter 1:23–25 23 having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, by the word of God, living and abiding, 24 because, “All flesh [is] like grass, and all the glory of it like a flower of grass. The grass withered, and the flower fell off, 25 but the word of the Lord remains to the age.” And this is the word having been proclaimed [as] good news to you⁺.

  • Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 10:16.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 305 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 595 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 674 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 66

Q. What are sacraments?

A. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise. And this is God's gospel promise: he grants us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ's one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 17:11; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 4:11.

    Gen. 17:11 And you⁺ shall be circumcised in the flesh of your⁺ foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and between you⁺.

    Deut. 30:6 And YHWH your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

    Rom. 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

  • Matt. 26:27–28; Acts 2:38; Heb. 10:10.

    Matt. 26:27–28 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1624 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1763 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 67

Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Yes indeed! The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and confirms by the holy sacraments that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 3:27.

    Rom. 6:3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    Gal. 3:27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1623 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1652 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 942 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 68

Q. How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?

A. Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1086 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 935 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 355 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 26

Question 69

Q. How does holy baptism remind and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross benefits you personally?

A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it promised that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his blood and his Spirit wash away my soul's impurity, that is, all my sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:38.

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • Matt. 3:11; Rom. 6:3–10; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Matt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you⁺ in water unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient to carry the sandals. He will baptize you⁺ in the Holy Spirit and fire,

    Rom. 6:3–10 3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God.

    1 Peter 3:21 which also corresponds to the baptism now saving you⁺, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1677 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1655 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 944 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1623 shared proof texts

Question 70

Q. What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?

A. To be washed with Christ's blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven our sins because of Christ's blood poured out for us in his sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with Christ's Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed and sanctified us to be members of Christ, so that more and more we die to sin and live holy and blameless lives.

Scripture proofs
  • Zech. 13:1; Eph. 1:7–8; Heb. 12:24; 1 Peter 1:2; Rev. 1:5.

    Zech. 13:1 “On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David, and for those dwelling in Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.

    Eph. 1:7–8 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding,

    Heb. 12:24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, speaking a better thing than that of Abel.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    Rev. 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins in His blood—

  • Ezek. 36:25–27; John 3:5–8; Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 6:11; Col. 2:11–12.

    Ezek. 36:25–27 25 And I will sprinkle on you⁺ pure water, and you⁺ will be pure from all your⁺ uncleannesses, and from all your⁺ idols I will purify you⁺. 26 And I will give to you⁺ a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you⁺; and I will take away the heart of stone from your⁺ flesh, and I will give to you⁺ a heart of flesh. 27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].

    John 3:5–8 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That having been born of the flesh is flesh, and that having been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you⁺ to be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit.”

    Rom. 6:4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

    Col. 2:11–12 11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 755 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 354 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 584 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 71

Q. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

A. In the institution of baptism, where he says: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism "the washing of regeneration" and the washing away of sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19.

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

  • Mark 16:16.

    Mark 16:16 The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, but the one having disbelieved will be condemned.

  • Titus 3:5.

    Titus 3:5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Acts 22:16.

    Acts 22:16 And now, why do you delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on His name.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1653 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 942 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 27

Question 72

Q. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?

A. No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 3:11; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 John 1:7.

    Matt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you⁺ in water unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient to carry the sandals. He will baptize you⁺ in the Holy Spirit and fire,

    1 Peter 3:21 which also corresponds to the baptism now saving you⁺, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

    1 John 1:7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1632 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1611 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1651 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1671 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 73

Q. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the water of rebirth and the washing away of sins?

A. God has good reason for these words. To begin with, he wants to teach us that the blood and Spirit of Christ take away our sins just as water removes dirt from the body. But more importantly, he wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that we are as truly washed of our sins spiritually as our bodies are washed with water physically.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:11; Rev. 1:5; 7:14.

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

    Rev. 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins in His blood—

    7:14 And I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3–4; Gal. 3:27.

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    Rom. 6:3–4 3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.

    Gal. 3:27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1655 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1674 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 944 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1624 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 74

Q. Should infants also be baptized?

A. Yes. Infants as well as adults are included in God's covenant and people, and they, no less than adults, are promised deliverance from sin through Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit who works faith. Therefore, by baptism, the sign of the covenant, they too should be incorporated into the Christian church and distinguished from the children of unbelievers. This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision, which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 17:7; Matt. 19:14.

    Gen. 17:7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and between you and between your seed after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you, and to your seed after you.

    Matt. 19:14 But Jesus said, “Permit the little children, and do not forbid them to come to Me! For unto such is the kingdom of the heavens.”

  • Isa. 44:1–3; Acts 2:38–39; 16:31.

    Isa. 44:1–3 1 And now listen, O Jacob My servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen! 2 Thus says YHWH, the One having made you and having formed you from the womb, who will help you: “Do not fear, My servant Jacob, and Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon a thirsty one, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit upon your seed, and My blessing upon your offspring.

    Acts 2:38–39 38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you⁺ and to your⁺ children and to all those at a distance, as many as the Lord our God shall summon.”

    16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

  • Acts 10:47; 1 Cor. 7:14.

    Acts 10:47 “Is anyone able to withhold the water to baptize these who have received the Holy Spirit just as we also [have]?”

    1 Cor. 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother. Otherwise, then your⁺ children are unclean; but now they are holy.

  • Gen. 17:9–14.

    Gen. 17:9–14 9 And God said to Abraham, “And as for you, you shall keep My covenant—you and your seed after you, throughout their generations. 10 This [is] My covenant, which you⁺ shall keep between Me, and between you⁺, and between your seed after you: Every male child among you⁺ shall be circumcised. 11 And you⁺ shall be circumcised in the flesh of your⁺ foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and between you⁺. 12 And a son of eight days among you⁺ shall be circumcised—every male child in your⁺ generations who is born in your house or bought with silver from any son of a foreigner who is not of your seed. 13 And he must surely be circumcised—he who is born in your house, or he who is bought with your silver. And My covenant shall be in your⁺ flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, the soul [of] that one shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

  • Col. 2:11–13.

    Col. 2:11–13 11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead. 13 And you⁺ being dead in the trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your⁺ flesh, He made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all the trespasses,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism13 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 958 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1667 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 347 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1775 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 28

Question 75

Q. How does the holy supper remind and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all his benefits?

A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup in remembrance of him. With this command come these promises: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup shared with me, so surely his body was offered and broken for me and his blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of him who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, given me as sure signs of Christ's body and blood, so surely he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with his crucified body and poured-out blood.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:23–25.

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Mark 14:22–24 22 And [in] their eating, having taken bread, having spoken a blessing, He broke [it] and gave to them and said, “Take; this is My body.” 23 And having taken the cup, having given thanks, He gave to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many.

    Luke 22:19–20 19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,” 20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

    1 Cor. 11:23–25 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16211 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16910 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 928 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1687 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments7 shared proof texts

Question 76

Q. What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood?

A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and in this way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body. And so, although he is in heaven and we are on earth, we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit, as the members of our body are by one soul.

Scripture proofs
  • John 6:35, 40, 50–54.

    John 6:35, 40, 50–54 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.” 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • John 6:55–56; 1 Cor. 12:13.

    John 6:55–56 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him.

    1 Cor. 12:13 For also in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

  • Acts 1:9–11; 1 Cor. 11:26; Col. 3:1.

    Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    Col. 3:1 If, then, you⁺ were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.

  • 1 Cor. 6:15–17; Eph. 5:29–30; 1 John 4:13.

    1 Cor. 6:15–17 15 Do you⁺ not know that your⁺ bodies are members of Christ? Having taken, then, the members of the Christ, shall I make [them] members of a prostitute? Never may it be! 16 Or do you⁺ not know that the one being joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, “The two will be into one flesh.” 17 But the one being joined to the Lord is one spirit.

    Eph. 5:29–30 29 For no one at any time hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ also [does] the church. 30 For we are members of His body.

    1 John 4:13 In this we know that we remain in Him and He in us: because from out of His Spirit He has given to us.

  • John 6:56–58; 15:1–6; Eph. 4:15–16; 1 John 3:24.

    John 6:56–58 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.”

    15:1–6 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch not bearing fruit in Me, He takes it away; and every one bearing fruit, He prunes it clean so that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you⁺ are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you⁺. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you⁺. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither you⁺, unless you⁺ remain in Me. 5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like the branch and is dried up; and they gather them and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

    Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

    1 John 3:24 And the one keeping His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And in this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit whom He gave to us.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord12 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 534 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1703 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 663 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 77

Q. Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with his body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup?

A. In the institution of the Lord's Supper: "The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." This promise is repeated by Paul in these words: "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16–17.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1626 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 966 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1686 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 29

Question 78

Q. Do the bread and wine become the real body and blood of Christ?

A. No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into Christ's blood and does not itself wash away sins but is simply a divine sign and assurance of these things, so too the holy bread of the Lord's Supper does not become the body of Christ itself, even though it is called the body of Christ in keeping with the nature and language of sacraments.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 5:26; Titus 3:5.

    Eph. 5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed [her] by the washing of water in the word,

    Titus 3:5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Matt. 26:26–29.

    Matt. 26:26–29 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 And I say to you⁺ [that] I shall not drink of this fruit of the vine from now until that day when I drink it anew with you⁺ in the kingdom of My Father.”

  • 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 11:26–28.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

    11:26–28 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

  • Gen. 17:10–11; Ex. 12:11, 13; 1 Cor. 10:1–4.

    Gen. 17:10–11 10 This [is] My covenant, which you⁺ shall keep between Me, and between you⁺, and between your seed after you: Every male child among you⁺ shall be circumcised. 11 And you⁺ shall be circumcised in the flesh of your⁺ foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and between you⁺.

    Ex. 12:11, 13 11 And thus you⁺ shall eat it: your⁺ loins girded, your⁺ sandals on your⁺ feet, and your⁺ staff in your⁺ hand; and you⁺ shall eat it in haste. It [is] YHWH's Passover. 13 And the blood shall be a sign for you⁺ on the houses where you⁺ are, and I will see the blood, and I will pass over you⁺, and there shall not be among you⁺ a plague for destruction, in my striking in the land of Egypt.

    1 Cor. 10:1–4 1 For I do not want you⁺ to be ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea. 2 And all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments12 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1627 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1686 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1706 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 79

Q. Why then does Christ call the bread his body and the cup his blood, or the new covenant in his blood, and Paul use the words, a participation in Christ's body and blood?

A. Christ has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that just as bread and wine nourish the temporal life, so too his crucified body and poured-out blood are the true food and drink of our souls for eternal life. But more important, he wants to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge, that we, through the Holy Spirit's work, share in his true body and blood as surely as our mouths receive these holy signs in his remembrance, and that all of his suffering and obedience are as definitely ours as if we personally had suffered and made satisfaction for our sins.

Scripture proofs
  • John 6:51, 55.

    John 6:51, 55 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 11:26.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

    11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • Rom. 6:5–11.

    Rom. 6:5–11 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1674 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1703 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 963 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Lord’s Day 30

Question 80

Q. How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass?

A. The Lord's Supper declares to us that all our sins are completely forgiven through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself accomplished on the cross once for all. It also declares to us that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ, who with his true body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father where he wants us to worship him. But the Mass teaches that the living and the dead do not have their sins forgiven through the suffering of Christ unless Christ is still offered for them daily by the priests. It also teaches that Christ is bodily present under the form of bread and wine where Christ is therefore to be worshiped. Thus the Mass is basically nothing but a denial of the one sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ and a condemnable idolatry.

Scripture proofs
  • John 19:30; Heb. 7:27; 9:12, 25–26; 10:10–18.

    John 19:30 Therefore when Jesus took the sour wine, He said, “It has been finished.” And having bowed the head, He yielded up the spirit.

    Heb. 7:27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself.

    9:12, 25–26 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 25 nor that He should offer Himself many times, just as the high priest enters into the holy [places] every year with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

    10:10–18 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 [as to] the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed [as] a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us. For after having said: 16 “This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, giving My laws on their hearts, and I will inscribe them on their mind,” 17 then [He says]: “Their sins and their lawless acts, I will remember no more.” 18 Now where [there is] forgiveness of these, no longer [is there] an offering concerning sin.

  • 1 Cor. 6:17; 10:16–17.

    1 Cor. 6:17 But the one being joined to the Lord is one spirit.

    10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

  • Acts 7:55–56; Heb. 1:3; 8:1.

    Acts 7:55–56 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, having looked intently into heaven, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens having been opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    8:1 Now the main point of the things being said: We have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

  • Matt. 6:20–21; John 4:21–24; Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1–3.

    Matt. 6:20–21 20 But treasure up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust disfigure, and where thieves do not break in, nor do they steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will be also your heart.

    John 4:21–24 21 Jesus says to her, “Believe Me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you⁺ worship the Father. 22 You⁺ worship what you⁺ do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

    Phil. 3:20 For our citizenship is in the heavens, from where also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

    Col. 3:1–3 1 If, then, you⁺ were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth. 3 For you⁺ died, and your⁺ life has been hidden with Christ in God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper11 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 543 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 81

Q. Who should come to the Lord's table?

A. Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust that their sins are pardoned and that their remaining weakness is covered by the suffering and death of Christ, and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and to lead a better life. Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however, eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 10:19–22; 11:26–32.

    1 Cor. 10:19–22 19 Then what do I say? That what is sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 [No], but that which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you⁺ to be fellow sharers with demons. 21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

    11:26–32 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 31 For if we were discerning of ourselves, we would not be being judged. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 976 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1736 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1085 shared proof texts

Question 82

Q. Should those be admitted to the Lord's Supper who show by what they profess and how they live that they are unbelieving and ungodly?

A. No, that would dishonor God's covenant and bring down God's wrath upon the entire congregation. Therefore, according to the instruction of Christ and his apostles, the Christian church is duty-bound to exclude such people, by the official use of the keys of the kingdom, until they reform their lives.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:17–32; Ps. 50:14–16; Isa. 1:11–17.

    1 Cor. 11:17–32 17 Now in this instructing, I do not praise [you], because not for the better, but for the worse, do you⁺ come together. 18 For first indeed, [on] your⁺ coming together in an assembly, I hear there to be divisions among you⁺, and in part I believe it. 19 For also it is necessary for there to be factions among you⁺, so that also the ones approved should become evident among you⁺. 20 Therefore, [on] your⁺ coming together in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating, each takes first [his] own supper. And indeed this one is hungry, but that one is drunk. 22 What! Have you⁺ no houses in which to eat and to drink? Or do you⁺ despise the church of God and put to shame those not having? What shall I say to you⁺? Shall I praise you⁺? In this I do not praise [you]! 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 31 For if we were discerning of ourselves, we would not be being judged. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

    Ps. 50:14–16 14 Make a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and fulfill to the Most High your vows. 15 And call on Me in the day of distress, [and] I will rescue you, and you will glorify Me.” 16 And to the wicked God says, “What to you [is] to recount My statutes, and to lift up My covenant upon your mouth?

    Isa. 1:11–17 11 “What to Me [is] the multitude of your⁺ sacrifices?” Says YHWH. “I have had my fill of burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of well-fed cattle, and [in] the blood of bulls and lambs and he-goats I take no delight. 12 When you⁺ come to appear before My face, who has sought this from your⁺ hand, to trample My courts? 13 You⁺ shall not add to bring an offering of worthlessness; incense, it [is] an abomination to Me, New Moons and Sabbaths and the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity, in a solemn assembly! 14 Your⁺ New Moons and your⁺ appointed feasts, My soul hates; they are to Me as a burden; I am weary of bearing [them]. 15 And in your⁺ spreading forth your⁺ hands, I will hide My eyes from you⁺; even though you⁺ multiply prayers, I will not be listening. Your⁺ hands are full of blood! 16 Wash, cleanse yourselves; turn aside the evil of your⁺ deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. 17 Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, bring justice for the fatherless, contend for the widow.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1088 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1718 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 31

Question 83

Q. What are the keys of the kingdom?

A. The preaching of the holy gospel and Christian discipline toward repentance. Both of them open the kingdom of heaven to believers and close it to unbelievers.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 16:19; John 20:22–23.

    Matt. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. And whatever you might bind on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you might loose on the earth will be loosed in the heavens.”

    John 20:22–23 22 And having said this, He breathed on [them], and He says to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you⁺ might forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you⁺ might retain any, they are retained.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures3 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1081 shared proof text · shared topicCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 10: Conversion as the Work of God4 shared topics

Question 84

Q. How does preaching the holy gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?

A. According to the command of Christ: The kingdom of heaven is opened by proclaiming and publicly declaring to all believers, each and every one, that, as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith, God, because of Christ's merit, truly forgives all their sins. The kingdom of heaven is closed, however, by proclaiming and publicly declaring to unbelievers and hypocrites that, as long as they do not repent, the wrath of God and eternal condemnation rest on them. God's judgment, both in this life and in the life to come, is based on this gospel testimony.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 16:19; John 3:31–36; 20:21–23.

    Matt. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. And whatever you might bind on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you might loose on the earth will be loosed in the heavens.”

    John 3:31–36 31 The One coming from above is above all. The one being from the earth is from the earth and speaks from the earth. The One coming from heaven is above all. 32 What He has seen and heard, to this He testifies, and no one receives His testimony. 33 The one having received His testimony has sealed that God is true. 34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    20:21–23 21 Therefore Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you⁺. As the Father has sent Me forth, I also send you⁺.” 22 And having said this, He breathed on [them], and He says to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you⁺ might forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you⁺ might retain any, they are retained.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures4 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 85

Q. How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by Christian discipline?

A. According to the command of Christ: Those who, though called Christians, profess unchristian teachings or live unchristian lives, and who, after repeated personal and loving admonitions, refuse to abandon their errors and evil ways, and who, after being reported to the church, that is, to those ordained by the church for that purpose, fail to respond also to the church's admonitions— such persons the church excludes from the Christian community by withholding the sacraments from them, and God also excludes them from the kingdom of Christ. Such persons, when promising and demonstrating genuine reform, are received again as members of Christ and of his church.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:3–5, 11–13; 2 Thess. 3:14–15.

    Matt. 18:15–20 15 And if your brother may sin against you, go reprove him between you and him alone. If he may hear you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he may not hear, take with you one or two more, so that ‘every word may be stood upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you⁺, whatever you⁺ shall bind on the earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you⁺ shall loose on the earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I say to you⁺ that if two of you⁺ on the earth shall agree about any matter that they shall ask, it will be done for them by My Father who [is] in the heavens. 20 For where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in their midst.”

    1 Cor. 5:3–5, 11–13 3 For I indeed, being absent in body but being present in spirit, have already judged the one having thus carried this out, as being present, 4 in the name our Lord Jesus, [in] your⁺ having been gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of the Lord Jesus, 5 to deliver up such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 11 But now I wrote to you⁺ not to associate with anyone being named a brother if he may be sexually immoral or a coveter, or an idolater or a reviler, or a drunkard or a swindler—with such a one not even to eat. 12 For what [is it] to me to judge those outside? Do you⁺ not judge those inside? 13 But God judges those outside. “Expel the wicked one from among yourselves.”

    2 Thess. 3:14–15 14 And if anyone does not obey our word through the letter, take note of this one not to mix with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 And do not deem [him] as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

  • Luke 15:20–24; 2 Cor. 2:6–11.

    Luke 15:20–24 20 And having risen up, he went to his father. But [on] his still being distant, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and having run, he fell upon his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I sinned against heaven and before you; no longer am I worthy to be called your son.’ 22 And the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and clothe him, and give a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet; 23 and having brought the fattened calf, kill [it], and having eaten, let us be merry, 24 because this son of mine was dead and lived again! He was lost and was found!’ And they began to be merry.

    2 Cor. 2:6–11 6 Sufficient to such a one [is] the punishment that [is] by the majority, 7 so that on the contrary, [it is] rather for you⁺ to forgive and to comfort [him], lest somehow such a one might be overwhelmed by more abundant grief. 8 Therefore I exhort you⁺ to confirm love toward him. 9 For this indeed also I wrote, so that I might know the proof of you⁺, whether you⁺ are obedient to everything. 10 Now to whomever you⁺ forgive anything, I also do; and indeed to whom I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, [it is] on account of you⁺ in the face of Christ, 11 so that we should not be exploited by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church14 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life6 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 805 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 31: Of Synods and Councils4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Part III: Gratitude

Lord’s Day 32

Question 86

Q. Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace through Christ without any merit of our own, why then should we do good works?

A. Because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, is also renewing us by his Spirit into his image, so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God for his benefits, and that he may be praised through us, and further, so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and by our godly living our neighbors may be won over to Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:13; 12:1–2; 1 Peter 2:5–10.

    Rom. 6:13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness.

    12:1–2 1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you⁺ to discern what [is] the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

    1 Peter 2:5–10 5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen [and] precious cornerstone; and the one believing on Him shall never be put to shame.” 7 Therefore the preciousness [is] to you⁺ who [are] believing. But [to] [those] disbelieving, “The stone that those building rejected, this became into the head of the corner,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed. 9 But you⁺ [are] a chosen kindred, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [His] possession, so that you⁺ may proclaim the excellencies of the One having called you⁺ out of darkness into His marvelous light, 10 who once [were] not a people, but now [are] the people of God—those not having received mercy, but now having received mercy.

  • Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Matt. 7:17–18; Gal. 5:22–24; 2 Peter 1:10–11.

    Matt. 7:17–18 17 Thus every good tree produces good fruits, but the rotten tree produces evil fruits. 18 A good tree is not able to produce evil fruits, nor a rotten tree to produce good fruits.

    Gal. 5:22–24 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.

    2 Peter 1:10–11 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.

  • Matt. 5:14–16; Rom. 14:17–19; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1–2.

    Matt. 5:14–16 14 You⁺ are the light of the world. A city lying on a hill is not able to be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. 16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    Rom. 14:17–19 17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one serving Christ in in this [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by men. 19 So then, may we pursue the [things] of peace, and the [things] of building up one another.

    1 Peter 2:12 having your⁺ conduct among the Gentiles good, so that wherein which they speak against you⁺ as evildoers, out of having witnessed the good works, they may glorify God in the day of visitation.

    3:1–2 1 Likewise, wives, be subject to [your] own husbands, so that even if any are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without word by the conduct of the wives, 2 having witnessed your⁺ respectful, pure conduct,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 87

Q. Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and unrepentant ways?

A. By no means. Scripture tells us that no unchaste person, no idolater, adulterer, thief, no covetous person, no drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like will inherit the kingdom of God.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:9–10; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 5:1–20; 1 John 3:14.

    1 Cor. 6:9–10 9 Or do you⁺ not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be led astray: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor coveters, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

    Gal. 5:19–21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of rage, rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envies, drunkennesses, carousings, and things like these, as to which I say to you⁺ beforehand, as also I said before, that those doing such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    Eph. 5:1–20 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell. 3 But let sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness not even be named among you⁺, just as is proper to saints, 4 and shamefulness, and foolish talk, or crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For this you⁺ know, realizing that every sexually immoral person, or impure person, or covetous person (who is an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you⁺ with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you⁺ were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth— 10 discerning what is well-pleasing to the Lord. 11 And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose [them]. 12 For it is shameful even to speak [of] the things being done by them in secret. 13 But everything being exposed by the light is made manifest, for everything being made manifest is light. 14 Therefore it says: “Awake you, the one sleeping, and rise up out from the dead, and Christ will shine upon you.” 15 Therefore watch carefully how you⁺ walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Because of this, do not be foolish, but understand what [is] the will of the Lord. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled in the Spirit, 19 speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your⁺ heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father.

    1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1394 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 183 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 253 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1133 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 722 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 33

Question 88

Q. What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?

A. Two things: the dying-away of the old self, and the rising-to-life of the new.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:1–11; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 3:5–10.

    Rom. 6:1–11 1 What then will we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 Never may it be! [We] who died to sin, how shall we still live in it? 3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

    2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being!

    Eph. 4:22–24 22 you⁺ are to put off concerning the former way of life the old man, which is being corrupted according to the desires of deceit, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your⁺ mind, 24 and to have put on the new man, having been created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth.

    Col. 3:5–10 5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry, 6 because of which things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you⁺ also walked once when you⁺ were living in them. 8 But now you⁺ also put off all [these] things: wrath, rage, malice, slander, shameful talk out of your⁺ mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his practices, 10 and having put on the new, the one being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One having created him,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism9 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1677 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 756 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 355 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1653 shared proof texts

Question 89

Q. What is the dying-away of the old self?

A. To be genuinely sorry for sin and more and more to hate and run away from it.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 51:3–4, 17; Joel 2:12–13; Rom. 8:12–13; 2 Cor. 7:10.

    Ps. 51:3–4, 17 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin [is] before me continually. 4 Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and have done the evil in your eyes, so that You are right when You speak, and You are pure when You judge. 17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit. A heart broken and crushed, O God, You will not despise.

    Joel 2:12–13 12 “Even now,” a declaration of YHWH, “May you turn to Me with all your⁺ heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 And rend your⁺ heart and not your⁺ garments. May you return to YHWH your⁺ God, for He [is] gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and great in loving devotion, and relenting from harm.

    Rom. 8:12–13 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live.

    2 Cor. 7:10 For grief according to God works repentance unto salvation without regret; but the grief of the world produces death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 765 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 874 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1082 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof textsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 90

Q. What is the rising-to-life of the new self?

A. Wholehearted joy in God through Christ and a love and delight to live according to the will of God by doing every kind of good work.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 51:8, 12; Isa. 57:15; Rom. 5:1; 14:17.

    Ps. 51:8, 12 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

    Isa. 57:15 For thus says the One High and Lifted up, dwelling [in] eternity—and Holy His name: “On high and holy I dwell, with the broken and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones, and to revive the heart of the broken ones.

    Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

    14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

  • Rom. 6:10–11; Gal. 2:20.

    Rom. 6:10–11 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1673 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 812 shared proof texts

Question 91

Q. But what are good works?

A. Only those which are done out of true faith, conform to God's law, and are done for his glory; and not those based on our own opinion or human tradition.

Scripture proofs
  • John 15:5; Heb. 11:6.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

    Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.

  • Lev. 18:4; 1 Sam. 15:22; Eph. 2:10.

    Lev. 18:4 You⁺ shall do My judgments, and you⁺ shall keep My statutes, to walk in them. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.

    1 Sam. 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has YHWH delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as [in] listening to the voice of YHWH? Behold, to listen is better than sacrifice, [and] to heed than the fat of rams.

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • 1 Cor. 10:31.

    1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore whether you⁺ eat or drink or whatever you⁺ do, do all things to the glory of God.

  • Deut. 12:32; Isa. 29:13; Ezek. 20:18–19; Matt. 15:7–9.

    Deut. 12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

    Isa. 29:13 And YHWH says, “Because that this people draws near with its mouth, and honors Me with its lips, and its heart has grown far away from Me, and their reverence toward Me is a commandment taught by men.

    Ezek. 20:18–19 18 And I said to their sons in the wilderness, ‘In the statutes of your⁺ fathers you⁺ shall not walk, and their ordinances you⁺ shall not keep, and with their idols you⁺ shall not defile yourselves. 19 I [am] YHWH your⁺ God; in My statutes you must walk, and My ordinances you must keep and do them,

    Matt. 15:7–9 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you⁺, saying: 8 ‘This people honors Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me; 9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works4 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 34

Question 92

Q. What is God's law?

A. God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. I. You shall have no other gods before me. II. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. III. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. IV. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work— you, your son or your daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. V. Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you. VI. You shall not murder. VII. You shall not commit adultery. VIII. You shall not steal. IX. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. X. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female servant, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21.

    Ex. 20:1–17 1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before My face. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness. 17 You shall not covet the house of your neighbor; you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

    Deut. 5:6–21 6 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them, for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and on the third and fourth of those hating Me, 10 and showing loving devotion to thousands, to those loving Me and keeping My commandments. 11 You shall not lift up the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who lifts up His name in vain. 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 16 Honor your father and your mother, as YHWH your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, that it may be well with you in the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 And you shall not commit adultery. 19 And you shall not steal. 20 And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 21 And you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, and you shall not covet the house of your neighbor, his field, and his manservant, and his maidservant, his ox, and his donkey, and anything that [is] unto your neighbor.”

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God33 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God15 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1158 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 496 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 93

Q. How are these commandments divided?

A. Into two tables. The first has four commandments, teaching us how we should live in relation to God. The second has six commandments, teaching us what we owe our neighbor.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 22:37–39.

    Matt. 22:37–39 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And the second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 423 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 983 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 993 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1023 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1221 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 94

Q. What does the Lord require in the first commandment?

A. That I, not wanting to endanger my own salvation, avoid and shun all idolatry, sorcery, superstitious rites, and prayer to saints or to other creatures. That I rightly know the only true God, trust him alone, and look to God for every good thing humbly and patiently, and love, fear, and honor him with all my heart. In short, that I renounce all created things rather than go against God's will in any way.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:9–10; 10:5–14; 1 John 5:21.

    1 Cor. 6:9–10 9 Or do you⁺ not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be led astray: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor coveters, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

    10:5–14 5 But God was not well pleased in most of them, for they were strewn in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became types of us, for us not to be desirers of evil things, as those also desired. 7 And do not become idolaters, as some of them, just as it has been written: “The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.” 8 And we should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed sexual immorality, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 And we should not test Christ, as some of them tested, and were destroyed by serpents. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them grumbled, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to those [as] types and were written for our admonition, to whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore the one thinking to stand, let him observe, lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you⁺ except [what is] human. And faithful [is] God, who will not allow you⁺ to be tempted beyond what you⁺ are able, but He will also provide with the temptation the escape, to be able to bear up under [it]. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

    1 John 5:21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

  • Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:9–12.

    Lev. 19:31 You⁺ shall not turn to the mediums and to the spiritists; you⁺ shall not seek after them to be defiled by them. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.

    Deut. 18:9–12 9 When you come into the land that YHWH your God is giving to you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of these nations. 10 There shall not be found among you one who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, a user of divinations, a soothsayer, or a diviner, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells or consults a medium, or a spiritist, or a seeker of the dead. 12 For an abomination to YHWH [is] everyone doing these things, and because of these abominations YHWH your God is driving them out from before you.

  • Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10; 22:8–9.

    Matt. 4:10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

    Rev. 19:10 And I fell before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, “See, no! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, those having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    22:8–9 8 And I, John, [am] the one hearing and seeing these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell to worship before the feet of the angel showing me these things. 9 And he says to me, “See, no! I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of those keeping the words of this book. Worship God!”

  • John 17:3.

    John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.

  • Jer. 17:5, 7.

    Jer. 17:5, 7 5 Thus says YHWH: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his arm and turns away his heart from YHWH. 7 Blessed [is] the man who trusts in YHWH, and his hope is YHWH.

  • Ps. 104:27–28; James 1:17.

    Ps. 104:27–28 27 All of them look to You, to give their food, in its season. 28 You give to them, [and] they gather in; You open Your hand, [and] they are satisfied [with] good.

    James 1:17 Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

  • 1 Peter 5:5–6.

    1 Peter 5:5–6 5 Likewise, younger ones, be subject to [your] elders. And all, gird on humility to one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you⁺ in due time,

  • Col. 1:11; Heb. 10:36.

    Col. 1:11 being empowered with all power according to the power of His glory unto all endurance and patience, with joy

    Heb. 10:36 For you⁺ have need of perseverance, so that, having done the will of God, you⁺ may receive the promise.

  • Matt. 22:37 (Deut. 6:5).

    Matt. 22:37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

    Deut. 6:5 And you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

  • Prov. 9:10; 1 Peter 1:17.

    Prov. 9:10 The beginning of wisdom [is] the fear of YHWH, and knowledge of the Holy One [is] understanding.

    1 Peter 1:17 And if you⁺ call on [as] Father the One judging impartially according to the work of each, conduct yourselves in fear in the time of your⁺ sojourn,

  • Matt. 4:10 (Deut. 6:13).

    Matt. 4:10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

    Deut. 6:13 YHWH your God you shall fear, and Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear.

  • Matt. 5:29–30; 10:37–39.

    Matt. 5:29–30 29 Now if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast [it] from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish and not [that] your whole body should be cast into Gehenna. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast [it] from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish and not [that] your whole body should go away into Gehenna.

    10:37–39 37 The one loving father or mother above Me is not worthy of Me, and the one loving son or daughter above Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one having found his life will lose it, and the one having lost his life on account of Me will find it.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 994 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1053 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 4: Of Idols or Images of God, of Christ, and of Saints3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1743 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts

Question 95

Q. What is idolatry?

A. Idolatry is having or inventing something in which one trusts in place of or alongside of the only true God, who has revealed himself in his Word.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Chron. 16:26; Gal. 4:8–9; Eph. 5:5; Phil. 3:19.

    1 Chron. 16:26 For all the gods of the peoples [are] nothing, and YHWH made the heavens.

    Gal. 4:8–9 8 But then, indeed, not knowing God, you⁺ were in slavery to those by nature not being gods. 9 But now, having known God, but rather having been known by God, how do you⁺ turn again to the weak and poor elements, to which you⁺ want to be in slavery again anew?

    Eph. 5:5 For this you⁺ know, realizing that every sexually immoral person, or impure person, or covetous person (who is an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

    Phil. 3:19 whose end [is] destruction, whose god [is] the belly and [their] glory [is] in their shame, those minding earthly things.

Parallel passages (3)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1091 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience1 shared proof textWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1391 shared proof text

Lord’s Day 35

Question 96

Q. What is God's will for us in the second commandment?

A. That we in no way make any image of God nor worship him in any other way than has been commanded in God's Word.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 4:15–19; Isa. 40:18–25; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:22–23.

    Deut. 4:15–19 15 And guard greatly your⁺ souls, for you⁺ did not see any form when YHWH spoke to you⁺ at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you⁺ act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female— 17 the likeness of any animal that [is] on the earth, or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, or the likeness of any fish that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 19 And lest you lift up your eyes to the heavens and you see the sun and the moon and the stars—all the host of the heavens—and you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which YHWH your God has given as a heritage to all the peoples under the whole heavens.

    Isa. 40:18–25 18 And to whom would you⁺ liken God? And what likeness will you⁺ arrange for Him? 19 To an idol a craftsman casts, and a metalworker overlays it with gold and fits with chains of silver? 20 One bereft of a contribution chooses a tree not rotten, and a skillful craftsman seeks out for himself to prepare a carved image [that] will not topple? 21 Do you⁺ not know? Have you⁺ not heard? Has it not been declared from the beginning to you⁺? Have you⁺ not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 He is sitting above the circle of the earth, and its dwellers [are] like grasshoppers; He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and He spreads them out like a tent to dwell [in]. 23 The One giving the rulers to nothingness, He makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 24 Yes, they are hardly planted; yes, they are hardly sown; Yes their stem has hardly taken root in the earth. And also He will blow on them, and they will wither, and the tempest will carry them off like the stubble. 25 “And to whom will you⁺ liken Me? Or [who] is My equal?” Says the Holy One.

    Acts 17:29 Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to consider the Divine Being to be like gold or silver or stone, a graven thing of man’s craft and imagination.

    Rom. 1:22–23 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they changed the glory of the immortal God into the likeness of an image of mortal man and birds and quadrupeds and creeping things.

  • Lev. 10:1–7; 1 Sam. 15:22–23; John 4:23–24.

    Lev. 10:1–7 1 And the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, each took his firepan, and they put fire in it, and they put incense on it, and they brought near before the face of YHWH strange fire, which He had not commanded them. 2 And fire went out from before the face of YHWH, and it consumed them, and they died before the face of YHWH. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, “It [is] what YHWH spoke, saying, ‘By those drawing near to Me I will be shown holy, and before the faces of all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron was silent. 4 And Moses called to Mishael and to Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and he said to them, “Draw near, carry your⁺ brothers from the face of the Holy Place, to the outside of the camp.” 5 And they drew near, and they carried them in their tunics to the outside of the camp, as Moses had spoken. 6 And Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar his sons, “Do not uncover your⁺ heads and do not tear your⁺ clothes, and you⁺ shall not die, and upon all the congregation He will be angry. And your⁺ brothers, the whole house of Israel, shall weep the burning that YHWH has burned. 7 And you⁺ shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you⁺ die; for the anointing oil of YHWH [is] upon you⁺.” And they did according to the word of Moses.

    1 Sam. 15:22–23 22 And Samuel said, “Has YHWH delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as [in] listening to the voice of YHWH? Behold, to listen is better than sacrifice, [and] to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For [as] the sin of witchcraft [is] rebellion, and iniquity and teraphim [is] stubbornness, because you have rejected the word of YHWH, so He has rejected you as king.”

    John 4:23–24 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 519 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 148 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1097 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 47 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 66 shared proof texts

Question 97

Q. May we then not make any image at all?

A. God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Although creatures may be portrayed, yet God forbids making or having such images in order to worship them or serve God through them.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 34:13–14, 17; 2 Kings 18:4–5.

    Ex. 34:13–14, 17 13 But their altars you⁺ shall break down, and their pillars you⁺ shall smash, and their Asherah poles you⁺ shall cut down. 14 For you shall worship no other god, for YHWH, Jealous [is] his name, is a jealous God. 17 Molten gods you shall not make for yourselves.

    2 Kings 18:4–5 4 He turned aside the high places, and he shattered the pillars, and he cut down the Asherah pole, and he crushed the bronze serpent that Moses had made. For until those days the sons of Israel were burning incense to it and calling it Nehushtan. 5 He trusted in YHWH, God of Israel, and after him none was like him among all the kings of Judah, nor those who were before him.

Parallel passages (2)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1102 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 521 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 98

Q. But may not images, as books for the unlearned, be permitted in churches?

A. No, we should not try to be wiser than God. He wants the Christian community instructed by the living preaching of his Word— not by idols that cannot even talk.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:14–15, 17; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19.

    Rom. 10:14–15, 17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    2 Tim. 3:16–17 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.

    2 Peter 1:19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts,

  • Jer. 10:8; Hab. 2:18–20.

    Jer. 10:8 But they are altogether senseless and foolish, the teaching of of vanities, it [is] of wood!

    Hab. 2:18–20 18 What profit [is] an image when its fashioner has carved it, a molten image and a teacher of falsehood? For the one fashioning trusts upon it [in] his fashioning, making mute idols. 19 Woe [to] the one saying to the wood, ‘Awake!’ Or to a stone of silence, ‘Arise!’ Can it give instruction? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and not any breath [is] within it.” 20 And YHWH [is] in the temple of His holiness; let all the earth be silent before Him.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 895 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1555 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 33 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 36

Question 99

Q. What is God's will for us in the third commandment?

A. That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders. In summary, we must use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that we may properly confess him, call upon him, and praise him in everything we do and say.

Scripture proofs
  • Lev. 24:10–17.

    Lev. 24:10–17 10 And a son of a woman, an Israelitess, went out (and he the son of an Egyptian man) in the midst of the sons of Israel. And this son of the Israelitess and a man of the Israelites fought each other in the camp. 11 And the son of the woman, the Israelitess, blasphemed the Name and cursed. And they brought him to Moses. And His mother’s name [was] Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. 12 And they put him in custody, that it might be shown to them upon the mouth of YHWH. 13 And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 14 “Take him who has cursed to the outside of the camp, and let all who heard [him] lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. 15 And you shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If any man curses his God, then he shall bear his sin. 16 And whoever blasphemes the name of YHWH must surely be put to death. All the congregation must surely stone him, as the sojourner, as the native; when he blasphemes the name he shall be put to death. 17 And whoever kills any man, he must surely be put to death.

  • Lev. 19:12.

    Lev. 19:12 And you⁺ shall not swear by My name to a lie and so profane the name of your God. I [am] YHWH.

  • Matt. 5:37; James 5:12.

    Matt. 5:37 But let your⁺ word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ [and] ‘No,’ ‘No.’ And that which [is] more than these comes from the evil one.

    James 5:12 But before all things, my brothers, do not swear, neither [by] heaven nor the earth nor any other oath. But let your⁺ “Yes” be yes, and the “No,” no, so that you⁺ might not fall under judgment.

  • Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24.

    Lev. 5:1 “And if a soul sins and hears the voice of an oath, and he [is] a witness, whether he has seen or he has known, if he does not tell, then he shall bear his iniquity.

    Prov. 29:24 One having a portion with a thief is hating his own soul; he hears the curse, and does not testify.

  • Ps. 99:1–5; Jer. 4:2.

    Ps. 99:1–5 1 YHWH reigns, let the peoples tremble! He dwells [above] the cherubim, let the earth be shaken! 2 YHWH [is] great in Zion, and high [is] He over all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name! Holy [is] He! 4 The mighty King loves justice, You have established uprightness; justice and righteousness You have done in Jacob. 5 Exalt YHWH, our God, and bow down at His footstool! Holy [is] He!

    Jer. 4:2 and you swear, ‘As YHWH’ lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory.”

  • Matt. 10:32–33; Rom. 10:9–10.

    Matt. 10:32–33 32 Therefore everyone who will confess in Me before men, I will also confess in him before My Father who [is] in the heavens. 33 But whoever shall deny Me before men, I also will deny him before My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    Rom. 10:9–10 9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus [is] Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him out from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

  • Ps. 50:14–15; 1 Tim. 2:8.

    Ps. 50:14–15 14 Make a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and fulfill to the Most High your vows. 15 And call on Me in the day of distress, [and] I will rescue you, and you will glorify Me.”

    1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

  • Col. 3:17.

    Col. 3:17 And everything, whatever you⁺ may do in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1123 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 553 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1903 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 100

Q. Is blasphemy of God's name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to help prevent and forbid it?

A. Yes, indeed. No sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than blaspheming his name. That is why he commanded it to be punished with death.

Scripture proofs
  • Lev. 5:1.

    Lev. 5:1 “And if a soul sins and hears the voice of an oath, and he [is] a witness, whether he has seen or he has known, if he does not tell, then he shall bear his iniquity.

  • Lev. 24:10–17.

    Lev. 24:10–17 10 And a son of a woman, an Israelitess, went out (and he the son of an Egyptian man) in the midst of the sons of Israel. And this son of the Israelitess and a man of the Israelites fought each other in the camp. 11 And the son of the woman, the Israelitess, blasphemed the Name and cursed. And they brought him to Moses. And His mother’s name [was] Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. 12 And they put him in custody, that it might be shown to them upon the mouth of YHWH. 13 And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 14 “Take him who has cursed to the outside of the camp, and let all who heard [him] lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. 15 And you shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If any man curses his God, then he shall bear his sin. 16 And whoever blasphemes the name of YHWH must surely be put to death. All the congregation must surely stone him, as the sojourner, as the native; when he blasphemes the name he shall be put to death. 17 And whoever kills any man, he must surely be put to death.

Parallel passages (2)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1131 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1451 shared proof text · shared topic

Lord’s Day 37

Question 101

Q. But may we swear an oath in God's name if we do it reverently?

A. Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for God's glory and our neighbor's good. Such oath-taking is grounded in God's Word and was rightly used by the saints in the Old and New Testaments.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Jer. 4:1–2; Heb. 6:16.

    Deut. 6:13 YHWH your God you shall fear, and Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear.

    10:20 YHWH your God you shall fear; Him you shall serve, and to Him you shall hold fast, and by His name you shall swear.

    Jer. 4:1–2 1 “If you would return, O Israel, a declaration of YHWH, to Me you must return!” And if you will put away your abominations from My sight, and no longer waver, 2 and you swear, ‘As YHWH’ lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory.”

    Heb. 6:16 For men swear by the greater, and of all their disputes, an end for confirmation [is] the oath,

  • Gen. 21:24; Josh. 9:15; 1 Kings 1:29–30; Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23.

    Gen. 21:24 And Abraham said, “I swear.”

    Josh. 9:15 And Joshua made peace with them, and he cut a covenant with them to let them live, and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.

    1 Kings 1:29–30 29 And the king took an oath and said, “[As] YHWH lives, who has redeemed my life from every distress, 30 just as I swore to you by YHWH, God of Israel, saying, surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place, even so I will surely do this day.”

    Rom. 1:9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of His Son, is my witness how unceasingly I make remembrance of you⁺,

    2 Cor. 1:23 But I call God as witness upon my soul, that sparing you⁺ I did not yet come to Corinth.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows6 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1081 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1121 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 991 shared proof text

Question 102

Q. May we also swear by saints or other created things?

A. No. A legitimate oath is calling upon God as the one who knows my heart to witness to the truth and to punish me if I swear falsely. No created thing is worthy of such honor.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:23.

    Rom. 9:1 I speak truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience is testifying with me in the Holy Spirit

    2 Cor. 1:23 But I call God as witness upon my soul, that sparing you⁺ I did not yet come to Corinth.

  • Matt. 5:34–37; 23:16–22; James 5:12.

    Matt. 5:34–37 34 But I say to you⁺ not to swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God; 35 nor by the earth, because it is the footstool for His feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor may you swear by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black. 37 But let your⁺ word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ [and] ‘No,’ ‘No.’ And that which [is] more than these comes from the evil one.

    23:16–22 16 Woe to you⁺, blind guides, those saying, ‘Whoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gold of the temple is bound by his oath.’ 17 Foolish and blind ones! For which is greater: the gold, or the temple having sanctified the gold? 18 And [you say], ‘Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gift that [is] upon it is bound by his oath.’ 19 Blind ones! For which [is] greater: the gift, or the altar sanctifying the gift? 20 Therefore the one having sworn by the altar swears by it and by all things that [are] upon it. 21 And the one having sworn by the temple swears by it and by the One dwelling in it. 22 And the one having sworn by heaven swears by the throne of God and by the One sitting upon it.

    James 5:12 But before all things, my brothers, do not swear, neither [by] heaven nor the earth nor any other oath. But let your⁺ “Yes” be yes, and the “No,” no, so that you⁺ might not fall under judgment.

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 555 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1132 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 992 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topic

Lord’s Day 38

Question 103

Q. What is God's will for you in the fourth commandment?

A. First, that the gospel ministry and schools for it be maintained, and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I diligently attend the assembly of God's people to learn what God's Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to the Lord publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for the poor. Second, that every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through his Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal Sabbath.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:4–9, 20–25; 1 Cor. 9:13–14; 2 Tim. 2:2; 3:13–17; Titus 1:5.

    Deut. 6:4–9, 20–25 4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One. 5 And you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 And these words that I am commanding you today shall be upon your heart. 7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and talk of them in your sitting in your house and in your walking by the way and in your lying down and in your getting up. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house, and on your gates. 20 When your son asks you hereafter, saying, “What [are] the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances that YHWH our God has commanded you⁺?” 21 Then you shall say to your son, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and YHWH brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 And YHWH showed signs and wonders, great and severe, on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his house, before our eyes. 23 And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in to give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers. 24 And YHWH commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear YHWH our God, for good to us all the time, to keep us alive as this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this command before the face of YHWH our God, as He has commanded us.”

    1 Cor. 9:13–14 13 Do you⁺ not know that those working [in] the temple eat the [things] of the temple, [and] those attending at the altar partake in the altar? 14 So also, the Lord directed those proclaiming the gospel to live from the gospel.

    2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that you heard from me through many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men such as will be sufficient to teach others also.

    3:13–17 13 But evil men and imposters will advance to the worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you, abide in the things you learned and were convinced of, having known from whom you learned, 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.

    Titus 1:5 For the sake of this I left you in Crete, that you might set in order the things lacking and might appoint elders in every city, as I directed you,

  • Deut. 12:5–12; Pss. 40:9–10; 68:26; Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25.

    Deut. 12:5–12 5 For rather, unto the place where YHWH your⁺ God chooses out of all your⁺ tribes to establish His Name as His dwelling, you⁺ shall seek and you shall go there. 6 And you⁺ shall bring there your⁺ burnt offerings, and your⁺ sacrifices, and your⁺ tithes, and the contributions of your⁺ hands, and your⁺ vowed offerings, and your⁺ freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your⁺ herds and your⁺ flocks. 7 And you⁺ shall eat there before the face of YHWH your⁺ God, and you⁺ shall rejoice in all the sending out of your⁺ hands—you⁺ and your⁺ households—with which YHWH your God has blessed you. 8 You⁺ shall not do at all as we are doing here today—every man, whatever [is] right in his own eyes. 9 For you⁺ have not come as yet to the rest and the inheritance that YHWH your God is giving to you. 10 And you⁺ will pass over the Jordan and dwell in the land that YHWH your⁺ God is giving you⁺ to inherit, and He will give rest to you⁺ from all your⁺ enemies round about, so that you⁺ dwell in safety, 11 and there will be the place where YHWH your⁺ God chooses for His Name to dwell in it there; there you⁺ shall bring all that I command you⁺—your⁺ burnt offerings, and your⁺ sacrifices, your⁺ tithes, and the contributions of your⁺ hands, and all your choice offerings that you⁺ vow to YHWH. 12 And you⁺ shall rejoice before the face of YHWH your⁺ God—you⁺, and your⁺ sons, and your⁺ daughters, and your⁺ menservants, and your⁺ maidservants, and the Levite who [is] within your⁺ gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you⁺.

    Pss. 40:9–10 9 I have proclaimed tidings of righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not restrain my lips, O YHWH, You have known. 10 Your righteousness I have not kept hidden in the midst of my heart; Your faithfulness and Your salvation I have declared; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and Your truth from the great assembly.

    68:26 In the assemblies bless God, YHWH, from the fountain of Israel.

    Acts 2:42–47 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. 43 And fear was coming upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those believing were in the same [place] and were having all things in common. 45 And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need. 46 And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding every day to the same those being saved.

    Heb. 10:23–25 23 We should hold fast to the confession of [our] hope, unwavering; for the One having promised [is] faithful. 24 And we should carefully consider toward stirring up one another to love and to good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

  • Rom. 10:14–17; 1 Cor. 14:31–32; 1 Tim. 4:13.

    Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 14:31–32 31 For you⁺ are all able to prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted. 32 And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

    1 Tim. 4:13 Until I come, give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

  • 1 Cor. 11:23–25.

    1 Cor. 11:23–25 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”

  • Col. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:1.

    Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.

    1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men,

  • Ps. 50:14; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8–9.

    Ps. 50:14 Make a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and fulfill to the Most High your vows.

    1 Cor. 16:2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    2 Corinthians 8 on BibleHub ↗

    2 Corinthians 9 on BibleHub ↗

  • Isa. 66:23; Heb. 4:9–11.

    Isa. 66:23 And it will come to pass, from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, [that] all flesh will come to worship before Me,” says YHWH.

    Heb. 4:9–11 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one having entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, just as God [did] from His own. 11 Therefore we should be diligent to enter into that rest, so that no one should fall in the same exhibit of disobedience.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day12 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 897 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1557 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1086 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God6 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 39

Question 104

Q. What is God's will for you in the fifth commandment?

A. That I show honor, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and all those in authority over me; submit myself with proper obedience to all their good teaching and discipline; and also that I be patient with their failings— for by their hand God wills to rule us.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 21:17; Prov. 1:8; 4:1; Rom. 13:1–2; Eph. 5:21–22; 6:1–9; Col. 3:18–4:1.

    Ex. 21:17 And the one who curses his father or his mother must surely be put to death.

    Prov. 1:8 Hear, my son, the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.

    4:1 Hear, [my] sons, the discipline of a father, and pay attention to know understanding.

    Rom. 13:1–2 1 Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above [him]. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are appointed by God. 2 Therefore the one setting [himself] against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will receive judgment to themselves.

    Eph. 5:21–22 21 Be submitting to one another in fear of Christ: 22 wives, to [your] own husbands as to the Lord;

    6:1–9 1 Children, obey your⁺ parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 “that it may be well with you and you will be long-lived upon the earth.” 4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. 5 Slaves, obey the masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your⁺ heart, as to Christ, 6 not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul, 7 serving with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that each one, whatever good he might have done, this he will receive from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things toward them, giving up threatening, knowing that also their Master and yours⁺ is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with Him.

    Col. 3:18–4:1 18 Wives, submit yourselves to [your] husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 1 Masters, provide to [your] slaves that which [is] right and that which [is] equal, knowing that you⁺ also have a Master in heaven.

  • Prov. 20:20; 23:22; 1 Peter 2:18.

    Prov. 20:20 One belittling his father or his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the pupil of darkness.

    23:22 Listen to your father, this one begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

    1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject in all fear to [your] masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked.

  • Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1–8; Eph. 6:1–9; Col. 3:18–21.

    Matt. 22:21 They say to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He says to them, “Therefore give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.”

    Rom. 13:1–8 1 Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above [him]. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are appointed by God. 2 Therefore the one setting [himself] against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will receive judgment to themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Now do you want not to fear the authority? Do that which [is] good, and you will have praise from him. 4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil. 5 Therefore [it is] necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath, but also because of the conscience. 6 For because of this, you⁺ also pay taxes; for they are ministers of God, attending continually to this very thing. 7 Pay to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law.

    Eph. 6:1–9 1 Children, obey your⁺ parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 “that it may be well with you and you will be long-lived upon the earth.” 4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. 5 Slaves, obey the masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your⁺ heart, as to Christ, 6 not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul, 7 serving with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that each one, whatever good he might have done, this he will receive from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things toward them, giving up threatening, knowing that also their Master and yours⁺ is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with Him.

    Col. 3:18–21 18 Wives, submit yourselves to [your] husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love [your] wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey [your] parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your⁺ children, so that they may not become discouraged.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 12715 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 648 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1268 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience8 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate7 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 40

Question 105

Q. What is God's will for you in the sixth commandment?

A. I am not to belittle, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor— not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds— and I am not to be party to this in others; rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge. I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either. Prevention of murder is also why government is armed with the sword.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 9:6; Lev. 19:17–18; Matt. 5:21–22; 26:52.

    Gen. 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of the man, by the man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He has made the man.

    Lev. 19:17–18 17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and you shall not you shall not lift up upon him sin. 18 You shall not take vengeance, and you shall not bear [a grudge] against sons of your people, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I [am] YHWH.

    Matt. 5:21–22 21 You⁺ heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘You shall not murder,’ and, ‘Whoever may murder will be liable to the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you⁺ that everyone being angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever may say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever may say, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the Gehenna of fire.

    26:52 Then Jesus says to him, “Return your sword into its place; for all those having taken the sword will perish by the sword.

  • Prov. 25:21–22; Matt. 18:35; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26.

    Prov. 25:21–22 21 If your enemy [is] hungry, give him bread, and if [he is] thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 For [in so doing] you will be heaping burning coals upon his head, and YHWH will give recompense to you.

    Matt. 18:35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

    Rom. 12:19 not avenging yourselves, beloved; but give place to wrath, for it has been written: “Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

    Eph. 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your⁺ anger,

  • Matt. 4:7; 26:52; Rom. 13:11–14.

    Matt. 4:7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”

    26:52 Then Jesus says to him, “Return your sword into its place; for all those having taken the sword will perish by the sword.

    Rom. 13:11–14 11 And do this, knowing the time, that [it is] already the hour for you⁺ to be awakened out of sleep; for our salvation [is] nearer now than when we came to believe. 12 The night is advanced, and the day has drawn near; therefore let us lay aside the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no forethought for the desires of the flesh.

  • Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:14; Rom. 13:4.

    Gen. 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of the man, by the man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He has made the man.

    Ex. 21:14 But if a man acts presumptuously against his neighbor to kill him by treachery, you shall take him away from My altar to die.

    Rom. 13:4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1366 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1134 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 993 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 692 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1352 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1512 shared proof texts

Question 106

Q. Does this commandment refer only to murder?

A. By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vengefulness. In God's sight all such are disguised forms of murder.

Scripture proofs
  • Prov. 14:30; Rom. 1:29; 12:19; Gal. 5:19–21; 1 John 2:9–11.

    Prov. 14:30 A heart of healing [is] life to the body, and jealousy [is] rottenness to the bones.

    Rom. 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; gossips,

    12:19 not avenging yourselves, beloved; but give place to wrath, for it has been written: “Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

    Gal. 5:19–21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of rage, rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envies, drunkennesses, carousings, and things like these, as to which I say to you⁺ beforehand, as also I said before, that those doing such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    1 John 2:9–11 9 The one claiming to be in the light and hating his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one loving his brother remains in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But the one hating his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness; and he does not know where he goes, because the darkness blinded his eyes.

  • 1 John 3:15.

    1 John 3:15 Everyone hating his brother is a murderer; and you⁺ know that any murderer does not have eternal life remaining in him.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1363 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 183 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 253 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 691 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works1 shared proof text

Question 107

Q. Is it enough then that we do not murder our neighbor in any such way?

A. No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 12:10.

    Matt. 7:12 All things, therefore, as many as you⁺ may want that men may do to you⁺, so also you⁺ do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

    22:39 And the second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

    Rom. 12:10 devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another in honor,

  • Matt. 5:3–12; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:10, 18; Gal. 6:1–2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:8.

    Matt. 5:3–12 3 “Blessed [are] the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. 4 Blessed [are] those mourning, because they will be comforted. 5 Blessed [are] the meek, because they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed [are] those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, because they will be filled. 7 Blessed [are] the merciful, because they will receive mercy. 8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart, because they will see God. 9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed [are] those having been persecuted on account of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. 11 Blessed are you⁺ when they may reproach you⁺ and may persecute [you] and may say all evil against you⁺, lying, on account of Me. 12 Rejoice and exult, because your⁺ reward [is] great in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you⁺.

    Luke 6:36 Be merciful, as also your⁺ Father is merciful.

    Rom. 12:10, 18 10 devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another in honor, 18 if possible of you⁺, being at peace with all men;

    Gal. 6:1–2 1 Brothers, even if a man should be overtaken in some trespass, you⁺ the spiritual ones, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking at yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens and thus you⁺ will fulfill the law of Christ.

    Eph. 4:2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love;

    Col. 3:12 Put on, therefore, as the chosen ones of God, holy and beloved, inner parts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,

    1 Peter 3:8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble,

  • Ex. 23:4–5; Matt. 5:44–45; Rom. 12:20–21 (Prov. 25:21–22).

    Ex. 23:4–5 4 If you encounter the ox of your enemy or his donkey going astray, you shall surely return it to him. 5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, then do not leave it; you must surely help him with it.

    Matt. 5:44–45 44 But I say to you⁺, love your⁺ enemies and pray for those persecuting you⁺, 45 so that you⁺ may be sons of your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens. For He makes His sun rise on evil and good, and He sends rain on righteous and unrighteous.

    Rom. 12:20–21 20 Rather, “If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him a drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil in good.

    Prov. 25:21–22 21 If your enemy [is] hungry, give him bread, and if [he is] thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 For [in so doing] you will be heaping burning coals upon his head, and YHWH will give recompense to you.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1355 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1413 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1222 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 992 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1722 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 41

Question 108

Q. What is God's will for us in the seventh commandment?

A. That God condemns all unchastity, and that we should therefore detest it wholeheartedly and live decent and chaste lives, within or outside of the holy state of marriage.

Scripture proofs
  • Lev. 18:30; Eph. 5:3–5.

    Lev. 18:30 And you⁺ shall keep My charge, to not do from the statutes of the abominations that have been done before your⁺ faces, and you⁺ shall not defile yourselves by them. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.”

    Eph. 5:3–5 3 But let sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness not even be named among you⁺, just as is proper to saints, 4 and shamefulness, and foolish talk, or crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For this you⁺ know, realizing that every sexually immoral person, or impure person, or covetous person (who is an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

  • Jude 22–23.
  • 1 Cor. 7:1–9; 1 Thess. 4:3–8; Heb. 13:4.

    1 Cor. 7:1–9 1 Now concerning the [things] of which you⁺ wrote: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of the sexual immorality, let each man have his [own] wife, and let each woman have [her] own husband. 3 Let the husband render the duty to the wife, and likewise also the wife to the husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over [her] own body, but the husband; and likewise also, the husband does not have authority over [his] own body, but the wife. 5 Do not deprive one another, except by mutual agreement for a time, so that you⁺ might be at leisure for prayer, and may be together the same again, so that Satan may not tempt you⁺ through your⁺ lack of self-control. 6 Now I say this by way of concession, not by way of command. 7 Yet I wish all men to be even like myself. But each has his own gift from God; indeed the one thus, but the one thus. 8 Now I say to the unmarried and to the widows: [It is] good for them if they should remain as even I [am]. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.

    1 Thess. 4:3–8 3 For this is the will of God—your⁺ sanctification: [for] you⁺ to abstain from sexual immorality; 4 [for] each of you⁺ to know [how] to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust just as also the Gentiles, those not knowing God; 6 not to go beyond and to take advantage of his brother in the matter, because the Lord [is] avenging concerning all these things, just as also we said before to you⁺ and earnestly testified. 7 For God did not call us to impurity, but in sanctification. 8 So then, the one setting [this] aside does not set aside man but God, the One also giving His Holy Spirit to you⁺.

    Heb. 13:4 [Let] marriage [be] honored in all, and the marriage bed undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1397 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1387 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 716 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 25: Of Marriage3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows3 shared proof texts

Question 109

Q. Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery?

A. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires, and whatever may incite someone to them.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 5:27–29; 1 Cor. 6:18–20; Eph. 5:3–4.

    Matt. 5:27–29 27 You⁺ heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you⁺ that everyone looking at a woman in order to desire her already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 Now if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast [it] from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish and not [that] your whole body should be cast into Gehenna.

    1 Cor. 6:18–20 18 Flee the sexual immorality. Every sin, whatever a man might do, is outside the body, but the one committing sexual immorality sins against [his] own body. 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

    Eph. 5:3–4 3 But let sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness not even be named among you⁺, just as is proper to saints, 4 and shamefulness, and foolish talk, or crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving.

  • 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18.

    1 Cor. 15:33 Do not be led astray: “Bad companionships corrupt good morals.”

    Eph. 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled in the Spirit,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1393 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 723 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 992 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1132 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1381 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 11 shared proof text

Lord’s Day 42

Question 110

Q. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

A. He forbids not only outright theft and robbery, which governing authorities punish, but in God's sight theft also includes all evil tricks and schemes designed to get our neighbor's goods for ourselves, whether by force or means that appear legitimate, such as inaccurate measurements of weight, size, or volume; fraudulent merchandising; counterfeit money; excessive interest; or any other means forbidden by God. In addition God forbids all greed and pointless squandering of his gifts.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 22:1; 1 Cor. 5:9–10; 6:9–10.

    Ex. 22:1 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and he slaughters it or sells it, five of the herd he shall repay for the ox, and four sheep for the sheep.

    1 Cor. 5:9–10 9 I wrote to you⁺ in the letter not to associate with sexually immoral [people], 10 not altogether with the sexually immoral of this world, or with the coveters and swindlers, or idolaters—since then you⁺ would need to go out from the world.

    6:9–10 9 Or do you⁺ not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be led astray: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor coveters, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Mic. 6:9–11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1–6.

    Mic. 6:9–11 9 The voice of YHWH calls to the city, and wisdom fears Your name: “Heed the rod, and the One who has appointed it! 10 Are there Yet, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness, and the ephah of leanness, which is accursed? 11 Shall I count pure one with scales of wickedness, and with a bag of weights of deceit?

    Luke 3:14 And those being soldiers were also questioning him, saying, “And what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Extort no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your⁺ wages.”

    James 5:1–6 1 Come now, [you] rich, weep, wailing over the miseries that [are] coming upon you⁺. 2 Your⁺ riches have rotted and your⁺ garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your⁺ gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you⁺ and will eat your⁺ flesh like fire. You⁺ treasured up in the last days. 4 Behold, the wage of the workers having mowed your⁺ fields—that having been kept back by you⁺—cries out, and the cries of those having reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts. 5 You⁺ lived in luxury and you⁺ lived in self-indulgence upon the earth. You⁺ fattened your⁺ hearts in the day of slaughter. 6 You⁺ condemned [and] murdered the righteous one; he does not resist you⁺.

  • Deut. 25:13–16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9–12; Luke 6:35.

    Deut. 25:13–16 13 You shall not have in your bag a stone and a stone, a large and a small. 14 You shall not have in your house an ephah and an ephah, a large and a small. 15 And you shall have a complete and just stone, [and] you shall have a complete and just ephah, so that your days may be prolonged in the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 16 For an abomination to YHWH your God [is] anyone doing these [things]—anyone doing iniquity.

    Ps. 15:5 His silver he has not given in usury, and he does not take a bribe against the innocent. The one doing these [things] is not shaken forever.

    Prov. 11:1 Scales of deceit [are] an abomination to YHWH, and a whole stone [is] His delight.

    12:22 An abomination to YHWH [are] lips of falsehood, and those acting [in] truth [are] His delight.

    Ezek. 45:9–12 9 Thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘Enough to you⁺, O princes of Israel, turn aside violence and destruction and do justice and righteousness. Stop your⁺ evictions upon My people, a declaration of the Lord YHWH.’ 10 Righteous scales and a righteous ephah and a righteous bath shall be unto you⁺. 11 The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, the bath to bear a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer. Their measure will be according to the homer. 12 And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs; twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, ten and five shekels, will be unto you⁺ the mina.

    Luke 6:35 But love your⁺ enemies, and do good, and lend expecting nothing back. And your⁺ reward will be great, and you⁺ will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and evil.

  • Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5.

    Luke 12:15 And He said to them, “Beware, and keep yourselves from all covetousness, because not to anyone is his life in the abundance of that which he possesses.”

    Eph. 5:5 For this you⁺ know, realizing that every sexually immoral person, or impure person, or covetous person (who is an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

  • Prov. 21:20; 23:20–21; Luke 16:10–13.

    Prov. 21:20 Treasure to be desired and oil [are] in the dwelling of a wise one, and a foolish man swallows it up.

    23:20–21 20 Not Be among those getting drunk [on] wine, among those being gluttons of flesh to themelves. 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will be dispossessed, and drowsiness will clothe [them] in rags.

    Luke 16:10–13 10 The one faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and the one unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. 11 If, therefore, you⁺ were not faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you⁺ the true? 12 And if you⁺ were not faithful in that which [is] of another, who will give to you⁺ that which [is] your own? 13 No servant is able to serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and he will love the other, or he will hold to the one and he will despise the other. You⁺ are not able to serve God and mammon.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1429 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1452 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1411 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate1 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 781 shared proof text

Question 111

Q. What does God require of you in this commandment?

A. That I do whatever I can and may for my neighbor's good, that I treat others as I would like them to treat me, and that I work faithfully so that I may help the needy in their hardship.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 58:5–10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9–10; Eph. 4:28.

    Isa. 58:5–10 5 Is it like this, the fast I choose? A day for a man to afflict his soul, for bowing down his head like a reed, and spreading out sackcloth and ashes—do you call this a fast, and a day of pleasure for YHWH? 6 Is not this the fast I choose: To open the bonds of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, and to send forth the crushed ones free, and tear off every yoke? 7 Is [it] not to distribute your bread to the hungry, and the wandering the poor you should bring into the house; when you see one naked then clothe him, and do not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will sprout quickly, and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of YHWH will gather behind you. 9 Then you will call, and YHWH will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I [am]! If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and the speaking of wickedness, 10 and [if] you extend to the hungry your soul, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkness [will be] like the noonday.

    Matt. 7:12 All things, therefore, as many as you⁺ may want that men may do to you⁺, so also you⁺ do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

    Gal. 6:9–10 9 And we should not grow fainthearted [in] doing good, for in due time we will reap, not giving up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, we should work good toward all, and especially toward those of the household of the faith.

    Eph. 4:28 The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with [his] own hands what [is] good, so that he may have [something] to impart to the one having need.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1412 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 741 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 751 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1421 shared proof text · shared topic

Lord’s Day 43

Question 112

Q. What is God's will for you in the ninth commandment?

A. That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing. Rather, I should avoid, under penalty of God's wrath, every kind of lying and deceit as the very works of the devil; and, in court and everywhere else, I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it. And I should do what I can to defend and advance my neighbor's honor and reputation.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28–32.

    Prov. 19:5 A witness of falsehoods will not be acquitted, and the one breathing out lies will not escape.

    Matt. 7:1 “Do not judge, that you⁺ may not be judged.

    Luke 6:37 And do not judge, and you⁺ shall not be judged; and do not condemn, and you⁺ shall not be condemned; release, and you⁺ will be released.

    Rom. 1:28–32 28 And just as they did not see fit to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up to an unfit mind, to do the [things] not being proper; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; gossips, 30 slanderers, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boasters; inventors of evil, disobedient to parents; 31 unintelligent, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 who, having known the righteous decree of God that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only are doing them, but also agree with those practicing [them].

    Psalm 15 on BibleHub ↗

  • Lev. 19:11–12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8a.

    Lev. 19:11–12 11 You⁺ shall not steal, and you⁺ shall not deal falsely, and you⁺ shall not lie—a man to his neighbor. 12 And you⁺ shall not swear by My name to a lie and so profane the name of your God. I [am] YHWH.

    Prov. 12:22 An abomination to YHWH [are] lips of falsehood, and those acting [in] truth [are] His delight.

    13:5 A righteous one hates a word of falsehood, and a wicked one causes stench and shame.

    John 8:44 You⁺ are of [your] father the devil, and you⁺ want to do the desires of your⁺ father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he may speak falsehood, he speaks from [his] own, because he is a liar and the father of it.

    Rev. 21:8 But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part [is] in the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

  • 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25.

    1 Cor. 13:6 It does not rejoice at unrighteousness, but it rejoices with the truth.

    Eph. 4:25 Therefore, having put off falsehood, let each one speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another.

  • 1 Peter 3:8–9; 4:8.

    1 Peter 3:8–9 8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble, 9 not giving back evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you⁺ were called, so that you⁺ should inherit a blessing.

    4:8 before all things having fervent love among yourselves because love covers a multitude of sins,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1456 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works5 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1443 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1352 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 44

Question 113

Q. What is God's will for you in the tenth commandment?

A. That not even the slightest desire or thought contrary to any one of God's commandments should ever arise in our hearts. Rather, with all our hearts we should always hate sin and delight in all righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Pss. 19:7–14; 139:23–24; Rom. 7:7–8.

    Pss. 19:7–14 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether, 10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb. 11 Indeed, Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them [is] great reward. 12 Who can discern [his] errors? From the hidden cleanse me. 13 Also, hold back Your servant from proud [things]; may they not rule over me. Then I shall be complete, and cleansed of great transgression. 14 The words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, let them be for favor before Your face, O YHWH, my Rock and my Redeemer.

    139:23–24 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts. 24 And see if a way of wickedness [is] in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

    Rom. 7:7–8 7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, having taken the opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all covetousness; for apart from the law, sin [is] dead.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 25 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 43 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 953 shared proof texts

Question 114

Q. But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. Nevertheless, with all seriousness of purpose, they do begin to live according to all, not only some, of God's commandments.

Scripture proofs
  • Eccl. 7:20; Rom. 7:14–15; 1 Cor. 13:9; 1 John 1:8–10.

    Eccl. 7:20 For [there is] not a righteous man on the earth who does good and does not sin.

    Rom. 7:14–15 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do.

    1 Cor. 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part;

    1 John 1:8–10 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

  • Ps. 1:1–2; Rom. 7:22–25; Phil. 3:12–16.

    Ps. 1:1–2 1 Blessed [is] the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, and in the path of sinners does not stand, and in the seat of those mocking does not sit. 2 But rather his delight [is] in the law of YHWH, and in His law he meditates day and night.

    Rom. 7:22–25 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    Phil. 3:12–16 12 Not that I already obtained [it] or already have been perfected, but I pursue, if also I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not reckon myself to have taken hold [of it]. But one thing: Indeed, forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, 14 I pursue toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore as many as [are] mature, we should be of this mind. And if you⁺ are minded [in] anything differently, even this God will reveal to you⁺. 16 However, to that which we have attained, walk by the same.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification10 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will8 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof7 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability6 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof5 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 775 shared proof texts

Question 115

Q. Since no one in this life can keep the Ten Commandments perfectly, why does God want them preached so pointedly?

A. First, so that all our life long we may more and more come to know our sinful nature and thus more eagerly seek the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. Second, so that we may never stop striving and never stop praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be renewed more and more after God's image, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 32:5; Rom. 3:19–26; 7:7, 24–25; 1 John 1:9.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Rom. 3:19–26 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God. 20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin. 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    7:7, 24–25 7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    1 John 1:9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • 1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:12–14; 1 John 3:1–3.

    1 Cor. 9:24 Do you⁺ not know that those running in a race indeed all run, but one receives the prize? Run thus, so that you⁺ might obtain [it].

    Phil. 3:12–14 12 Not that I already obtained [it] or already have been perfected, but I pursue, if also I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not reckon myself to have taken hold [of it]. But one thing: Indeed, forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, 14 I pursue toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

    1 John 3:1–3 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1948 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 775 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Lord’s Day 45

Question 116

Q. Why do Christians need to pray?

A. Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us. And also because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who continually and with heartfelt longing ask God for these gifts and thank him for them.

Scripture proofs
  • Pss. 50:14–15; 116:12–19; 1 Thess. 5:16–18.

    Pss. 50:14–15 14 Make a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and fulfill to the Most High your vows. 15 And call on Me in the day of distress, [and] I will rescue you, and you will glorify Me.”

    116:12–19 12 What shall I return to YHWH; all His benefits [are] upon me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and upon the name of YHWH I will call. 14 I will fulfill My vows to YHWH now in front of all His people. 15 Precious in the eyes of YHWH [is] the death of His holy ones. 16 I ask, O YHWH—surely I [am] Your servant; I [am] Your servant, son of Your maidservant—You have loosed my bonds! 17 To You I will sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and in [your] name, O YHWH, I will call. 18 I will fulfill My vows to YHWH now in front of all His people, 19 in the courts of the house of YHWH, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Hallelu YAH!

    1 Thess. 5:16–18 16 Always rejoice. 17 Unceasingly pray. 18 In everything give thanks, for this [is] the will of God for you⁺ in Christ Jesus.

  • Matt. 7:7–8; Luke 11:9–13.

    Matt. 7:7–8 7 Ask, and it will be given to you⁺; seek, and you⁺ will find; knock, and it will be opened to you⁺. 8 For everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.

    Luke 11:9–13 9 And I say to you⁺: Ask, and it will be given to you⁺; seek, and you⁺ will find; knock, and it will be opened to you⁺. 10 For everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened. 11 And which father of you⁺, [if] the son will ask for a fish, instead of even a fish, will give to him a serpent? 12 Or also, [if] he will ask for an egg, will give to him a scorpion? 13 Therefore if you⁺, being evil, know to give good gifts to your⁺ children, how much more will the Father who [is] from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those asking Him!”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1003 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1082 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 982 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1782 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof texts

Question 117

Q. How does God want us to pray so that he will listen to us?

A. First, we must pray from the heart to no other than the one true God, who has revealed himself to us in his Word, asking for everything he has commanded us to ask of him. Second, we must fully recognize our need and misery, so that we humble ourselves in God's majestic presence. Third, we must rest on this unshakable foundation: even though we do not deserve it, God will surely listen to our prayer because of Christ our Lord, as he has promised us in his Word.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 145:18–20; John 4:22–24; Rom. 8:26–27; James 1:5; 1 John 5:14–15.

    Ps. 145:18–20 18 Near [is] YHWH to all those calling on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. 19 He does the desire of those who fear Him, and their cry for help He hears, and He saves them. 20 YHWH is guarding all those loving Him, and all the wicked He will destroy.

    John 4:22–24 22 You⁺ worship what you⁺ do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

    Rom. 8:26–27 26 Now likewise also, the Spirit joins to help in our weakness; for we do not know the [things] that we should pray for as it is necessary, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the One searching hearts knows what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the saints according to God.

    James 1:5 Now if any of you⁺ lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, the One giving generously to all and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.

    1 John 5:14–15 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we may ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked from Him.

  • 2 Chron. 7:14; Pss. 2:11; 34:18; 62:8; Isa. 66:2; Rev. 4.

    2 Chron. 7:14 and My people upon whom My name is called will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from the heavens and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

    Pss. 2:11 Serve YHWH with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

    34:18 Near [is] YHWH to the broken of heart, and He saves those crushed in spirit.

    62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your⁺ heart before Him; God [is] [is] a refuge for us. Selah

    Isa. 66:2 And all these [things] My own hand has made, and all these [things] have come to be!” a declaration of YHWH. “And to this one I will look: To the poor and stricken one in spirit, and [who] trembles at My word.

    Revelation 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • Dan. 9:17–19; Matt. 7:8; John 14:13–14; 16:23; Rom. 10:13; James 1:6.

    Dan. 9:17–19 17 And now, listen, our God, to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and cause to shine Your face on Your sanctuary that [is] desolate—for the sake of the Lord! 18 Incline, O my God, Your ear, and hear; open Your eyes, and see our desolations and the city upon which Your name is called. For [it is] not because of our righteous acts [that] we are letting fall our supplications before Your face, but because of Your many mercies. 19 O Lord, may You hear! O Lord, may You forgive! O Lord, may You be attentive and act! Do not delay, for Your sake, O my God, for Your name is called upon Your city and upon Your people!”

    Matt. 7:8 For everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.

    John 14:13–14 13 And whatever you⁺ might ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you⁺ ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it].

    16:23 And in that day you⁺ will ask of Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, whatever you⁺ may ask the Father in My name, He will give you⁺.

    Rom. 10:13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one doubting is like a wave of the sea, being blown and being tossed by the wind.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1787 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 987 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1805 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1053 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 118

Q. What has God commanded us to ask of him?

A. Everything we need, spiritually and physically, as embraced in the prayer Christ our Lord himself taught us.

Scripture proofs
  • James 1:17; Matt. 6:33.

    James 1:17 Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

    Matt. 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you⁺.

Parallel passages (4)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1041 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence1 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 41 shared proof text

Question 119

Q. What is this prayer?

A. Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9–13; Luke 11:2–4.

    Matt. 6:9–13 9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, also upon earth. 11 Give us today our necessary bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

    Luke 11:2–4 2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our necessary bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1868 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 995 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1872 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1892 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1902 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1912 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 46

Question 120

Q. Why has Christ commanded us to address God as "our Father"?

A. To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer what should be basic to our prayer— a childlike reverence and trust that through Christ God has become our Father, and will much less refuse to give us what we ask in faith than will our parents refuse us the things of this life.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:9–11; Luke 11:11–13.

    Matt. 7:9–11 9 Or which man is of you⁺ who, [if] his son will ask for bread, will give to him a stone, 10 or also, [if] he will ask for a fish, will give to him a serpent? 11 Therefore if you⁺, being evil, know to give good gifts to your⁺ children, how much more will your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens give good things to those asking Him!

    Luke 11:11–13 11 And which father of you⁺, [if] the son will ask for a fish, instead of even a fish, will give to him a serpent? 12 Or also, [if] he will ask for an egg, will give to him a scorpion? 13 Therefore if you⁺, being evil, know to give good gifts to your⁺ children, how much more will the Father who [is] from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those asking Him!”

Parallel passages (5)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1006 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1891 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1961 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1841 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 321 shared proof text

Question 121

Q. Why the words "who is in heaven"?

A. These words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty in an earthly way, and to expect from his almighty power everything needed for body and soul.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 23:23–24; Acts 17:24–25.

    Jer. 23:23–24 23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?” 24 “Can a man hide himself in the hidden places, and I shall not see him?” A declaration of YHWH. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” A declaration of YHWH.

    Acts 17:24–25 24 The God having made the world and all things that [are] in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples, 25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things.

  • Matt. 6:25–34; Rom. 8:31–32.

    Matt. 6:25–34 25 Because of this I say to you⁺, do not be anxious for your⁺ life, what you⁺ might eat or what you⁺ might drink, nor for your⁺ body, what you⁺ might put on. Is not life more than food, and the body [more] than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor do they gather into barns, and your⁺ heavenly Father feeds them. Are you⁺ not much more valuable than they? 27 And who of you⁺, being anxious, is able to add to his lifespan one cubit? 28 And why are you⁺ anxious about clothing? Consider carefully the lilies of the field, how they grow: They do not labor, nor do they spin. 29 Yet I say to you⁺ that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. 30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘[With] what shall we be clothed?’ 32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your⁺ heavenly Father knows that you⁺ have need of all of these. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you⁺. 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day [is] its evil.[]

    Rom. 8:31–32 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence8 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1044 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1423 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 47

Question 122

Q. What does the first petition mean?

A. "Hallowed be your name" means: Help us to truly know you, to honor, glorify, and praise you for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth. And it means, Help us to direct all our living— what we think, say, and do— so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 9:23–24; 31:33–34; Matt. 16:17; John 17:3.

    Jer. 9:23–24 23 Thus says YHWH: “Let not the wise one glory in his wisdom, and let not the mighty one glory in his might, and let not the rich one glory in his riches; 24 that but let the one glorying glory in this, understanding and knowing Me, that I [am] YHWH, exercising loving devotion, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these [things] I delight!” A declaration of YHWH.

    31:33–34 33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 And they will teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH; for all of them will know Me, from the least of them and to the greatest of them, a declaration of YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

    Matt. 16:17 And answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood did not reveal [it] to you, but My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.

  • Ex. 34:5–8; Ps. 145; Jer. 32:16–20; Luke 1:46–55, 68–75; Rom. 11:33–36.

    Ex. 34:5–8 5 And YHWH descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed in His name, YHWH. 6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth, 7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.” 8 And Moses hurried and bowed down to the earth and worshiped.

    Jer. 32:16–20 16 And I prayed to YHWH after I had delivered the account of the purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, saying: 17 “Ah Lord YHWH! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is not anything [too] difficult for You— 18 showing loving devotion to thousands and recompensing the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O God great [and] Mighty—YHWH of Hosts [is] His name— 19 great in counsel and mighty in deed. Your eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give to each man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his deeds. 20 You have set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt to this day, and in Israel, and among men; and You have made for Yourself a name, as at this day.

    Luke 1:46–55, 68–75 46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit exulted in God my Savior! 48 For He looked upon the humiliation of His maidservant. For behold, from now on all the generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One did great things to me, and holy [is] His name. 50 And His mercy [is] to generations and generations, to those fearing Him. 51 He showed strength with His arm; He scattered the proud in the thought of their heart. 52 He brought down rulers from thrones and exalted the humble. 53 [Those] hungering He filled with good things, and [those] being rich He sent away empty. 54 He took hold of Israel His servant, remembering mercy, 55 as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed to the age.” 68 “Blessed [be] the Lord, the God of Israel, because He visited and performed redemption for His people, 69 and He raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age, 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all those hating us, 72 to show mercy toward our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 the oath that He swore to Abraham our father, to give us, 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

    Rom. 11:33–36 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?” 35 Or “who first gave to Him, and it will be given back to him?” 36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

    Psalm 145 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ps. 115:1; Matt. 5:16.

    Ps. 115:1 Not to us, O YHWH, not to us, but to Your name, give glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness!

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 47 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 75 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1014 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1904 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Lord’s Day 48

Question 123

Q. What does the second petition mean?

A. "Your kingdom come" means: Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you. Preserve and increase your church. Destroy the devil's work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your holy Word. Do all this until your kingdom fully comes, when you will be all in all.

Scripture proofs
  • Pss. 119:5, 105; 143:10; Matt. 6:33.

    Pss. 119:5, 105 5 Oh, that my ways were set firm to keep Your statutes! 105 Your word [is] a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

    143:10 Teach me to do Your will, for You [are] my God; May Your good Spirit, lead me into the land of uprightness.

    Matt. 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you⁺.

  • Ps. 122:6–9; Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:42–47.

    Ps. 122:6–9 6 Ask for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper, those loving you! 7 May there be peace within your wall, prosperity within your citadels!” 8 For the sake of my brothers and my companions let me now say: “Peace [be] within you!” 9 For the sake of the house of YHWH our God I will seek good for you.

    Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

    Acts 2:42–47 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. 43 And fear was coming upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those believing were in the same [place] and were having all things in common. 45 And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need. 46 And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding every day to the same those being saved.

  • Rom. 16:20; 1 John 3:8.

    Rom. 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your⁺ feet in quickness. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you⁺.

    1 John 3:8 The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil.

  • Rom. 8:22–23; 1 Cor. 15:28; Rev. 22:17, 20.

    Rom. 8:22–23 22 For we know that all the creation groans together and travails together until now. 23 And not only [so], but we ourselves, even having the firstfruit of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

    1 Cor. 15:28 Now when all things shall be subjected to Him, then also the Son Himself will be subjected to the One having subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.

    Rev. 22:17, 20 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And the one hearing, let him say, “Come!” And the one thirsting, let him come; the one wanting, let him take the water of life freely. 20 The One testifying these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1024 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints4 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1543 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1473 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 49

Question 124

Q. What does the third petition mean?

A. "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" means: Help us and all people to renounce our own wills and without any back talk to obey your will, for it alone is good. Help everyone carry out his office and calling, as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:21; 16:24–26; Luke 22:42; Rom. 12:1–2; Titus 2:11–12.

    Matt. 7:21 Not everyone who [is] saying to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    16:24–26 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever may want to save his life will lose it, but whoever may lose his life on account of Me will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, but lose his soul? Or what will a man give [as] an exchange for his soul?

    Luke 22:42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, take away this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours, be done.”

    Rom. 12:1–2 1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you⁺ to discern what [is] the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

    Titus 2:11–12 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us that having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should live sound-mindedly and righteously and godlily in the present age,

  • 1 Cor. 7:17–24; Eph. 6:5–9.

    1 Cor. 7:17–24 17 Nevertheless, as the Lord apportioned to each, as God has called each, thus let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Each in the calling in which he has been called—in this let him remain. 21 Were you called [while] a slave? Let it not be a care to you; but if also you have power to become free, rather use [it]. 22 For the one having been called in the Lord [while] a slave is the Lord’s freedman; likewise the one having been called [while] free is a slave of Christ. 23 You⁺ were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Each in that in which he was called, brothers—in this let him remain with God.

    Eph. 6:5–9 5 Slaves, obey the masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your⁺ heart, as to Christ, 6 not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul, 7 serving with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that each one, whatever good he might have done, this he will receive from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things toward them, giving up threatening, knowing that also their Master and yours⁺ is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with Him.

  • Ps. 103:20–21.

    Ps. 103:20–21 20 Bless YHWH, His angels, mighty of strength, doing His word, to listen to the voice of His word. 21 Bless YHWH, all His hosts, His ministering ones doing His pleasure.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1273 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 973 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1032 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1922 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Lord’s Day 50

Question 125

Q. What does the fourth petition mean?

A. "Give us this day our daily bread" means: Provide for all our physical needs so that we may recognize that you are the only source of everything good, and that neither our care and work nor your gifts can do us any good without your blessing. Therefore may we withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it in you alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Pss. 104:27–30; 145:15–16; Matt. 6:25–34.

    Pss. 104:27–30 27 All of them look to You, to give their food, in its season. 28 You give to them, [and] they gather in; You open Your hand, [and] they are satisfied [with] good. 29 You hide Your face—they are troubled; You gather their spirit—they die, and to their dust they return. 30 You send forth Your Spirit—they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.

    145:15–16 15 The eyes of all wait for You, and You give to them their food in its time. 16 You open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

    Matt. 6:25–34 25 Because of this I say to you⁺, do not be anxious for your⁺ life, what you⁺ might eat or what you⁺ might drink, nor for your⁺ body, what you⁺ might put on. Is not life more than food, and the body [more] than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor do they gather into barns, and your⁺ heavenly Father feeds them. Are you⁺ not much more valuable than they? 27 And who of you⁺, being anxious, is able to add to his lifespan one cubit? 28 And why are you⁺ anxious about clothing? Consider carefully the lilies of the field, how they grow: They do not labor, nor do they spin. 29 Yet I say to you⁺ that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. 30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘[With] what shall we be clothed?’ 32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your⁺ heavenly Father knows that you⁺ have need of all of these. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you⁺. 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day [is] its evil.[]

  • Acts 14:17; 17:25; James 1:17.

    Acts 14:17 And yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving to you⁺ rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your⁺ hearts with food and gladness.”

    17:25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things.

    James 1:17 Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

  • Deut. 8:3; Pss. 37:16; 127:1–2; 1 Cor. 15:58.

    Deut. 8:3 And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you know that the man shall not live by bread alone; but by every [word] that proceeds from the mouth of YHWH the man shall live.

    Pss. 37:16 Better [is] the little of the righteous, than the riches of many wicked.

    127:1–2 1 A Song of the Ascents. Of Solomon. If YHWH does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor on it; if YHWH does not guard the city, in vain the one guarding keeps watch. 2 [It is] vain for you⁺, being early [in] rising, [and] delaying to sit, eating the bread of sorrows; for so He gives sleep to His beloved.

    1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your⁺ labor in the Lord is not in vain.

  • Pss. 55:22; 62; 146; Jer. 17:5–8; Heb. 13:5–6.

    Pss. 55:22 Cast your burden upon YHWH, and He will sustain you; He will not give a righteous one to be shaken forever.

    Jer. 17:5–8 5 Thus says YHWH: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his arm and turns away his heart from YHWH. 6 And he shall be like a shrub in the desert plain, and he shall not see when good comes, and he shall dwell in the parched places in the desert, [in] a salt land without dweller. 7 Blessed [is] the man who trusts in YHWH, and his hope is YHWH. 8 And he shall be planted like a tree by the waters, and [which] by the river sends out its roots; and it does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaf will be green, and in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it will not leave off from producing fruit.

    Heb. 13:5–6 5 [your] manner of life [let be] without love of money, being satisfied with the present; for He Himself has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” 6 So we are confident to say: “The Lord [is] to me a helper, and I will not be afraid; what will man do to me?”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence12 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1044 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1423 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 182 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption2 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 51

Question 126

Q. What does the fifth petition mean?

A. "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" means: Because of Christ's blood, do not impute to us, poor sinners that we are, any of the transgressions we do or the evil that constantly clings to us. Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbors.

Scripture proofs
  • Pss. 51:1–7; 143:2; Rom. 8:1; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Pss. 51:1–7 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David, in the coming of Nathan the prophet to him after that he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to the abundance of Your compassion, wipe out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin [is] before me continually. 4 Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and have done the evil in your eyes, so that You are right when You speak, and You are pure when You judge. 5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You take delight [in] truth in the inner parts; in the inmost place You teach me wisdom. 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

    143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not anyone alive is righteous before Your face.

    Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Matt. 6:14–15; 18:21–35.

    Matt. 6:14–15 14 For if you⁺ forgive men their trespasses, your⁺ heavenly Father will also forgive you⁺. 15 But if you⁺ do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your⁺ Father forgive your⁺ trespasses.

    18:21–35 21 Then, having come, Peter said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times! 23 Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens was likened to to a man, a king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made. 26 Therefore the servant, having fallen down, was bowing on his knees to him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay all to you.’ 27 And having been moved with compassion, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But having gone out, that servant found one of his fellow servants who was owing him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he was choking [him], saying, ‘Repay what you owe!’ 29 Therefore, having fallen down, his fellow servant was calling on him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was not willing. Rather, having gone, he cast him into prison until he should repay what was owed. 31 Therefore his fellow servants, having seen the things having happened, were deeply grieved, and having gone, they made clear to their master all the things having happened. 32 Then, having summoned him, his master says to him, ‘Evil servant! I forgave you all that debt because you called on me. 33 Was it not necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I also had mercy on you?’ 34 And having become angry, his master delivered him to the tormenters until he should repay everything being owed to him. 35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10518 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 19418 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 874 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 764 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts

Lord’s Day 52

Question 127

Q. What does the sixth petition mean?

A. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" means: We are so weak that we cannot stand on our own for a moment, and our sworn enemies— the devil, the world, and our own flesh— never stop attacking us. And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may not be defeated in this spiritual fight, but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 103:14–16; John 15:1–5.

    Ps. 103:14–16 14 For He knows our form; He remembers that we [are] dust. 15 A man—his days [are] like grass; like the flower of the field, so he blossoms; 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is no more; and its place does not recognize it anymore.

    John 15:1–5 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch not bearing fruit in Me, He takes it away; and every one bearing fruit, He prunes it clean so that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you⁺ are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you⁺. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you⁺. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither you⁺, unless you⁺ remain in Me. 5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

  • 2 Cor. 11:14; Eph. 6:10–13; 1 Peter 5:8.

    2 Cor. 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light.

    Eph. 6:10–13 10 Henceforth, be empowered in the Lord and in the might of His strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God, for you⁺ to be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, 12 because to us the wrestling is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Because of this, take up the full armor of God, so that you⁺ may be able to withstand in the day of evil, and having done all things, to stand.

    1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be alert. Your⁺ adversary the devil prowls around as a roaring lion seeking whom to swallow up,

  • John 15:18–21.

    John 15:18–21 18 If the world hates you⁺, you⁺ know that it has hated Me before you⁺. 19 If you⁺ were of the world, the world would love [you] [as] its own; but because you⁺ are not of the world, but I chose you⁺ out of the world, on account of this, the world hates you⁺. 20 Remember the word that I said to you⁺: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you⁺; if they kept My word, they will keep yours⁺ also. 21 But they will do all these things against you⁺ on account of My name, because they do not know the One having sent Me.

  • Rom. 7:23; Gal. 5:17.

    Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

    Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

  • Matt. 10:19–20; 26:41; Mark 13:33; Rom. 5:3–5.

    Matt. 10:19–20 19 And when they may deliver you⁺ up, do not be anxious how or what you⁺ shall speak; for it will be given to you⁺ in that hour what you⁺ shall speak. 20 For you⁺ are not the ones speaking, but the Spirit of your⁺ Father speaking in you⁺.

    26:41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.”

    Mark 13:33 Take heed; stay awake! For you⁺ do not know when the time is.

    Rom. 5:3–5 3 And not only [so], but also we boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

  • 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23.

    1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you⁺ except [what is] human. And faithful [is] God, who will not allow you⁺ to be tempted beyond what you⁺ are able, but He will also provide with the temptation the escape, to be able to bear up under [it].

    1 Thess. 3:13 in order to strengthen your⁺ hearts, blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

    5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1957 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will4 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts

Question 128

Q. How do you conclude this prayer?

A. "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." This means we have made all these petitions of you because, as our all-powerful king, you are both willing and able to give us all that is good; and because your holy name, and not we ourselves, should receive all the praise, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:11–13; 2 Peter 2:9.

    Rom. 10:11–13 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him, 13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    2 Peter 2:9 [then] the Lord knows to deliver the devout out of trial and to keep the unrighteous being punished unto the day of judgment,

  • Ps. 115:1; John 14:13.

    Ps. 115:1 Not to us, O YHWH, not to us, but to Your name, give glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness!

    John 14:13 And whatever you⁺ might ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 634 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1801 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling1 shared proof text

Question 129

Q. What does that little word "Amen" express?

A. "Amen" means: This shall truly and surely be! For it is much more certain that God has heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire such things from him.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 65:24; 2 Cor. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:13.

    Isa. 65:24 And it will come to pass that before they call, then I will answer; and [while] they are still speaking, then I will hear.

    2 Cor. 1:20 For as many as [are] the promises of God, in Him [is] the “Yes.” Therefore also through Him the “Amen” through us [is] for glory to God.

    2 Tim. 2:13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He is not able to deny Himself.

Parallel passages (2)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 571 shared proof text