Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Westminster Larger Catechism

The complete text of the Westminster Larger Catechism, in 196 sections. Each passage is tagged with the doctrinal topics it addresses.

About this document

The Larger Catechism is the fuller companion to the Shorter, also produced by the Westminster Assembly. Its 196 questions and answers were meant to aid ministers in public teaching and to expound the faith at greater length.

It gives especially extended treatment to the moral law, working through the Ten Commandments in detail, and to the means of grace, including prayer and the Lord's Prayer.

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Question 1

Q. What is the chief and highest end of man?

A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 86:9, 12.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

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

    1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore whether you⁺ eat or drink or whatever you⁺ do, do all things to the glory of God.

    Ps. 86:9, 12 9 All the nations whom You have made shall come and bow down before Your face, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name. 12 I will confess You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever.

  • Ps. 73:24–28; John 17:21–23; Ps. 16:5–11; Rev. 21:3–4.

    Ps. 73:24–28 24 May You lead me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me [in] glory! 25 Who [is] unto me in the heavens? And besides You I do not take delight on the earth. 26 My flesh and my heart may be consumed, the rock of my heart and my portion [is] God to the age. 27 For behold, those far from You will perish. You destroy everyone prostituting himself from You! 28 But I—the nearness of God [is] good for me—I have placed my refuge in the Lord YHWH, to recount all Your works.

    John 17:21–23 21 that all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And I have given to them the glory that You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are] one— 23 I in them and You in Me—so that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.

    Ps. 16:5–11 5 YHWH, [is] the portion of my share, and my cup; You [are] the One upholding my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in the pleasant [places]; indeed, a pleasing inheritance [is] unto me. 7 I will bless YHWH, who counsels me; even [in] the nights, my kidneys instruct me. 8 I have set YHWH before me continually; because [He is] at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, and You will not give Your Holy one to see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; fullness of joys [is] with Your face, pleasant [things] [are] at Your right hand forever.

    Rev. 21:3–4 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying: “Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they will be His peoples, and God Himself will be with them [as] their God. 4 ‘And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and death will be no more, nor mourning nor crying nor pain; they will be no more, because the first things passed away.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 113 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 11 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 2

Q. How doth it appear that there is a God?

A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 1:19–20; Acts 17:28. (See Ps. 19:1–3.)

    Rom. 1:19–20 19 because that which [is] known of God is manifest among them, for God has revealed [it] to them. 20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

    Acts 17:28 ‘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.’

    Ps. 19:1–3 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard,

  • 1 Cor. 2:9–10; 1 Cor. 1:20–21; 2 Tim. 3:15–17. (See Isa. 59:21.)

    1 Cor. 2:9–10 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.” 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

    1 Cor. 1:20–21 20 Where [is] the wise [man]? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the debater of this age? Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world? 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.

    2 Tim. 3:15–17 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.

    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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 33 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1033 shared proof texts

Question 3

Q. What is the Word of God?

A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Peter 3:2, 15–16; Matt. 19:4–5 (with Gen. 2:24).

    2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,

    2 Peter 1:19–21 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, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

    2 Peter 3:2, 15–16 2 to remember the words having been spoken beforehand by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the Lord and Savior by your⁺ apostles, 15 And esteem the patience of our Lord [as] salvation, just as also our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom having been given to him, wrote to you⁺, 16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

    Matt. 19:4–5 4 And answering, He said, “Did you⁺ not read that the One having created from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’?

    Gen. 2:24 Upon thus a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

  • Deut. 4:2; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 22:18–19; Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Gal. 1:8–9; 2 Tim. 3:15–16.

    Deut. 4:2 You⁺ shall not add to the word that I command you⁺, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your⁺ God that I command you⁺.

    Eph. 2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,

    Rev. 22:18–19 18 I testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues written in this book. 19 And if anyone should take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, of those written in this book.

    Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.

    Luke 16:29, 31 29 But Abraham says, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”

    Gal. 1:8–9 8 But even if we or an angel out of heaven should preach a gospel to you⁺ contrary to what we preached to you⁺, let him be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: If anyone preaches a gospel [to] you⁺ contrary to what you⁺ received, let him be accursed!

    2 Tim. 3:15–16 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture13 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture12 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 7: The Sufficiency of Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce3 shared proof texts

Question 4

Q. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God?

A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God; by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very Word of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Hos. 8:12; 1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13; Ps. 119:18, 129.

    Hos. 8:12 Were I to write for him the myriad [things] of My law, they would be regarded as a strange thing.

    1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13 6 But we speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery having been hidden away, which God predestined before the ages for our glory, 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].

    Ps. 119:18, 129 18 Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders from Your law. 129 Wonderful [are] Your testimonies; upon thus, my soul has kept watch [over] them.

  • Ps. 12:6; Ps. 119:140.

    Ps. 12:6 The words of YHWH [are] pure words, silver refined in a furnace of earth, purified sevenfold.

    Ps. 119:140 Your word [is] exceedingly pure, and Your servant has loved it.

  • Luke 24:27; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22.

    Luke 24:27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

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

    Acts 26:22 Therefore, having obtained help from God up to this day, I have stood bearing witness both to small and to great, saying nothing other than that which both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen:

  • Rom. 3:19, 27; Rom. 16:25–27. (See 2 Cor. 3:6–11.)

    Rom. 3:19, 27 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. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith.

    Rom. 16:25–27 25 Now to Him being able to strengthen you⁺ according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery having been kept silent in the times of the ages, 26 but now having been made manifest also through the prophetic writings, according to the commandment of the eternal God having been made known to all the Gentiles unto obedience of faith— 27 [to] the only wise God [be] the glory unto the ages of the ages, which [is] through Jesus Christ! Amen.

    2 Cor. 3:6–11 6 who also made us sufficient [as] ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came into being in glory so as for the sons of Israel not to be able to look intently into the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face that is fading away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory? 9 For if in the ministry of condemnation [was] glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound [in] glory! 10 For even that having been glorious has no glory in this respect, on account of the glory surpassing [it]. 11 For if that which is fading away [was] through glory, much more [is] that remaining in glory!

  • Acts 18:28; Heb. 4:12; James 1:18; Ps. 19:7–9; Rom. 15:4; Acts 20:32.

    Acts 18:28 For he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly, showing by the Scriptures Jesus to be the Christ.

    Heb. 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and effective, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing through and as far as the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows, and able to judge the reflections and intentions of the heart.

    James 1:18 Having willed [it], He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruits of His creatures.

    Ps. 19:7–9 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,

    Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.

    Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

  • John 16:13–14. (See 1 John 2:20, 27; John 20:31.)

    John 16:13–14 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you⁺ into all the truth. For He will not speak from Himself, but whatever He may hear, He will speak. And He will declare to you⁺ the things coming. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from that which [is] Mine and will declare [it] to you⁺.

    1 John 2:20, 27 20 And you⁺ have the anointing from the Holy One, and all [of] you⁺ know. 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.

    John 20:31 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+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 26 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1133 shared proof texts

Question 5

Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:1; Ex. 34:5–7; Ps. 48:1; John 20:31. (See 2 Tim. 3:15.)

    Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

    Ex. 34:5–7 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.”

    Ps. 48:1 A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great [is] YHWH, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, the mountain of His holiness.

    John 20:31 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.

    2 Tim. 3:15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Deut. 10:12–13; 2 Tim. 3:15–17; Acts 16:30–31.

    Deut. 10:12–13 12 And now, O Israel, what does YHWH your God require of you except but to fear YHWH your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 [and] to keep the commandments of YHWH, and His statutes that I command you today for good to you?

    2 Tim. 3:15–17 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.

    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 Shorter Catechism · Question 37 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 24 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1223 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1033 shared proof texts

Question 6

Q. What do the Scriptures make known of God?

A. The Scriptures make known what God is, the persons in the Godhead, his decrees, and the execution of his decrees.

Scripture proofs
  • John 4:24; Ex. 34:6–7; Isa. 40:18, 21–23, 25, 28; Heb. 11:6.

    John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

    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.”

    Isa. 40:18, 21–23, 25, 28 18 And to whom would you⁺ liken God? And what likeness will you⁺ arrange for Him? 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. 25 “And to whom will you⁺ liken Me? Or [who] is My equal?” Says the Holy One. 28 Have you not known? Or have you not heard? God everlasting [is] YHWH, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint and He does not grow weary; [there is] no searching out of His understanding.

    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.

  • Matt. 3:16–17; Deut. 6:4–6. (Cf. 1 Cor. 8:4, 6. See Matt. 28:19–20; 2 Cor. 13:14.)

    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.”

    Deut. 6:4–6 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.

    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. 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.”

    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⁺.

  • Acts 15:14–15, 18; Isa. 46:9–10.

    Acts 15:14–15, 18 14 Simeon related how God first visited to take out of the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: 18 known from the age.’

    Isa. 46:9–10 9 Remember the former [things] of old: For I [am] God, and there is no other; [I am] God, and none [is] like Me— 10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’

  • Acts 4:27–28.

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity12 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity11 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 257 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 966 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 7

Q. What is God?

A. God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, every where present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

Scripture proofs
  • John 4:24.

    John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

  • Ex. 3:14; Job 11:7–9; Ps. 145:3; Ps. 147:5.

    Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”

    Job 11:7–9 7 Can you find out the searching of God? Or can you find out unto the limit of Shaddai? 8 The heights of the heavens—what can you do? [They are] deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 9 Longer than the earth [is] its measure, and wider than the sea.

    Ps. 145:3 Great [is] YHWH and to be praised greatly, and of His greatness there is no searching out.

    Ps. 147:5 Great [is] our Lord, and abundant in power; of His understanding there is no numbering!

  • Acts 7:2.

    Acts 7:2 And he began to speak: “Men, brothers and fathers, listen! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, being in Mesopotamia before his dwelling in Haran,

  • 1 Tim. 6:15.

    1 Tim. 6:15 which He will show in [His] own times, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those being kings and the Lord of those being lords,

  • Matt. 5:48.

    Matt. 5:48 You⁺ shall be perfect, therefore, as your⁺ heavenly Father is perfect.[]

  • Ex. 3:14; Gen. 17:1; Rom. 11:35–36.

    Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”

    Gen. 17:1 And Abram was a son of ninety years and nine years, and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless.

    Rom. 11:35–36 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.

  • Ps. 90:2; Deut. 33:27.

    Ps. 90:2 In the [time] before the mountains were brought forth, or You formed the earth and the world, and from forever even to forever, You [are] God.

    Deut. 33:27 A habitation [is] the eternal God and underneath [are] the arms everlasting. And He will thrust out from before you the enemy and will say, ‘Destroy.’

  • Mal. 3:6.

    Mal. 3:6 “For I, YHWH, do not change; and you⁺, sons of Jacob, have not been consumed.

  • 1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 145:3. (See Rom. 11:34.)

    1 Kings 8:27 But will indeed God dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built?

    Ps. 145:3 Great [is] YHWH and to be praised greatly, and of His greatness there is no searching out.

    Rom. 11:34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”

  • Ps. 139:1–13.

    Ps. 139:1–13 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. O YHWH, You have searched me and know [me]. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You discern my thought from afar. 3 You have fanned My wandering and my lying down, and You are aware of all my ways. 4 For [there is] not a word on my tongue—behold, O YHWH, You have known it all. 5 Behind and before, You hem me in, and You have laid Your hand upon me. 6 [Such] knowledge [is] wonderful for me; it is high, I am not able to atttain it. 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your face? 8 If I ascend [to] the heavens, there You [are]; and if I make my bed [in] Sheol, behold, You! 9 [If] I lift up the wings of the morning, if I settle in the furthest part of the sea, 10 even there Your hand will guide me, and Your right hand will hold me fast. 11 And I said, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light [become] night around me”— 12 even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night shines like the day—as the darkness, so [is] the light. 13 For You have possessed my kidneys; You covered me in the womb of my mother.

  • Rev. 4:8; Gen. 17:1; Matt. 19:26.

    Rev. 4:8 And the four living creatures, one by one of them had six wings respectively, full of eyes all around and within; and they do not have rest day and night, saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, the One who was and who is and who is coming!”

    Gen. 17:1 And Abram was a son of ninety years and nine years, and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless.

    Matt. 19:26 And having looked on [them], Jesus said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things [are] possible.”

  • Heb. 4:13. (See Ps. 147:5.)

    Heb. 4:13 And there is no created thing hidden before Him, but all things [are] bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom [is] our account.

    Ps. 147:5 Great [is] our Lord, and abundant in power; of His understanding there is no numbering!

  • Rom. 11:33–34; Rom. 16:27.

    Rom. 11:33–34 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?”

    Rom. 16:27 [to] the only wise God [be] the glory unto the ages of the ages, which [is] through Jesus Christ! Amen.

  • 1 Peter 1:15–16; Rev. 15:4; Isa. 6:3.

    1 Peter 1:15–16 15 But according as the One having called you⁺ [is] holy, be holy yourselves also in all [your] conduct, 16 because it has been written: “You⁺ shall be holy, because I am holy.”

    Rev. 15:4 Who should not fear [You], O Lord, and will glorify Your name? For [You] alone [are] holy. For all the nations will come and will worship before You, because Your righteous acts were revealed.”

    Isa. 6:3 And this one cried to this one and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] YHWH of Hosts; the fullness of all the earth [is] His glory!”

  • Deut. 32:4; Rom. 3:5, 26.

    Deut. 32:4 The Rock—perfect His work [is], for all His ways [are] just; a God of truth and without injustice, righteous and upright [is] He.

    Rom. 3:5, 26 5 But if our unrighteousness proves God’s righteousness, what will we say? God, inflicting the wrath, [is] unrighteous? I speak according to man. 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.

  • Ex. 34:6; Ps. 117:2; Deut. 32:4.

    Ex. 34:6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth,

    Ps. 117:2 For mighty [is] His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of YHWH [is] forever. Hallelu YAH!

    Deut. 32:4 The Rock—perfect His work [is], for all His ways [are] just; a God of truth and without injustice, righteous and upright [is] He.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 428 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity22 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity12 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1225 shared proof texts · shared topicCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1014 shared proof texts

Question 8

Q. Are there more Gods than one?

A. There is but one only, the living and true God.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6; Isa. 45:21–22; Isa. 44:6.

    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.

    Isa. 45:21–22 21 Declare [it] and approach, even let them take counsel together: Who has reported this from of old, from that time having declared it? Is it not I, YHWH? And [there is] no other God besides Me, and a righteous God bringing salvation [there is] none besides Me. 22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I [am] God, and there is no other.

    Isa. 44:6 Thus says YHWH, the King of Israel and his Redeemer—YHWH of Hosts: “I [am] the First, and I [am] the Last, and besides Me there are no gods.

  • Jer. 10:10; John 17:3; 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 John 5:20.

    Jer. 10:10 And YHWH [is] the true God; He [is] the living God, and King forever! At His wrath the earth trembles, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

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

    1 Thess. 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of entrance we had to you⁺, and how you⁺ turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God,

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 510 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster 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 topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 253 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 462 shared proof texts

Question 9

Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

A. There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 3:16–17; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14.

    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.”

    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,

    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⁺.

  • John 1:1 (see Gen. 1:1–3); John 17:5; John 10:30; Ps. 45:6 (see Heb. 1:8–9); Acts 5:3–4; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9.

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

    Gen. 1:1–3 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. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

    John 17:5 And now, glorify Me—You, Father, with Yourself—with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.

    John 10:30 I and the Father are one.”

    Ps. 45:6 Your throne, O God, [is] forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of your kingdom.

    Heb. 1:8–9 8 But to the Son: “Your throne, O God, [is] to the age of the age, and the scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

    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!”

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 611 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 535 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 254 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints4 shared proof texts

Question 10

Q. What are the personal properties of the three persons in the Godhead?

A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son, and to the Son to be begotten of the Father, and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 1:5–6, 8.

    Heb. 1:5–6, 8 5 For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son; today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him for a Father, and He will be to Me for a Son”? 6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “And let all angels of God worship Him.” 8 But to the Son: “Your throne, O God, [is] to the age of the age, and the scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of Your kingdom.

  • John 1:14, 18.

    John 1:14, 18 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.

  • John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.

    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.

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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 252 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 11

Q. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father?

A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing unto them such names, attributes, works, and worship, as are proper to God only.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 6:3, 5, 8; John 12:41; Acts 28:25; 1 John 5:20; Acts 5:3–4.

    Isa. 6:3, 5, 8 3 And this one cried to this one and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] YHWH of Hosts; the fullness of all the earth [is] His glory!” 5 And I said, “Woe to me, for I am finished! For I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I am dwelling in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for the King YHWH of Hosts, my eyes have seen!” 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom will I send, and who will go for Us?” And I said “Here [am] I—send me!”

    John 12:41 Isaiah said these things because he saw His glory and spoke about Him.

    Acts 28:25 And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺ fathers,

    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.

    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!”

  • John 1:1; Isa. 9:6; John 2:24–25; 1 Cor. 2:10–11.

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

    Isa. 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.

    John 2:24–25 24 But Jesus Himself was not entrusting Himself to them, because of His knowing all, 25 and because He had no need that anyone should testify about man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

    1 Cor. 2:10–11 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.

  • Col. 1:16; Gen. 1:2.

    Col. 1:16 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.

    Gen. 1:2 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; 2 Cor. 13:14.

    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,

    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⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 65 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 534 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 12

Q. What are the decrees of God?

A. God's decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will, whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably foreordained whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 45:6–7; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 11:33; Rom. 9:14–15, 18.

    Isa. 45:6–7 6 so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides Me. I [am] YHWH, and there is no other— 7 forming the light and creating darkness, making peace and creating calamity—I [am] YHWH, the One doing all these [things]!

    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

    Rom. 11:33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

    Rom. 9:14–15, 18 14 What then will we say? [Is there] injustice with God? Never may it be! 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • Ps. 33:11; Isa. 14:24; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27–28; Rom. 9:22–23; Eph. 1:4, 11.

    Ps. 33:11 The counsel of YHWH stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation and [to] generation.

    Isa. 14:24 YHWH of Hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely as I have purposed, so it will be, and as I have counseled, [so] it will stand:

    Acts 2:23 Him delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you⁺ put to death, having crucified by lawless hands—

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

    Eph. 1:4, 11 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 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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree11 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 74 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 13

Q. What hath God especially decreed concerning angels and men?

A. God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected some angels to glory; and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof: and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will, (whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favor as he pleaseth,) hath passed by and foreordained the rest to dishonor and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 5:21.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

  • Eph. 1:4–6; Eph. 2:10; 2 Thess. 2:13–14; 1 Peter 1:2.

    Eph. 1:4–6 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,

    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.

    2 Thess. 2:13–14 13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 14 to which also He called you⁺ through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    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⁺.

  • Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22; Matt. 11:25–26; 2 Tim. 2:20; Jude 4; 1 Peter 2:8.

    Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and that My name should be declared in all the earth.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants. 21 Or does the potter not have authority over the clay to make out of the same lump the one vessel indeed for honor, but the one for dishonor? 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction,

    Matt. 11:25–26 25 In that time, answering, Jesus said, “I acknowledge You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, because You hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and You revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because of this it was good pleasure before You.

    2 Tim. 2:20 Now in a great house there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some indeed for honor, but some for dishonor.

    1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree15 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 204 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 14

Q. How doth God execute his decrees?

A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will.

Scripture proofs
  • Rev. 4:11. (See Isa. 40:12–31.)

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

    Isa. 40:12–31 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand and marked off the heavens with a handspan, and has held the dust of the earth in a measure, and has weighed the mountains on a scale, and the hills in scales? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of YHWH, or informed Him as the man of His counsel? 14 With whom did he counsel, and [who] gave Him understanding and instructed Him in the path of justice? And [who] taught Him knowledge, and informed Him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations [are] like a drop from a bucket, and they have been reckoned like dust of the scales! Behold, the islands He lifts up like fine dust, 16 and Lebanon [is] not sufficient to burn, and its beasts [are] not sufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations [are] as nothing before Him, they are counted by Him [as less] than nothing and emptiness. 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. 26 Lift up your⁺ eyes on high and see who has created these [things]—the One having brought forth by number their host. He calls to them all by name; by the greatness of might and the strength of power, not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way Is hidden from YHWH, and my claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Or have you not heard? God everlasting [is] YHWH, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint and He does not grow weary; [there is] no searching out of His understanding. 29 He gives power to the weary, and to those with no might, He increases strength. 30 Even youths will faint and grow weary, and young men will stumble and fall; 31 and those waiting on YHWH will renew [their] strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

  • Eph. 1:11; Ps. 148:8; Dan. 4:35; Acts 4:24–28.

    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

    Ps. 148:8 fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind of storm—doing His word;

    Dan. 4:35 and all those dwelling in the earth are regarded as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of the heaven and those dwelling in the earth; and there is no one who can strike on His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

    Acts 4:24–28 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, 25 having spoken by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples devise vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took [their] stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’ 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 89 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 968 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence4 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 15

Q. What is the work of creation?

A. The work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning, by the word of his power, make of nothing the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:1 (see entire chapter); Ps. 33:6, 9; Heb. 11:3; Rev. 4:11. (See Rom. 11:36.)

    Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

    Ps. 33:6, 9 6 By the word of YHWH the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host. 9 For He has spoken, and it came to pass; He has commanded, and it stood firm.

    Heb. 11:3 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.

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 94 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 12 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1012 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 10: The Deity of Christ1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 16

Q. How did God create angels?

A. God created all the angels spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change.

Scripture proofs
  • Col. 1:16.

    Col. 1:16 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.

  • Ps. 104:4.

    Ps. 104:4 making the winds His messengers, His servants flaming fire.

  • Matt. 22:30; Luke 20:36.

    Matt. 22:30 For in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are they given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven.

    Luke 20:36 For neither are they able to die anymore, for they are like angels, and they are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

  • Matt. 25:31.

    Matt. 25:31 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.

  • 2 Sam. 14:17; Matt. 24:36.

    2 Sam. 14:17 And Your maidservant said, ‘Now the word of my lord the king will be comforting, for like the angel of God, so [is] my lord the king in discerning good and evil. And may YHWH your God be with you.’”

    Matt. 24:36 But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of the heavens, nor the Son, except the Father only.

  • 2 Thess. 1:7.

    2 Thess. 1:7 and to you⁺ being oppressed, relief with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of His power

  • Ps. 91:11–12; Ps. 103:20–21.

    Ps. 91:11–12 11 For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 Upon the hands they shall lift you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

    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.

  • 2 Peter 2:4.

    2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast [them] down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered [them], being kept for judgment;

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1242 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1032 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 522 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 7: Of the Creation of All Things: Of Angels, the Devil, and Man1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 10: The Deity of Christ1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 17

Q. How did God create man?

A. After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and female; formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man, endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it, and dominion over the creatures; yet subject to fall.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4.

    Gen. 1:27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

    Matt. 19:4 And answering, He said, “Did you⁺ not read that the One having created from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’

  • Gen. 2:7.

    Gen. 2:7 And YHWH God formed the man [from] dust of the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.

  • Gen. 2:22.

    Gen. 2:22 And YHWH God built the side—which He had taken from the man—into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

  • Gen. 2:7; Job 35:11; Eccl. 12:7; Matt. 10:28; Luke 23:43.

    Gen. 2:7 And YHWH God formed the man [from] dust of the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.

    Job 35:11 teaching us more than the beasts of the earth, and making us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’

    Eccl. 12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

    Matt. 10:28 And do not be afraid of those killing the body but not being able to kill the soul. But fear, rather, the One being able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

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

  • 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.

  • 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,

  • 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.

  • Rom. 2:14–15.

    Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

  • Eccl. 7:29.

    Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.

  • Gen. 1:28; Ps. 8:6–8.

    Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”

    Ps. 8:6–8 6 You made him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: 7 All sheep and cattle, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, those passing [on] the paths of the seas.

  • Gen. 2:16–17; Gen. 3:6; Eccl. 7:29.

    Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 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!”

    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.

    Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation17 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will6 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 64 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 104 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 18

Q. What are God's works of providence?

A. God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 145:17; Lev. 21:8.

    Ps. 145:17 Righteous [is] YHWH in all His ways, and kind in all His works.

    Lev. 21:8 And you shall consecrate him, for he offers the bread of your God. He is Holy to you, for holy [am] I, YHWH, sanctifying you⁺.

  • Ps. 104:24; Isa. 28:29.

    Ps. 104:24 How many are Your works, O YHWH! All of them You have made in wisdom; the earth is full of Your creatures.

    Isa. 28:29 Also this has gone forth from YHWH of Hosts, wonderful in counsel, great in wisdom.

  • Heb. 1:3; Ps. 36:6; Neh. 9:6.

    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,

    Ps. 36:6 Your righteousness [is] like the mountains of Might, Your ordinances the great deep; You keep safe man and beast, O YHWH.

    Neh. 9:6 You [are] He, YHWH, You alone; You have made the heavens, the heavens of the heavens, and all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You give life to all things, and the host of the heavens gives worship to You.

  • Ps. 103:19. (See Job 38–41; Ps. 145:14–16.)

    Ps. 103:19 YHWH has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.

    Ps. 145:14–16 14 YHWH is upholding all those falling, and raising up all those bent down low. 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.

    Job 38 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 39 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 40 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 41 on BibleHub ↗

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Gen. 45:7; Ps. 135:6.

    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.

    Gen. 45:7 And God sent me before you⁺ to make for you⁺ a remnant in the earth, and to give life to you⁺ by a great deliverance.

    Ps. 135:6 All that YHWH delights in, He does, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths,

  • Rom. 11:36; Isa. 63:14.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

    Isa. 63:14 As the beast goes down into the valley, the Spirit of YHWH gave them rest—thus You led Your people, to make for Yourself a glorious name.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence13 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 116 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 19

Q. What is God's providence towards the angels?

A. God by his providence permitted some of the angels, willfully and irrecoverably, to fall into sin and damnation, limiting and ordering that, and all their sins, to his own glory; and established the rest in holiness and happiness; employing them all, at his pleasure, in the administrations of his power, mercy, and justice.

Scripture proofs
  • Jude 6. (See 2 Peter 2:4; Heb. 2:16; John 8:44.)

    2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast [them] down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered [them], being kept for judgment;

    Heb. 2:16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

    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.

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

  • Job 1:12; Matt. 8:31; Luke 10:17.

    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.

    Matt. 8:31 And the demons were imploring Him, saying, “If You cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.”

    Luke 10:17 And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

  • 1 Tim. 5:21; Mark 8:38; Heb. 12:22.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

    Mark 8:38 For whoever may be ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when He shall come in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

    Heb. 12:22 But you⁺ have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,

  • Ps. 103:20; Ps. 104:4.

    Ps. 103:20 Bless YHWH, His angels, mighty of strength, doing His word, to listen to the voice of His word.

    Ps. 104:4 making the winds His messengers, His servants flaming fire.

  • Heb. 1:14. (See 2 Kings 19:35.)

    Heb. 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits being sent forth for service for the sake of those being about to inherit salvation?

    2 Kings 19:35 And it came to pass on that night that the angel of YHWH went out, and he struck in the camp of Assyria a hundred eighty-five thousand; and they rose early in the morning, and behold, all [were] dead corpses!

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 7: Of the Creation of All Things: Of Angels, the Devil, and Man3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1032 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 20

Q. What was the providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created?

A. The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth; putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining marriage for his help; affording him communion with himself; instituting the Sabbath; entering into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 2:8, 15–16.

    Gen. 2:8, 15–16 8 And YHWH God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and He put there the man whom He had formed. 15 And YHWH God took the man and He caused him to rest in the garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it. 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat.

  • Gen. 1:28.

    Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”

  • Gen. 2:18. (See Matt. 19:3–9; Eph. 5:31.)

    Gen. 2:18 And YHWH God said, “[It is] not good [for] the man to be alone; I will make for him a helper as his counterpart.”

    Matt. 19:3–9 3 And Pharisees came to Him, testing Him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to send away his wife for any cause?” 4 And answering, He said, “Did you⁺ not read that the One having created from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God yoked together, let man not separate.” 7 They say to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give [her] a roll of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He says to them, “Moses, for your⁺ hardness of heart, allowed you⁺ to divorce your⁺ wives; but it has not been this way from the beginning. 9 And I say to you⁺ that whoever shall send away his wife, except for sexual immorality, and shall marry another, he commits adultery.”

    Eph. 5:31 “Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will be into one flesh.”

  • Gen. 1:26–29; Gen. 3:8.

    Gen. 1:26–29 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. 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given to you⁺ every plant bearing seed which [is] on the face of all the earth, and every tree that [has] in [it] the fruit of a tree bearing seed—it shall be for food to you⁺—

    Gen. 3:8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden.

  • Gen. 2:3. (Cf. Ex. 20:11.)

    Gen. 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    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.

  • Gen. 2:16–17; Gal. 3:12; Rom. 10:5.

    Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 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!”

    Gal. 3:12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

    Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”

  • Gen. 2:9; Gen. 3:22–24.

    Gen. 2:9 And YHWH God made sprout from the ground every tree [that] is pleasing to the sight and good for food, and the tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

    Gen. 3:22–24 22 And YHWH God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, in knowing good and evil. And now, lest he stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever:” 23 And YHWH God sent him out of the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 And He drove out the man, and He caused to dwell at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim and the flame of the sword that turns itself to guard the way to the tree of life.

  • Gen. 2:17. (Cf. James 2:10.)

    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!”

    James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 123 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 21

Q. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him?

A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, through the temptation of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God in eating the forbidden fruit; and thereby fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:6–8, 13; Eccl. 7:29; 2 Cor. 11:3.

    Gen. 3:6–8, 13 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. 7 And the eyes of the two of them were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked, and they sewed together leaves of the fig tree and made for themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden. 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.”

    Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.

    2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, your⁺ minds might be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that [is] to Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 135 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster 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 4: Of Creation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 92 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 22

Q. Did all mankind fall in that first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam as a public person, not for himself only, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in that first transgression.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 17:26; Rom. 3:23.

    Acts 17:26 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,

    Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

  • Gen. 2:16–17; James 2:10 (cf. Rom. 5:12–20); 1 Cor. 15:21–22.

    Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 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!”

    James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all.

    Rom. 5:12–20 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. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed, there being no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those not having sinned in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the coming One. 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! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 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. 20 And the law entered so that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace overabounded,

    1 Cor. 15:21–22 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—

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1613 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 23

Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:16–19; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1; Rom. 3:16, 23.

    Gen. 3:16–19 16 To the woman He said, “I will surely multiply your pain and your childbearing; in pain you will bear children. And toward your husband your desire [will be], and he will rule over you.” 17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life, 18 and thorn and thistle it will cause to grow for you, and you shall eat the vegetation of the field. 19 By the sweat of your nose you shall eat bread, until your returning to the ground, for from it you were taken. For dust you [are], and to dust you shall return.”

    Rom. 5:12 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.

    Eph. 2:1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins—

    Rom. 3:16, 23 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 177 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 195 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 183 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 24

Q. What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature.

Scripture proofs
  • Lev. 5:17; James 4:17; 1 John 3:4. (See Gal. 3:10, 12.)

    Lev. 5:17 And if a soul sins and does one from all the commandments of YHWH which are not to be done, and he has not known, and he is guilty, then he shall bear his iniquity.

    James 4:17 Therefore to the one knowing to do good, and not doing [it], to him it is sin.

    1 John 3:4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

    Gal. 3:10, 12 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.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 143 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 392 shared proof texts

Question 25

Q. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

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

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:12, 19. (See 1 Cor. 15:22.)

    Rom. 5:12, 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. 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.

    1 Cor. 15:22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive—

  • Rom. 3:10–12 (see vv. 13–19); Eph. 2:1–3; Rom. 5:6; Rom. 8:7–8; Gen. 6:5. (See Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24.)

    Rom. 3:10–12 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.”

    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.

    Rom. 5:6 Still indeed Christ, [in] our still being weak, according to the right time, died for the ungodly.

    Rom. 8:7–8 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. 8 And those being in the flesh are not able to please God.

    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.

    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,

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

  • James 1:14–15; Ps. 53:1–3; Matt. 15:19. (See Rom. 3:10–18, 23; Gal. 5:19–21.)

    James 1:14–15 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 15 Then desire, having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having become fully grown, brings forth death.

    Ps. 53:1–3 1 For the one directing. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt and have done abominable injustice; there is no one doing good. 2 God looks down from the heavens upon the sons of man, to see: Is there one acting wisely, seeking God? 3 All have turned back, together they have become corrupt; there is no one doing good, not even one.

    Matt. 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, slanders.

    Rom. 3:10–18, 23 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.” 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1827 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof22 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof19 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 515 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 26

Q. How is original sin conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity?

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

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 51:5; Job 14:4; John 3:6.

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

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

    John 3:6 That having been born of the flesh is flesh, and that having been born of the Spirit is spirit.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 182 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 71 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 27

Q. What misery did the fall bring upon mankind?

A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God, his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature children of wrath, bond slaves to Satan, and justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that which is to come.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:8, 10, 24; John 8:34, 42, 44; Eph. 2:12.

    Gen. 3:8, 10, 24 8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden. 10 And he said, “Your voice I heard in the garden, and I was afraid because I am naked, and I hid myself.” 24 And He drove out the man, and He caused to dwell at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim and the flame of the sword that turns itself to guard the way to the tree of life.

    John 8:34, 42, 44 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin. 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your⁺ Father, you⁺ would love Me, for I came forth from God and am here; for neither have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 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.

    Eph. 2:12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.

  • Gen. 3:16–19; Job 5:7; Eccl. 2:22–23; Rom. 8:18–23.

    Gen. 3:16–19 16 To the woman He said, “I will surely multiply your pain and your childbearing; in pain you will bear children. And toward your husband your desire [will be], and he will rule over you.” 17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life, 18 and thorn and thistle it will cause to grow for you, and you shall eat the vegetation of the field. 19 By the sweat of your nose you shall eat bread, until your returning to the ground, for from it you were taken. For dust you [are], and to dust you shall return.”

    Job 5:7 For man is born into toil, and as the sons of the flame soar to fly.

    Eccl. 2:22–23 22 For what has been for the man for all his toil and for the striving of his heart, with which he toils under the sun? 23 For all his days are pains, and anger [is] his task; even in the night his heart will not find rest. This also is vapor.

    Rom. 8:18–23 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time [are] not comparable to the glory about to be revealed in us. 19 For the eager expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of the One having subjected [it], in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay, into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 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.

  • Eph. 2:2–3; John 3:36; Rom. 1:18; Eph. 5:6.

    Eph. 2:2–3 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.

    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. 1:18 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.

  • 2 Tim. 2:26.

    2 Tim. 2:26 and they might come to their senses out of the snare of the devil, having been captured by him unto his will.

  • Gen. 2:17; Lam. 3:39; Rom. 6:23; Matt. 25:41, 46; Jude 7.

    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!”

    Lam. 3:39 Why should complain a living man, a man for his sins?

    Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Matt. 25:41, 46 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. 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

    Jude 7 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1926 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 174 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 28

Q. What are the punishments of sin in this world?

A. The punishments of sin in this world are either inward, as blindness of mind, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections; or outward, as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes, and all other evils that befall us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments; together with death itself.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 4:18.

    Eph. 4:18 being darkened in the understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance being in them on account of the hardness of their heart,

  • Rom. 1:28.

    Rom. 1:28 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;

  • 2 Thess. 2:11.

    2 Thess. 2:11 And because of this, God sends to them a working of delusion for them to believe the lie,

  • Rom. 2:5.

    Rom. 2:5 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,

  • Isa. 33:14; Gen. 4:13; Matt. 27:4.

    Isa. 33:14 The sinful ones in Zion are afraid, trembling has seized the godless: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with burnings” forever?

    Gen. 4:13 And Cain said to YHWH, “Greater [is] my punishment than I can bear!

    Matt. 27:4 saying, “I sinned, having betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What [is it] to us? You will see.”

  • Rom. 1:26.

    Rom. 1:26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature.

  • Gen. 3:17.

    Gen. 3:17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life,

  • Deut. 28:15 (see vv. 16–68).

    Deut. 28:15 And it shall come to pass, if you do not listen to the voice of YHWH your God, to observe carefully to do all His commandments and His statutes that I am commanding you today, [that] all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.

  • Rom. 6:21, 23.

    Rom. 6:21, 23 21 What fruit, therefore, were you⁺ having then in the [things] of which you⁺ are now ashamed? For the end of those [things] [is] death. 23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 193 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 29

Q. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come?

A. The punishments of sin in the world to come, are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul and body, without intermission, in hellfire forever.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Thess. 1:9; Mark 9:43–44, 46, 48; Luke 16:24, 26. (See Matt. 25:41, 46; Rev. 14:11; John 3:36.)

    2 Thess. 1:9 who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

    Mark 9:43–44, 46, 48 43 And if your hand may cause you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled than, having two hands, to go away into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV) 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV) 48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’

    Luke 16:24, 26 24 And having cried out, he said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus so that he might dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am suffering in this flame.’ 26 And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you⁺, so that those desiring to go over from here to you⁺ are not able, nor may they cross over from there to us.’

    Matt. 25:41, 46 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. 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

    Rev. 14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up to ages of ages; and those worshiping the beast and its image have no rest day and night, and if anyone receives the mark of its name.”

    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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 195 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 523 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgment3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 30

Q. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

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

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Thess. 5:9.

    1 Thess. 5:9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Gen. 3:17; Rom. 5:12, 15; Gal. 3:10, 12.

    Gen. 3:17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life,

    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!

    Gal. 3:10, 12 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.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

  • Titus 3:4–7; Gal. 3:21; Rom. 3:20–22; 2 Thess. 2:13–14. (See Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4–5.)

    Titus 3:4–7 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, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Gal. 3:21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law.

    Rom. 3:20–22 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,

    2 Thess. 2:13–14 13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 14 to which also He called you⁺ through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

    Eph. 1:4–5 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 205 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 31

Q. With whom was the covenant of grace made?

A. The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 3:16; Rom. 5:15 (see vv. 16–21); Isa. 53:10–11; Isa. 59:20–21.

    Gal. 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. It does not say “and to seeds,” as of many, but as of One, “and to your seed,” who is Christ.

    Rom. 5:15 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!

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 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.

    Isa. 59:20–21 20 “And He will come to Zion [as] One redeeming, and for those turning back from transgression in Jacob, a declaration of YHWH. 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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement2 shared proof textsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 161 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 32

Q. How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant?

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

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:15; Isa. 42:6; John 3:16; John 6:27; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    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.

    Isa. 42:6 “I, YHWH, have called You in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and watched over you and given you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations—

    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.

    John 6:27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.”

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

  • 1 John 5:11–12.

    1 John 5:11–12 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.

  • John 3:16, 36; John 1:12.

    John 3:16, 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. 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.”

    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,

  • Isa. 59:21; Luke 11:13; John 14:16–20; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:9 (see vv. 4, 11, 14–16).

    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.”

    Luke 11:13 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!”

    John 14:16–20 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. 20 In that day you⁺ will know that I [am] in My Father, and you⁺ in Me, and I in you⁺.

    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.

    Rom. 8:9 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.

  • 2 Cor. 4:13; 1 Cor. 12:3, 9; Eph. 2:8–10; Acts 16:14; 2 Peter 1:1.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    1 Cor. 12:3, 9 3 Therefore I make known to you⁺ that no one speaking in the Spirit of God says, “Jesus [is] accursed,” and no one is able to say, “Jesus [is] Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit. 9 and to a different one faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing in the one Spirit,

    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.

    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.

    2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those having obtained a faith equally precious with ours, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

  • Gal. 5:22–23.

    Gal. 5:22–23 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.

  • Ezek. 36:27; Eph. 2:10.

    Ezek. 36:27 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].

    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.

  • James 2:18, 22.

    James 2:18, 22 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show to me your faith without works, and I will show to you faith by my works. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected.

  • 2 Cor. 5:14–15.

    2 Cor. 5:14–15 14 For the love of Christ compels us, having judged this, that One died for all, therefore all died. 15 And He died for all, that those living no longer should live to themselves, but to the One having died for them and having been raised again.

  • Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:14.

    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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 33

Q. Was the covenant of grace always administered after one and the same manner?

A. The covenant of grace was not always administered after the same manner, but the administrations of it under the old testament were different from those under the new.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Cor. 3:6–9. (See Heb. 8:7–13.)

    2 Cor. 3:6–9 6 who also made us sufficient [as] ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came into being in glory so as for the sons of Israel not to be able to look intently into the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face that is fading away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory? 9 For if in the ministry of condemnation [was] glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound [in] glory!

    Heb. 8:7–13 7 For if that first had been faultless, no place would have been sought for a second. 8 For finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, and I will complete with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant, 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day of My having taken hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. 10 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, giving My laws into their mind, and I will inscribe them upon their hearts; and I will be unto them God, and they will be unto Me for a people. 11 And they shall not teach, each his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because all will know Me, from the small to the great of them, 12 because I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I shall remember their sins no more. 13 In saying, “new,” He has made old the first; and that which is growing old and aging [is] near to vanishing.

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 13: Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Also of Promises; of the Spirit and of the Letter2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience1 shared proof textLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant3 shared topics

Question 34

Q. How was the covenant of grace administered under the old testament?

A. The covenant of grace was administered under the old testament, by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all foresignify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 15:8. (See for example Gen. 3:15; 12:1–3; 15:5.)

    Rom. 15:8 For I say [that] Christ has become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises to the fathers,

    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.

    12:1–3 1 And YHWH had said to Abram, “Go for yourself from your land and from your kindred and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you and I will make great your name, and you shall be a blessing. 3 And I will bless those blessing you, and him who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

    15:5 And He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall be your seed.”

  • Acts 3:20, 24. (See for example Isa. 52:13–53:12.)

    Acts 3:20, 24 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, 24 And also all the prophets from Samuel, and those subsequently, as many as have spoken—they also proclaimed these days.

    Isa. 52:13–53:12 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Heb. 10:1. (See Lev. 1–7.)

    Heb. 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.

    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. 4:11. (See Gen. 17:1–14.)

    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,

    Gen. 17:1–14 1 And Abram was a son of ninety years and nine years, and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and between you, and I will multiply you greatly, greatly.” 3 And Abram fell on his face, and God spoke with him, saying, 4 “As for me, behold, My covenant [is] with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 And your name shall no longer be called Abram, and your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you fruitful—greatly, greatly—and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come out from you. 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. 8 And I give to you and to your seed after you the land in which you are a sojourner—all the land of Canaan—as an everlasting possession. And I will be their God.” 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.”

  • 1 Cor. 5:7; Ex. 12:14, 17, 24 (see entire chapter).

    1 Cor. 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed,

    Ex. 12:14, 17, 24 14 And this day shall be for you⁺ a memorial, and you⁺ shall celebrate it. as a feast to YHWH throughout your⁺ generations an everlasting—statute—you⁺ shall celebrate it. 17 And you⁺ shall keep the Unleavened, for on this same day I brought out your⁺ armies from the land of Egypt. And you⁺ shall keep this day throughout your⁺ generations—an everlasting statute. 24 And you⁺ shall keep this word as a statute for you and for your sons unto eternity.

  • Heb. 8:1–2 (see chapters 8–10); Heb. 11:13.

    Heb. 8:1–2 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, 2 a minister in the holy places and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

  • Gal. 3:7–9, 14.

    Gal. 3:7–9, 14 7 Know, then, that those of faith, these are sons of Abraham. 8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church10 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 747 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 35

Q. How is the covenant of grace administered under the new testament?

A. Under the new testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper; in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fullness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 24:47–48. (See Matt. 28:19–20.)

    Luke 24:47–48 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be proclaimed in His name to all nations, having begun from Jerusalem. 48 You⁺ are witnesses of these things.

    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.”

  • Matt. 28:19–20.

    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.”

  • Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 11:23–25.

    Matt. 26:28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    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.”

  • Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 3:6–9; Heb. 8:6, 10–11; Matt. 28:19. (See Eph. 3:1–12.)

    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.

    2 Cor. 3:6–9 6 who also made us sufficient [as] ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came into being in glory so as for the sons of Israel not to be able to look intently into the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face that is fading away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory? 9 For if in the ministry of condemnation [was] glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound [in] glory!

    Heb. 8:6, 10–11 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted upon better promises. 10 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, giving My laws into their mind, and I will inscribe them upon their hearts; and I will be unto them God, and they will be unto Me for a people. 11 And they shall not teach, each his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because all will know Me, from the small to the great of them,

    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,

    Eph. 3:1–12 1 For reason of this, I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you⁺ Gentiles... 2 If indeed you⁺ heard of the administration of the grace of God having been given to me for you⁺, 3 that by revelation was made known to me, the mystery, just as I wrote before in few [words], 4 which, by reading [it], you⁺ are able to understand my insight in the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as now it was revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, 6 [that] the Gentiles are joint-heirs, and a joint-body, and joint-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus, through the gospel, 7 of which I became servant according to the gift of the grace of God having been given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, was given this grace: to preach good news to the Gentiles, the untraceable riches of Christ, 9 and to enlighten all what [is] the administration of the mystery having been hidden away from the ages in God, the One having created all things, 10 so that [there] might be made known now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the purpose of the ages, which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through the faith from Him.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 685 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 934 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 36

Q. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?

A. The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, in the fullness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6; Acts 4:12.

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

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

    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.”

  • John 1:1, 14, 18; John 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Ps. 2:7; Matt. 3:17; Matt. 17:5.

    John 1:1, 14, 18 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 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.

    John 10:30 I and the Father are one.”

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

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

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Matt. 17:5 [In] his still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

  • Gal. 4:4; Matt. 1:23. (See John 1:14.)

    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,

    Matt. 1:23 “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.

  • Luke 1:35; Acts 1:11; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24–25; Heb. 13:8. (See Phil. 2:5–11.)

    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.

    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.”

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

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

    Heb. 7:24–25 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.

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

    Phil. 2:5–11 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. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in the heavens and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 2113 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 358 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 37

Q. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

A. Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance, and born of her, yet without sin.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:14; Matt. 26:38; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14–17. (See Luke 2:40, 52; John 11:33.)

    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.

    Matt. 26:38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

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

    Heb. 2:14–17 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.

    Luke 2:40, 52 40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong, being filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him. 52 And Jesus continued to advance in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

    John 11:33 Therefore Jesus, as He saw her weeping and the Jews having come with her weeping, was deeply moved in spirit and Himself troubled.

  • Luke 1:27, 31, 35; Gal. 4:4.

    Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 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.

    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. 4:15; Heb. 7:26; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 3:5.

    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.

    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,

    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.

    1 John 3:5 And you⁺ know that He appeared so that He should take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator12 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator12 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 358 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 228 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 18: The Incarnation5 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 144 shared proof texts

Question 38

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God, and the power of death; give worth and efficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession; and to satisfy God's justice, procure his favor, purchase a peculiar people, give his Spirit to them, conquer all their enemies, and bring them to everlasting salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:24–25; Rom. 1:4; Rom. 4:25; Heb. 9:14.

    Acts 2:24–25 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 25 For David says about Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord before me through all, because He is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken.

    Rom. 1:4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

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

    Heb. 9:14 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!

  • Acts 20:28; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 7:25–28. (See John 17.)

    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.

    Heb. 9:14 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!

    Heb. 7:25–28 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them. 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. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men having weakness; but the word of the oath, which [is] after the law, [appoints] a Son having been perfected to the age.

    John 17 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 3:24–26.

    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.

  • Eph. 1:6; Matt. 3:17.

    Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

  • Titus 2:13–14.

    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.

  • Gal. 4:6; John 15:26. (See John 16:7; 14:26.)

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

    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.

    John 16:7 But I say to you⁺ the truth, it is profitable for you⁺ that I should go away. For unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you⁺; but if I go, I will send Him to you⁺.

    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⁺.

  • Luke 1:68–69, 71, 74.

    Luke 1:68–69, 71, 74 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, 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all those hating us, 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear

  • Heb. 5:8–9; Heb. 9:11–15.

    Heb. 5:8–9 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,

    Heb. 9:11–15 11 But Christ, having come [as] high priest of the good things coming, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation, 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. 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God7 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 39

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 2:16; 2 Peter 1:4.

    Heb. 2:16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

    2 Peter 1:4 through which He has given to us the precious and magnificent promises, so that through these you⁺ might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption in the world in evil desire.

  • Gal. 4:4; Matt. 5:17; Rom. 5:19; Phil. 2:8.

    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,

    Matt. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

    Rom. 5:19 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.

    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. 2:14; Heb. 7:24–25.

    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,

    Heb. 7:24–25 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.

  • Heb. 4:15.

    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.

  • Gal. 4:5.

    Gal. 4:5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

  • Heb. 4:16.

    Heb. 4:16 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 40

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one person?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should himself be both God and man, and this in one person, that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us, and relied on by us, as the works of the whole person.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21, 23; Matt. 3:17; Heb. 9:14.

    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.” 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.”

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Heb. 9:14 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!

  • 1 Peter 2:6.

    1 Peter 2:6 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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 182 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 352 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Question 41

Q. Why was our Mediator called Jesus?

A. Our Mediator was called Jesus, because he saveth his people from their sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21.

    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.”

Parallel passages (6)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 181 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 291 shared proof textHeidelberg Catechism · Question 351 shared proof textBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement1 shared proof textSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text

Question 42

Q. Why was our Mediator called Christ?

A. Our Mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure; and so set apart, and fully furnished with all authority and ability, to execute the offices of prophet, priest, and king of his church, in the estate both of his humiliation and exaltation.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 3:16 (cf. Acts 10:37–38); John 3:34; Ps. 45:7.

    Matt. 3:16 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.

    Acts 10:37–38 37 You⁺ yourselves know the declaration having come through all Judea, having begun from Galilee, after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

    John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.

    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.

  • John 6:27; Matt. 28:18–20; Rom. 1:3–4.

    John 6:27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.”

    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.”

    Rom. 1:3–4 3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

  • Acts 3:21–22; Luke 4:18, 21; Heb. 1:1–2; Deut. 18:18.

    Acts 3:21–22 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. 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⁺.

    Luke 4:18, 21 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, 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your⁺ ears.”

    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,

    Deut. 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet from among their brothers, like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

  • Heb. 5:5–7; Heb. 4:14–15.

    Heb. 5:5–7 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 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,

    Heb. 4:14–15 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.

  • Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:32–34; John 18:37; Matt. 21:5; Isa. 9:6–7; Phil. 2:8–11.

    Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”

    Luke 1:32–34 32 He will be great, and He will be called Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I do not know a man?”

    John 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a king!” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, so that I may testify to the truth. Everyone being of the truth hears My voice.”

    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.’”

    Isa. 9:6–7 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. 7 Of the increase of [His] government and peace [will be] no end, over the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and with righteousness from now and even to forever. The zeal of YHWH of Hosts will accomplish this.

    Phil. 2:8–11 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in the heavens and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator16 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 2313 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator11 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 317 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 43

Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?

A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the church, in all ages, by his Spirit and Word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:18.

    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.

  • 1 Peter 1:10–12.

    1 Peter 1:10–12 10 Concerning this salvation the prophets sought out and searched out, those having prophesied concerning the grace unto you⁺, 11 searching into what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them was making evident, testifying beforehand unto the sufferings of Christ and the glories after these, 12 to whom it was revealed that they were ministering not to themselves but to you⁺ in these things, which now were proclaimed to you⁺ through those having proclaimed the gospel to you⁺ in the Holy Spirit having been sent from heaven, into which angels long to look.

  • Heb. 1:1–2.

    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,

  • John 15:15.

    John 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⁺.

  • Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11–13; John 20:31.

    Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

    Eph. 4:11–13 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, 13 until we all may come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

    John 20:31 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 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 242 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 44

Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 9:14, 28; Heb. 10:12. (See Isa. 53.)

    Heb. 9:14, 28 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! 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

    Heb. 10:12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Heb. 2:17; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:21–22.

    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.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Heb. 7:25; Heb. 9:24.

    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.

    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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 257 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 45

Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 15:14–16; Gen. 49:10; Ps. 110:3; John 17:2.

    Acts 15:14–16 14 Simeon related how God first visited to take out of the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: 16 ‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen, and its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it upright,

    Gen. 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.

    Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.

    John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.

  • Eph. 4:11–12; 1 Cor. 12:28.

    Eph. 4:11–12 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,

    1 Cor. 12:28 And some indeed God placed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helping, administrating, various kinds of tongues.

  • Isa. 33:22.

    Isa. 33:22 For YHWH [is] the One judging us; YHWH [is] the One decreeing for us; YHWH [is] our King; He will save us.

  • Matt. 18:17–18; 1 Cor. 5:4–5.

    Matt. 18:17–18 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.

    1 Cor. 5:4–5 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.

  • Acts 5:31.

    Acts 5:31 God exalted Him to His right hand [as] Prince and Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

  • Rev. 22:12; Rev. 2:10.

    Rev. 22:12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to render to each as is his work.

    Rev. 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you⁺ into prison, so that you⁺ might be tested; and you⁺ will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give to you the crown of life.

  • Rev. 3:19.

    Rev. 3:19 As many as I may love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

  • Isa. 63:9.

    Isa. 63:9 In all their distress, he was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His compassion He redeemed them, and He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.

  • 1 Cor. 15:25; Ps. 110:1–2.

    1 Cor. 15:25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet.

    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!”

  • Rom. 14:10–11.

    Rom. 14:10–11 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it has been written: “[As] I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will confess to God.”

  • 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,

  • 2 Thess. 1:8–9; Ps. 2:8–9.

    2 Thess. 1:8–9 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,

    Ps. 2:8–9 8 Ask from Me and I will give the nations [as] Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth [for] Your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; You will shatter them like a vessel of a potter.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 267 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 31: Of Synods and Councils5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 46

Q. What was the estate of Christ's humiliation?

A. The estate of Christ's humiliation was that low condition, wherein he for our sakes, emptying himself of his glory, took upon him the form of a servant, in his conception and birth, life, death, and after his death, until his resurrection.

Scripture proofs
  • Phil. 2:6–8.

    Phil. 2:6–8 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.

  • Luke 1:31.

    Luke 1:31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus.

  • Luke 2:7.

    Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her Son, the firstborn, and she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

  • Gal. 4:4; 2 Cor. 8:9; Luke 9:58; Heb. 2:18; Isa. 53:3.

    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,

    2 Cor. 8:9 For you⁺ know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich, on account of you⁺ He became poor, so that you⁺ by that poverty might be enriched.

    Luke 9:58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere He might lay the head.”

    Heb. 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

    Isa. 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with weakness; and like one from whom [they] hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

  • Ps. 22:1 (cf. Matt. 27:46); Isa. 53:10; 1 John 2:2; Phil. 2:8.

    Ps. 22:1 For the one directing. According to “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me, far away from my salvation, [from] the words of my roaring?

    Matt. 27:46 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?”

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    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.

    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.

  • Matt. 12:40; 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    Matt. 12:40 For just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

    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,

  • Acts 2:24–27, 31.

    Acts 2:24–27, 31 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 25 For David says about Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord before me through all, because He is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. 26 Because of this my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced, and now also my flesh will dwell in hope, 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay. 31 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 2714 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator12 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 553 shared proof texts

Question 47

Q. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?

A. Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fullness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her; with divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:14, 18; Gal. 4:4; Luke 2:7.

    John 1:14, 18 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.

    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,

    Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her Son, the firstborn, and she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 272 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 332 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 352 shared proof texts

Question 48

Q. How did Christ humble himself in his life?

A. Christ humbled himself in his life, by subjecting himself to the law, which he perfectly fulfilled; and by conflicting with the indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh, whether common to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that his low condition.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 4:4.

    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,

  • Matt. 5:17; Rom. 5:19.

    Matt. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

    Rom. 5:19 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. 22:6; Isa. 53:2–3; Heb. 12:2–3.

    Ps. 22:6 And I [am] a worm, and not a man, the scorn of men, and despised by the people.

    Isa. 53:2–3 2 For He grew up as a tender shoot before His face, and as a root out of a dry land. No form [was] unto Him, and no splendor that we should see Him, and no appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with weakness; and like one from whom [they] hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

    Heb. 12:2–3 2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider fully the One having endured such great contradiction by sinners against Himself, so that you⁺ might not grow weary, fainting in your⁺ souls.

  • Matt. 4:1–11; Luke 4:13.

    Matt. 4:1–11 1 Then Jesus was led up into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. 2 And having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 And the one tempting, having come to Him, said, “If You are the Son of God, speak, that these stones might become loaves.” 4 But answering, He said, “It has been written: ‘Not on bread alone shall the man live, but on every word coming out through the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil takes Him to the holy city, and he set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and he says to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it has been written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and on hands they will lift You up, lest ever You might strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” 8 Again the devil takes Him to a mountain exceedingly high and shows to Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to You if, falling down, You worship me.” 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.’” 11 Then the devil leaves Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.

    Luke 4:13 And the devil, having ended every temptation, departed from Him until an opportune time.

  • Heb. 2:17–18; Heb. 4:15; Isa. 52:13–14.

    Heb. 2:17–18 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.

    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.

    Isa. 52:13–14 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 14 Just as many were dismayed at Him—His appearance was so disfigured beyond any man, and his form beyond any sons of man—

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 353 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 18: The Incarnation3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 273 shared proof texts

Question 49

Q. How did Christ humble himself in his death?

A. Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors; having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God's wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 27:4.

    Matt. 27:4 saying, “I sinned, having betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What [is it] to us? You will see.”

  • Matt. 26:56.

    Matt. 26:56 And all this has come to pass so that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then the disciples, all having forsaken Him, fled.

  • Isa. 53:2–3.

    Isa. 53:2–3 2 For He grew up as a tender shoot before His face, and as a root out of a dry land. No form [was] unto Him, and no splendor that we should see Him, and no appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with weakness; and like one from whom [they] hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

  • Matt. 27:26–50; John 19:34. (See Luke 22:63–64.)

    Matt. 27:26–50 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. And having flogged Jesus, He delivered [Him] up so that He might be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken with [them] Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered the whole cohort before Him. 28 And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And having spit upon Him, they took the reed and kept striking [Him] on His head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, and they put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify [Him]. 32 And going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. They compelled him that he might carry His cross. 33 And having come to a place called Golgotha, which is called Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; and having tasted [it], He was not willing to drink [it]. 35 And having crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting a lot. 36 And sitting down, they were guarding Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 At that time two robbers are crucified with Him, one at the right hand and one at the left. 39 And those passing by kept railing at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “The One demolishing the temple and building [it] in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, also come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise also the chief priests, mocking, with the scribes and elders, were saying, 42 “He saved others. He is not able to save Himself. He is King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted on God. Let Him deliver [Him] now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And likewise even the robbers, those having been crucified with Him, were upbraiding Him. 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?” 47 And some of those standing there, having heard, were saying, “This [man] calls Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them, having run and having taken a sponge, and having filled [it] with vinegar and having put [it] on a reed, gave Him to drink. 49 And the rest were saying, “Let [it] be. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save Him.” 50 And Jesus, having cried again in a loud voice, yielded up [His] spirit.

    John 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water came out immediately.

    Luke 22:63–64 63 And the men who are holding Him began mocking Him, beating [Him]. 64 And having blindfolded Him, they were questioning [Him], saying, “Prophesy, who is the one having struck You?”

  • Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    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.

    Matt. 27:46 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?”

  • Isa. 53:10; Matt. 20:28. (See Mark 10:45.)

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    Matt. 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

  • Phil. 2:8; Heb. 12:2; Gal. 3:13.

    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. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

    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 Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator27 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 275 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 443 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 50

Q. Wherein consisted Christ's humiliation after his death?

A. Christ's humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which hath been otherwise expressed in these words, He descended into hell.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    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,

  • Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:24–27, 31; Rom. 6:9; Matt. 12:40.

    Ps. 16:10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, and You will not give Your Holy one to see corruption.

    Acts 2:24–27, 31 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 25 For David says about Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord before me through all, because He is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. 26 Because of this my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced, and now also my flesh will dwell in hope, 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay. 31 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay.

    Rom. 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him.

    Matt. 12:40 For just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 273 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 412 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 281 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 431 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 51

Q. What was the estate of Christ's exaltation?

A. The estate of Christ's exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and his coming again to judge the world.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 15:4.

    1 Cor. 15:4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • Ps. 68:18; Acts 1:11; Eph. 4:8.

    Ps. 68:18 You have gone up to the height, You have led captive captivity; You have received gifts from man, even [from] the rebellious ones, that YAH God may dwell there.

    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.”

    Eph. 4:8 Therefore it says: “Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.”

  • Eph. 1:20; Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:33–34; Heb. 1:3.

    Eph. 1:20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

    Ps. 110:1 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.”

    Acts 2:33–34 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. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand

    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,

  • Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31. (See Matt. 16:27.)

    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.”

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

    Matt. 16:27 For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to his deeds.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 2810 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 513 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 462 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 52

Q. How was Christ exalted in his resurrection?

A. Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death, (of which it was not possible for him to be held,) and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof, (but without mortality, and other common infirmities belonging to this life,) really united to his soul, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power; whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, to have satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it, and to be Lord of quick and dead: all which he did as a public person, the head of his church, for their justification, quickening in grace, support against enemies, and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:24, 27.

    Acts 2:24, 27 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay.

  • Luke 24:39.

    Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

  • Rom. 6:9; Rev. 1:18.

    Rom. 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him.

    Rev. 1:18 and the Living One. And I became dead, and behold I am living to the ages of the ages, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

  • John 10:18.

    John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

  • Rom. 1:4.

    Rom. 1:4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

  • Rom. 8:34; Rom. 3:25–26; Heb. 9:13–14.

    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.

    Rom. 3:25–26 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.

    Heb. 9:13–14 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!

  • Heb. 2:14.

    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,

  • Rom. 14:9.

    Rom. 14:9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 15:21–22; Isa. 53:10–11.

    1 Cor. 15:21–22 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—

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 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.

  • 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,

  • Rom. 4:25.

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

  • Eph. 2:1, 5–6; Col. 2:12.

    Eph. 2:1, 5–6 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 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. 2:12 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.

  • 1 Cor. 15:25–27; Ps. 2:7–9.

    1 Cor. 15:25–27 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death. 27 For “He has subjected all things under His feet.” But when it may be said that all things have been subjected, [it is] evident that the One having subjected all things to Him [is] excepted.

    Ps. 2:7–9 7 I will recount the decree of YHWH; He has said to Me: “You [are] My Son; today I have begotten You. 8 Ask from Me and I will give the nations [as] Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth [for] Your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; You will shatter them like a vessel of a potter.”

  • 1 Cor. 15:20; 1 Thess. 4:14.

    1 Cor. 15:20 But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep.

    1 Thess. 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also through Jesus God will bring with Him those having fallen asleep.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator14 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator12 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 457 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 505 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 53

Q. How was Christ exalted in his ascension?

A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to raise up our affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 1:2–3.

    Acts 1:2–3 2 until the day [in] which, having given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He chose, He was taken up, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, with many convincing proofs, being seen by them through forty days and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God.

  • Matt. 28:19–20.

    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.”

  • John 20:17; Heb. 6:20.

    John 20:17 Jesus says to her, “Do not touch Me, for not yet have I ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your⁺ Father, and [to] My God and your⁺ God.’”

    Heb. 6:20 where Jesus, the forerunner for us, entered according to the order of Melchizedek, having become a high priest to the age.

  • Eph. 4:8.

    Eph. 4:8 Therefore it says: “Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.”

  • Acts 1:9–11; Eph. 4:7–8; Ps. 68:18; Eph. 4:10; Acts 2:33.

    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.”

    Eph. 4:7–8 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.”

    Ps. 68:18 You have gone up to the height, You have led captive captivity; You have received gifts from man, even [from] the rebellious ones, that YAH God may dwell there.

    Eph. 4:10 The One having descended is also the same One having ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.

    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.

  • Col. 3:1–2.

    Col. 3:1–2 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.

  • John 14:3.

    John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you⁺, I am coming again, and I will receive you⁺ to Myself, so that where I am, you⁺ may be also.

  • Acts 3:21.

    Acts 3:21 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 476 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 465 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 514 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 284 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 764 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 54

Q. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?

A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and doth gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and maketh intercession for them.

Scripture proofs
  • Phil. 2:9.

    Phil. 2:9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name,

  • Acts 2:28; Ps. 16:11.

    Acts 2:28 You made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’

    Ps. 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; fullness of joys [is] with Your face, pleasant [things] [are] at Your right hand forever.

  • John 17:5.

    John 17:5 And now, glorify Me—You, Father, with Yourself—with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.

  • Dan. 7:13–14; Eph. 1:22; 1 Peter 3:22.

    Dan. 7:13–14 13 I was looking in [my] visions of the night, and behold, upon the clouds of heaven, One like the Son of Man was coming, and to the Ancient of Days he reached, and before Him they brought Him near. 14 And to him was given dominion, and honor, and a kingdom, so that all the peoples, nations, and languages should give service to him; his dominion [is] a dominion everlasting, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [is one] that shall not be destroyed!

    Eph. 1:22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church,

    1 Peter 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to Him.

  • Eph. 4:10–12; Ps. 110:1; Heb. 10:12–14; Ezek. 37:24.

    Eph. 4:10–12 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 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.”

    Heb. 10:12–14 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.

    Ezek. 37:24 And My servant David [shall be] king over them, and there will be one shepherd over them all; and in My ordinances they will walk, and My statutes they will keep, and they will do them.

  • Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1; Heb. 7:25.

    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.

    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.

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 Mediator4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 314 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 514 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 55

Q. How doth Christ make intercession?

A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers; answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 9:12, 24.

    Heb. 9:12, 24 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. 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,

  • Isa. 53:12; Heb. 1:3.

    Isa. 53:12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

    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,

  • John 3:16; John 17:9, 20, 24.

    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.

    John 17:9, 20, 24 9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours. 20 But I do not ask for these only, but also for those believing in Me through their word, 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.

  • Rom. 8:33–34.

    Rom. 8:33–34 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.

  • Rom. 5:1–2; 1 John 2:1–2.

    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.

    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.

  • Heb. 4:16.

    Heb. 4:16 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.

  • Eph. 1:6.

    Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • 1 Peter 2:5.

    1 Peter 2:5 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof texts

Question 56

Q. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world?

A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men, shall come again at the last day in great power, and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father's, with all his holy angels, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, to judge the world in righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 3:14–15.

    Acts 3:14–15 14 But you⁺ denied the Holy and Righteous One and requested a man, a murderer, to be granted to you⁺. 15 And you⁺ killed the Author of life, whom God raised out from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

  • Matt. 24:30; 2 Thess. 1:9–10.

    Matt. 24:30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

    2 Thess. 1:9–10 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.

  • Luke 9:26; Matt. 25:31.

    Luke 9:26 For whoever may be ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He shall come in His glory and [that] of the Father and of the holy angels.

    Matt. 25:31 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.

  • 1 Thess. 4:16.

    1 Thess. 4:16 because the Lord Himself with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

  • Acts 17:31; 2 Thess. 1:6–8.

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

    2 Thess. 1:6–8 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment7 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 526 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgment6 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 37: The Last Judgment1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 281 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 57

Q. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?

A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 9:12; Eph. 1:7.

    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. 9:12 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.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 2 Cor. 1:20; Eph. 1:3–6; 2 Peter 1:3–4.

    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.

    Eph. 1:3–6 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,

    2 Peter 1:3–4 3 Accordingly, His divine power has given to us all things toward life and godliness, through the knowledge of the One having called us [by His] own glory and excellence, 4 through which He has given to us the precious and magnificent promises, so that through these you⁺ might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption in the world in evil desire.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 58

Q. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured?

A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the application of them unto us, which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:11–12.

    John 1:11–12 11 He came to [His] own, and [His] own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

  • Titus 3:4–7; John 16:14–15. (See John 3:3–8.)

    Titus 3:4–7 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, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    John 16:14–15 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from that which [is] Mine and will declare [it] to you⁺. 15 All things, as many as the Father has, are Mine. Because of this, I said that He will take from that which [is] Mine and will declare [it] to you⁺.

    John 3:3–8 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. 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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 294 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 704 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 59

Q. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?

A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:13–14; John 6:37, 39; John 10:15–16.

    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.

    John 6:37, 39 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 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.

    John 10:15–16 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.

  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:12–16; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 8:9, 14.

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

    1 Cor. 2:12–16 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. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

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

    Rom. 8:9, 14 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. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 307 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 60

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

A. They who, having never heard the gospel, know not Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, cannot be saved, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, or the laws of that religion which they profess; neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, who is the Savior only of his body the church.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:14.

    Rom. 10:14 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?

  • 2 Thess. 1:8–9; Eph. 2:12; John 1:10–12.

    2 Thess. 1:8–9 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,

    Eph. 2:12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.

    John 1:10–12 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to [His] own, and [His] own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

  • John 8:24; John 3:18.

    John 8:24 Therefore I said to you⁺ that you⁺ will die in your⁺ sins; for unless you⁺ believe that I am [He], you⁺ will die in your⁺ sins.”

    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.

  • 1 Cor. 1:20–24.

    1 Cor. 1:20–24 20 Where [is] the wise [man]? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the debater of this age? Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world? 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. 22 Since also Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom, 23 we, however, preach Christ having been crucified, a stumbling block indeed to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

  • John 4:22; Rom. 9:31–32; Phil. 3:4–9.

    John 4:22 You⁺ worship what you⁺ do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews.

    Rom. 9:31–32 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain to [that] law. 32 Why? Because [it was] not by faith, but as by works. They stumbled over the stone of stumbling,

    Phil. 3:4–9 4 though I have confidence even in the flesh. If any other thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I more: 5 circumcision [on] the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee; 6 according to zeal, persecuting the church; according to righteousness that [is] in the law, having become blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, these I have deemed loss because of Christ. 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,

  • Acts 4:12.

    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.”

  • Eph. 5:23.

    Eph. 5:23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 866 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 603 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 61

Q. Are all they saved who hear the gospel, and live in the church?

A. All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible.

Scripture proofs
  • John 12:38–40; Rom. 9:6; Matt. 22:14; Matt. 7:21; Rom. 11:7; 1 Cor. 10:2–5.

    John 12:38–40 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled that said: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom was the arm of the Lord revealed?” 39 Because of this, they were not able to believe, because again Isaiah said: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn, and I will heal them.”

    Rom. 9:6 But [it is] not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who [are] of Israel, [are] these Israel.

    Matt. 22:14 For many are called, but few chosen.”

    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.

    Rom. 11:7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened,

    1 Cor. 10:2–5 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. 5 But God was not well pleased in most of them, for they were strewn in the wilderness.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 783 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 62

Q. What is the visible church?

A. The visible church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the world do profess the true religion, and of their children.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 15:9–12; Rev. 7:9; Ps. 2:8; Ps. 22:27–31; Ps. 45:17; Matt. 28:19–20; Isa. 59:21.

    1 Cor. 1:2 To the church of God being in Corinth, having been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those in every place calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, theirs and ours:

    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.

    Rom. 15:9–12 9 and [for] the Gentiles to glorify God for mercy, as it has been written: “Because of this I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to Your name.” 10 And again it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” 11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all the Gentiles, and extol Him, all the peoples.” 12 And again, Isaiah says: “There will be the root of Jesse, and the One arising to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will hope.”

    Rev. 7:9 After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no one was able to number it, out of every nation and [all] tribes and peoples and tongues standing before the throne and before the Lamb, having been clothed with white robes, and palm branches in their hands,

    Ps. 2:8 Ask from Me and I will give the nations [as] Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth [for] Your possession.

    Ps. 22:27–31 27 They will remember and will turn to YHWH, all the ends of the earth; and before Your face they will bow down, all the clans of the nations. 28 For unto YHWH [is] the kingship, and He rules over the nations. 29 All the fat ones of the earth shall eat and bow low; before His face will bow all those going down [to] the dust, even the one unable able to keep alive his soul. 30 A seed shall serve Him; it will be recounted of the Lord to the generation. 31 They shall come and declare His righteousness to a people to be born, that which He has done!

    Ps. 45:17 I will cause your name to be remembered through all generations; upon thus the people will praise you forever and ever.

    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.”

    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. 7:14; Acts 2:39; Rom. 11:16; Gen. 17:7.

    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.

    Acts 2:39 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.”

    Rom. 11:16 Now if the firstfruit [is] holy, also [is] the lump; and if the root [is] holy, also [are] the branches.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church16 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 743 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 263 shared proof texts

Question 63

Q. What are the special privileges of the visible church?

A. The visible church hath the privilege of being under God's special care and government; of being protected and preserved in all ages, notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies; and of enjoying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation, and offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel, testifying, that whosoever believes in him shall be saved, and excluding none that will come unto him.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 4:5–6; 1 Tim. 4:10; Eph. 4:11–13.

    Isa. 4:5–6 5 And YHWH will create over all the foundation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud by day, and smoke, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all of the glory [will be] a canopy. 6 And a covered shelter there will be for shade by day from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a hiding place, from the storm and from the rain.

    1 Tim. 4:10 For unto this we toil and strive, because we have hoped on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

    Eph. 4:11–13 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, 13 until we all may come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

  • Ps. 115:1–2, 9; Isa. 31:4–5; Zech. 12:2–4, 8–9; Matt. 16:18.

    Ps. 115:1–2, 9 1 Not to us, O YHWH, not to us, but to Your name, give glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness! 2 Why should the nations say, “Where now [is] their God?” 9 O Israel, trust in YHWH! And He [is] their help and their shield.

    Isa. 31:4–5 4 For thus has said YHWH to me: “As the lion roars or the young lion over his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called against him—at their voice he is not afraid and at their clamor he is not alarmed—so YHWH of Hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion, and on her hill. 5 Like birds flying about, so YHWH of hosts will give cover over Jerusalem, covering and delivering it, passing over and preserving it.”

    Zech. 12:2–4, 8–9 2 “Behold, I am setting Jerusalem [as] a cup of drunkenness for all the peoples round about. Even against Judah it will be in the siege [and] against Jerusalem. 3 And it will come to pass in that day, [that] I will set Jerusalem [as] a stone of burden for all the peoples; all loading it will be severely cut. They will gather against it—all the nations of the earth. 4 On that day, a declaration of YHWH, I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness. And upon the house of Judah I will [keep] open My eyes, and every horse of the peoples I will strike with blindness. 8 On that day YHWH will cover over those dwelling in Jerusalem, and the one stumbling among them will be on that day like David, and the house of David like God, like the angel of YHWH, before their faces! 9 And it will come to pass on that day, [that] I will seek to destroy all the nations who are coming against Jerusalem.

    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 2:39, 42; Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 12:12–13.

    Acts 2:39, 42 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.” 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.

    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. 12:12–13 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.

  • Ps. 147:19–20; Rom. 9:4; Eph. 4:11–12; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:21 (see Joel 2:32); Rom. 10:10–13, 17.

    Ps. 147:19–20 19 He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. 20 He has not done so for any nation; and His judgments they have not known. Praise YAH!

    Rom. 9:4 who are Israelites, whose [is] the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the lawgiving and the service and the promises,

    Eph. 4:11–12 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,

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

    Acts 2:21 And it will come to pass [that] everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Joel 2:32 And it will come to pass [that] everyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved. For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be escape—according to that which YHWH has said—and among those remaining whom YHWH is calling.

    Rom. 10:10–13, 17 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. 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.” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

  • Matt. 11:28–29; John 6:37.

    Matt. 11:28–29 28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest. 29 Take up My yoke upon you⁺ and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble [in] heart, and you⁺ will find rest [for] your⁺ souls.

    John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 64

Q. What is the invisible church?

A. The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:10; Eph. 1:22–23; John 10:16; John 11:52; Eph. 5:23, 27, 32.

    Eph. 1:10 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—

    Eph. 1:22–23 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.

    John 10:16 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.

    John 11:52 and not for the nation only, but also so that the children of God, those having been scattered, He might gather together into one.

    Eph. 5:23, 27, 32 23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body. 27 so that He might present to Himself the church in glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any of such things, but that she may be holy and blameless. 32 This mystery is great, but I speak as to Christ and as to the church.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church6 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 Church4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 542 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 502 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 65

Q. What special benefits do the members of the invisible church enjoy by Christ?

A. The members of the invisible church by Christ enjoy union and communion with him in grace and glory.

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:21; Eph. 2:5–6; John 17:24; 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Eph. 3:16–19; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6.

    John 17:21 that all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

    Eph. 2:5–6 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 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.

    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.

    John 1:16 For from His fullness we all received also grace upon grace.

    Eph. 3:16–19 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God.

    Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

    Rom. 6:5–6 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification7 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 454 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 493 shared proof texts

Question 66

Q. What is that union which the elect have with Christ?

A. The union which the elect have with Christ is the work of God's grace, whereby they are spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably, joined to Christ as their head and husband; which is done in their effectual calling.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 2:6–7.

    Eph. 2:6–7 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

  • Eph. 1:22; 1 Cor. 6:17; John 10:28; Eph. 5:23, 30; John 15:5; Eph. 3:17.

    Eph. 1:22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church,

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

    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.

    Eph. 5:23, 30 23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body. 30 For we are members of His body.

    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.

    Eph. 3:17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love,

  • 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Cor. 1:9.

    1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, the One having called you⁺ to His eternal glory in Christ, having suffered a little while, He Himself will complete, will confirm, will strengthen, [and] will establish [you].

    1 Cor. 1:9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 303 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 763 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 67

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God's almighty power and grace, whereby (out of his free and special love to his elect, and from nothing in them moving him thereunto) he doth, in his accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his Word and Spirit; savingly enlightening their minds, renewing and powerfully determining their wills, so as they (although in themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the grace offered and conveyed therein.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 37:9, 14; John 5:25; Eph. 1:18–20; 2 Tim. 1:8–9.

    Ezek. 37:9, 14 9 And He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, thus says the Lord YHWH: From the four winds come, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 14 And I will put My Spirit in you⁺, and you⁺ will live; and I will settle you⁺ in your⁺ own land. And you⁺ will know that I, YHWH, have spoken, and I have done [it], a declaration of YHWH.’”

    John 5:25 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that an hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those having heard will live.

    Eph. 1:18–20 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength, 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,

    2 Tim. 1:8–9 8 Therefore you should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner; but suffer together for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Titus 3:4–5; Eph. 2:4–5, 7–9; Rom. 9:11; Deut. 9:5.

    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,

    Eph. 2:4–5, 7–9 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— 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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.

    Rom. 9:11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand—

    Deut. 9:5 Not in your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but for the wickedness of these nations YHWH your God is driving them out from before you, so that He may fulfill the word that YHWH swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

  • John 3:5; Titus 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:20; 2 Cor. 6:1–2; John 6:44–45; Acts 16:14; 2 Thess. 2:13–14.

    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.

    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,

    2 Cor. 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

    2 Cor. 6:1–2 1 And working together, we also exhort you⁺ not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In the acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now [is] the favorable time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.

    John 6:44–45 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.

    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.

    2 Thess. 2:13–14 13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 14 to which also He called you⁺ through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Acts 26:18; 1 Cor. 2:10, 12; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:17–18.

    Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’

    1 Cor. 2:10, 12 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths 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,

    2 Cor. 4:6 For God [is] the One having said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who shone in our hearts for the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

    Eph. 1:17–18 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

  • Ezek. 11:19; Ezek. 36:26–27; John 6:45.

    Ezek. 11:19 And I will give to them a single heart, and I will give a new spirit within them; and I will turn away the heart of stone from their flesh, and I will give to them a heart of flesh,

    Ezek. 36:26–27 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 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.

  • Eph. 2:5; Phil. 2:13; Deut. 30:6; Isa. 45:22; Matt. 11:28–30; Rev. 22:17.

    Eph. 2:5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—

    Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.

    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.

    Isa. 45:22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I [am] God, and there is no other.

    Matt. 11:28–30 28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest. 29 Take up My yoke upon you⁺ and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble [in] heart, and you⁺ will find rest [for] your⁺ souls. 30 For My yoke [is] easy and My burden is light.”

    Rev. 22:17 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling27 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3119 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling18 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 68

Q. Are the elect only effectually called?

A. All the elect, and they only, are effectually called; although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the Word, and have some common operations of the Spirit; who, for their willful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 13:48.

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

  • Matt. 22:14; Acts 8:13, 20–21.

    Matt. 22:14 For many are called, but few chosen.”

    Acts 8:13, 20–21 13 And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed. 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver with you, may it be to destruction, because you thought the gift of God was to be obtained by money! 21 To you there is no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

  • Matt. 7:22; Matt. 13:20–21; Heb. 6:4–6.

    Matt. 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and [in] Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’

    Matt. 13:20–21 20 And that having been sown upon the rocky [places], this is the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy. 21 And he has no root in himself, but is temporary. But [on] tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately he is caused to stumble.

    Heb. 6:4–6 4 For [it is] impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and having tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power [of] the coming age— 6 and then having fallen away—to restore [them] again to repentance, crucifying in themselves the Son of God and subjecting [Him] to open shame.

  • John 12:38–40; Acts 28:25–27; John 6:64–65; Ps. 81:11–12; Heb. 10:29; 1 John 2:19.

    John 12:38–40 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled that said: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom was the arm of the Lord revealed?” 39 Because of this, they were not able to believe, because again Isaiah said: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn, and I will heal them.”

    Acts 28:25–27 25 And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺ fathers, 26 saying: ‘Go to this people and say, “In hearing you⁺ will hear and never understand; and in seeing you⁺ will see and never perceive.” 27 For the heart of this people grew dull, and with the ears they barely hear, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and should hear with the ears, and should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.’

    John 6:64–65 64 But there are some of you⁺ who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning who are those not believing and who it is who will betray Him. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Ps. 81:11–12 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me. 12 And I sent them away in the stubbornness of their hearts, to walk by their own counsels.

    Heb. 10:29 How much worse punishment do you⁺ think he will be worthy of, the one having trampled upon the Son of God, and having deemed common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of grace?

    1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 69

Q. What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adoption, sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30.

    Rom. 8:30 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. 1:5.

    Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Cor. 6:11.

    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,

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 324 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 70

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:22, 24–25; Rom. 4:5.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 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,

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

  • Jer. 23:6; Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28.

    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.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 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. 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.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 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, 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.

  • Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7.

    Titus 3:5, 7 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, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 4:6–8, 11; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 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,

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 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.

  • Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

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

    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.

    Phil. 3:9 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification21 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3310 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man8 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 71

Q. How is justification an act of God's free grace?

A. Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in the behalf of them that are justified; yet inasmuch as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demanded of them, and did provide this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:8–10, 19.

    Rom. 5:8–10, 19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 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.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 10:10; Matt. 20:28; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:4–6, 10–12; Heb. 7:22; Rom. 8:32; 1 Peter 1:18–19.

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

    Matt. 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 53:4–6, 10–12 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. 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. 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 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. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    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 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,

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6, 11.

    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.

    Rom. 4:6, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 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,

  • Rom. 3:24–25.

    Rom. 3:24–25 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,

  • Eph. 2:8.

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

  • Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24–25.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Rom. 3:24–25 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification12 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 335 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 72

Q. What is justifying faith?

A. Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 10:39.

    Heb. 10:39 But we are not of [those] shrinking back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving [of] the soul.

  • 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 1:17–19; 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    Eph. 1:17–19 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength,

    1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you⁺ that no one speaking in the Spirit of God says, “Jesus [is] accursed,” and no one is able to say, “Jesus [is] Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.

    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⁺.

  • Rom. 10:14–17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    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. 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.

  • Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30; John 16:8–9; Rom. 6:6; Eph. 2:1; Acts 4:12.

    Acts 2:37 And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?”

    Acts 16:30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?”

    John 16:8–9 8 And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment: 9 concerning sin indeed, because they do not believe in Me;

    Rom. 6:6 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.

    Eph. 2:1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins—

    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.”

  • Eph. 1:13; Heb. 11:13.

    Eph. 1:13 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,

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

  • John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Acts 10:43; Zech. 3:8–9.

    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,

    Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

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

    Zech. 3:8–9 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your companions sitting before you, for they [are] men of a sign: Now behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the Branch. 9 For behold, the stone that I have given before the face of Joshua, upon a single stone [with] seven eyes, behold, I am engraving its inscription, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

  • Phil. 3:9; Acts 15:11.

    Phil. 3:9 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,

    Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 73

Q. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?

A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 3:11; Rom. 3:28.

    Gal. 3:11 Now [it is] evident that no one is justified before God in the law, because, “The righteous will live out of faith.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Rom. 4:5; Rom. 10:10.

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

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

  • John 1:12; Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:16.

    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,

    Phil. 3:9 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,

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 74

Q. What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children, have his name put upon them, the Spirit of his Son given to them, are under his fatherly care and dispensations, admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow heirs with Christ in glory.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 3:1.

    1 John 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.

  • Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4–5.

    Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

    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.

  • John 1:12; Rom. 8:15–16.

    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. 8:15–16 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,

  • Num. 6:24–27; Amos 9:12; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12.

    Num. 6:24–27 24 ‘YHWH bless you, and keep you. 25 YHWH cause His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. 26 YHWH lift up His countenance upon you, and give unto you peace.’ 27 And they shall put My name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.”

    Amos 9:12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all of the nations that My name is called over them,” a declaration of YHWH, the One doing this.

    2 Cor. 6:18 And: “I will be for a Father to you⁺, and you⁺ will be for sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.”

    Rev. 3:12 The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out anymore. And I will write upon him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.

  • Gal. 4:6.

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

  • Ps. 103:13; Prov. 14:26; Matt. 6:32; Heb. 12:5–7, 11.

    Ps. 103:13 As a father has compassion for [his] children, [so] YHWH has compassion for those fearing Him.

    Prov. 14:26 In the fear of YHWH confidence [is] strong, and for his sons there is a refuge.

    Matt. 6:32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your⁺ heavenly Father knows that you⁺ have need of all of these.

    Heb. 12:5–7, 11 5 and you⁺ have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you⁺ as to sons: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint being reproved by Him. 6 For the Lord disciplines whom He loves, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 [It is] for discipline [that] you⁺ endure; God is treating you⁺ as sons; for what son [is there] whom [his] father does not discipline? 11 And all discipline indeed for the present does not seem to be of joy, but of grief; but afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those having been trained by it.

  • Heb. 6:12; Rom. 8:17; 1 Peter 1:3–4.

    Heb. 6:12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

    Rom. 8:17 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].

    1 Peter 1:3–4 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⁺,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption21 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 335 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 14 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts

Question 75

Q. What is sanctification?

A. Sanctification is a work of God's grace, whereby they whom God hath, before the foundation of the world, chosen to be holy, are in time, through the powerful operation of his Spirit applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them, renewed in their whole man after the image of God; having the seeds of repentance unto life, and all other saving graces, put into their hearts, and those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened, as that they more and more die unto sin, and rise unto newness of life.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 36:27; Phil. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; 1 Cor. 6:11.

    Ezek. 36:27 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].

    Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

    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.

  • Rom. 6:4–6; Col. 3:1–3; Phil. 3:10.

    Rom. 6:4–6 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. 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.

    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.

    Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

  • 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:23–24; 1 Thess. 5:23.

    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. 4:23–24 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.

    1 Thess. 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.

  • Acts 11:18; 1 John 3:9.

    Acts 11:18 And having heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then indeed God has given also to the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

    1 John 3:9 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.

  • Jude 20; Heb. 6:11–12; Eph. 3:16–19; Col. 1:10–11.

    Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

    Eph. 3:16–19 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God.

    Col. 1:10–11 10 to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being empowered with all power according to the power of His glory unto all endurance and patience, with joy

    Jude 20 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ezek. 36:25–27; Rom. 6:4, 6, 12–14; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Peter 2:24; Gal. 5:24.

    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].

    Rom. 6:4, 6, 12–14 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. 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. 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.

    2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore having these promises, beloved, we should cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

    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.”

    Gal. 5:24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification17 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3516 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification11 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 886 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 76

Q. What is repentance unto life?

A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, and upon the apprehension of God's mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, he so grieves for and hates his sins, as that he turns from them all to God, purposing and endeavoring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Tim. 2:25; Acts 11:18.

    2 Tim. 2:25 in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth,

    Acts 11:18 And having heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then indeed God has given also to the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

  • Zech. 12:10.

    Zech. 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and on those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me, whom they have pierced. And they will mourn for Him, like the mourning over the only one, and grieving over Him like the grieving over a firstborn.

  • Acts 11:18, 20–21.

    Acts 11:18, 20–21 18 And having heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then indeed God has given also to the Gentiles repentance unto life.” 20 But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come into Antioch, were speaking also to the Hellenists, proclaiming the gospel—the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number, having believed, turned to the Lord.

  • Ezek. 18:28, 30, 32; Luke 15:17–18; Hos. 2:6–7.

    Ezek. 18:28, 30, 32 28 And he considers and turns away from all the transgressions that he had done; he will surely live; he will not die. 30 Therefore each man, according to his ways, I will judge you⁺, O house of Israel, a declaration of the Lord YHWH. Turn away and turn away from all your⁺ transgressions, and iniquity will not be unto you⁺ as a stumbling block. 32 For I do not delight in the death of the one dying, a declaration of the Lord YHWH, turn back and live!

    Luke 15:17–18 17 But having come to himself, he was saying, ‘How many hired men of my father have an abundance of loaves, but here I am perishing with hunger? 18 Having risen up, I will go to my father and I will say to him, “Father, I sinned against heaven and before you;

    Hos. 2:6–7 6 Therefore, behold, I am hedging up your path with thorns; and I will wall her up with a wall, so her paths she cannot find. 7 And she will pursue her lovers, and she will not overtake them; she will seek them, and she will not find [them]. She will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for [it was] better for me then than now!’

  • Ezek. 36:31; Isa. 30:22; Phil. 3:7–8.

    Ezek. 36:31 And you⁺ will remember your⁺ evil ways and your⁺ deeds that [were] not good, and you⁺ will loathe in your⁺ faces over your⁺ iniquities and over your⁺ abominations.

    Isa. 30:22 And you⁺ will defile the overlaid idols of your silver, and the plating of the molten images of your gold; you will throw them away like menstrual cloths—“Filth!”” You will say to it.

    Phil. 3:7–8 7 But whatever things were gain to me, these I have deemed loss because of Christ. 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

  • Joel 2:12–13; Ps. 51:1–4; Luke 15:7, 10; Acts 2:37.

    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.

    Ps. 51:1–4 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.

    Luke 15:7, 10 7 I say to you⁺ that thus there will be joy in heaven over one sinner repenting, rather than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance. 10 Thus, I say to you⁺, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner repenting.”

    Acts 2:37 And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?”

  • Jer. 31:18–19; Ps. 32:5.

    Jer. 31:18–19 18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: ‘You disciplined me, and I was disciplined as an untrained heifer; turn me back and I will return, for You [are] YHWH my God. 19 For after my turning back, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

    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

  • 2 Cor. 7:11.

    2 Cor. 7:11 For behold how much earnestness this same thing—to have been grieved according to God—produced in you⁺: but defense, but indignation, but fear, but longing, but zeal, but avenging! In everything, you⁺ commended yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

  • Luke 1:16–17; 1 Thess. 1:9; Acts 26:18; Ezek. 14:6; 1 Kings 8:47–48.

    Luke 1:16–17 16 And many of the sons of Israel he will turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

    1 Thess. 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of entrance we had to you⁺, and how you⁺ turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God,

    Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’

    Ezek. 14:6 Therefore say to the house of Israel, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘Turn back and turn away from your⁺ idols, and from all your⁺ abominations turn back your⁺ faces!

    1 Kings 8:47–48 47 and they have turned [it] back to their heart in the land where they were carried captive there, and they turn back and make supplication to You in the land of those who took them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ 48 and they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who led them away captive, and they pray to You toward their land that You gave to their fathers, the city that You have chosen, and the house that I have built for Your name,

  • 2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 119:57–64; Matt. 3:8; 2 Cor. 7:10; Luke 1:6.

    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.

    Ps. 119:57–64 57 YHWH [is] my portion; I have said I would keep Your words. 58 I appeased Your face with all [my] heart; be gracious to me according to Your word. 59 I have considered my paths, and turned back my feet to Your testimonies. 60 I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have surrounded me, Your law I have not forgotten. 62 [In] the middle of the night, I rise to give thanks to You, upon the judgments of Your righteousness. 63 I [am] a companion to all who fear You, and to those keeping Your precepts. 64 O YHWH, with Your loving devotion the earth is full; teach me Your statutes.

    Matt. 3:8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.

    2 Cor. 7:10 For grief according to God works repentance unto salvation without regret; but the grief of the world produces death.

    Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, going on in all the commandments and righteous requirements of the Lord, blameless.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 8726 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life19 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 895 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1264 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 77

Q. Wherein do justification and sanctification differ?

A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification, yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ; in sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof; in the former, sin is pardoned; in the other, it is subdued: the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in this life, that they never fall into condemnation; the other is neither equal in all, nor in this life perfect in any, but growing up to perfection.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Cor. 1:30.

    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.

    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,

  • Rom. 4:6, 8.

    Rom. 4:6, 8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

  • Ezek. 36:27; Heb. 9:13–14.

    Ezek. 36:27 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].

    Heb. 9:13–14 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!

  • Rom. 3:24–25.

    Rom. 3:24–25 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,

  • Rom. 6:6, 14.

    Rom. 6:6, 14 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. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Rom. 8:33–34.

    Rom. 8:33–34 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.

  • 1 John 2:12–14; Heb. 5:12–14.

    1 John 2:12–14 12 I write to you⁺, little children, because the sins have been forgiven you⁺ through His name. 13 I write to you⁺, fathers because you⁺ have known Him who [is] from the beginning. I write to you⁺, young men, because you⁺ have overcome the evil one. I wrote to you⁺, children, because you⁺ have known the Father. 14 I wrote to you⁺, fathers, because you⁺ have known Him who [is] from the beginning. I wrote to you⁺, young men, because you⁺ are strong, and the word of God remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have overcome the evil one.

    Heb. 5:12–14 12 For even by the time you ought to be teachers, you⁺ have need of one to teach you⁺ again what [is] the beginning of the elements of the oracles of God; and you⁺ have become [those] having need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.

  • 1 John 1:8, 10.

    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.

  • 2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 3:12–14.

    2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore having these promises, beloved, we should cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1155 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1145 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 78

Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of sanctification in believers?

A. The imperfection of sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit; whereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins, are hindered in all their spiritual services, and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 7:18, 23 (see Mark 14:66–72); Gal. 2:11–12.

    Rom. 7:18, 23 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. 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.

    Mark 14:66–72 66 And of Peter being below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest comes, 67 and having seen Peter warming himself, having looked at him, she says, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied [it], saying, “I neither know nor understand what you say.” And he went forth out into the gateway, and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl, having seen him, began to say again to those standing by, “This is one of them.” 70 But he denied [it] again. And after a little while, again those standing by were saying to Peter, “Truly you are of them, for you also are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you⁺ speak!” 72 And immediately a rooster crowed for the second time. And Peter remembered the word that Jesus said to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And having broken down, he began to weep.

    Gal. 2:11–12 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision.

  • Heb. 12:1.

    Heb. 12:1 Therefore we also, having such a great cloud of witnesses encompassing us, having put off every weight and the sin easily entangling, should run through perseverance the race lying before us,

  • Isa. 64:6; Ex. 28:38; Gal. 5:16–18.

    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.

    Ex. 28:38 And it shall be on the forehead of Aaron, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel shall sanctify for all their holy gifts; and it shall be on his forehead continually, for a pleasing thing for them before the face of YHWH.

    Gal. 5:16–18 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. 18 But if you⁺ are led by the Spirit, you⁺ are not under the law.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence7 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster 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 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts

Question 79

Q. May not true believers, by reason of their imperfections, and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with, fall away from the state of grace?

A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God, and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance, their inseparable union with Christ, his continual intercession for them, and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 31:3.

    Jer. 31:3 YHWH has appeared to me from afar: “I have loved you [with] an everlasting love; upon thus I have drawn you with loving devotion.

  • 2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 13:20–21; 2 Sam. 23:5.

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.

    2 Sam. 23:5 For not so [is] my house with God; yet an everlasting covenant He has made with me, ordered in all things and secure; for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, for will He not make it sprout?

  • 1 Cor. 1:8–9.

    1 Cor. 1:8–9 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.

  • Heb. 7:25; Luke 22:32.

    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.

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

  • 1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:27.

    1 John 3:9 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.

    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.

  • Jer. 32:40; John 10:28.

    Jer. 32:40 And I will make with them a covenant forever, that I will not turn away from them My doing good, and My fear I will put in their hearts, and that they will not turn aside from Me.

    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.

  • 1 Peter 1:5.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints11 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 80

Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him, may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made, and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God, be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 2:3; Heb. 10:19–23.

    1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments.

    Heb. 10:19–23 19 Therefore, brothers, having confidence for entrance to the holy places in the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way, which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a great priest over the house of God, 22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water. 23 We should hold fast to the confession of [our] hope, unwavering; for the One having promised [is] faithful.

  • 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24; 1 John 4:13, 16; Heb. 6:11–12.

    1 Cor. 2:12 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,

    1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death. 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth. 19 And in this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will assure our heart before Him, 21 Beloved, if our heart may not condemn [us], we have confidence toward God, 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.

    1 John 4:13, 16 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. 16 And we have known and have believed the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one remaining in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

    Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

  • Rom. 8:15–16.

    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,

  • 1 John 5:13; Heb. 6:19–20. (See 2 Peter 1:5–11.)

    1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.

    Heb. 6:19–20 19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and firm and entering into that within the veil, 20 where Jesus, the forerunner for us, entered according to the order of Melchizedek, having become a high priest to the age.

    2 Peter 1:5–11 5 Now also for this very [reason], having brought in all diligence, supply in your⁺ faith virtue, and in virtue knowledge, 6 and in knowledge self-control, and in self-control perseverance, and in perseverance godliness, 7 and in godliness brotherly affection, and in brotherly affection love. 8 For these things being in you⁺ and abounding make [you] neither idle nor unfruitful in regard to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being shortsighted, having received forgetfulness of the cleansing [from] his former sins. 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⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation21 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation16 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 81

Q. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved?

A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith, true believers may wait long before they obtain it; and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions; yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:13.

    Eph. 1:13 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,

  • Isa. 50:10; Ps. 88:1–3, 6–7, 9–10, 13–15.

    Isa. 50:10 Who among you⁺ fears YHWH, listening to the voice of His Servant, who has walked in darkness, and there is no no brightness unto him? Let him trust in the name of YHWH, and lean on his God.

    Ps. 88:1–3, 6–7, 9–10, 13–15 1 A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, for the one directing. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. O YHWH, God of my salvation, [by] day I have cried out, [and] in the night before You. 2 May my prayer come before Your face; incline Your ear to my cry! 3 For my soul is filled with troubles, and my life has reached to Sheol. 6 You have set me in the lowest Pit, in darkness in the depths. 7 Upon me Your wrath has grabbed hold, and [with] all Your waves You have afflicted. Selah 9 My eye languishes from [this] affliction; I have called to You, O YHWH, all the day; I have stretched out to You my hands. 10 Will You work wonders for the dead? And if departed spirits rise up, do they thank You? Selah 13 And I, O YHWH, cry for help to You, and in the morning my prayer comes before You. 14 Why, O YHWH, do You reject my soul? You hide Your face from me. 15 I [am] afflicted and dying from my youth; I bear Your terrors; I am in despair.

  • Ps. 77:1–12; Ps. 51:8, 12; Ps. 31:22; Ps. 22:1; Eph. 4:30; Luke 22:31–34.

    Ps. 77:1–12 1 For the one directing. According to Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. My voice [is] to God—indeed I cry out [with] my voice to God—and He has given ear to me. 2 In the day of my distress I sought the Lord; my hand in the night has been stretched out, and it does not slacken; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 I remember God, and I groan; I meditate, and my spirit becomes faint. Selah 4 You hold the lids of my eyes; I am troubled, and I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old, the years of ages [past]. 6 I remember, my song in the night; with my heart I converse, and my spirit searches. 7 “Will the Lord forever reject [us], and not anymore will He add to show favor? 8 Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has [His] speech come to an end to generation and generation? 9 Or has God forgotten to show favor? Has He shut up in anger His compassion?” Selah 10 and I said, “I am grieved. Has it changed—the right hand of the Most High?” 11 I will remember the deeds of YAH; indeed, I will remember Your wonder of old. 12 And I have meditated on all Your work, and I put forth Your deeds.

    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.

    Ps. 31:22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes!” Surely You heard the voice of my supplications, in my crying out to You.

    Ps. 22:1 For the one directing. According to “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me, far away from my salvation, [from] the words of my roaring?

    Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

    Luke 22:31–34 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked for all of you⁺ to sift like wheat. 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death.” 34 But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you shall deny three times knowing Me.”

  • 1 John 3:9; Ps. 73:15, 23; Isa. 54:7–10; 1 Peter 4:12–14.

    1 John 3:9 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.

    Ps. 73:15, 23 15 If I had said, “I will speak like this,” behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your sons. 23 And I [am] always with You; You hold my right hand.

    Isa. 54:7–10 7 “For a small moment I have forsaken you, and with great compassion I will gather you; 8 in a flood of wrath I hid My face [for] a moment from you, and with kindness everlasting I will have compassion on you,” says YHWH your Redeemer. 9 “For to Me this [is] the days of Noah, as when I swore to keep from passing the waters of Noah again over the earth—so have I sworn from being be angry with you and from giving rebuke to you. 10 For the mountains may depart and the hills may be shaken, and My loving devotion will not depart from you, and the covenant of My peace will not be shaken [off],” says YHWH, the One having compassion on you.

    1 Peter 4:12–14 12 Beloved, do not think strange the fiery ordeal among you⁺ taking place for a trial to you⁺, as if a strange thing were happening to you⁺. 13 But as you⁺ share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that also in the revelation of His glory you⁺ may rejoice, exulting. 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 Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation25 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation18 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence16 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 82

Q. What is the communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is in this life, immediately after death, and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Cor. 3:18.

    2 Cor. 3:18 And we all, having been unveiled in face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

  • Luke 23:43.

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

  • 1 Thess. 4:17.

    1 Thess. 4:17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 371 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 381 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 83

Q. What is the communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible church enjoy in this life?

A. The members of the invisible church have communicated to them in this life the firstfruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of him their head, and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully possessed of; and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory; as, on the contrary, sense of God's revenging wrath, horror of conscience, and a fearful expectation of judgment, are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 2:5–6.

    Eph. 2:5–6 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,

  • Rom. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:22.

    Rom. 5:5 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.

    2 Cor. 1:22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

  • Rom. 5:1–2; Rom. 14:17; 2 Peter 3:18.

    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.

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

    2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

  • Gen. 4:13; Matt. 27:4; Heb. 10:27; Rom. 2:9; Mark 9:44.

    Gen. 4:13 And Cain said to YHWH, “Greater [is] my punishment than I can bear!

    Matt. 27:4 saying, “I sinned, having betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What [is it] to us? You will see.”

    Heb. 10:27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and zeal of fire being about to devour the adversaries.

    Rom. 2:9 tribulation and distress upon every soul of man working evil, both of Jew first, and also of Greek;

    Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV)

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 364 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 493 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof textsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 84

Q. Shall all men die?

A. Death being threatened as the wages of sin, it is appointed unto all men once to die; for that all have sinned.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:23.

    Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Heb. 9:27.

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

  • Rom. 5:12.

    Rom. 5:12 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 192 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 1: God's Right to Condemn All People1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life1 shared proof text

Question 85

Q. Death being the wages of sin, why are not the righteous delivered from death, seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ?

A. The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it; so that, although they die, yet it is out of God's love, to free them perfectly from sin and misery, and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory, which they then enter upon.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 15:26, 55–57; Heb. 2:15; John 11:25–26.

    1 Cor. 15:26, 55–57 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death. 55 “Where, O death, [is] your victory? Where, O death, [is] your sting?” 56 Now the sting of death [is] sin, and the power of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, the One giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Heb. 2:15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

    John 11:25–26 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing in Me, even if he may die, he will live. 26 And everyone living and believing in Me shall never die, to the age. Do you believe this?”

  • Isa. 57:1–2; 2 Kings 22:20.

    Isa. 57:1–2 1 The righteous one has perished, and no man takes [it] upon the heart; and men of devotion are gathered up, [and] no one considers that the righteous one is gathered up from the face of evil. 2 He enters into peace; they rest in their beds, [each] walking [in] his uprightness.

    2 Kings 22:20 ‘Therefore behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace. And your eyes shall not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place.’” And they brought back her word to the king.

  • Rev. 14:13; Eph. 5:27.

    Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice out of heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed [are] the dead who are dying in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they will rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”

    Eph. 5:27 so that He might present to Himself the church in glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any of such things, but that she may be holy and blameless.

  • Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:23.

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

    Phil. 1:23 But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 372 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 86

Q. What is the communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death?

A. The communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death, is, in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness, and received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies, which even in death continue united to Christ, and rest in their graves as in their beds, till at the last day they be again united to their souls. Whereas the souls of the wicked are at their death cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, and their bodies kept in their graves, as in their prisons, till the resurrection and judgment of the great day.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 12:23; Acts 7:55, 59.

    Heb. 12:23 and [to] the assembly, to the church of the firstborn having been enrolled in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous having been perfected,

    Acts 7:55, 59 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, 59 And [as] they were stoning Stephen, he was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

  • 2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Acts 3:21; Eph. 4:10; Luke 23:43.

    2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8 1 For we know that if our earthly house, the tent, should be torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 6 being confident, then, always, and knowing that being at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 8 Now we are confident and we are well pleased rather to be away, out of the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

    Phil. 1:23 But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better,

    Acts 3:21 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.

    Eph. 4:10 The One having descended is also the same One having ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.

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

  • 1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 13:12.

    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.

    1 Cor. 13:12 For now we see through a glass in obscurity, but then, face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

  • Rom. 8:23; Ps. 16:9.

    Rom. 8:23 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.

    Ps. 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.

  • 1 Thess. 4:14, 16.

    1 Thess. 4:14, 16 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also through Jesus God will bring with Him those having fallen asleep. 16 because the Lord Himself with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

  • Isa. 57:2.

    Isa. 57:2 He enters into peace; they rest in their beds, [each] walking [in] his uprightness.

  • Job 19:26–27.

    Job 19:26–27 26 And after they strike off my skin thus, yet in my flesh I will see God. 27 [He] whom I will see for myself, indeed my eyes will see, and not a stranger. My kidneys yearn in my bosom!

  • Luke 16:23–24; Acts 1:25; Jude 6–7.

    Luke 16:23–24 23 And in Hades, having lifted up his eyes, being in torment, he sees Abraham from afar and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And having cried out, he said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus so that he might dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am suffering in this flame.’

    Acts 1:25 to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned aside to go to [his] own place.”

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

    Jude 7 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead14 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead10 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 376 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 573 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text · 5 shared topics

Question 87

Q. What are we to believe concerning the resurrection?

A. We are to believe, that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust: when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed; and the selfsame bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave, being then again united to their souls forever, shall be raised up by the power of Christ. The bodies of the just, by the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of his resurrection as their head, shall be raised in power, spiritual, incorruptible, and made like to his glorious body; and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonor by him, as an offended judge.

Scripture proofs
  • Dan. 12:2; Acts 24:15.

    Dan. 12:2 And many of those sleeping in the soil of the dust will awake—these to life everlasting, and these to shame [and] contempt everlasting.

    Acts 24:15 having a hope in God, which they themselves also await, [that] there is about to be a resurrection both of righteous and of unrighteous.

  • Job 19:26; 1 Cor. 15:51–53; 1 Thess. 4:15–17; John 5:28–29; Rom. 8:11.

    Job 19:26 And after they strike off my skin thus, yet in my flesh I will see God.

    1 Cor. 15:51–53 51 Behold, I speak to you⁺ a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For it is necessary for this, the corruptible to put on incorruptibility, and this, the mortal to put on immortality.

    1 Thess. 4:15–17 15 For this we say to you⁺ in the word of the Lord, that we the living, remaining unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those having fallen asleep, 16 because the Lord Himself with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.

    John 5:28–29 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.

    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. 15:21–23, 42–44; Phil. 3:21.

    1 Cor. 15:21–23, 42–44 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, 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.

    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.

  • John 5:27–29; Matt. 25:33.

    John 5:27–29 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.

    Matt. 25:33 And indeed, He will set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on [His] left.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead13 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead10 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 455 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 374 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 384 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 574 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 88

Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection?

A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgment of angels and men; the day and hour whereof no man knoweth, that all may watch and pray, and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord.

Scripture proofs
  • Eccl. 12:14; 2 Peter 2:4, 6–7, 14–15; Matt. 25:46; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10, 12.

    Eccl. 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

    2 Peter 2:4, 6–7, 14–15 4 For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast [them] down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered [them], being kept for judgment; 6 and He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, having reduced [them] to ashes, having set an example of what is coming on the ungodly; 7 and He delivered righteous Lot, being distressed by the conduct in sensuality of the lawless 14 having eyes full of adultery, and unceasing from sin; enticing unstable souls; having a heart having been trained in covetousness—children of a curse! 15 Having forsaken the straight way, they went astray, having followed after the way of Balaam [son] of Beor, who loved the wage of unrighteousness.

    Matt. 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

    2 Cor. 5:10 For it is necessary for us all to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive back the things [done] through the body according to what he did, whether good or evil.

    Rom. 14:10, 12 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 12 So then, each of us will give account concerning himself to God.

  • Matt. 24:36, 42, 44; Mark 13:35–37.

    Matt. 24:36, 42, 44 36 But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of the heavens, nor the Son, except the Father only. 42 Therefore watch, because you⁺ do not know on what day your⁺ Lord comes. 44 Because of this also, you⁺ be ready, because in the hour that you⁺ do not think, the Son of Man comes.

    Mark 13:35–37 35 Therefore watch, for you⁺ do not know when the master of the house comes—either at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or morning— 36 lest, having come suddenly, he should find you⁺ sleeping. 37 And what I say to you⁺, I say to all: Watch!”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment12 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgment8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 381 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 521 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 111 shared proof text

Question 89

Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment?

A. At the day of judgment, the wicked shall be set on Christ's left hand, and, upon clear evidence, and full conviction of their own consciences, shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them; and thereupon shall be cast out from the favorable presence of God, and the glorious fellowship with Christ, his saints, and all his holy angels, into hell, to be punished with unspeakable torments, both of body and soul, with the devil and his angels forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 25:33.

    Matt. 25:33 And indeed, He will set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on [His] left.

  • Rom. 2:15–16.

    Rom. 2:15–16 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them] 16 on the day when God judges the secrets of men according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.

  • Matt. 25:41–43.

    Matt. 25:41–43 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.’

  • Luke 16:26; 2 Thess. 1:8–9.

    Luke 16:26 And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you⁺, so that those desiring to go over from here to you⁺ are not able, nor may they cross over from there to us.’

    2 Thess. 1:8–9 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 526 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 textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 113 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof texts

Question 90

Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment?

A. At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds, shall be set on his right hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted, shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men, and shall be received into heaven, where they shall be fully and forever freed from all sin and misery; filled with inconceivable joys, made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and holy angels, but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity. And this is the perfect and full communion, which the members of the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Thess. 4:17; 1 Cor. 15:42–43.

    1 Thess. 4:17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.

    1 Cor. 15:42–43 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;

  • Matt. 25:33; Matt. 10:32.

    Matt. 25:33 And indeed, He will set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on [His] left.

    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.

  • 1 Cor. 6:2–3.

    1 Cor. 6:2–3 2 Or do you⁺ not know that saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you⁺, are you⁺ unworthy of the least of cases? 3 Do you⁺ not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of life?

  • Matt. 25:34, 46.

    Matt. 25:34, 46 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. 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

  • Eph. 5:27; Rev. 14:13.

    Eph. 5:27 so that He might present to Himself the church in glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any of such things, but that she may be holy and blameless.

    Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice out of heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed [are] the dead who are dying in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they will rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”

  • Ps. 16:11.

    Ps. 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; fullness of joys [is] with Your face, pleasant [things] [are] at Your right hand forever.

  • Heb. 12:22–23.

    Heb. 12:22–23 22 But you⁺ have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 and [to] the assembly, to the church of the firstborn having been enrolled in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous having been perfected,

  • 1 John 3:2; Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 4:17–18.

    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.

    Rom. 8:29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers.

    1 Cor. 13:12 For now we see through a glass in obscurity, but then, face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

    1 Thess. 4:17–18 17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another in these words.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 389 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 523 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 573 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 91

Q. What is the duty which God requireth of man?

A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 29:29; Mic. 6:8; 1 John 5:2–3; Rom. 12:1–2; 1 Sam. 15:22.

    Deut. 29:29 The things hidden are of YHWH our God, and the things revealed [are] to us and to our sons even to forever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

    Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?

    1 John 5:2–3 2 In this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we should keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

    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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 394 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 862 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1242 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification2 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 911 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 92

Q. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:26–27; Rom. 2:14–15; Rom. 10:5; Gen. 2:17.

    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.

    Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

    Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”

    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!”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 403 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 93

Q. What is the moral law?

A. The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind, directing and binding everyone to personal, perfect, and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto, in the frame and disposition of the whole man, soul and body, and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man: promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 5:1–3, 31, 33; Luke 10:26–27; 1 Thess. 5:23; Eph. 4:24.

    Deut. 5:1–3, 31, 33 1 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances that I speak in your⁺ hearing today, that you⁺ may learn them and be careful to observe them. 2 YHWH our God made with us a covenant in Horeb. 3 Not with our fathers did YHWH make this covenant, but with us—we, these here today, all of us who [are] alive. 31 And you, stand here by Me and I will speak to you all the commandments, and the statutes, and the ordinances that you shall teach them, and they will do [them] in the land that I am giving to them to possess.” 33 In all the ways that YHWH your⁺ God has commanded you⁺, you⁺ shall walk, so that you⁺ may live, and [that it may be] well with you⁺, and [that] you⁺ may prolong [your] days in the land that you⁺ shall possess.

    Luke 10:26–27 26 And He said to him, “What has been written in the Law? How do you read [it]?” 27 And answering, he said, “‘You will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

    1 Thess. 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.

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

  • Luke 1:75; Acts 24:16; 1 Peter 1:15–16.

    Luke 1:75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

    Acts 24:16 In this I myself also strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men through everything.

    1 Peter 1:15–16 15 But according as the One having called you⁺ [is] holy, be holy yourselves also in all [your] conduct, 16 because it has been written: “You⁺ shall be holy, because I am holy.”

  • Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:10, 12; Rom. 5:12.

    Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”

    Gal. 3:10, 12 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.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

    Rom. 5:12 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 443 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 92 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 94

Q. Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall?

A. Although no man, since the fall, can attain to righteousness and life by the moral law; yet there is great use thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the regenerate.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:3; Gal. 2:16.

    Rom. 8:3 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,

    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.

  • 1 Tim. 1:8.

    1 Tim. 1:8 Now we know that the law [is] good, if one uses it lawfully,

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Question 95

Q. Of what use is the moral law to all men?

A. The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and will of God, and of their duty, binding them to walk accordingly; to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives; to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery, and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and of the perfection of his obedience.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 1:20; Lev. 11:44–45; Lev. 20:7–8; Rom. 7:12.

    Rom. 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

    Lev. 11:44–45 44 For I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. And you⁺ shall sanctify yourselves, and you⁺ shall be holy, for I [am] holy. And you⁺ shall not make unclean your souls with any swarming thing that crawls upon the earth. 45 For I [am] YHWH, the One bringing you⁺ up from the land of Egypt, to be your⁺ God; and you⁺ shall be holy, for I [am] holy.

    Lev. 20:7–8 7 And consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. 8 And you⁺ shall keep My statutes and perform them. I [am] YHWH who sanctifies you⁺.

    Rom. 7:12 So indeed, the law [is] holy, and the commandment [is] holy and righteous and good.

  • Mic. 6:8; James 2:10–11; Rom. 1:32.

    Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?

    James 2:10–11 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

    Rom. 1:32 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].

  • Ps. 19:11–12; Rom. 3:20; Rom. 7:7.

    Ps. 19:11–12 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.

    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.

    Rom. 7:7 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.”

  • Rom. 3:9, 23.

    Rom. 3:9, 23 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

  • Gal. 3:21–22, 24.

    Gal. 3:21–22, 24 21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law. 22 But the Scripture shut in all things under sin, so that by faith from Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those believing. 24 so that the law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.

  • Rom. 10:4.

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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 33 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 · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 96

Q. What particular use is there of the moral law to unregenerate men?

A. The moral law is of use to unregenerate men, to awaken their consciences to flee from wrath to come, and to drive them to Christ; or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable, and under the curse thereof.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 51:13; 1 Tim. 1:9–11.

    Ps. 51:13 I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.

    1 Tim. 1:9–11 9 knowing this, that law is not laid for a righteous one, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for slayers of man, 10 for the sexually immoral, homosexuals, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and if anything other is opposed to being sound in the teaching, 11 according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, with which I was entrusted.

  • Gal. 3:24.

    Gal. 3:24 so that the law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.

  • Rom. 1:20; Rom. 2:15.

    Rom. 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

    Rom. 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

  • Gal. 3:10.

    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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life2 shared proof texts

Question 97

Q. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?

A. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, so as thereby they are neither justified nor condemned; yet, besides the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:14; Rom. 7:4, 6; Gal. 4:4–5; Col. 2:13–14.

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

    Rom. 7:4, 6 4 Likewise, my brothers, you⁺ also have been put to death to the law through the body of Christ, for you⁺ to become unto another, unto the One having been raised out from the dead, so that we should bear fruit to God. 6 But now we have been released from the law, having died to that by which we were held, so as for us to serve in the newness of the Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

    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. 2:13–14 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, 14 having blotted out the handwriting in the decrees against us, which was adverse to us. And He has taken it out of the midst, having nailed it to the cross.

  • Rom. 3:20.

    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. 5:23; Rom. 8:1.

    Gal. 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

    Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

  • Rom. 7:24–25; Gal. 3:13–14; Rom. 8:3–4; Acts 13:38–39.

    Rom. 7:24–25 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.

    Gal. 3:13–14 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,” 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.

    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.

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

  • Luke 1:68–69, 74–75; Col. 1:12–14; Rom. 6:14.

    Luke 1:68–69, 74–75 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, 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.

    Col. 1:12–14 12 giving thanks to the Father, the One having qualified you⁺ for the share of the inheritance of the saints in the light, 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.

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Deut. 30:19–20; Rom. 7:22; Rom. 12:2; Titus 2:11–14; James 1:25.

    Deut. 30:19–20 19 I call as witnesses against you⁺ today the heavens and the earth [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that you may live—you and your seed, 20 [and] that you may love YHWH your God, to listen to His voice, and to cleave to Him. For He [is] your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land that YHWH swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them.”

    Rom. 7:22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man,

    Rom. 12:2 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 2:11–14 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, 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.

    James 1:25 But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in [it], not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work—this one will be blessed in his doing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God21 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 98

Q. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon Mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone; and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus: the four first commandments containing our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 4:13; Deut. 10:4; Ex. 34:1–4; Rom. 13:8–10; James 2:8, 10–12.

    Deut. 4:13 And He declared to you⁺ His covenant, which He commanded you⁺ to perform—the Ten Words. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone.

    Deut. 10:4 And He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the Ten Words that YHWH had spoken to you⁺ in the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And YHWH gave them to me.

    Ex. 34:1–4 1 And YHWH said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you shattered. 2 And be ready for the morning, and you shall come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to Me there on the top of the mountain. 3 And no man shall come up with you, and also let no man be seen throughout all the mountain; also the flock and the herd shall not pasture toward the front of that mountain.” 4 And he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. And Moses rose early in the morning, and he went up to Mount Sinai, as YHWH had commanded him, and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone.

    Rom. 13:8–10 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law. 9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

    James 2:8, 10–12 8 If indeed you⁺ fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you⁺ are doing well. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as being about to be judged by the law of freedom.

  • Matt. 22:37–40; Matt. 19:17–19.

    Matt. 22:37–40 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.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

    Matt. 19:17–19 17 And He said to him, “Why do you ask Me about the good? One is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He says to Him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “‘You will not murder, you will not commit adultery, you will not steal, you will not bear false witness, 19 honor the father and the mother, and you will love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God14 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 414 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 424 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 933 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 99

Q. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the Ten Commandments?

A. For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed: 1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin. 2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures. 3. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments. 4. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded: so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included. 5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done; what he commands, is always our duty; and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times. 6. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto. 7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places. 8. That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 19:7; James 2:10; Matt. 5:21–22.

    Ps. 19:7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple.

    James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all.

    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.

  • Rom. 7:14; Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37–39; Matt. 5:21–22, 27–28, 33–34, 37–39, 43–44.

    Rom. 7:14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin.

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

    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.’

    Matt. 5:21–22, 27–28, 33–34, 37–39, 43–44 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. 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. 33 Again, you⁺ heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but you shall repay your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you⁺ not to swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God; 37 But let your⁺ word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ [and] ‘No,’ ‘No.’ And that which [is] more than these comes from the evil one. 38 You⁺ heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I say to you⁺ not to resist the evil [person]. But whoever may strike you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other. 43 You⁺ heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and shall hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you⁺, love your⁺ enemies and pray for those persecuting you⁺,

  • Col. 3:5; Amos 8:5; Prov. 1:19; 1 Tim. 6:10.

    Col. 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

    Amos 8:5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit,

    Prov. 1:19 Such [are] the ways of everyone being greedy for dishonest gain—the soul of its masters it takes away.

    1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all evils, which some, stretching after, were led astray away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

  • Isa. 58:13; Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:9–10; Matt. 15:4–6.

    Isa. 58:13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word,

    Deut. 6:13 YHWH your God you shall fear, and Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear.

    Matt. 4:9–10 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to You if, falling down, You worship me.” 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.’”

    Matt. 15:4–6 4 For God said, ‘Honor [your] father and mother’ and ‘The one speaking evil of father or mother, in death let him end.’ 5 But you⁺ say, ‘Whoever might say to father or mother: Whatever you might be profited by me [is] a gift,’ 6 he shall not honor his father or his mother. And you⁺ made void the word of God because of your⁺ tradition.

  • Matt. 5:21–25; Eph. 4:28.

    Matt. 5:21–25 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. 23 Therefore, if you may offer your gift at the altar, and there may remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and first go, be reconciled to your brother, and then, having come, offer your gift. 25 Be agreeing quickly with your adversary while you are with him in the way, lest ever the adversary may deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be cast into prison.

    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.

  • Ex. 20:12; Prov. 30:17.

    Ex. 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you.

    Prov. 30:17 The eye [that] mocks at a father and despises obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will dig it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

  • Jer. 18:7–8; Ex. 20:7; Ps. 15:1, 4–5; Ps. 24:4–5.

    Jer. 18:7–8 7 The moment I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to uproot and to tear down and to destroy, 8 and if that nation turns back from its evil, about which I have spoken against, then I will relent concerning the evil that I thought to bring upon it.

    Ex. 20:7 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.

    Ps. 15:1, 4–5 1 A Psalm of David. O YHWH, who may sojourn in Your tent? Who may dwell in the mountain of Your Holiness? 4 A rejected one is despised in his eyes, and those fearful of YHWH he honors—one [who] swears to endure evil, and not changing. 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.

    Ps. 24:4–5 4 The one clean of hands and pure of heart, who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, and has not sworn by deceit. 5 He will lift up a blessing from YHWH, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

  • Job 13:7–8; Rom. 3:8; Job 36:21; Heb. 11:25.

    Job 13:7–8 7 Will you⁺ speak injustice for God, and will you⁺ speak deceit for Him? 8 Will you⁺ lift His face, or will you⁺ contend for God?

    Rom. 3:8 And [is it] not, as we are slandered and as some affirm us to say, “Let us do evil so that the good may come”? Their judgment is just.

    Job 36:21 Take heed not to turn to iniquity, for upon this you have been chosen by affliction.

    Heb. 11:25 having chosen to suffer mistreatment with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin,

  • Deut. 4:8–9; Luke 17:10.

    Deut. 4:8–9 8 And what [is] the great nation that has righteous statutes and ordinances according to all this law that I set before you⁺ this day? 9 Only take heed to yourself and keep yourself diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; and teach them to your sons and to the sons of your sons.

    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.’”

  • Matt. 12:7.

    Matt. 12:7 But if you⁺ had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you⁺ would not have condemned the guiltless.

  • Matt. 5:21–22, 27–28; Matt. 15:4–6; 1 Thess. 5:22; Jude 23; Gal. 5:26; Col. 3:21.

    Matt. 5:21–22, 27–28 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. 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.

    Matt. 15:4–6 4 For God said, ‘Honor [your] father and mother’ and ‘The one speaking evil of father or mother, in death let him end.’ 5 But you⁺ say, ‘Whoever might say to father or mother: Whatever you might be profited by me [is] a gift,’ 6 he shall not honor his father or his mother. And you⁺ made void the word of God because of your⁺ tradition.

    1 Thess. 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

    Gal. 5:26 We should not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

    Col. 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your⁺ children, so that they may not become discouraged.

    Jude 23 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ex. 20:10; Lev. 19:17; Gen. 18:19; Josh. 24:15; Deut. 6:6–7; Heb. 10:24–25.

    Ex. 20:10 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.

    Lev. 19:17 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.

    Gen. 18:19 For I have known him in order that he may command his children and his house after him that they keep the way of YHWH by doing what is right and just, that YHWH may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

    Josh. 24:15 And if it seems evil in your⁺ eyes to serve YHWH, choose for yourselves this day whom you⁺ will serve, whether the gods that your⁺ fathers served that [were] on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorite, in whose land you⁺ are dwelling. And I and my house, we will serve YHWH!”

    Deut. 6:6–7 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.

    Heb. 10:24–25 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.

  • 2 Cor. 1:24.

    2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.

  • 1 Tim. 5:22; Eph. 5:11.

    1 Tim. 5:22 Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

    Eph. 5:11 And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose [them].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day11 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1035 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows5 shared proof texts

Question 100

Q. What special things are we to consider in the Ten Commandments?

A. We are to consider, in the Ten Commandments, the preface, the substance of the commandments themselves, and several reasons annexed to some of them, the more to enforce them.

Scripture proofs
  • As an example, Eph. 6:1–3.

    Eph. 6:1–3 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.”

Parallel passages (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1043 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 662 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 641 shared proof text

Question 101

Q. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments?

A. The preface to the Ten Commandments is contained in these words, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Wherein God manifesteth his sovereignty, as being JEHOVAH, the eternal, immutable, and almighty God; having his being in and of himself, and giving being to all his words and works: and that he is a God in covenant, as with Israel of old, so with all his people; who, as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt, so he delivereth us from our spiritual thraldom; and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone, and to keep all his commandments.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:2. (Cf. Deut. 5:6.)

    Ex. 20:2 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

    Deut. 5:6 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

  • Isa. 44:6.

    Isa. 44:6 Thus says YHWH, the King of Israel and his Redeemer—YHWH of Hosts: “I [am] the First, and I [am] the Last, and besides Me there are no gods.

  • Ex. 3:14.

    Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”

  • Ex. 6:3.

    Ex. 6:3 and I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai; and [by] My name YHWH I was not known to them.

  • Acts 17:24, 28.

    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, 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.’

  • Gen. 17:7; Rom. 3:29.

    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.

    Rom. 3:29 Or [is He] the God of Jews only, not also of Gentiles? Yes, also of Gentiles,

  • Luke 1:74–75; Gal. 5:1.

    Luke 1:74–75 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.

    Gal. 5:1 In freedom Christ set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be entangled again in a yoke of slavery.

  • 1 Peter 1:15–19; Lev. 18:30; Lev. 19:37.

    1 Peter 1:15–19 15 But according as the One having called you⁺ [is] holy, be holy yourselves also in all [your] conduct, 16 because it has been written: “You⁺ shall be holy, because I am holy.” 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, 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,

    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.”

    Lev. 19:37 And you⁺ shall keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and you⁺ shall do them. I [am] YHWH.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 447 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 43 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 432 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 102

Q. What is the sum of the four commandments which contain our duty to God?

A. The sum of the four commandments containing our duty to God is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our strength, and with all our mind.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 10:27; Matt. 22:37–40.

    Luke 10:27 And answering, he said, “‘You will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

    Matt. 22:37–40 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.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Parallel passages (5)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 424 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 933 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 941 shared proof textHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1071 shared proof text

Question 103

Q. Which is the first commandment?

A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:3. (Cf. Deut. 5:7.)

    Ex. 20:3 You shall have no other gods before My face.

    Deut. 5:7 You shall have no other gods before Me.

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 452 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof textSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity1 shared proof text

Question 104

Q. What are the duties required in the first commandment?

A. The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him; being zealous for him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in anything he is offended; and walking humbly with him.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Chron. 28:9; Deut. 26:7; Isa. 43:10. (See Jer. 14:22.)

    1 Chron. 28:9 And as for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind, for YHWH searches all hearts, and He understands all the intent of thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

    Deut. 26:7 And we cried out to YHWH, God of our fathers, and YHWH heard our voice and looked on our affliction and our toil and our oppression.

    Isa. 43:10 “You⁺ [are] My witnesses,” a declaration of YHWH, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you⁺ may know and believe in Me, and understand that I [am] He. Before Me no god was formed, and none will be after Me.

    Jer. 14:22 Are there any among the idols of the nations able to bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? [Are] You not He, O YHWH our God? And we shall wait for You, since You make all these [things].

  • Ps. 95:6–7; Matt. 4:10; Ps. 29:2.

    Ps. 95:6–7 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker! 7 For He [is] our God, and we [are] the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you⁺ hear His voice:

    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.’”

    Ps. 29:2 Ascribe to YHWH the glory of His name; bow down before YHWH in the splendor of holiness.

  • Mal. 3:16.

    Mal. 3:16 Then those who feared YHWH spoke, each man with his neighbor. And YHWH listened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those fearing YHWH, and for those esteeming His name.

  • Ps. 63:6.

    Ps. 63:6 when I remember You on my bed, through the watches of the night I meditate on You.

  • Eccl. 12:1.

    Eccl. 12:1 And remember your Creator in the days of your youth, while the days of evil have not come, and the years have drawn near when you say, “No delight for me [is] in them!”

  • Ps. 71:19.

    Ps. 71:19 And Your righteousness, O God, [is] to the height! [You] who have done great things, O God—who [is] like You?

  • Mal. 1:6.

    Mal. 1:6 “A son honors [his] father, and a servant his master. And if I [am] the Father, where is My honor? And if I [am] the Master, where [is] the fear due Me?” Says YHWH of Hosts to you⁺, O priests despising My name. “And you⁺ say, ‘In what have we despised Your name?’

  • Isa. 45:23. (See Ps. 96.)

    Isa. 45:23 By Myself I have sworn, righteousness has gone forth from My mouth, a word that not will turn back; indeed, before Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear.

    Psalm 96 on BibleHub ↗

  • Josh. 24:15, 22.

    Josh. 24:15, 22 15 And if it seems evil in your⁺ eyes to serve YHWH, choose for yourselves this day whom you⁺ will serve, whether the gods that your⁺ fathers served that [were] on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorite, in whose land you⁺ are dwelling. And I and my house, we will serve YHWH!” 22 And Joshua said to the people, “You⁺ [are] witnesses against yourselves that you⁺ have chosen for yourselves YHWH, to serve Him.” And they said, “Witnesses!”

  • 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.

  • Ps. 73:25.

    Ps. 73:25 Who [is] unto me in the heavens? And besides You I do not take delight on the earth.

  • Isa. 8:13.

    Isa. 8:13 YHWH of Hosts—Him You⁺ shall sanctify, and He [is] your⁺ Fear, and He [is] your⁺ Dread.

  • Ex. 14:31.

    Ex. 14:31 And Israel saw the great hand which YHWH had done against Egypt, and the people feared YHWH, and they believed in YHWH and in Moses His servant.

  • Isa. 26:4.

    Isa. 26:4 Trust in YHWH even to forever, for in YAH—YHWH—[is] a Rock of Ages.

  • Ps. 130:7.

    Ps. 130:7 Look with hope, O Israel, unto YHWH! For with YHWH is loving devotion, and redemption [is] abundant with Him.

  • Ps. 37:4.

    Ps. 37:4 And delight yourself in YHWH, and He will give to you the desires of your heart.

  • Ps. 32:11.

    Ps. 32:11 Be glad in YHWH and rejoice, O righteous ones, and shout for joy, all upright of heart!

  • Rom. 12:11. (See Num. 25:11.)

    Rom. 12:11 not slothful in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,

    Num. 25:11 “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the sons of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal in their midst, so that I did not consume the sons of Israel in My zeal.

  • Phil. 4:6.

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

  • Jer. 7:23; James 4:7.

    Jer. 7:23 But only this thing did I command them, saying: Listen to My voice, and I will be your⁺ God, and you⁺ will be My people; and walk in all the ways that I have commanded you⁺, that it may go well for you⁺.

    James 4:7 Therefore subject yourselves to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you⁺.

  • 1 John 3:22.

    1 John 3:22 and whatever we may ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and we do the things pleasing before Him.

  • Ps. 119:136; Jer. 31:18.

    Ps. 119:136 Streams of waters run down from my eyes, because they have not kept Your law.

    Jer. 31:18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: ‘You disciplined me, and I was disciplined as an untrained heifer; turn me back and I will return, for You [are] YHWH my God.

  • Mic. 6:8.

    Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 463 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 522 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 942 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 105

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or not having a God; idolatry, in having or worshiping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; bold and curious searching into his secrets; all profaneness, hatred of God; self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbelief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, and insensibleness under judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal security, tempting of God; using unlawful means, and trusting in lawful means; carnal delights and joys; corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; lukewarmness, and deadness in the things of God; estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; all compacts and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his suggestions; making men the lords of our faith and conscience; slighting and despising God and his commands; resisting and grieving of his Spirit, discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any other creature.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 14:1; Eph. 2:12.

    Ps. 14:1 For the one directing. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; they have done abominable deeds; there is no one doing good.

    Eph. 2:12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.

  • Jer. 2:27–28; 1 Thess. 1:9.

    Jer. 2:27–28 27 saying to a tree, ‘You [are] my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned the nape to Me, and not the faces; but in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise, and save us.’ 28 “And where [are] your gods that you made for yourselves? Let them stand up, if they can save you in the time of your trouble! For [as] the number of your cities, are your gods, O Judah.

    1 Thess. 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of entrance we had to you⁺, and how you⁺ turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God,

  • Ps. 81:10–11. (See Rom. 1:21.)

    Ps. 81:10–11 10 I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt; open wide your mouth, and I will fill it. 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me.

    Rom. 1:21 For having known God, not as God did they glorify [Him], or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their foolish heart was darkened.

  • Isa. 43:22–24.

    Isa. 43:22–24 22 And not Me you have called, O Jacob, for you have grown weary of Me, O Israel. 23 You have not brought to Me sheep as your burnt offerings, and with your sacrifices you have not honored Me; I have not made you serve with grain offerings, and I have not wearied you with incense. 24 You have not bought Me sweet cane with silver, and [with] the fat of your sacrifices you have not satisfied Me; but you have made Me serve with your sins [and] have wearied Me with your iniquities.

  • Jer. 4:22; Hos. 4:1, 6.

    Jer. 4:22 “For My people [are] foolish—they have not known Me! They [are] foolish children, and they have no understanding! They [are] wise to do evil, and to do good they do not know.

    Hos. 4:1, 6 1 Hear the word of YHWH, O sons of Israel, for a case [is] unto YHWH against those dwelling in the land: “For there is no truth, and there is no loving devotion, and there is no knowledge of God in the land. 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge, and I will reject you from being priest unto Me; and you have forgotten the law of your God; I will forget your children also.

  • Jer. 2:32.

    Jer. 2:32 Can a virgin forget her jewelry, [or] a bride her sashes? And My people have forgotten Me for days without number.

  • Acts 17:23, 29.

    Acts 17:23, 29 23 For passing through and examining your⁺ objects of worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore whom you⁺ worship without knowing, this I proclaim to you⁺. 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.

  • Isa. 40:18.

    Isa. 40:18 And to whom would you⁺ liken God? And what likeness will you⁺ arrange for Him?

  • Ps. 50:21.

    Ps. 50:21 These [things] you have done, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. I will rebuke you and set in array before your eyes.

  • Deut. 29:29.

    Deut. 29:29 The things hidden are of YHWH our God, and the things revealed [are] to us and to our sons even to forever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

  • Titus 1:16; Heb. 12:16.

    Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny [Him], being abominable and disobedient and unfit for any good work.

    Heb. 12:16 lest [there be] any sexually immoral person or profane person, as Esau, who for one meal sold his birthright.

  • Rom. 1:30.

    Rom. 1:30 slanderers, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boasters; inventors of evil, disobedient to parents;

  • 2 Tim. 3:2.

    2 Tim. 3:2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boasters, proud, verbally abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

  • Phil. 2:21.

    Phil. 2:21 For those all seek the things of themselves, not the things of Jesus Christ.

  • 1 John 2:15–16; Col. 3:2, 5. (See 1 Sam. 2:29.)

    1 John 2:15–16 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone should love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, 16 because all that [is] in the world, the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the vaunting of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.

    Col. 3:2, 5 2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth. 5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

    1 Sam. 2:29 Why do you⁺ kick at My sacrifice and at My offering, which I have commanded [in My] dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’

  • 1 John 4:1.

    1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

  • Heb. 3:12.

    Heb. 3:12 See to it, brothers, lest ever there will be in any of you⁺ an evil heart of unbelief in the falling away from the living God.

  • Gal. 5:20; Titus 3:10.

    Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of rage, rivalries, dissensions, factions,

    Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition,

  • Acts 26:9.

    Acts 26:9 Therefore I indeed in myself thought [it] to be necessary to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

  • Ps. 78:22.

    Ps. 78:22 because they did not have faith in God, and they did not trust in His salvation.

  • Gen. 4:13.

    Gen. 4:13 And Cain said to YHWH, “Greater [is] my punishment than I can bear!

  • Jer. 5:3.

    Jer. 5:3 O YHWH, [are] not Your eyes on the truth? You have struck them, and they have not grieved; You have finished them off; they have refused to receive discipline. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to turn back.

  • Isa. 42:25.

    Isa. 42:25 And He poured out on him the heat of His nose and the fierceness of battle; and it has set him on fire all around, and he did not know [it], and it burned him, and he did not set [it] upon [his] heart.

  • Rom. 2:5.

    Rom. 2:5 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,

  • Jer. 13:15.

    Jer. 13:15 Listen and give ear! Do not be proud, for YHWH has spoken.

  • Ps. 19:13.

    Ps. 19:13 Also, hold back Your servant from proud [things]; may they not rule over me. Then I shall be complete, and cleansed of great transgression.

  • Zeph. 1:12.

    Zeph. 1:12 And it will come to pass, at that time [that] I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will visit punishment upon the men settled in their dregs, those saying in their heart, ‘YHWH does no good, and He will not bring evil.’

  • Matt. 4:7.

    Matt. 4:7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”

  • Rom. 3:8.

    Rom. 3:8 And [is it] not, as we are slandered and as some affirm us to say, “Let us do evil so that the good may come”? Their judgment is just.

  • Jer. 17:5.

    Jer. 17:5 Thus says YHWH: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his arm and turns away his heart from YHWH.

  • 2 Tim. 3:4.

    2 Tim. 3:4 betrayers, reckless, having been puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

  • Gal. 4:17; Rom. 10:2. (See John 16:2; Luke 9:54–55.)

    Gal. 4:17 They are zealous for you⁺, not nobly, but they want to exclude you⁺ [from us], so that you⁺ may be zealous for them.

    Rom. 10:2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

    John 16:2 They will put you⁺ out of the synagogues; but an hour is coming that everyone having killed you⁺ will think he is offering a service to God.

    Luke 9:54–55 54 And having seen [it], the disciples James and John said, “Lord, do You want [that] we should call fire to come down from heaven and to consume them?” 55 But having turned, He rebuked them,

  • Rev. 3:16.

    Rev. 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of My mouth.

  • Rev. 3:1.

    Rev. 3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things says the One having the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead.

  • Ezek. 14:5; Isa. 1:4–5.

    Ezek. 14:5 so as to capture the house of Israel by their heart, [in] that they are estranged from Me by all their idols.’

    Isa. 1:4–5 4 Alas, O sinning nation, a people heavy with iniquity, a seed doing evil, sons bringing corruption! They have forsaken YHWH, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they have become estranged backward. 5 For what should you⁺ be struck still? Should you⁺ continue in rebellion? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart [is] faint.

  • Hos. 4:12; Acts 10:25–26; Rev. 19:10; Matt. 4:10; Col. 2:18; Rom. 1:25.

    Hos. 4:12 My people consult with a piece of wood, and their staff declares [it] to them; for the spirit of prostitution has led them astray, and they have prostituted themselves from under their God.

    Acts 10:25–26 25 And as Peter was entering, Cornelius, having met him, having fallen at [his] feet, worshiped [him]. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Rise up, I myself am also a man.”

    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.”

    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.’”

    Col. 2:18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

    Rom. 1:25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • Lev. 20:6. (See 1 Sam. 28:7, 11; 1 Chron. 10:13–14.)

    Lev. 20:6 And the person who turns to the mediums and to the spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people.

    1 Sam. 28:7, 11 7 And Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, a woman of a mistress a familiar spirit [is] at Endor.” 11 And the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”

    1 Chron. 10:13–14 13 And Saul died for his unfaithfulness that he trespassed against YHWH, against the word of YHWH, because he did not keep [it], and also because he consulted a medium to inquire. 14 [He] inquired not of YHWH. And He killed him and turned over the kingdom to David son of Jesse.

  • Acts 5:3.

    Acts 5:3 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?

  • 2 Cor. 1:24. (See Matt. 23:9.)

    2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.

    Matt. 23:9 And you⁺ shall call no one your⁺ father on the earth, for One is your⁺ Father who [is] in heaven.

  • Deut. 32:15; Prov. 13:13. (See 2 Sam. 12:9.)

    Deut. 32:15 And Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—you grew fat, you grew thick, you gorged—and he forsook God [who] made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.

    Prov. 13:13 The one despising the word is destroyed for it, and the one fearing the command, he will be rewarded.

    2 Sam. 12:9 Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken [to be] your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon.

  • Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30.

    Acts 7:51 You⁺ stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and ears! You⁺ always resist the Holy Spirit! As [did] your⁺ fathers, also you⁺ [do].

    Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

  • Job 1:22; Ps. 73:2–3 (see vv. 13–15, 22).

    Job 1:22 In all this Job did not sin, and he did not ascribe foolishness to God.

    Ps. 73:2–3 2 And [as for] me, at a little stretching out of my feet, my steps had nearly poured out. 3 For I was envious of those boasting [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

  • 1 Sam. 6:7–9; Luke 12:19.

    1 Sam. 6:7–9 7 And now, take and make one new cart, and two suckling cows on which a yoke has not gone up, and hitch the cows to the cart, and return their calves from them to the house. 8 And take the ark of YHWH, and set it on the cart. And the articles of gold that you⁺ are returning to Him [as] a guilt offering, put in the chest by its side, and send it away that it may go. 9 And watch: If it goes up the way of its own border toward Beth-shemesh, He has done to us this great disaster. But if not, then we will know that [it is] not His hand [that] struck us; it happened to us by chance.”

    Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your rest, eat, drink, be merry.”’

  • Dan. 5:23.

    Dan. 5:23 and against the Lord of heaven you have lifted yourself up. And the vessels of His house they have brought before you, and you, and your nobles, your wives, and your concubines, have been drinking wine from them. And to the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see, and do not hear, and do not have knowledge, you have given praise. And to the God in whose hand [is] your breath, and all your ways [are] to Him, you have not shown honor!

  • Deut. 8:17. (See Dan. 4:30.)

    Deut. 8:17 and you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.”

    Dan. 4:30 The king answered and said, “Is not this the great Babylon, which I myself have built as a house for the kingdom by the might of my power and for the honor of my majesty?”

  • Hab. 1:16.

    Hab. 1:16 Upon thus he sacrifices to his net, and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his portion [is] rich and his food fat.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 475 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 106

Q. What are we specially taught by these words before me in the first commandment?

A. These words before me or before my face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: that so it may be an argument to dissuade from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation: as also to persuade us to do as in his sight, whatever we do in his service.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 44:20–21. (See Deut. 30:17–18; Ezek. 8:5–6, 12.)

    Ps. 44:20–21 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a strange god, 21 would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.

    Deut. 30:17–18 17 But if your heart turns away, so that you do not listen, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you⁺ today that you⁺ will surely perish; you⁺ will not prolong [your] days in the land that you are passing over the Jordan to go in there to possess it.

    Ezek. 8:5–6, 12 5 And He said to me: “Son of man, lift up now your eyes [to] the way northward.” And I lifted my eyes [to] the way northward, and behold! From the north of the Gate of the Altar [was] this image of jealousy in the entrance. 6 And He said to me: “Son of man, are you seeing what [they] are doing? The great abominations that the house of Israel is doing here to keep Me far off from My sanctuary? And still you will turn [and] you will see greater abominations!” 12 And He said to me: “Have you seen, Son of man, that which the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each man in the inner chambers of his imagery? For they say, ‘YHWH [is] not seeing us, [for] YHWH has forsaken the land.’”

  • 1 Chron. 28:9.

    1 Chron. 28:9 And as for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind, for YHWH searches all hearts, and He understands all the intent of thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Parallel passages (3)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 485 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 461 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 831 shared proof text

Question 107

Q. Which is the second commandment?

A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:4–6. (Cf. Deut. 5:8–10.)

    Ex. 20:4–6 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.

    Deut. 5:8–10 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.

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Question 108

Q. What are the duties required in the second commandment?

A. The duties required in the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath instituted in his Word; particularly prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Christ; the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word; the administration and receiving of the sacraments; church government and discipline; the ministry and maintenance thereof; religious fasting; swearing by the name of God, and vowing unto him: as also the disapproving, detesting, opposing all false worship; and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monuments of idolatry.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 12:32; Deut. 32:46–47; Matt. 28:20; 1 Tim. 6:13–14. (See Acts 2:42.)

    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.

    Deut. 32:46–47 46 and He said to them, “Set your⁺ hearts on all the words that I testify among you⁺ today, which you⁺ shall command your⁺ sons to be careful to do—all the words of this law. 47 For it [is] not a futile thing for you⁺, because it [is] your⁺ life, and by this word you⁺ shall prolong days in the land that there you⁺ are passing over the Jordan to possess it.”

    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.”

    1 Tim. 6:13–14 13 I charge you before God, the One giving life to all things, and Christ Jesus, the One having testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 [for] you to keep the commandment, without stain, above reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Acts 2:42 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.

  • Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20.

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

    Eph. 5:20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father.

  • Deut. 17:18–19; Acts 15:21; 2 Tim. 4:2; James 1:21–22; Acts 10:33.

    Deut. 17:18–19 18 And it shall come to pass, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book from the one before the faces of the priests, the Levites. 19 And it shall come to pass with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear YHWH his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and doing these statutes,

    Acts 15:21 For Moses has ones proclaiming him in every city from generations of old, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

    2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all patience and teaching.

    James 1:21–22 21 Therefore, having put off all filthiness and abundance of wickedness, accept in meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your⁺ souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding yourselves,

    Acts 10:33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and you did well, having come. Now, therefore, we are all present before God to hear all the things having been commanded you by the Lord.”

  • Matt. 28:19. (See 1 Cor. 11:23–30.)

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:23–30 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.

  • Matt. 18:15–17; Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 12:28. (See 1 Cor. 5.)

    Matt. 18:15–17 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.

    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.”

    1 Cor. 12:28 And some indeed God placed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helping, administrating, various kinds of tongues.

    1 Corinthians 5 on BibleHub ↗

  • Eph. 4:11–12; 1 Tim. 5:17–18. (See 1 Cor. 9:7–15.)

    Eph. 4:11–12 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,

    1 Tim. 5:17–18 17 Let the elders presiding well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in the word and the teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain,” and, “The worker [is] worthy of his wages.”

    1 Cor. 9:7–15 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense at any time? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink from the milk of the flock? 8 Do I not speak these things according to man, or does the law not also say these things? 9 For in the law of Moses it has been written: “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain.” Is there care for the oxen with God? 10 Or does He speak because of us entirely? For it was written because of us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing—in hope to partake. 11 If we sowed spiritual things among you⁺, [is it] too much if we will reap fleshly things from you⁺? 12 If others partake of the authority over you⁺, [should] we not more? But we did not use this authority. But we bear all things, so that we should not give any hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 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. 15 But I have not used [any] of these. And neither did I write these things so that it should be thus with me; for [it is] good for me rather to die than that anyone will make void my boasting.

  • Joel 2:12–13; 1 Cor. 7:5.

    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.

    1 Cor. 7:5 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.

  • Deut. 6:13.

    Deut. 6:13 YHWH your God you shall fear, and Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear.

  • Ps. 76:11; Isa. 19:21. (See Ps. 116:14, 18.)

    Ps. 76:11 Make vows to YHWH your⁺ God, and fulfill [them]; let all around Him bring tribute to the Fearsome One.

    Isa. 19:21 And YHWH will make Himself known to Egypt, and Egypt will acknowledge YHWH [on] that day, and they will prepare sacrifice and offering, and they will vow a vow to YHWH and fulfill [it].

    Ps. 116:14, 18 14 I will fulfill My vows to YHWH now in front of all His people. 18 I will fulfill My vows to YHWH now in front of all His people,

  • Acts 17:16–17; Ps. 16:4.

    Acts 17:16–17 16 Now Paul in Athens waiting for them, his spirit was provoked in him, seeing the city to be utterly idolatrous. 17 So indeed he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and those worshiping, and in the marketplace on every day with those meeting.

    Ps. 16:4 May their sorrows be multiplied, those who hurry [after] another! I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not lift up their names upon my lips.

  • Deut. 7:5; Isa. 30:22.

    Deut. 7:5 But rather thus you⁺ shall deal with them: Their altars you⁺ shall break down, and their pillars you⁺ shall smash, and their Asherah poles you⁺ shall cut down, and their carved images you⁺ shall burn with the fire.

    Isa. 30:22 And you⁺ will defile the overlaid idols of your silver, and the plating of the molten images of your gold; you will throw them away like menstrual cloths—“Filth!”” You will say to it.

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Question 109

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising, counseling, commanding, using, and anywise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself; the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever; all worshiping of it, or God in it or by it; the making of any representation of feigned deities, and all worship of them, or service belonging to them; all superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it, or taking from it, whether invented and taken up of ourselves, or received by tradition from others, though under the title of antiquity, custom, devotion, good intent, or any other pretense whatsoever; simony;20 sacrilege; all neglect, contempt, hindering, and opposing the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed.

Scripture proofs
  • Num. 15:39.

    Num. 15:39 And you⁺ shall have the tassel, that you⁺ may look upon it and remember all the commandments of YHWH and do them, and that you⁺ do not follow after your⁺ own heart and your⁺ own eyes, after them to which you⁺ are inclined to prostitute yourselves.

  • Deut. 13:6–8.

    Deut. 13:6–8 6 If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, entices you secretly, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known—you and your fathers— 7 of the gods of the peoples who [are] all around you⁺, near to you or far off from you, from the end of the earth and to the end of the earth), 8 you shall not consent to him nor listen to him. Nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor conceal him,

  • Hos. 5:11; Mic. 6:16.

    Hos. 5:11 Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, because he was willing to walk after worthless idols.

    Mic. 6:16 And the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and you⁺ walk by their counsels. Therefore I will give you to desolation, and your dwellers to hissing, and you⁺ will bear the scorn of the nations.”

  • 1 Kings 11:33; 1 Kings 12:33.

    1 Kings 11:33 because that they have forsaken Me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the sons of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways, to do right in My eyes, and My statutes and My ordinances, as David his father [did].

    1 Kings 12:33 And he made offerings on the altar that he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month that he had devised in his own heart, and he ordained a feast for the sons of Israel and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense.

  • Deut. 12:30–32; Lev. 10:1–2; Jer. 19:5.

    Deut. 12:30–32 30 take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them after they are destroyed from before you, that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, “How did these nations serve their gods, and I also will do likewise?” 31 You shall not do thus to YHWH your God, for every abomination to YHWH, which He hates, they have done to their gods. For even their sons and daughters they burn in the fire to their gods. 32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

    Lev. 10:1–2 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.

    Jer. 19:5 And they have built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons in the fire [as] burnt offerings to Baal—which I did not command and did not speak, and it did not come upon My heart!

  • Deut. 4:15–16 (see vv. 17–19); Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:21–23, 25.

    Deut. 4:15–16 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—

    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. 1:21–23, 25 21 For having known God, not as God did they glorify [Him], or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their foolish heart was darkened. 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. 25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • Gal. 4:8. (See Dan. 3:18.)

    Gal. 4:8 But then, indeed, not knowing God, you⁺ were in slavery to those by nature not being gods.

    Dan. 3:18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that to your gods we are not serving, and to the image of gold that you have set up we will not give homage.”

  • Ex. 32:5.

    Ex. 32:5 And Aaron saw, and he built an altar before its face. And Aaron proclaimed and said, “Tomorrow [is] a feast to YHWH.”

  • Ex. 32:8.

    Ex. 32:8 They have turned aside quickly from the way that I commanded them! They have made for themselves a molten calf and they have bowed down to it, and they have sacrificed to it and they have said, ‘These [are] your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’”

  • 1 Kings 18:26, 28. (See Isa. 65:11.)

    1 Kings 18:26, 28 26 And they took the bull that was given to them, and they prepared [it] and called on the name of the Baal from the morning and until the noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us.” And [there was] no voice, and no one answered. And they leaped about the altar that they had made. 28 And they called out in a loud voice, and they cut themselves according to their custom with the swords and with the spears, until the blood gushed out over them.

    Isa. 65:11 And you⁺ forsaking YHWH, those forgetful of My holy mountain, of those arranging a table for Gad, and those filling mixed wine for Meni—

  • Acts 17:22; Col. 2:21–23.

    Acts 17:22 And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus, was saying, “Men, Athenians, in all things I perceive you⁺ as very religious.

    Col. 2:21–23 21 “You should not handle! You should not taste! You should not touch!”— 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men, 23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.

  • Mal. 1:7–8, 14.

    Mal. 1:7–8, 14 7 By bringing near upon My altar food [that is] defiled. And you⁺ say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By your⁺ saying [that] the table of YHWH, it is despised! 8 For when you⁺ offer the blind as a sacrifice, [is it] not evil? And when you⁺ offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? Offer it now to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or would he lift up your face?” Says YHWH of Hosts. 14 “And cursed [is] the one plotting, and a male is in his flock, and vowing [it] and sacrificing [what] is blemished to the Lord. For I [am] a great King,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And My name is feared among the nations.

  • Deut. 4:2.

    Deut. 4:2 You⁺ shall not add to the word that I command you⁺, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your⁺ God that I command you⁺.

  • Ps. 106:39.

    Ps. 106:39 And they were defiled by their deeds and prostituted themselves by their practices.

  • Matt. 15:9.

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

  • 1 Peter 1:18.

    1 Peter 1:18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold—

  • Jer. 44:17.

    Jer. 44:17 For we will surely do will we do every word that has gone forth from our mouth, burning incense to the queen of the heavens, and pouring out to her drink offerings, as we have done—we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem. And we were satisfied [with] food, and we were well, and we did not see evil.

  • Isa. 65:3–5; Gal. 1:13–14.

    Isa. 65:3–5 3 the people provoking Me to my face continually, offering sacrifices in the gardens and burning incense on the bricks, 4 sitting among the graves and spending nights in lookouts, those eating the flesh of swine and the broth of of abominations [in] their vessels; 5 those saying, ‘Keep yourself away; do not come near to me, for I am set apart [from] you’—these [are] smoke in My nostrils, a fire burning all the day!

    Gal. 1:13–14 13 For you⁺ heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism, that according to excess I was persecuting the church of God and was ravaging it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my kindred, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

  • 1 Sam. 13:11–12; 1 Sam. 15:21.

    1 Sam. 13:11–12 11 And Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and you did not come within the appointed days, and the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, 12 then I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down upon me at Gilgal, and to YHWH I have not made supplication.’ And I forced myself and I offered the burnt offering.”

    1 Sam. 15:21 And the people took from the plunder sheep and oxen, the first part of the devoted thing, to sacrifice to YHWH your God in Gilgal.”

  • Rom. 2:22; Mal. 3:8.

    Rom. 2:22 [You] who are saying not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? [You] who are abhorring idols, do you rob temples?

    Mal. 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet you⁺ have robbed Me. And you⁺ say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In the tithe and the contribution.

  • Ex. 4:24–26.

    Ex. 4:24–26 24 And it came to pass on the way, at the lodging place, that YHWH met him and sought to put him to death. 25 And Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son, and she touched it to his feet and said, “Surely you [are] a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26 And He let him alone. (At that time she said, “[You are] a bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.)

  • Matt. 22:5; Mal. 1:7, 13.

    Matt. 22:5 And having disregarded [it], they went away, one to [his] own field, and one to his business.

    Mal. 1:7, 13 7 By bringing near upon My altar food [that is] defiled. And you⁺ say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By your⁺ saying [that] the table of YHWH, it is despised! 13 and You⁺ also say, ‘Behold, a weariness,’ and you⁺ sneer at it,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And you⁺ bring the stolen, and the lame, and the sick, and you⁺ bring the offering! Should I accept this from your⁺ hands?” Says YHWH.

  • Matt. 23:13.

    Matt. 23:13 But woe to you⁺, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you⁺ shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men. For you⁺ do not enter, nor even do you⁺ allow those who are entering to enter.

  • Acts 13:44–45. (See 1 Thess. 2:15–16.)

    Acts 13:44–45 44 And on the coming Sabbath, almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But the Jews, having seen the crowds, were filled with jealousy, and they began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming.

    1 Thess. 2:15–16 15 who, having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and having driven us out; and [they are] not pleasing God and contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, so as to fill up their sins always. Now the wrath has come upon them to the end.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 5110 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day9 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 967 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 24: Of Holy Days, Fasts, and the Choice of Meats3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 110

Q. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it?

A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments; are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, his fervent zeal for his own worship, and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:5–6.

    Ex. 20:5–6 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.

  • Ps. 45:11; Rev. 15:3–4. (See Ps. 95:2–3, 6–7; Ex. 19:5; Isa. 54:5.)

    Ps. 45:11 For the king himself desires your beauty, because he [is] your lord—and bow to him—

    Rev. 15:3–4 3 And they are singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous [are] Your works, Lord God Almighty! Righteous and true [are] Your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who should not fear [You], O Lord, and will glorify Your name? For [You] alone [are] holy. For all the nations will come and will worship before You, because Your righteous acts were revealed.”

    Ps. 95:2–3, 6–7 2 Let us come before His face with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully with psalms to Him! 3 For a great God [is] YHWH, and the great King above all gods— 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker! 7 For He [is] our God, and we [are] the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you⁺ hear His voice:

    Ex. 19:5 And now if you⁺ will listen carefully to My voice and keep My covenant, then you⁺ shall be to Me a treasured possession from among all the peoples—for all the earth belongs to Me.

    Isa. 54:5 For your husband [is] your Maker; YHWH of Hosts [is] His name; and your Redeemer [is] the Holy One of Israel—He is called the God of all the earth.

  • Ex. 34:13–14.

    Ex. 34:13–14 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.

  • 1 Cor. 10:20–22; Ezek. 16:26–27. (See Jer. 7:18–20; Deut. 32:16–20.)

    1 Cor. 10:20–22 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?

    Ezek. 16:26–27 26 And you prostituted yourself with the sons of Egypt, your neighbors, greatly fleshly, and you multiplied your prostitutions to provoke Me to anger. 27 And behold, I stretched out My hand against you, and I diminished your portion, and I gave you over to the appetite of those hating you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your way of prostitution.

    Jer. 7:18–20 18 The sons gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven, and [they] pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger. 19 Do they provoke Me to anger? A declaration of YHWH. Is it not themselves, to the shame of their own faces? 20 Therefore thus says the Lord YHWH: Behold, My anger and My fury are being poured out toward this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the tree of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it will burn, and not be extinguished.

    Deut. 32:16–20 16 They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign [gods]; with abominations they provoked Him to anger. 17 They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known. New ones—from the vicinity they came—that your⁺ fathers did not fear. 18 The Rock [who] brought you forth you neglected, and you forgot the God who gave you birth. 19 And YHWH saw [it], and He spurned [them], from the provocation of His sons and His daughters. 20 And He said, “I will hide My face from them, I shall see what [is] their end; for a perverse generation are they, sons in whom [is] no faithfulness.

  • Hos. 2:2–4.

    Hos. 2:2–4 2 Plead with your⁺ mother—plead, for she [is] not My wife, and I [am] not her Husband—that she might turn aside her prostitution from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts, 3 lest I strip her naked, and expose her like the day of her being born, and make her like the desert, and set her like a parched land, and kill her with thirst! 4 And I will not show compassion [to] her children, for they [are] sons of prostitution.

  • Deut. 5:29.

    Deut. 5:29 O that their heart had been given thus, to fear Me and to keep all My commandments all the days, so that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 529 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 813 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 111

Q. Which is the third commandment?

A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:7. (Cf. Deut. 5:11.)

    Ex. 20:7 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.

    Deut. 5:11 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.

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 532 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows1 shared proof textLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows1 shared proof text

Question 112

Q. What is required in the third commandment?

A. The third commandment requires, that the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the Word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves, and others.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9; Deut. 28:58; Ps. 68:4. (See Ps. 29:2; 1 Chron. 29:10–13; Rev. 15:3–4.)

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

    Deut. 28:58 If you are not careful to do all the words of this law written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name—YHWH your God—

    Ps. 68:4 Sing to God, sing praises [to] His name! Lift up to the One riding on the clouds—YAH [is] His name—and rejoice before His face!

    Ps. 29:2 Ascribe to YHWH the glory of His name; bow down before YHWH in the splendor of holiness.

    1 Chron. 29:10–13 10 And David blessed YHWH before all the assembly, and David said, “Blessed are You, O YHWH, God of Israel, our Father, from forever and even to forever. 11 To You, O YHWH, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty, because of everything in the heavens and on earth. To You, O YHWH, [is] the kingdom, and You are exalted over all as head. 12 And the riches and the honor [are] from before You, and You reign over all, and in Your hand [is] power and might, and in Your hand [is] to exalt and to give strength to all. 13 And now, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.

    Rev. 15:3–4 3 And they are singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous [are] Your works, Lord God Almighty! Righteous and true [are] Your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who should not fear [You], O Lord, and will glorify Your name? For [You] alone [are] holy. For all the nations will come and will worship before You, because Your righteous acts were revealed.”

  • Eccl. 5:1; Luke 1:6. (See Mal. 1:11, 14.)

    Eccl. 5:1 Guard your feet when you walk to the house of God; and drawing near to listen [is] above giving the sacrifice of fools, for there are none of them knowing they do evil.

    Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, going on in all the commandments and righteous requirements of the Lord, blameless.

    Mal. 1:11, 14 11 For from the rising of the sun to its going down, great [is] My name among the nations; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. Indeed, My name will be great among the nations.” Says YHWH of Hosts. 14 “And cursed [is] the one plotting, and a male is in his flock, and vowing [it] and sacrificing [what] is blemished to the Lord. For I [am] a great King,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And My name is feared among the nations.

  • Ps. 138:2.

    Ps. 138:2 I bow down toward the temple of Your holiness, and I give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion, and for Your faithfulness; for You have magnified above all Your name [and] Your word.

  • 1 Cor. 11:24–25, 28–29.

    1 Cor. 11:24–25, 28–29 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.” 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.

  • 1 Tim. 2:8.

    1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

  • Jer. 4:2.

    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.”

  • Eccl. 5:2, 4–6.

    Eccl. 5:2, 4–6 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and do not let your heart hurry to bring out a word before the face of God; for God [is] in the heavens, and you [are] upon the earth—upon thus, let your words be few. 4 When you vow a vow to God, you should not delay to fulfill it, for [there is] no delight in fools. What you have vowed, you must fulfill. 5 Better that you did not vow, than that you vow and not fulfill [it]. 6 Do not give your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the face of the messenger that it [was] an error. Why should God be angry concerning your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

  • Acts 1:24, 26.

    Acts 1:24, 26 24 And having prayed, they said, “You, Lord, knower of the heart of all, show which one of these two You chose 26 And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

  • Job 36:24.

    Job 36:24 Remember that you should magnify His work, of which men have sung.

  • Mal. 3:16.

    Mal. 3:16 Then those who feared YHWH spoke, each man with his neighbor. And YHWH listened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those fearing YHWH, and for those esteeming His name.

  • Ps. 8:1, 3–4.

    Ps. 8:1, 3–4 1 For the one directing. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David. O YHWH our Lord, how majestic [is] Your name in all the earth, who have set Your splendor above the heavens! 3 When I see Your heavens, the works of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that You have established— 4 what [is] man that You should remember him, and the son of man, that You would attend to him?

  • Ps. 105:2, 5. (See Col. 3:17.)

    Ps. 105:2, 5 2 Sing to Him, make music to Him; meditate on all His wonders! 5 Remember His wonders that He has done—His wonders and the judgments of His mouth—

    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.

  • Ps. 102:18.

    Ps. 102:18 This will be written for the generation to come, and a people yet to be created will praise YAH.

  • 1 Peter 3:15; Mic. 4:5.

    1 Peter 3:15 But in your⁺ hearts sanctify Christ [as] Lord, always ready for a defense to everyone who [is] asking you⁺ an account concerning the hope in you⁺, but with meekness and fear,

    Mic. 4:5 For all the peoples walk, each man in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of YHWH our God forever and ever.

  • Phil. 1:27.

    Phil. 1:27 Only conduct yourselves worthily of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether having come and having seen you⁺, or being absent, I might hear the things concerning you⁺, that you⁺ stand firm in one spirit, contending together with one mind for the faith of the gospel,

  • 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.

  • Jer. 32:39.

    Jer. 32:39 And I will give to them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me all the days, for the good of them and of their sons after them.

  • 1 Peter 2:12.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 5410 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1074 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 113

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful, and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or anyway perverting the Word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or anywise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.

Scripture proofs
  • Mal. 2:2.

    Mal. 2:2 If you⁺ do not listen and if you⁺ do not set [it] upon the heart to give glory to My name,” says YHWH of Hosts, “Then I will send upon you⁺ the curse, and I will curse your⁺ blessings; indeed already I have cursed them, because there is none of you⁺ setting [it] upon the heart.

  • Acts 17:23.

    Acts 17:23 For passing through and examining your⁺ objects of worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore whom you⁺ worship without knowing, this I proclaim to you⁺.

  • Prov. 30:9.

    Prov. 30:9 lest I become satisfied and I deny and say, ‘Who [is] YHWH?’ And lest I become dispossessed and steal, and I seize the name of my God.

  • Mal. 1:6–7, 12; Mal. 3:14.

    Mal. 1:6–7, 12 6 “A son honors [his] father, and a servant his master. And if I [am] the Father, where is My honor? And if I [am] the Master, where [is] the fear due Me?” Says YHWH of Hosts to you⁺, O priests despising My name. “And you⁺ say, ‘In what have we despised Your name?’ 7 By bringing near upon My altar food [that is] defiled. And you⁺ say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By your⁺ saying [that] the table of YHWH, it is despised! 12 “And you⁺ profane it by your⁺ saying, The table of the Lord, it is defiled,’ and of its fruit, ‘Its food is contemptible’

    Mal. 3:14 You⁺ have said, ‘To serve God [is] futile! What gain [is] that we have kept His charge, that we have walked as mourners before the face of YHWH of Hosts?

  • 1 Sam. 4:3–5; Jer. 7:4, 9–10, 14, 31; Col. 2:20–22.

    1 Sam. 4:3–5 3 And the people had come into the camp, and the elders of Israel said, “Why has YHWH defeated us today before the face of the Philistines? Let us bring for ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of YHWH, that when it comes into our midst, it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” 4 And the people sent to Shiloh, and they lifted from there the ark of the covenant of YHWH of Hosts, inhabiting the cherubim. And [were] there the two sons of Eli with the ark of the covenant of God—Hophni and Phinehas. 5 And it came to pass at the coming in of the ark of the covenant of YHWH into the camp, that all Israel shouted a great shout, and the earth resounded.

    Jer. 7:4, 9–10, 14, 31 4 Do not trust in words of deception, saying, ‘The temple of YHWH, the temple of YHWH, the temple of YHWH [are] they.’ 9 Are you stealing, murdering, and committing adultery, and swearing by deception, and burning incense to Baal, and walking after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and then come and stand before My face in this house, over which is called My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—In order to do all these abominations? 14 And I will do to this house, on which is called My name, which you⁺ trust in it, and this place that I gave to you⁺ and to your⁺ fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. 31 And they have built the high places of Topheth, which [is] in the Valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire—which I did not command, and it did not come into My heart!

    Col. 2:20–22 20 If you⁺ died with Christ, away from the elements of the world, why, as if living in the world, are you⁺ subject to decrees: 21 “You should not handle! You should not taste! You should not touch!”— 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men,

  • 2 Kings 18:30, 35; Ex. 5:2; Ps. 139:20.

    2 Kings 18:30, 35 30 And do not let Hezekiah make you⁺ trust in YHWH, saying, ‘YHWH will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ 35 Who among all the gods of the countries have delivered their lands from my hand, that YHWH should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”

    Ex. 5:2 And Pharaoh said, “Who [is] YHWH, that I should listen to His voice to send out Israel? I do not know YHWH, and moreover Israel I will not send out.”

    Ps. 139:20 who speak against You for wickedness; Your enemies [are] lifted up to vanity.

  • Ps. 50:16–17.

    Ps. 50:16–17 16 And to the wicked God says, “What to you [is] to recount My statutes, and to lift up My covenant upon your mouth? 17 And you have hated instruction, and cast My words behind you!

  • Isa. 5:12.

    Isa. 5:12 Are the lyre [and] harp and tambourine, and flute and wine, are [at] their feasts; and the work of YHWH they do not regard, and the work of His hands they do not see.

  • 2 Kings 19:22; Lev. 24:11.

    2 Kings 19:22 Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised [your] voice, and lifted up on high your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel!

    Lev. 24:11 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.

  • Zech. 5:4; Zech. 8:17.

    Zech. 5:4 I will send it out, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, and it will enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of the one swearing by My name for deception, and it will lodge in the midst of his house and will put an end to it and its timbers and its stones!”

    Zech. 8:17 and each man, you⁺ shall not devise evil against a neighbor in your⁺ heart, and an oath of deception you⁺ shall not love, for all these [are] that which I hate,” a declaration of YHWH.

  • 1 Sam. 17:43; 2 Sam. 16:5.

    1 Sam. 17:43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you would come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

    2 Sam. 16:5 And King David came to Bahurim, and behold, a man from there was going out from the family of the house of Saul, and his name [was] Shimei son of Gera. And he came out, coming out cursing continuously.

  • Jer. 5:7; Jer. 23:10.

    Jer. 5:7 “How can I grant forgiveness to you for this? Your sons have forsaken Me and have sworn by those not gods. And I satisfied them, and they committed adultery, and [in] the houses of a harlot they gather themselves together.

    Jer. 23:10 For the land is filled [with] adulterers, [and] the land mourns because of the face of the curse, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up; and their course has come to be evil, and their strength [is] not right.

  • Deut. 23:18; Acts 23:12, 14.

    Deut. 23:18 You shall not bring the wage of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the house of YHWH your God for any vowed offering; for both of them [are] indeed an abomination to YHWH your God.

    Acts 23:12, 14 12 And day having come, the Jews, having made a conspiracy, put themselves under an oath, declaring neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill Paul. 14 who, having come to the chief priests and the elders, said, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we should kill Paul.

  • Est. 3:7; Est. 9:24; Ps. 22:18.

    Est. 3:7 In the first month—it [is] the month of Nisan—in the two and tenth year of King Ahasuerus, [they] cast Pur (that [is], the lot) before the face of Haman from day to day and from month to month, [until month] two [and] ten, it [is] the month of Adar.

    Est. 9:24 for Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had caused to fall Pur (that [is], the lot) to throw them into confusion and to destroy them.

    Ps. 22:18 They divide out my garments for themselves, and over my clothing they cast lots.

  • Ps. 24:4; Ezek. 17:16, 18–19.

    Ps. 24:4 The one clean of hands and pure of heart, who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, and has not sworn by deceit.

    Ezek. 17:16, 18–19 16 ‘[As] I live,’ a declaration of the Lord YHWH, ‘Will he not—in the place of the king causing him to reign, of whom his oath he despised, and of whom his covenant he broke with him—die in the midst of Babylon. 18 And he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and behold, he gave his hand, and all these [things] he did—he will not escape!’ 19 Therefore, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘[As] I live, surely My oath that he despised, and My covenant that he broke, will I not recompense upon his head?

  • Mark 6:26; 1 Sam. 25:22, 32–34.

    Mark 6:26 And the king, having been made very sorrowful because of the oaths and those reclining, did not want to set her aside.

    1 Sam. 25:22, 32–34 22 And may God do to David, and thus may he add, if I leave of all who [are] unto him by the morning light one who urinates against the wall.” 32 And David said to Abigail, “Blessed [is] YHWH, God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me. 33 And blessed [is] your discernment, and blessed [are] you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand. 34 Yet [as] lives YHWH, God of Israel, who has kept me back from hurting you, surely unless you had hurried and come to meet me, surely would not have been left to Nabal by the morning light one who urinates against the wall.”

  • Rom. 9:14, 19–20.

    Rom. 9:14, 19–20 14 What then will we say? [Is there] injustice with God? Never may it be! 19 You will say, then, to me, “Why then does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But rather, O man, who are you answering against God? [Will] the thing formed say to the One having formed [it], “Why did you make me thus?”

  • Deut. 29:29.

    Deut. 29:29 The things hidden are of YHWH our God, and the things revealed [are] to us and to our sons even to forever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

  • Rom. 3:5, 7; Rom. 6:1–2.

    Rom. 3:5, 7 5 But if our unrighteousness proves God’s righteousness, what will we say? God, inflicting the wrath, [is] unrighteous? I speak according to man. 7 But if the truth of God in my falsehood abounded to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?

    Rom. 6:1–2 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?

  • Eccl. 8:11; Eccl. 9:3. (See Ps. 39.)

    Eccl. 8:11 Because an edict is not made [on] the evil work swiftly, upon thus the heart of the sons of man is fully set in them to do evil.

    Eccl. 9:3 This [is] an evil in all that is done under the sun: That one event [is] to all, and also [that] the heart of the sons of man is full of evil; and madness [is] in their hearts while they live, and afterward to the dead.

    Psalm 39 on BibleHub ↗

  • Matt. 5:21–22, 27–28, 31–35, 38–39, 43–44.

    Matt. 5:21–22, 27–28, 31–35, 38–39, 43–44 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. 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. 31 And it was said, ‘Whoever may send away his wife, let him give to her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you⁺ that everyone sending away his wife, except [for] the reason of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her [who] has been sent away, he commits adultery. 33 Again, you⁺ heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but you shall repay your oaths to the Lord.’ 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. 38 You⁺ heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I say to you⁺ not to resist the evil [person]. But whoever may strike you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other. 43 You⁺ heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and shall hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you⁺, love your⁺ enemies and pray for those persecuting you⁺,

  • Ezek. 13:22.

    Ezek. 13:22 Because you have disheartened the righteous heart [with] a lie (when I had not grieved him) and strengthened the hands of the wicked, so as not to turn aside from his evil way to save his life,

  • 2 Peter 3:16. (See Matt. 22:24–31.)

    2 Peter 3:16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

    Matt. 22:24–31 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said [that] if anyone should die not having children, his brother will marry his wife and will raise up seed for his brother. 25 Now there were seven brothers with us. And the first, having married, died; and not having seed, he left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise also the second, and the third, to the seventh. 27 And last of all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, of which of the seven will she be wife? For all had her.” 29 And answering, Jesus said to them, “You⁺ go astray, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are they given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, did you⁺ not read what has been spoken to you⁺ by God, saying,

  • Isa. 22:13; Jer. 23:34, 36, 38.

    Isa. 22:13 And behold, joy and gladness, slaying of oxen and slaughtering of sheep, the eating of flesh and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

    Jer. 23:34, 36, 38 34 And [as for] the prophet, and the priest, and the people, who say, ‘The oracle of YHWH,’ even I will visit punishment upon that man and upon his house. 36 And the burden of YHWH you shall not mention anymore, for each man’s word will be the burden, and you⁺ have overturned the words of the living God, YHWH of Hosts, our God. 38 And if you⁺ say, ‘The burden of YHWH,’ therefore thus says YHWH: Because you⁺ say ‘This word [is] the burden of YHWH,’ and I sent to you⁺ saying, you shall not say, ‘The burden of YHWH,’

  • 1 Tim. 1:4, 6–7; 1 Tim. 6:4–5, 20; 2 Tim. 2:14; Titus 3:9.

    1 Tim. 1:4, 6–7 4 nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which cause controversies rather than the stewardship of God that [is] in faith. 6 from which certain ones, having missed the mark, turned aside to empty talk, 7 wanting to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor [that] about which they confidently assert.

    1 Tim. 6:4–5, 20 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but diseased about controversies and fights about words, out of which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, 5 [and] constant arguing of men thoroughly corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, supposing godliness to be a means of gain. 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted, avoiding profane, empty utterances, and opposing arguments of that which [is] falsely named “knowledge,”

    2 Tim. 2:14 Remind [them] these things, earnestly testifying before God not to fight about words, useful for nothing [but] to the subversion of those hearing.

    Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law; for they are unprofitable and futile.

  • Deut. 18:10–14; Acts 19:13.

    Deut. 18:10–14 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. 13 You shall be blameless before YHWH your God. 14 For these nations that you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners, and as for you, YHWH your God has not given for you [to do] so.

    Acts 19:13 And some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, also attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those having evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you⁺ [by] Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.”

  • 2 Tim. 4:3–4; 1 Kings 21:9–10; Jude 4. (See Rom. 13:13–14.)

    2 Tim. 4:3–4 3 For there will be a season when they will not bear with sound teaching, but according to [their] own passions, having an itching ear, they will heap up teachers to themselves, 4 and indeed they will turn away from hearing the truth, and they will be turned aside to myths.

    1 Kings 21:9–10 9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth with high honor among the people. 10 And seat two men, sons of worthlessness, before him to bear witness against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ And take him out and stone him, that he may die.”

    Rom. 13:13–14 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.

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • Acts 13:45; 1 John 3:12.

    Acts 13:45 But the Jews, having seen the crowds, were filled with jealousy, and they began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming.

    1 John 3:12 not as Cain, [who] was of the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his works were evil, but those of his brother [were] righteous.

  • Ps. 1:1; 2 Peter 3:3.

    Ps. 1:1 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 Peter 3:3 first knowing this, that in the last days scoffers will come with scoffing, going according to their own passions

  • 1 Peter 4:4.

    1 Peter 4:4 In this, they think it strange of you⁺ not running with [them] into the same overflow of dissipation, slandering,

  • Acts 13:45–46, 50; Acts 4:18; 1 Thess. 2:16; Heb. 10:29. (See Acts 19:9.)

    Acts 13:45–46, 50 45 But the Jews, having seen the crowds, were filled with jealousy, and they began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming. 46 And Paul and Barnabas, having spoken boldly, said, “It was necessary [for] the word of God to be spoken first to you⁺. But since you⁺ thrust it away and do not judge yourselves worthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 50 But the Jews incited the worshiping women of honorable position and the principals of the city, and they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district.

    Acts 4:18 And having summoned them, they commanded [them] not to speak, nor to teach at all, in the name of Jesus.

    1 Thess. 2:16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, so as to fill up their sins always. Now the wrath has come upon them to the end.

    Heb. 10:29 How much worse punishment do you⁺ think he will be worthy of, the one having trampled upon the Son of God, and having deemed common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of grace?

    Acts 19:9 But when some were hardened and were disbelieving, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, having departed from them, he separated the disciples, reasoning every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

  • 2 Tim. 3:5; Matt. 23:14. (See Matt. 6:1–2, 5, 16.)

    2 Tim. 3:5 having a form of godliness but having denied its power. And turn away from these.

    Matt. 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (KJV)

    Matt. 6:1–2, 5, 16 1 “And beware not to do your⁺ righteousness before men in order to be seen by them. Otherwise, you⁺ have no reward from your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens. 2 Therefore, when you may do charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full. 5 And when you⁺ may pray, you⁺ shall not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they might be seen by men. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full. 16 And when you⁺ may fast, do not be as the hypocrites, gloomy-faced; for they disfigure their faces so that they might appear to men [as] fasting. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full.

  • Mark 8:38.

    Mark 8:38 For whoever may be ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when He shall come in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

  • Ps. 73:14–15.

    Ps. 73:14–15 14 For I have been stricken all the day, and chastened in the morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak like this,” behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your sons.

  • Eph. 5:15–17. (See 1 Cor. 6:5–6.)

    Eph. 5:15–17 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.

    1 Cor. 6:5–6 5 I speak to you⁺ for shame. Thus is there no one wise among you⁺ who will be able to discern in the midst of his brother? 6 But brother goes to be judged against brother, and this before unbelievers!

  • Isa. 5:4. (See 2 Peter 1:8–9.)

    Isa. 5:4 What could have been done more for My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why—I waited for [it] to make grapes—and it made wild grapes?

    2 Peter 1:8–9 8 For these things being in you⁺ and abounding make [you] neither idle nor unfruitful in regard to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being shortsighted, having received forgetfulness of the cleansing [from] his former sins.

  • Rom. 2:23–24.

    Rom. 2:23–24 23 [You] who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law? 24 As it has been written: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you⁺.”

  • Gal. 3:1, 3. (See Heb. 6:6.)

    Gal. 3:1, 3 1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you⁺, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was previously written [as] having been crucified? 3 Are you⁺ so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you⁺ now finishing in the flesh?

    Heb. 6:6 and then having fallen away—to restore [them] again to repentance, crucifying in themselves the Son of God and subjecting [Him] to open shame.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows15 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 114

Q. What reasons are annexed to the third commandment?

A. The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, The LORD thy God, and, For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain, are, because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or anyway abused by us; especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment, albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:7.

    Ex. 20:7 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.

  • 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.

  • Deut. 28:58–59. (See Ezek. 36:21–23.)

    Deut. 28:58–59 58 If you are not careful to do all the words of this law written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name—YHWH your God— 59 then YHWH will bring extraordinary plagues and the plagues of your seed, great and prolonged plagues, and evil and prolonged sicknesses.

    Ezek. 36:21–23 21 And I had pity for the name of My holiness, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone in there. 22 Therefore say to the house of Israel, thus says the Lord YHWH: [It is] not for your⁺ sake [that] I am doing [this], O house of Israel, for but the name of My holiness, which you⁺ have profaned among the nations to which you⁺ have gone in there. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you⁺ have profaned in their midst, and the nations will know that I [am] YHWH, a declaration of the Lord YHWH, in My showing [My] holiness in you⁺ before their eyes.

  • 1 Sam. 2:29; 1 Sam. 3:13. (See 1 Sam. 2:12–17, 22–25.)

    1 Sam. 2:29 Why do you⁺ kick at My sacrifice and at My offering, which I have commanded [in My] dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’

    1 Sam. 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house even to forever for the iniquity that he knows, because his sons blasphemed God, and he did not restrain them.

    1 Sam. 2:12–17, 22–25 12 And the sons of Eli [were] sons of worthlessness; they did not know YHWH. 13 And the custom of the priests with the people [was when] any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come at the boiling of the flesh, and [with] the fork of three teeth in his hand. 14 And he would thrust [it] into the pan, or the kettle, or the cauldron, or the pot. All that the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. Thus they did to all Israel who came there to Shiloh. 15 Also before they burned the fat, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who sacrificed, “Give flesh for roasting to the priest; and he will not take from you boiled flesh, but only raw.” 16 And the man said to him, “The fat must surely be burned first, and you may take to you as your soul desires,” and he would answer to him, “Surely now you must give [it], and if not, I will take [it] by force.” 17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before YHWH, for they despised the offering of YHWH. 22 And Eli was very old, and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you⁺ do these things? For I hear of your⁺ evil deeds from all these people. 24 No, my sons, for the report [is] not good that I hear spreading among the people of YHWH. 25 If one man sins against another, God will judge him, but if a man sins against YHWH, who will intercede for him?” And they did not listen to the voice of their father, because YHWH delighted to put them to death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 563 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 531 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 991 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 115

Q. Which is the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8–11. (Cf. Deut. 5:12–15.)

    Ex. 20:8–11 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.

    Deut. 5:12–15 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 928 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God8 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 602 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 116

Q. What is required in the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, and in the New Testament called the Lord's Day.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 5:12–14; Gen. 2:2–3; 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7; John 20:19, 26. (See Matt. 5:17–18; Isa. 56:2, 4, 6–7.)

    Deut. 5:12–14 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.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 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.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    John 20:19, 26 19 Therefore, it being evening the same day, the first of the week, and the doors where the disciples were having been shut because of the fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and He says to them, “Peace to you⁺.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them, the doors having been shut. Jesus comes, and He stood in the midst and said, “Peace to you⁺.”

    Matt. 5:17–18 17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass.

    Isa. 56:2, 4, 6–7 2 Blessed [is] the man [who] does this, and the son of man [who] grabs hold of it, keeping the Sabbath from being profaned, and keeping his hand from doing any evil.” 4 For thus says YHWH: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what I delight in, and hold fast to My covenant: 6 And the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to YHWH to serve Him and to love the name of YHWH, to be His servants, all keeping the Sabbath from being profaned and holding firmly to My covenant, 7 even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and I will make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

  • Rev. 1:10.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

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 595 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 923 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 573 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 117

Q. How is the Sabbath or the Lord's Day to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath or Lord's Day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8, 10.

    Ex. 20:8, 10 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 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.

  • Ex. 16:25–28; Jer. 17:21–22. (See Neh. 13:15–22.)

    Ex. 16:25–28 25 And Moses said, “Eat it today; for today [is] a Sabbath to YHWH; today you⁺ will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you⁺ shall gather it, and on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none in it.” 27 And it came to pass on the seventh day, [that some] of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 And YHWH said to Moses, “How long do you⁺ refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?

    Jer. 17:21–22 21 Thus says YHWH: Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day to bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 You shall not bring out a load from your⁺ houses on the Sabbath day, and you⁺ shall not do any work, and keep holy the Sabbath day, as I commanded your⁺ fathers.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

  • Matt. 12:1–5 (see vv. 6–13).

    Matt. 12:1–5 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?

  • Isa. 58:13–14; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Lev. 23:3. (See Ps. 92 title; Isa. 66:23.)

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

    Luke 4:16 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.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 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.

    Lev. 23:3 Six days work shall be done, and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You⁺ shall not do any work; it [is] the Sabbath of YHWH in all your⁺ dwellings.

    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.

    Psalm 92 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ex. 20:8; Luke 23:54, 56; Ex. 16:22, 25–26, 29; Neh. 13:19.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

    Luke 23:54, 56 54 And it was the Day of Preparation, and Sabbath was beginning. 56 And having returned, they prepared spices and anointing oils. And they rested indeed on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

    Ex. 16:22, 25–26, 29 22 And it came to pass, on the sixth day, [that] they gathered double bread—two omers for each one—and all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses. 25 And Moses said, “Eat it today; for today [is] a Sabbath to YHWH; today you⁺ will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you⁺ shall gather it, and on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none in it.” 29 See that YHWH has given to you⁺ the Sabbath; upon thus He gives to you⁺ on the sixth day bread for two days. Let each man remain in his place; let no man go out from his place on the seventh day.”

    Neh. 13:19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day26 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6020 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day18 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6110 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 118

Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?

A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:10; Ex. 23:12. (See Josh. 24:15; Neh. 13:15–17; Jer. 17:20–22.)

    Ex. 20:10 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.

    Ex. 23:12 Six days you shall do your works, and on the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the sojourner may be refreshed.

    Josh. 24:15 And if it seems evil in your⁺ eyes to serve YHWH, choose for yourselves this day whom you⁺ will serve, whether the gods that your⁺ fathers served that [were] on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorite, in whose land you⁺ are dwelling. And I and my house, we will serve YHWH!”

    Neh. 13:15–17 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath?

    Jer. 17:20–22 20 And you shall say to them: ‘Hear the word of YHWH, O kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all those dwelling in Jerusalem who enter by these gates. 21 Thus says YHWH: Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day to bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 You shall not bring out a load from your⁺ houses on the Sabbath day, and you⁺ shall not do any work, and keep holy the Sabbath day, as I commanded your⁺ fathers.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 613 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 921 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Question 119

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 22:26.

    Ezek. 22:26 Her priests have done violence to My law, and have profaned My holy things; between the holy [and] the profane they do not separate, and between the unclean [and] the clean they do not discern; and from My Sabbaths they have hidden their eyes, and I am profaned in their midst!

  • Amos 8:5. (See Acts 20:7, 9; Ezek. 33:30–32; Mal. 1:13.)

    Amos 8:5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit,

    Acts 20:7, 9 7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight. 9 And a certain young man named Eutychus was sitting by the window, overcome by deep sleep, Paul talking on longer. Having been overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead.

    Ezek. 33:30–32 30 And you, son of man, the sons of your people are speaking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses, and they speak one to to another, a man to his brother, saying: ‘Come, now, and hear what [is] the word coming forth from YHWH.’ 31 And they come to you, like the coming of people, and they sit before you—My people, and they hear your words, and they will not do them; for they do loves with their mouth; their heart is pursuing after dishonest gain. 32 And behold, you [are] to them as a song of loves, one beautiful of voice, and playing well on a stringed instrument; for they hear your words, and nthey do ot do them.

    Mal. 1:13 and You⁺ also say, ‘Behold, a weariness,’ and you⁺ sneer at it,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And you⁺ bring the stolen, and the lame, and the sick, and you⁺ bring the offering! Should I accept this from your⁺ hands?” Says YHWH.

  • Ezek. 23:38.

    Ezek. 23:38 Moreover this they have done to Me: They have defiled My sanctuary on that day, and My Sabbaths have profaned.

  • Jer. 17:24, 27. (See Isa. 58:13–14.)

    Jer. 17:24, 27 24 And it will come to pass, if you⁺ listen carefully to Me, a declaration of YHWH, and do not bring in a load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, and consecrate the Sabbath day to not do any work on it, 27 And if you⁺ will not listen to Me to consecrate the Sabbath day and not to carry a load and enter the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem, and it will not be quenched.’”

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 613 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 603 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 591 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 120

Q. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?

A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself, in these words, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: from the example of God, who in six days . . . made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:9.

    Ex. 20:9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work,

  • Ex. 20:10.

    Ex. 20:10 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.

  • Ex. 20:11.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 923 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 573 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 622 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 121

Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?

A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, for that there is less light of nature for it, and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; and that Satan with his instruments much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

  • Ex. 16:23; Luke 23:54, 56. (See Mark 15:42; Neh. 13:19.)

    Ex. 16:23 And he said to them, “This [is] what YHWH has said: ‘Tomorrow [is] a complete rest, a holy Sabbath to YHWH,. What you⁺ bake, bake, and what you⁺ boil, boil; and all that remains, lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’”

    Luke 23:54, 56 54 And it was the Day of Preparation, and Sabbath was beginning. 56 And having returned, they prepared spices and anointing oils. And they rested indeed on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

    Mark 15:42 And evening already having come, since it was the Preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath),

    Neh. 13:19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath.

  • Ezek. 20:12, 19–20; Ps. 92:13–14. (See Ps. 92 title.)

    Ezek. 20:12, 19–20 12 And also My Sabbaths I gave to them to be as a sign between Me and between them, that they might know that I [am] YHWH, the One sanctifying them. 19 I [am] YHWH your⁺ God; in My statutes you must walk, and My ordinances you must keep and do them, 20 and My Sabbaths keep holy, that they may be as a sign between Me and between you⁺, to know that I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.’

    Ps. 92:13–14 13 Those planted in the house of YHWH, in the courts of our God, they will sprout. 14 Still bearing fruit in old age, they will remain fat and flourishing—

  • Gen. 2:2–3; Ps. 118:22, 24; Rev. 1:10.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    Ps. 118:22, 24 22 The stone the builders rejected has become as the head of the corner. 24 This [is] the day YHWH has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

  • Ezek. 22:26.

    Ezek. 22:26 Her priests have done violence to My law, and have profaned My holy things; between the holy [and] the profane they do not separate, and between the unclean [and] the clean they do not discern; and from My Sabbaths they have hidden their eyes, and I am profaned in their midst!

  • Neh. 9:14.

    Neh. 9:14 And the Sabbath of Your holiness You made known to them, and the commands and statutes and instructions You commanded to them by the hand of Moses Your servant.

  • Ex. 34:21.

    Ex. 34:21 Six days you shall work, and on the seventh day you shall rest: In the plowing time and in the harvest you shall rest.

  • Deut. 5:14–15; Amos 8:5.

    Deut. 5:14–15 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.

    Amos 8:5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit,

  • Lam. 1:7; Jer. 17:21–23. (See Neh. 13:15–22.)

    Lam. 1:7 Jerusalem remembers in the days of her affliction and her wandering all her desirable [things] that were in days before. In the falling of her people into the hand of the enemy, there was no one giving help to her; the adversaries saw her; they have laughed at her destruction.

    Jer. 17:21–23 21 Thus says YHWH: Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day to bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 You shall not bring out a load from your⁺ houses on the Sabbath day, and you⁺ shall not do any work, and keep holy the Sabbath day, as I commanded your⁺ fathers. 23 They did not listen and they did not incline their ear, and they stiffened their neck, that they would not hear, and they would not receive discipline.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day13 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 609 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 619 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 923 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 122

Q. What is the sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man?

A. The sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man is, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to do to others what we would have them to do to us.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 22:39.

    Matt. 22:39 And the second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

  • Matt. 7:12.

    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.

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1072 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 931 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 421 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1111 shared proof text

Question 123

Q. Which is the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:12. (Cf. Deut. 5:16.)

    Ex. 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you.

    Deut. 5:16 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.

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 632 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 662 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 124

Q. Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?

A. By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or commonwealth.

Scripture proofs
  • Prov. 23:22, 25. (See Eph. 6:1–2.)

    Prov. 23:22, 25 22 Listen to your father, this one begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 25 Let your father and your mother be glad, and let she who bore you rejoice.

    Eph. 6:1–2 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,

  • 1 Tim. 5:1–2.

    1 Tim. 5:1–2 1 Do not rebuke an older [man], but exhort [him] as a father; younger [men] as brothers; 2 older [women] as mothers; younger [women] as sisters, in all purity.

  • Gen. 4:20–21; Gen. 45:8.

    Gen. 4:20–21 20 And Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those dwelling in tents and [having] livestock. 21 And the name of his brother [was] Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

    Gen. 45:8 And now, you⁺ have not sent me here, but God. And He has made me for a father to Pharaoh, and for a lord of all his house, and ruler in all the land of Egypt.

  • 2 Kings 5:13.

    2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, [if] something great the prophet had spoken to you, would you not have done [it]? Then how much more when he says to you, ‘Wash and be clean’?”

  • 2 Kings 2:12; Gal. 4:19. (See 2 Kings 13:14.)

    2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw [it], and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen,” and he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.

    Gal. 4:19 My children, of whom I travail again until that Christ shall have been formed in you⁺,

    2 Kings 13:14 And Elisha had become sick with the illness from which He would die, and Joash the king of Israel came down to him and wept over his face and said, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen.”

  • Isa. 49:23.

    Isa. 49:23 And kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers; facedown to the earth they will bow low to you, and they will lick up the dust of your feet. And you will know that I [am] YHWH; those waiting for Me will not be ashamed.”

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1043 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 641 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 661 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 125

Q. Why are superiors styled father and mother?

A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 6:4; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:7–8, 11. (See Num. 11:11–12.)

    Eph. 6:4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

    2 Cor. 12:14 Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you⁺, and I will not be a burden. For I do not seek what [is] yours⁺, but you⁺. For the children ought not to treasure up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

    1 Thess. 2:7–8, 11 7 But we were gentle in your⁺ midst, as a nursing mother should cherish her own children. 8 So yearning over you⁺, we were well pleased to have imparted to you⁺ not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you⁺ have become beloved to us. 11 just as you⁺ know how, each one of you⁺, as a father his own children,

    Num. 11:11–12 11 And Moses said to YHWH, “Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your eyes, that You have laid the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Or did I beget them, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,’ to the land that You swore to their fathers?

  • 1 Cor. 4:14–16. (See 2 Kings 5:13.)

    1 Cor. 4:14–16 14 I do not write these things shaming you⁺, but admonishing [you] as my beloved children. 15 For although you⁺ may have ten thousand guardians in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you⁺ through the gospel. 16 Therefore I exhort you⁺, become imitators of me.

    2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, [if] something great the prophet had spoken to you, would you not have done [it]? Then how much more when he says to you, ‘Wash and be clean’?”

Parallel passages (3)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1041 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 641 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints1 shared proof text

Question 126

Q. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?

A. The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:17; Rom. 12:10. (See Rom. 13:1, 7; Eph. 5:22, 24; 6:1, 4–5, 9.)

    Eph. 5:21 Be submitting to one another in fear of Christ:

    1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone: love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

    Rom. 12:10 devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another in honor,

    Rom. 13:1, 7 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. 7 Pay to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

    Eph. 5:22, 24 22 wives, to [your] own husbands as to the Lord; 24 But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives to [their] husbands in everything.

    6:1, 4–5, 9 1 Children, obey your⁺ parents in the Lord, for this is right. 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, 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6410 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1048 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1242 shared proof texts

Question 127

Q. What is the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors?

A. The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, word, and behavior; prayer and thanksgiving for them; imitation of their virtues and graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; due submission to their corrections; fidelity to, defense, and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honor to them and to their government.

Scripture proofs
  • Mal. 1:6; Lev. 19:3.

    Mal. 1:6 “A son honors [his] father, and a servant his master. And if I [am] the Father, where is My honor? And if I [am] the Master, where [is] the fear due Me?” Says YHWH of Hosts to you⁺, O priests despising My name. “And you⁺ say, ‘In what have we despised Your name?’

    Lev. 19:3 Each man shall fear his mother and his father, and you⁺ shall keep My Sabbaths. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.

  • Prov. 31:28; 1 Peter 3:6.

    Prov. 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband he praises her:

    1 Peter 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, of whom you⁺ became children, doing good and not fearing [any] terror.

  • Lev. 19:32; 1 Kings 2:19.

    Lev. 19:32 Before the face of the gray headed you shall rise, and you shall honor the presence of an old [man], and you shall fear your God. I [am] YHWH.

    1 Kings 2:19 And Bathsheba came in to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and he bowed low to her and sat down on his throne, and he set a throne for the mother of the king. And she sat at his right hand.

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

  • Heb. 13:7; Phil. 3:17.

    Heb. 13:7 Remember those leading you⁺ who spoke the word of God to you⁺, of whom, considering the outcome of [their] conduct, imitate the faith.

    Phil. 3:17 Be imitators together of me, brothers, and look at those walking thus, as you⁺ have a pattern in us.

  • Eph. 6:1–2, 5–7; 1 Peter 2:13–14; Heb. 13:17. (See Rom. 13:1–5; Prov. 4:3–4; 23:22; Ex. 18:19, 24.)

    Eph. 6:1–2, 5–7 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, 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,

    1 Peter 2:13–14 13 Be in subjection to every human creation because of the Lord, whether to the king as being supreme, 14 or to governors as being sent by him for punishment to evildoers and praise to doers of good,

    Heb. 13:17 Obey you⁺ those leading and be subject, for they watch over your⁺ souls as [those who] will give an account, so that they may do this with joy and not groaning, for this [is] unprofitable for you⁺.

    Rom. 13:1–5 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.

    Prov. 4:3–4 3 For I was a son to my father, tender and the only one before the face of my mother, 4 and he instructed me and said to me, “Let your heart take hold of my words; keep my commands, and live.

    23:22 Listen to your father, this one begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

    Ex. 18:19, 24 19 Now listen to my voice; I will counsel you, and God will be with you. You must be for the people before God, and you—you shall bring the matters to God. 24 And Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and he did all that he had said.

  • Heb. 12:9; 1 Peter 2:18–20.

    Heb. 12:9 Furthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, discipliners, and we respected [them]; and will we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and will live?

    1 Peter 2:18–20 18 Servants, be subject in all fear to [your] masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked. 19 For this [is] grace, if because of conscience toward God, anyone bears up under griefs, suffering unjustly. 20 For what kind of renown [is it] if sinning and being battered, you⁺ shall endure? But if doing good and suffering, you⁺ shall endure, this [is] grace with God.

  • Titus 2:9–10.

    Titus 2:9–10 9 Slaves are to be subject to [their] own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not contradicting, 10 not pilfering, but demonstrating all good faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in all things.

  • 1 Sam. 26:15–16. (See 2 Sam. 18:3; Est. 6:2.)

    1 Sam. 26:15–16 15 And David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? And who [is] like you in Israel? And why have you not watched over your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord. 16 This thing that you have done [is] not good. [As] YHWH lives, surely you⁺ deserve to die, because you⁺ have not watched over your⁺ master, over the anointed of YHWH. And now see, where [is] the spear of the king and the jug of water that [was] by his head?”

    2 Sam. 18:3 And the people answered, “You shall not go out, for if we surely flee, they will not set the heart on us. If half of us die, they will not set the heart on us, but now [you are] like ten thousand of us, for now you are more to us in the city for a helper.”

    Est. 6:2 And it was found written that Mordecai had declared concerning Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs of the king, from the keepers of the threshold, who sought to stretch out a hand against King Ahasuerus.

  • Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:6–7; 1 Tim. 5:17–18. (See Gal. 6:6; Gen. 45:11; 47:12.)

    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. 13:6–7 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.

    1 Tim. 5:17–18 17 Let the elders presiding well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in the word and the teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain,” and, “The worker [is] worthy of his wages.”

    Gal. 6:6 Now let the one being instructed in the word share with the one instructing in all good things.

    Gen. 45:11 And I will provide for you there, for [there are] still five years of famine, lest you come to poverty—you and your house and all that [is] yours.’

    47:12 And Joseph provided his father and his brothers and all the house of his father with bread, according to the mouth of the little ones.

  • Gen. 9:23. (See 1 Peter 2:18; Prov. 23:22.)

    Gen. 9:23 And Shem took—and Japheth—the garment, and they laid [it] on the shoulders of the two of them and they went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. And their faces [were] backward, and the nakedness of their father they did not see.

    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.

    Prov. 23:22 Listen to your father, this one begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

  • Ps. 127:3–5; Prov. 31:23.

    Ps. 127:3–5 3 Behold, an inheritance of YHWH [are] sons, a reward [is] the fruit of the womb. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a mighty one, so [are] the sons of one’s youth. 5 Blessed [is] the man who has filled his quiver with them! He will not be put to shame, but he shall speak with the enemies at the gate.

    Prov. 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, in his sitting with the elders of the land.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 10415 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate12 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience10 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 644 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 128

Q. What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?

A. The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons and places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections; cursing, mocking, and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their government.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 15:4–6; Rom. 13:8.

    Matt. 15:4–6 4 For God said, ‘Honor [your] father and mother’ and ‘The one speaking evil of father or mother, in death let him end.’ 5 But you⁺ say, ‘Whoever might say to father or mother: Whatever you might be profited by me [is] a gift,’ 6 he shall not honor his father or his mother. And you⁺ made void the word of God because of your⁺ tradition.

    Rom. 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law.

  • Num. 11:28–29.

    Num. 11:28–29 28 And Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant from his youth, answered and said, “My lord Moses, restrain them.” 29 And Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? If only he would make all people of YHWH prophets, [and] that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them.”

  • 1 Sam. 8:7; Isa. 3:5.

    1 Sam. 8:7 And YHWH said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but Me they have rejected from reigning over them.

    Isa. 3:5 And the people will be oppressed, each man by a man and each man by his neighbor; the child will rage against the elder, and the one despised against the honored.

  • 2 Sam. 15:10 (see vv. 1–12).

    2 Sam. 15:10 And Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you⁺ hear the voice of the shofar, you⁺ shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron.’”

  • Ex. 21:15.

    Ex. 21:15 And the one who strikes his father or his mother must surely be put to death.

  • 1 Sam. 10:27.

    1 Sam. 10:27 And sons of worthlessness said, “How can this one save us?” And they despised him and brought him no gift, and he was like one being silent.

  • 1 Sam. 2:25.

    1 Sam. 2:25 If one man sins against another, God will judge him, but if a man sins against YHWH, who will intercede for him?” And they did not listen to the voice of their father, because YHWH delighted to put them to death.

  • Deut. 21:18–21.

    Deut. 21:18–21 18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not listen to the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and they have disciplined him and he will not listen to them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, and to the gate of his city, 20 and they shall say to the elders of his city, “Our son, this one, is stubborn and rebellious; he will not listen to our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.” 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones to death; and you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall listen and fear.

  • Prov. 30:11, 17.

    Prov. 30:11, 17 11 A generation lightly esteems its father, and does not bless its mother. 17 The eye [that] mocks at a father and despises obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will dig it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

  • Prov. 19:26.

    Prov. 19:26 One assaulting a father causes a mother to flee; [he is] a son causing shame and bringing reproach.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 654 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1041 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text

Question 129

Q. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?

A. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, pray for, and bless their inferiors; to instruct, counsel, and admonish them; countenancing, commending, and rewarding such as do well; and discountenancing, reproving, and chastising such as do ill; protecting, and providing for them all things necessary for soul and body: and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, honor to themselves, and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them.

Scripture proofs
  • Col. 3:19; Titus 2:4.

    Col. 3:19 Husbands, love [your] wives and do not be bitter toward them.

    Titus 2:4 so that they may make sober-minded the young [women] to be lovers of [their] husbands, lovers of [their] children,

  • 1 Sam. 12:23; Job 1:5.

    1 Sam. 12:23 As for me, moreover, far be it from me that I should sin against YHWH in ceasing to pray for you⁺. And I will teach you⁺ the good and the straight way.

    Job 1:5 And it came to pass that the days of the feasting had gone around, and Job would send and would sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer up burnt offerings, the number of them all, for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did all the days.

  • 1 Kings 8:55–56; Heb. 7:7. (See Gen. 49:28.)

    1 Kings 8:55–56 55 and he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying: 56 “Blessed [be] YHWH, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has fallen of all His good promise that He promised by the hand of Moses His servant.

    Heb. 7:7 And apart from all dispute, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

    Gen. 49:28 All these [are] two [and] ten tribes of Israel, and this [is] what their father spoke to them, and he blessed them—each one according to his own blessing, he blessed them.

  • Deut. 6:6–7.

    Deut. 6:6–7 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.

  • Eph. 6:4.

    Eph. 6:4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

  • 1 Peter 3:7.

    1 Peter 3:7 Husbands [do] likewise, dwelling with [them] according to knowledge, as with a weaker vessel, with the female, rendering honor as co-heirs also of the grace of life, in order for your⁺ prayers not to be hindered.

  • 1 Peter 2:14; Rom. 13:3.

    1 Peter 2:14 or to governors as being sent by him for punishment to evildoers and praise to doers of good,

    Rom. 13:3 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.

  • Est. 6:3.

    Est. 6:3 And the king said, “What honor and greatness has been done for Mordecai over this?” And the young men of the king who attended him said, “Not a thing has been done with him.”

  • Rom. 13:3–4.

    Rom. 13:3–4 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.

  • Prov. 29:15; 1 Peter 2:14.

    Prov. 29:15 A rod and rebuke give wisdom, and a child let away brings shame to his mother.

    1 Peter 2:14 or to governors as being sent by him for punishment to evildoers and praise to doers of good,

  • Isa. 1:10, 17. (See Job 29:12–17.)

    Isa. 1:10, 17 10 Hear the word of YHWH, chiefs of Sodom; give ear to the Instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! 17 Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, bring justice for the fatherless, contend for the widow.”

    Job 29:12–17 12 because I rescued the poor crying out, and the fatherless, and no one was helping him. 13 The blessing of the one perishing came upon me, and the heart of the widow I caused to sing. 14 I clothed myself with righteousness, and it clothed me; like a robe and a turban [was] my justice. 15 I was eyes to the blind, and I [was] feet to the lame. 16 I [was] a father to the poor, and the case I did not know, I searched it out. 17 And I broke the fangs of the unjust, and I cast away the prey from his teeth.

  • Eph. 6:4.

    Eph. 6:4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

  • 1 Tim. 5:8.

    1 Tim. 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for [his] own, and especially [his] household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • 1 Tim. 4:12. (See Titus 2:3–5.)

    1 Tim. 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be a pattern for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

    Titus 2:3–5 3 older [women] likewise reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not being enslaved to much wine, teachers of good, 4 so that they may make sober-minded the young [women] to be lovers of [their] husbands, lovers of [their] children, 5 sound-minded, pure, keepers at home, good, being subject to [their] own husbands, so that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

  • 1 Kings 3:28.

    1 Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they feared the face of the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] within him, to administer justice.

  • Titus 2:15.

    Titus 2:15 Speak these things and exhort and convict with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1044 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1032 shared proof texts

Question 130

Q. What are the sins of superiors?

A. The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them, an inordinate seeking of themselves, their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure; commanding things unlawful, or not in the power of inferiors to perform; counseling, encouraging, or favoring them in that which is evil; dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; correcting them unduly; careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; provoking them to wrath; or anyway dishonoring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behavior.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 34:2–4.

    Ezek. 34:2–4 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them—to the shepherds—thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves. Should [it] not [be] [that] the shepherds shepherd the flock? 3 You⁺ eat the fat and in wool you⁺ clothe yourselves; you⁺ slaughter the fatlings; you⁺ do not feed the flock. 4 Those being weak you⁺ have not strengthened, and those being sick you⁺ have not healed, and those being broken you⁺ have not bandaged, and those driven off you⁺ have not returned, and those being lost you⁺ have not sought, and you⁺ have ruled them with force and with harshness.

  • Phil. 2:21.

    Phil. 2:21 For those all seek the things of themselves, not the things of Jesus Christ.

  • John 5:44. (See John 7:18.)

    John 5:44 How are you⁺ able to believe, receiving glory from one another, and you⁺ do not seek the glory that [is] from the only God?

    John 7:18 The one speaking from himself seeks [his] own glory, but the One seeking the glory of the One having sent Him, He is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

  • Isa. 56:10–11. (See Deut. 17:17.)

    Isa. 56:10–11 10 His watchmen [are] blind—all of them! They do not know; all of them [are] mute dogs, they are not able to bark, dreaming lying down, loving to sleep. 11 And these dogs [are] strong of appetite; they do not know satisfaction; and they [are] shepherds not knowing discernment; they all turn to their own way, each man for his own gain from his quarter.

    Deut. 17:17 And he shall not multiply for himself wives, and his heart shall not turn away, and silver and gold he shall not multiply for himself greatly.

  • Acts 4:17–18. (See Dan. 3:4–6.)

    Acts 4:17–18 17 But so that it might not spread further on among the people, let us threaten them to speak no longer in this name to [any] man.” 18 And having summoned them, they commanded [them] not to speak, nor to teach at all, in the name of Jesus.

    Dan. 3:4–6 4 And the herald was calling out with force: “To you⁺ it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 [that] at the time when you⁺ hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you⁺ shall fall down and give homage to the image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up! 6 And whoever does not fall down and give homage to it, he shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning furnace of fire!”

  • Ex. 5:18 (see vv. 10–19); Matt. 23:2, 4.

    Ex. 5:18 And now, go—work! And straw shall not be given to you⁺, and the quota of bricks you⁺ shall deliver.”

    Matt. 23:2, 4 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat down on Moses’ seat. 4 And they tie up burdens heavy and hard to bear, and they lay [them] on the shoulders of men; but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

  • Matt. 14:8. (See Mark 6:24.)

    Matt. 14:8 And having been urged on by her mother, she says, “Give to me here upon a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

    Mark 6:24 And having gone out, she said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John, the one baptizing.”

  • 2 Sam. 13:28.

    2 Sam. 13:28 And Absalom had commanded his young men, saying, “Watch now, when the heart of Amnon is merry with wine, and I say to you⁺, strike Amnon and kill him. Do not be afraid. Is [it] not that I have commanded you⁺? Be courageous and be sons of valor.”

  • Jer. 6:13–14; Judg. 20:13–14 (see entire chapter).

    Jer. 6:13–14 13 “For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them, everyone is gaining dishonest gain; and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone is dealing falsely. 14 And they have healed the breach of My people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ And [there is] no peace.

    Judg. 20:13–14 13 And now deliver up the men, the sons of worthlessness, who [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and remove the evil from Israel.” And the Benjamite were not willing to listen to the voice of their brothers, the sons of Israel. 14 And the sons of Benjamin gathered together from their cities to Gibeah to go out to battle against the sons of Israel.

  • John 7:46–49. (See Col. 3:21; Ex. 5:17; John 9:28.)

    John 7:46–49 46 The officers answered, “Never did a man speak thus, as this man speaks!” 47 Therefore the Pharisees answered them, “Have you⁺ also been deceived? 48 Did anyone out of the rulers or out of the Pharisees believe in Him? 49 But this crowd, not knowing the law, they are accursed.”

    Col. 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your⁺ children, so that they may not become discouraged.

    Ex. 5:17 And he said, “You⁺ [are] idle—idle! Upon thus you⁺ are saying, ‘Let us go, let us sacrifice to YHWH.’

    John 9:28 And they reviled him and said, “You are a disciple of that One, but we are disciples of Moses.

  • 1 Peter 2:18–20; Deut. 25:3.

    1 Peter 2:18–20 18 Servants, be subject in all fear to [your] masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked. 19 For this [is] grace, if because of conscience toward God, anyone bears up under griefs, suffering unjustly. 20 For what kind of renown [is it] if sinning and being battered, you⁺ shall endure? But if doing good and suffering, you⁺ shall endure, this [is] grace with God.

    Deut. 25:3 Forty [times] he shall strike him—no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him above these with many blows, and your brother be humiliated in your eyes.

  • Gen. 38:11, 26; Acts 18:17. (See 1 Sam. 23:15–17; Lev. 19:29; Isa. 58:7.)

    Gen. 38:11, 26 11 And Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in the house of your father until Shelah my son is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in the house of her father. 26 And Judah recognized [them] and said, “She is more righteous than I, for upon thus I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he did not continue to know her anymore.

    Acts 18:17 Then they all, having seized Sosthenes the synagogue ruler, were beating [him] before the judgment seat. And it mattered nothing to Gallio about these things.

    1 Sam. 23:15–17 15 And David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David [was] in the Wilderness of Ziph in Horesh. 16 And Jonathan son of Saul arose and went to David in Horesh, and he strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. And You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be to you for a second. Even thus knows Saul my father.”

    Lev. 19:29 You shall not profane your daughter by making her practice prostitution, and the land will not practice prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness.

    Isa. 58:7 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?

  • Eph. 6:4.

    Eph. 6:4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

  • Gen. 9:21; 1 Kings 12:13–16; 1 Kings 1:6. (See 1 Sam. 2:29–31; 3:13.)

    Gen. 9:21 And he drank from the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself in the midst of his tent.

    1 Kings 12:13–16 13 And the king answered the people harshly, and he rejected the counsel of the elders that they had counseled him. 14 And he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made heavy your⁺ yoke, and I will add to your⁺ yoke. My father scourged you⁺ with whips, and I will scourge you⁺ with scorpions.” 15 And the king did not listen to the people, for the turning was from YHWH, that He might fulfill His word that YHWH had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat. 16 And all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, and the people returned the answer to the king, saying, “What portion have we in David? And [there is] no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David!” And Israel departed to their tents.

    1 Kings 1:6 (And his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, “Why have you done so?” And He [was] also very good in form, and she had borne him after Absalom.)

    1 Sam. 2:29–31 29 Why do you⁺ kick at My sacrifice and at My offering, which I have commanded [in My] dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’ 30 Therefore the declaration of YHWH, God of Israel, ‘I surely said [that] your house and the house of your father would walk before Me even to forever. And the declaration of YHWH, Far be it from Me! For those honoring Me I will honor, and those despising Me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days are coming, and I will cut off your arm and the arm of the house of your father, lest there be an old man in your house.

    3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house even to forever for the iniquity that he knows, because his sons blasphemed God, and he did not restrain them.

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1043 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 641 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1111 shared proof textLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints1 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 561 shared proof text

Question 131

Q. What are the duties of equals?

A. The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, in giving honor to go one before another; and to rejoice in each other's gifts and advancement, as their own.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Peter 2:17.

    1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone: love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

  • Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3.

    Rom. 12:10 devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another in honor,

    Phil. 2:3 nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit, but in humility esteeming one another surpassing yourselves,

  • Rom. 12:15–16; Phil. 2:3.

    Rom. 12:15–16 15 to rejoice with the rejoicing, to weep with the weeping, 16 minding the same thing toward one another, not minding the high [things], but going along with the lowly. Do not be wise in yourselves,

    Phil. 2:3 nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit, but in humility esteeming one another surpassing yourselves,

Parallel passages (5)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 641 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate1 shared proof textLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate1 shared proof textHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1071 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 801 shared proof text

Question 132

Q. What are the sins of equals?

A. The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, the undervaluing of the worth, envying the gifts, grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; and usurping preeminence one over another.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 13:8.

    Rom. 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law.

  • 2 Tim. 3:3. (See Prov. 14:21; Isa. 65:5.)

    2 Tim. 3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without control, savage, without love of good,

    Prov. 14:21 The one despising his neighbor sins, and the one showing favor [to] the poor [is] blessed.

    Isa. 65:5 those saying, ‘Keep yourself away; do not come near to me, for I am set apart [from] you’—these [are] smoke in My nostrils, a fire burning all the day!

  • Acts 7:9; Gal. 5:26.

    Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs, having envied Joseph, sold [him] into Egypt. And God was with him,

    Gal. 5:26 We should not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

  • Num. 12:2.

    Num. 12:2 And they said, “Is [it] only indeed through Moses [that] YHWH has spoken? Is [it] not also through us [that] He has spoken?” And YHWH heard [it].

  • 3 John 9; Luke 22:24.

    Luke 22:24 And there was also a dispute among them [as to] which of them is thought to be the greatest.

    3 John 9 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1041 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 651 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text

Question 133

Q. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?

A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, is an express promise of long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good, to all such as keep this commandment.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:12.

    Ex. 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you.

  • Eph. 6:2–3. (See Deut. 5:16; 1 Kings 8:25.)

    Eph. 6:2–3 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.”

    Deut. 5:16 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.

    1 Kings 8:25 And now, O YHWH, God of Israel, keep for Your servant David my father what You promised to him, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man before My face sitting on the throne of Israel—only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk before Me as you have walked before Me.’

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 664 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 632 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1042 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts

Question 134

Q. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:13. (Cf. Deut. 5:17.)

    Ex. 20:13 You shall not murder.

    Deut. 5:17 You shall not murder.

Parallel passages (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 672 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 135

Q. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defense thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labor, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild, and courteous speeches and behavior; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 5:28–29.

    Eph. 5:28–29 28 So also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one loving his own wife loves himself. 29 For no one at any time hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ also [does] the church.

  • 1 Kings 18:4.

    1 Kings 18:4 for it was in Jezebel cutting off the prophets of YHWH, that Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men to a cave, and he sustained them with bread and water.)

  • Jer. 26:15–16. (See Acts 23:12, 16–17, 21, 27.)

    Jer. 26:15–16 15 Only know for certain that if you⁺ put me to death, that you⁺ are bringing on yourselves innocent blood—and on this city and on its dwellers; for in truth YHWH has sent me to you⁺ to speak in your⁺ ears all these words. 16 And the princes and all the people said to the priests and to the prophets, “This man [is] not worthy of death, for in the name of YHWH our God he has spoken to us.

    Acts 23:12, 16–17, 21, 27 12 And day having come, the Jews, having made a conspiracy, put themselves under an oath, declaring neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill Paul. 16 But the son of Paul’s sister, having heard of the ambush, having come near and having entered into the barracks, reported [it] to Paul. 17 And Paul, having summoned one of the centurions, was saying, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 21 You, therefore, should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you.” 27 This man having been seized by the Jews and being about to be killed by them—having come up with the troop, I rescued [him], having learned that he is a Roman.

  • Eph. 4:26–27.

    Eph. 4:26–27 26 “Be angry, and do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your⁺ anger, 27 neither give place to the devil.

  • 2 Sam. 2:22–23; Deut. 22:8.

    2 Sam. 2:22–23 22 And Abner added again in saying to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? And how could I lift up my face unto Joab your brother?” 23 And he refused to turn aside. And Abner struck him with the back of the spear in the stomach, and the spear came out of his back, and he fell down there and died under him. And it came to pass [that] all who came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, they stood still.

    Deut. 22:8 When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring blood on your house if anyone falls down from it.

  • Matt. 4:6–7; Prov. 1:10–11, 15–16.

    Matt. 4:6–7 6 and he says to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it has been written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and on hands they will lift You up, lest ever You might strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”

    Prov. 1:10–11, 15–16 10 My son, if sinners should entice you, do not be willing. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us hide for the innocent one without cause; 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them; withhold your foot from their path; 16 for their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

  • Gen. 37:21–22. (See 1 Sam. 24:12; 26:9–11.)

    Gen. 37:21–22 21 And Reuben heard, and he delivered him out of their hand and said, “Let us not take his life.” 22 Reuben said to them, “Do not shed blood; cast him into this pit, which [is] in the wilderness. And do not stretch out a hand against him,”—that he might deliver him out of their hand to return him to his father.

    1 Sam. 24:12 May YHWH judge between me and between you, and may YHWH avenge me on you. And my hand shall not be against you.

    26:9–11 9 And David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the anointed of YHWH and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “[As] YHWH lives, if rather YHWH shall strike him, or his day shall come and he will die, or he shall go out to the battle and perish. 11 Far be it from me by YHWH to stretch out my hand against the anointed of YHWH. And take, please, the spear that [is] by his head, and the jug of water, and let us go.”

  • Ps. 82:4; Prov. 24:11–12. (See 1 Sam. 14:45; Jer. 38:7–13.)

    Ps. 82:4 Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

    Prov. 24:11–12 11 Deliver those being led away to death, and those stumbling to the slaughter, if only you would hold back. 12 If you say, “Behold we did not know this,” does not the One weighing hearts Himself know [it], and the One watching over your soul Himself know it? And He has rendered to each man according to his work.

    1 Sam. 14:45 And the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great salvation in Israel? Profane! As YHWH lives, if shall fall a hair of his head to the ground! For with God he has worked this day.” And the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

    Jer. 38:7–13 7 And Ebed-melech the Cushite, a eunuch who [was] in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern—and the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin— 8 and Ebed-melech went forth from the house of the king, and he spoke to the king, saying: 9 “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the cistern; and he is likely to die from hunger in his place, for there is no more bread in the city. 10 And the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying: “Take with you from this [place] thirty men and lift Jeremiah the prophet out the pit before he dies. 11 And Ebed-melech took the men with him, and he went into the house of the king under the treasury, and he took from there worn-out clothes and worn-out rags and let them down by cords into the cistern to Jeremiah. 12 And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah: “Please put worn-out clothes and rags under the joints of your arms, under the cords.” And Jeremiah did so. 13 And they drew up Jeremiah with the cords, and they lifted him from the cistern; and Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.

  • James 5:10–11; Heb. 12:9. (See 2 Sam. 16:10–12.)

    James 5:10–11 10 Brothers, [as] an example of suffering evil and of patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we count blessed those having endured. You⁺ heard of the perseverance of Job, and you⁺ saw the outcome of the Lord, that the Lord is full of compassion and [is] merciful.

    Heb. 12:9 Furthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, discipliners, and we respected [them]; and will we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and will live?

    2 Sam. 16:10–12 10 And the king said, “What have I with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because YHWH has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, is seeking my life. And how much more that now [this] Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for so YHWH has ordered him. 12 Perhaps YHWH will look on my affliction and YHWH and will return me with good for his cursing this day.”

  • 1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Peter 3:3–4; Ps. 37:8, 11.

    1 Thess. 4:11 and to strive earnestly to live quietly and to do your own [things], and to work with your⁺ own hands, just as we commanded you⁺,

    1 Peter 3:3–4 3 whose adornment let not be the external, of braiding of hair and putting around of gold or putting on of garments, 4 but the hidden man of the heart, in the imperishable [quality] of the gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth before God.

    Ps. 37:8, 11 8 Cease from anger, and leave [behind] wrath; you should not burn—[it] only causes harm. 11 And the meek will inherit the land, and they will delight in the abundance of peace.

  • Prov. 17:22.

    Prov. 17:22 A joyful heart is good healing, and a spirit stricken dries up the bones.

  • Prov. 23:20; Prov. 25:16, 27.

    Prov. 23:20 Not Be among those getting drunk [on] wine, among those being gluttons of flesh to themelves.

    Prov. 25:16, 27 16 You have found honey, eat your sufficiency, lest you be filled up with it and vomit it out. 27 To eat much honey [is] not good, [nor] the searching for his own honor.

  • 1 Tim. 5:23.

    1 Tim. 5:23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments.

  • Isa. 38:21.

    Isa. 38:21 And Isaiah said, “Let them take a cake of figs and apply [it] upon the boil, that he may live.”

  • Ps. 127:2.

    Ps. 127:2 [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.

  • 2 Thess. 3:12. (See Eccl. 5:12.)

    2 Thess. 3:12 Now to such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that, working with quietness, they should eat their own bread.

    Eccl. 5:12 Sweet [is] the sleep of the one working, whether he eats little or much; but the satsifaction of the rich one will not allow rest for him to sleep.

  • Eccl. 3:4, 11; Mark 6:31.

    Eccl. 3:4, 11 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also eternity put in their heart, without which a man cannot find out the work that God has done from beginning even to end.

    Mark 6:31 And He said to them, “Come, you⁺ yourselves, apart to a wilderness place, and rest a little.” For those coming and those going were many, and not even were they having opportunity to eat.

  • 1 Sam. 19:4–5. (See 1 Sam. 22:13–14.)

    1 Sam. 19:4–5 4 And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works [are] very good toward you. 5 For he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and YHWH brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw [it] and rejoiced; and why would you sin against innocent blood to kill David for nothing?”

    1 Sam. 22:13–14 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you⁺ conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in your giving to him bread and a sword and inquiring for him of God, that he should rise against me to lie in wait, as this day?” 14 And Ahimelech answered the king, and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, and son-in-law of the king, and has turned aside at your council, and is honorable in your house?

  • Rom. 13:10.

    Rom. 13:10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

  • Luke 10:33–34.

    Luke 10:33–34 33 But a certain Samaritan, journeying, came to him, and having seen, he was moved with compassion; 34 and having come, he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and having put him on his own beast, he brought him to an inn and took care of him.

  • Col. 3:12–13.

    Col. 3:12–13 12 Put on, therefore, as the chosen ones of God, holy and beloved, inner parts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone may have a complaint toward another. Just as also the Lord forgave you⁺, so also you⁺.

  • James 3:17.

    James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is indeed first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and of good fruits, impartial, unhypocritical.

  • 1 Peter 3:8–11; 1 Cor. 4:12–13. (See Prov. 15:1; Judg. 8:1–3.)

    1 Peter 3:8–11 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. 10 For, “The one wanting to love life and to see good days, let him stop the tongue from evil, and the lips not speak deceit. 11 And let him turn away from evil, and let him do good; let him seek peace and let him pursue it.

    1 Cor. 4:12–13 12 and we toil, working with [our] own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we bear [it]; 13 being slandered, we entreat. We became as the scum of the world, the refuse of all, until now.

    Prov. 15:1 A tender answer turns away rage, and a word of pain raises up anger.

    Judg. 8:1–3 1 And the men of Ephraim said to him, “What [is] this thing you have done to us by not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him in strength. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now compared to you⁺? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 Into your⁺ hands God has delivered the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do compared to you⁺?” Then their spirit subsided toward him when he said this word.

  • Matt. 5:24; Eph. 4:2, 32; Rom. 12:17, 20–21.

    Matt. 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar and first go, be reconciled to your brother, and then, having come, offer your gift.

    Eph. 4:2, 32 2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love; 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as also God in Christ forgave you⁺.

    Rom. 12:17, 20–21 17 repaying to no one evil for evil, giving forethought to right [things] before all men; 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.

  • 1 Thess. 5:14; Matt. 25:35–36; Prov. 31:8–9. (See Job 31:19–20; Isa. 58:7.)

    1 Thess. 5:14 And we exhort you⁺, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

    Matt. 25:35–36 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.’

    Prov. 31:8–9 8 Open your mouth for a mute one, for the cause of all the sons of destitution. 9 Open your mouth, judge with righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor one and needy one.

    Job 31:19–20 19 if I have seen one perishing from lack of clothing, or there [being] no covering for the needy, 20 if his loins have not blessed me for warming him by the fleece of my sheep,

    Isa. 58:7 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?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1075 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 682 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1052 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof texts

Question 136

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 16:28.

    Acts 16:28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!”

  • Gen. 9:6.

    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.

  • Num. 35:31, 33; Rom. 13:4.

    Num. 35:31, 33 31 And you⁺ shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is [is] condemned to die; for he must surely be put to death. 33 And you⁺ shall not pollute the land that you⁺ [are] in because the blood itself defiles the land; and for the land atonement cannot be made for the blood that is shed on it, except if by the blood of him who shed it.

    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.

  • See Deut. 20 compared with Heb. 11:32–34.

    Heb. 11:32–34 32 And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me recounting fully about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, also David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, worked justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouths of the sword, were made powerful out of weakness, became strong in war, [and] put to flight foreign armies.

    Deuteronomy 20 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ex. 22:2.

    Ex. 22:2 If the thief is found in the breaking in, and he is struck and he dies, [there is] no bloodguilt for him.

  • Matt. 25:42–43; James 2:15–16.

    Matt. 25:42–43 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.’

    James 2:15–16 15 Now if a brother or a sister is naked and lacking of daily food, 16 and anyone of you⁺ says to them, “Go in peace; be warmed and be filled,” but does not give to them the needful things for the body, what [is] the gain?

  • Matt. 5:22.

    Matt. 5:22 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.

  • 1 John 3:15; Lev. 19:17.

    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.

    Lev. 19:17 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.

  • Prov. 14:30.

    Prov. 14:30 A heart of healing [is] life to the body, and jealousy [is] rottenness to the bones.

  • Rom. 12:19.

    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. 4:31.

    Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness and rage and wrath and outcry and slander be removed from you⁺, with all malice.

  • Matt. 6:31, 34.

    Matt. 6:31, 34 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘[With] what shall we be clothed?’ 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day [is] its evil.[]

  • Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13.

    Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest your⁺ hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life—and that day would come upon you⁺ suddenly as a snare.

    Rom. 13:13 Let us walk properly as in daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

  • Eccl. 12:12; Eccl. 2:22–23.

    Eccl. 12:12 And further, by these my son, be warned: To the making of many books there is no end, and much study is weariness to the flesh.

    Eccl. 2:22–23 22 For what has been for the man for all his toil and for the striving of his heart, with which he toils under the sun? 23 For all his days are pains, and anger [is] his task; even in the night his heart will not find rest. This also is vapor.

  • Isa. 5:12.

    Isa. 5:12 Are the lyre [and] harp and tambourine, and flute and wine, are [at] their feasts; and the work of YHWH they do not regard, and the work of His hands they do not see.

  • Prov. 15:1; Prov. 12:18.

    Prov. 15:1 A tender answer turns away rage, and a word of pain raises up anger.

    Prov. 12:18 There is one speaking rashly like the thrusts of a sword, and the tongue of the wise ones [is] healing.

  • Ex. 1:14. (See Isa. 3:15.)

    Ex. 1:14 and they made bitter their lives with hard labor—with mortar and with bricks and with all manner of labor in the field, all their service in which they made them serve—with harshness.

    Isa. 3:15 Why do you crush My people, and grind the faces of the poor?” A declaration of the Lord YHWH of hosts.

  • Gal. 5:15; Prov. 23:29.

    Gal. 5:15 But if you⁺ bite and devour one another, watch out, lest you⁺ might be consumed by one another.

    Prov. 23:29 To whom [is] woe? To whom [is] sorrow? To whom [are] quarrels? To whom [is] complaining? To whom [are] wounds without cause? To whom [is] dullness of eyes?

  • Num. 35:16–17 (see vv. 18–21).

    Num. 35:16–17 16 But if he strikes him with an iron implement and he dies, he [is] a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. 17 And if with a stone in the hand, with which one could die by it, he strikes him and he does die, he [is] a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.

  • Ex. 21:29 (see vv. 18–36).

    Ex. 21:29 But if the ox itself has a habit of goring from yesterday and the day before yesterday, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not guarded it, and it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and also its owner shall be put to death.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1056 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 693 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1063 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 137

Q. Which is the seventh commandment?

A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:14. (Cf. Deut. 5:18.)

    Ex. 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.

    Deut. 5:18 And you shall not commit adultery.

Parallel passages (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 702 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 138

Q. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?

A. The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior; and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; temperance, keeping of chaste company, modesty in apparel; marriage by those that have not the gift of continency, conjugal love, and cohabitation; diligent labor in our callings; shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Thess. 4:4–5; Job 31:1; 1 Cor. 7:34.

    1 Thess. 4:4–5 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;

    Job 31:1 “I have made A covenant with my eyes; and how could I gaze upon a virgin?

    1 Cor. 7:34 and is divided. And the unmarried woman and virgin is concerned for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit; but the one being married is concerned for the things of the world, how she should please the husband.

  • Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6.

    Eph. 4:29 Do not let any rotten word go forth out of your⁺ mouth, but if any [is] good for edification of the need, so that it may give grace to those hearing.

    Col. 4:6 Let your⁺ word [be] always in grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how it is necessary for you⁺ to answer each one.

  • 1 Peter 3:2.

    1 Peter 3:2 having witnessed your⁺ respectful, pure conduct,

  • 1 Cor. 7:2–5, 34–36.

    1 Cor. 7:2–5, 34–36 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. 34 and is divided. And the unmarried woman and virgin is concerned for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit; but the one being married is concerned for the things of the world, how she should please the husband. 35 Now I say this for your⁺ own profit, not so that I might place upon you⁺ a restraint, but for what [is] seemly and devoted to the Lord, without distraction. 36 But if anyone supposes [himself] to be acting unbecomingly to his virgin, if she is beyond youth, and it ought to be so, let him do what he wills; he does not sin; let them marry.

  • Matt. 5:28; Job 31:1.

    Matt. 5:28 But I say to you⁺ that everyone looking at a woman in order to desire her already committed adultery with her in his heart.

    Job 31:1 “I have made A covenant with my eyes; and how could I gaze upon a virgin?

  • Acts 24:24–25.

    Acts 24:24–25 24 Then after some days Felix, having arrived with [his] own wife Drusilla, being a Jewess, sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And [in] his reasoning concerning righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix, having become frightened, answered, “Be going for the present, and having found opportunity, I will call for you,”

  • Prov. 2:16–20.

    Prov. 2:16–20 16 It will deliver you from a strange woman, from a foreign woman having made smooth her words, 17 the one having forsaken the guide of her youth, and she has forgotten the covenant of her God. 18 For her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the Rephaim. 19 Of all those coming to her, none will return, nor will they reach the paths of life. 20 So you must walk in the way of the good ones, and guard the paths of the righteous ones.

  • 1 Tim. 2:9.

    1 Tim. 2:9 Likewise also women [are] to adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and sound-mindedness, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,

  • 1 Cor. 7:2, 9.

    1 Cor. 7:2, 9 2 But because of the sexual immorality, let each man have his [own] wife, and let each woman have [her] own husband. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.

  • Prov. 5:19–20.

    Prov. 5:19–20 19 A loving doe and a graceful deer, let her breasts satisfy you at all times—may you wander in her love continually! 20 So why do you wander, my son, with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a foreign woman?

  • 1 Peter 3:7; 1 Cor. 7:5.

    1 Peter 3:7 Husbands [do] likewise, dwelling with [them] according to knowledge, as with a weaker vessel, with the female, rendering honor as co-heirs also of the grace of life, in order for your⁺ prayers not to be hindered.

    1 Cor. 7:5 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.

  • Prov. 31:11, 27–28.

    Prov. 31:11, 27–28 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he is not lacking [in] spoil. 27 She watches the goings of her house, and the bread of idleness she does not eat. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband he praises her:

  • Prov. 5:8. (See Gen. 39:8–10.)

    Prov. 5:8 Keep your path far away from her, and do not go near to the opening of her house,

    Gen. 39:8–10 8 And he refused, and said to the wife of his lord, “Behold, my lord has not known with me what [is] in the house, and all that he had he has put in my hand. 9 [There is] no one greater in this house than I, and he has not withheld from me anything except you, because you [are] his wife. And how can I do this great evil and sin against God?” 10 And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not listen to her, to lie beside her, to be with her.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1087 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 715 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 25: Of Marriage2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof texts

Question 139

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, adultery, fornication, rape, incest, sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections; all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; wanton looks, impudent or light behavior, immodest apparel; prohibiting of lawful, and dispensing with unlawful marriages; allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them; entangling vows of single life, undue delay of marriage, having more wives or husbands than one at the same time; unjust divorce, or desertion; idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, unchaste company; lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays; and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.

Scripture proofs
  • Prov. 5:7. (See Prov. 4:23, 27.)

    Prov. 5:7 And now, sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.

    Prov. 4:23, 27 23 With all diligence, guard your heart, for from it [are] the outgoings of life. 27 Do not bend away to the right or the left; turn aside your foot from evil.

  • Heb. 13:4; Eph. 5:5. (See Gal. 5:19.)

    Heb. 13:4 [Let] marriage [be] honored in all, and the marriage bed undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

    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.

    Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

  • 2 Sam. 13:14; 1 Cor. 5:1; Mark 6:18.

    2 Sam. 13:14 And he would not listen to her voice, and he was stronger than she, and he forced her and lay with her.

    1 Cor. 5:1 Sexual immorality is actually heard [of] among you⁺, and sexual immorality such as [is] not even among the nations, so as for one to have the wife of the father.

    Mark 6:18 For John was saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother.”

  • Rom. 1:24, 26–27; Lev. 20:15–16.

    Rom. 1:24, 26–27 24 Therefore God gave them up in the sinful desires of their hearts to uncleanness to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature. 27 And likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working out shame and receiving back in themselves the recompense that was fitting of their error.

    Lev. 20:15–16 15 And a man who commits his copulation with an animal, he must surely be put to death, and the animal you⁺ shall kill. 16 And a woman, if she approaches unto any animal and mates with it, then you shall kill the woman and the animal. They must surely be put to death; their blood [is] on them.

  • Matt. 5:28; Matt. 15:19; Col. 3:5.

    Matt. 5:28 But I say to you⁺ that everyone looking at a woman in order to desire her already committed adultery with her in his heart.

    Matt. 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, slanders.

    Col. 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

  • Eph. 5:3–4. (See Prov. 7:5, 21–22.)

    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.

    Prov. 7:5, 21–22 5 to guard you from the strange woman, from a foreign woman [who] has made smooth her words. 21 She turns him aside with the abundance of her speech; with the smoothness of her lips she compels him. 22 Going after her suddenly, he goes in like an ox to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,

  • Isa. 3:16; 2 Peter 2:14.

    Isa. 3:16 And says YHWH: “Because that the daughters of Zion are haughty, and they walk with outstretched neck and wanton eyes, walking and skipping [as] they go, and with their feet jingling,

    2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, and unceasing from sin; enticing unstable souls; having a heart having been trained in covetousness—children of a curse!

  • Prov. 7:10, 13.

    Prov. 7:10, 13 10 And behold, a woman to meet him, [in] the garment of a prostitute and guarded of heart. 13 And she laid hold on him and kissed him; she has hardened her face and said to him:

  • 1 Tim. 4:3.

    1 Tim. 4:3 forbidding to marry, [requiring] to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful and [by] [those] knowing the truth.

  • Mark 6:18; Mal. 2:11–12. (See Lev. 18:1–21.)

    Mark 6:18 For John was saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother.”

    Mal. 2:11–12 11 Judah has acted treacherously, and an abomination has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the sanctuary of YHWH, which He loves, and he has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12 May YHWH cut off the man who does this, the one being awake and the one answering from the tents of Jacob, and the one drawing near [with] an offering to YHWH of Hosts.

    Lev. 18:1–21 1 And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, and you shall say to them: I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. 3 You⁺ shall not do according to the work of the land of Egypt in which you⁺ dwelt, and according to the work of the land of Canaan where I am bringing you⁺, you⁺ shall not do, and in their statutes you⁺ shall not walk. 4 You⁺ shall do My judgments, and you⁺ shall keep My statutes, to walk in them. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. 5 And you⁺ shall keep My statutes and My judgments, which the man shall do them, and he shall live by them. I [am] YHWH. 6 Any man shall not draw near to any close relative of his flesh to uncover nakedness. I [am] YHWH. 7 The nakedness of your father and the nakedness of your mother you shall not uncover. She [is] your mother; you shall not uncover her nakedness. 8 The nakedness of the wife of your father you shall not uncover; it [is] the nakedness of your father. 9 The nakedness of your sister the daughter of your father or the daughter of your mother born [at] home or born outside [it], you shall not uncover their nakedness. 10 The nakedness of the daughter of your son or of the daughter of your daughter—you shall not uncover their nakedness; for they [are] your own nakedness. 11 The nakedness of the daughter of the wife of your father, begotten of your father—she [is] your sister—you shall not uncover her nakedness. 12 The nakedness of the sister of your father you shall not uncover; she [is] a close relative of your father. 13 The nakedness of the sister of your mother you shall not uncover, for she [is] a close relative of your mother. 14 The nakedness of the brother of your father you shall not uncover. To his wife you shall not draw near; she [is] your aunt. 15 The nakedness of your daughter-in-law you shall not uncover; she [is] the wife of your son. You shall not uncover her nakedness. 16 The nakedness of the wife of your brother you shall not uncover; it [is] the nakedness of your brother. 17 The nakedness of a woman and her daughter you shall not uncover—the daughter of her son and the daughter of her daughter you shall not take to uncover her nakedness. They [are] close relatives; it [is] wickedness. 18 And a woman to her sister you shall not take, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness beside her in her life. 19 And to a woman in the menstruation of her uncleanness you shall not draw near to uncover her nakedness. 20 And to the wife of your neighbor you shall not give your lying to seed to defile yourself with her. 21 And from your seed you shall not give to pass over to Molech, and you shall not profane the name of your God. I [am] YHWH.

  • 1 Kings 15:12; 2 Kings 23:7; Lev. 19:29; Jer. 5:7. (See Deut. 23:17–18; Prov. 7:24–27.)

    1 Kings 15:12 And he banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land, and he removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

    2 Kings 23:7 And he tore down the houses of the male shrine prostitutes that [were] in the house of YHWH, where the women had woven houses for the Asherah.

    Lev. 19:29 You shall not profane your daughter by making her practice prostitution, and the land will not practice prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness.

    Jer. 5:7 “How can I grant forgiveness to you for this? Your sons have forsaken Me and have sworn by those not gods. And I satisfied them, and they committed adultery, and [in] the houses of a harlot they gather themselves together.

    Deut. 23:17–18 17 There shall not be a prostitute among the daughters of Israel, nor shall there be a shrine prostitute from the sons of Israel. 18 You shall not bring the wage of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the house of YHWH your God for any vowed offering; for both of them [are] indeed an abomination to YHWH your God.

    Prov. 7:24–27 24 And now, sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. 26 For many wounded ones she has made fall; and numerous [are] all her slain ones. 27 Her house [is] the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

  • Matt. 19:10–11.

    Matt. 19:10–11 10 His disciples say to Him, “If this is the case of the man with the wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 And He said to them, “Not all receive this word, but [those] to whom it has been given.

  • 1 Cor. 7:7–9; Gen. 38:26.

    1 Cor. 7:7–9 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.

    Gen. 38:26 And Judah recognized [them] and said, “She is more righteous than I, for upon thus I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he did not continue to know her anymore.

  • Mal. 2:14–15; Matt. 19:5.

    Mal. 2:14–15 14 And you⁺ say, “For what?” Because that YHWH is a witness between you and between the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously, and she [is] your companion and the wife of your covenant. 15 And did He not make [them] one, and a remnant of the Spirit unto him? And what [is] the one? He was seeking seed of God. Therefore keep guard over your⁺ spirit, and do not deal treacherously with the wife of your youth.

    Matt. 19:5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’?

  • Mal. 2:16; Matt. 5:32; Matt. 19:8–9.

    Mal. 2:16 “For He hates sending away,” says YHWH the God of Israel, “And he [who] has covered violence with his garment.” Says YHWH of Hosts. You⁺ must keep guard over your⁺ spirit and not act treacherously.

    Matt. 5:32 But I say to you⁺ that everyone sending away his wife, except [for] the reason of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her [who] has been sent away, he commits adultery.

    Matt. 19:8–9 8 He says to them, “Moses, for your⁺ hardness of heart, allowed you⁺ to divorce your⁺ wives; but it has not been this way from the beginning. 9 And I say to you⁺ that whoever shall send away his wife, except for sexual immorality, and shall marry another, he commits adultery.”

  • 1 Cor. 7:12–13.

    1 Cor. 7:12–13 12 Now to the rest I say (I, not the Lord): If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to dwell with him, let him not send her away. 13 And if any woman has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to dwell with her, let her not send away the husband.

  • Ezek. 16:49. (See Prov. 23:30–33.)

    Ezek. 16:49 Behold, this was the guilt of Sodom your sister: Pride, fullness of bread, and the ease of idleness was unto her and unto her daughters, and the hand of the poor and needy she did not strengthen.

    Prov. 23:30–33 30 To those lingering over the wine, to those going in search of mixed drink! 31 Do not look [at] the wine when it is red, when it gives forth its eye in the cup—it goes down with smoothness! 32 Its end [is] like a serpent—it bites, and like a viper it stings. 33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will speak perverse things.

  • Gen. 39:19. (See Prov. 5:8.)

    Gen. 39:19 And it came to pass when his lord heard the words of his wife that she spoke to him, saying, “According to these words your servant did to me,” that his anger burned.

    Prov. 5:8 Keep your path far away from her, and do not go near to the opening of her house,

  • Eph. 5:4; Rom. 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3. (See Ezek. 23:14–16; Isa. 3:16; 23:15–17; Mark 6:22.)

    Eph. 5:4 and shamefulness, and foolish talk, or crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving.

    Rom. 13:13 Let us walk properly as in daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

    1 Peter 4:3 For the time past [is] sufficient to have carried out the intent of the Gentiles, having walked in debaucheries, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousings, and unlawful idolatries.

    Ezek. 23:14–16 14 and she had added to her prostitutions, and she looked at men portrayed on the wall, images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion, 15 girded with belts around their loins, turbans flowing on their heads, [with] the appearance of officers all of them, in the likeness of the sons of Babylon, Chaldea the land of their origin. 16 And she lusted for them at the seeing of her eyes, and she sent messengers to them in Chaldea.

    Isa. 3:16 And says YHWH: “Because that the daughters of Zion are haughty, and they walk with outstretched neck and wanton eyes, walking and skipping [as] they go, and with their feet jingling,

    23:15–17 15 And it will come to pass in that day, [that] Tyre will be forgotten seventy years—as the days of one king. At the end of seventy years, it will come to pass to Tyre as the song of the harlot: 16 “Take a harp, go about the city, O forgotten harlot; make sweet melody, sing many a song, so that you may be remembered.” 17 And it will come to pass at the end of seventy years, [that] YHWH will visit Tyre, and she will return to her hire and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth.

    Mark 6:22 and the daughter of Herodias herself, having entered and having danced, pleased Herod and those reclining with [him]. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you wish, and I will give [it] to you.”

  • 2 Kings 9:30; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40.

    2 Kings 9:30 And Jehu had come to Jezreel, and Jezebel heard and put her eyes in paint and adorned her head, and she looked down through the window.

    Jer. 4:30 And you, O devastated one, what are you doing, that you clothe yourself with crimson, that you adorn with ornaments of gold, that you tear open your eyes with paint? In vain you beautify yourself; [for] you have rejected the ones lusting; they seek your life!

    Ezek. 23:40 and also that they sent for men to come from afar, to whom a messenger [was] sent, and behold—they came, those for whom you washed yourself [and] painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce24 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1087 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 25: Of Marriage7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 874 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 29: Of Single Life, Wedlock, and Household Government3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 140

Q. Which is the eighth commandment?

A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:15. (Cf. Deut. 5:19.)

    Ex. 20:15 You shall not steal.

    Deut. 5:19 And you shall not steal.

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 732 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints1 shared proof text

Question 141

Q. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?

A. The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; a lawful calling, and diligence in it; frugality; avoiding unnecessary lawsuits, and suretyship, or other like engagements; and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 15:2, 4; Mic. 6:8; Zech. 8:16–17. (See Zech. 7:4, 10.)

    Ps. 15:2, 4 2 The one walking blamelessly, and doing righteousness, and speaking truth in his heart. 4 A rejected one is despised in his eyes, and those fearful of YHWH he honors—one [who] swears to endure evil, and not changing.

    Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?

    Zech. 8:16–17 16 These [are] the things that you⁺ will do: Speak the truth, every man with his neighbor; [in] truth and judgment of peace render judgment in your⁺ gates; 17 and each man, you⁺ shall not devise evil against a neighbor in your⁺ heart, and an oath of deception you⁺ shall not love, for all these [are] that which I hate,” a declaration of YHWH.

    Zech. 7:4, 10 4 And the word of YHWH of Hosts came to me, saying, 10 and the widow and fatherless, the sojourner and the poor, you⁺ shall not oppress; and you⁺ shall not devise in your⁺ heart the evil of a man [against] his brother!’

  • Rom. 13:7.

    Rom. 13:7 Pay to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

  • Lev. 6:2–5. (See Luke 19:8.)

    Lev. 6:2–5 2 “If a soul sins and acts unfaithfully—an unfaithfulness—against YHWH and has lied to his neighbor concerning a deposit, or concerning a pledge of hand, or concerning a robbery, or if he has extorted his neighbor, 3 or if he has found a lost thing and has lied concerning it, and has sworn upon falsehood—upon one from all that the man does, to sin in them. 4 And it shall be, when he sins and is guilty, that he shall return the plunder that he has stolen, or the extortion that he has extorted, or the deposit that has been deposited with him, or the lost thing that he found, 5 or from all about which he swore to a lie. And He shall restore it in its principal and he shall add a fifth to it; to whomever it belongs, he shall give it in the day of his guilt offering.

    Luke 19:8 But having stood, Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I give to the poor; and if I defrauded anything of anyone, I repay [it] fourfold.”

  • Luke 6:30, 38; 1 John 3:17; Eph. 4:28; Gal. 6:10.

    Luke 6:30, 38 30 To everyone asking you, give, and from the one taking away what [is] yours⁺, do not demand [it] back. 38 Give, and it will be given to you⁺. A good measure, pressed down, shaken, running over, they will give into your⁺ bosom. For with what measure you⁺ measure, it will be measured back to you⁺.”

    1 John 3:17 Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him?

    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.

    Gal. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, we should work good toward all, and especially toward those of the household of the faith.

  • 1 Tim. 6:6–9. (See Gal. 6:14.)

    1 Tim. 6:6–9 6 But godliness with contentment is a means of great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, because neither are we able to bring out anything. 8 But having sustenance and coverings, with these we will be content. 9 But those wishing to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

    Gal. 6:14 But for me, may it be never to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I [to] the world.

  • 1 Tim. 5:8.

    1 Tim. 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for [his] own, and especially [his] household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Prov. 27:23 (see vv. 24–27); Eccl. 2:24; Eccl. 3:12–13; 1 Tim. 6:17–18. (See Isa. 38:1; Matt. 11:8.)

    Prov. 27:23 Be sure to know the faces of your flock, [and] set your heart to your herds,

    Eccl. 2:24 Nothing [is] better for the man than to eat and drink, and his soul to see good in his toil. This also I saw, that it [is] from the hand of God;

    Eccl. 3:12–13 12 I know that there is nothing good for them, but than to rejoice and to do good during their lives, 13 and also [that] every man should eat and drink and see good in all his toil—it [is] a gift of God.

    1 Tim. 6:17–18 17 Charge the rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to have hoped on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, the One richly providing us all things for enjoyment; 18 to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous in distributing, ready to share,

    Isa. 38:1 In those days Hezekiah was sick unto death. And came to him Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet, and he said to him, “Thus says YHWH: ‘Set in order your house, for you are going to die, and you will not live!’”

    Matt. 11:8 But what did you⁺ go out to see? A man having been dressed in soft [garments]? Behold, those wearing soft [garments] are in the houses of kings.

  • 1 Cor. 7:20. (See Gen. 2:15; 3:19.)

    1 Cor. 7:20 Each in the calling in which he has been called—in this let him remain.

    Gen. 2:15 And YHWH God took the man and He caused him to rest in the garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it.

    3:19 By the sweat of your nose you shall eat bread, until your returning to the ground, for from it you were taken. For dust you [are], and to dust you shall return.”

  • Eph. 4:28; Prov. 10:4; Rom. 12:11.

    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.

    Prov. 10:4 The one making slack [his] hand becomes poor, and the hand of the diligent ones makes rich.

    Rom. 12:11 not slothful in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,

  • John 6:12; Prov. 21:20.

    John 6:12 Now when they were filled, He says to His disciples, “Gather together the fragments having superabounded, so that nothing may be lost.”

    Prov. 21:20 Treasure to be desired and oil [are] in the dwelling of a wise one, and a foolish man swallows it up.

  • 1 Cor. 6:1 (see vv. 2–9).

    1 Cor. 6:1 Dare any one of you⁺, having a matter against the other, go to be judged before the unrighteous and not before the saints?

  • Prov. 11:15. (See Prov. 6:1–6.)

    Prov. 11:15 One will surely suffer evil if he pledges for [for] a stranger, and one who hates striking hands remains secure.

    Prov. 6:1–6 1 My son, if you have been surety for your neighbor, [or] have struck your hand for the stranger, 2 [or] have been lured by the words of your mouth, captured by the words of your mouth, 3 then you must do this my son, and deliver yourself, for you have come into the palm of your neighbor: Go humble yourself, and press your neighbor. 4 You should not give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids— 5 snatch yourself like a gazelle from the hand, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, O sluggish one; see her ways and become wise:

  • Lev. 25:35; Phil. 2:4. (See Deut. 22:1–4; Ex. 23:4–5; Gen. 47:14, 20; Matt. 22:39.)

    Lev. 25:35 And if one of your brothers among you becomes poor and his hand has failed, then you shall help him like a sojourner or a stranger, and he may live with you.

    Phil. 2:4 each looking at not the things of yourselves, but each also the things of others.

    Deut. 22:1–4 1 You shall not see the ox of your brother or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely turn them back to your brother. 2 And if your brother [is] not near to you, or if you do not know him, you shall bring it to the middle of your own house, and it shall remain with you until your brother seeks it—and you shall restore it to him. 3 And so shall you do with his donkey, and so shall you do with his garment, and so shall you do with any lost thing of your brother that is lost by him and you have found it. You must not hide yourself. 4 You shall not see the donkey of your brother or his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely raise [them] up with him.

    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.

    Gen. 47:14, 20 14 And Joseph gathered up all the silver found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain that they were buying, and Joseph brought the silver to the house of Pharaoh. 20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of Egypt sold his field because the famine was severe upon them. And the land became unto Pharaoh.

    Matt. 22:39 And the second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 743 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints3 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1043 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1073 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1112 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 142

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, theft, robbery, manstealing, and receiving anything that is stolen; fraudulent dealing, false weights and measures, removing landmarks, injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, or in matters of trust; oppression, extortion, usury, bribery, vexatious lawsuits, unjust enclosures and depredation; engrossing commodities to enhance the price; unlawful callings, and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; covetousness; inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods; distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; envying at the prosperity of others; as likewise idleness, prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us.

Scripture proofs
  • James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17.

    James 2:15–16 15 Now if a brother or a sister is naked and lacking of daily food, 16 and anyone of you⁺ says to them, “Go in peace; be warmed and be filled,” but does not give to them the needful things for the body, what [is] the gain?

    1 John 3:17 Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him?

  • Eph. 4:28.

    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.

  • Ps. 62:10.

    Ps. 62:10 You should⁺ not trust in oppression, and do not be vain in robbery; [on] wealth when it increases you⁺ should not set the heart.

  • 1 Tim. 1:10.

    1 Tim. 1:10 for the sexually immoral, homosexuals, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and if anything other is opposed to being sound in the teaching,

  • Prov. 29:24; Ps. 50:18.

    Prov. 29:24 One having a portion with a thief is hating his own soul; he hears the curse, and does not testify.

    Ps. 50:18 If you see a thief, then you are pleased with him, and your portion [is] with those committing adultery.

  • 1 Thess. 4:6; Lev. 19:13.

    1 Thess. 4:6 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.

    Lev. 19:13 You shall not oppress your neighbor, and you shall not rob. The wage of a hireling shall not remain with you until morning.

  • Prov. 11:1; Prov. 20:10.

    Prov. 11:1 Scales of deceit [are] an abomination to YHWH, and a whole stone [is] His delight.

    Prov. 20:10 A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah—the two of them alike [are] an abomination to YHWH.

  • Deut. 19:14. (See Prov. 23:10.)

    Deut. 19:14 You shall not move a border of your neighbor, which the men of old have set in your inheritance that you will inherit in the land that YHWH your God is giving you to possess.

    Prov. 23:10 Do not remove a boundary of old, and do not enter into the fields of the fatherless.

  • Amos 8:5; Ps. 37:21.

    Amos 8:5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit,

    Ps. 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, and the righteous one is gracious and giving.

  • Luke 16:10–12.

    Luke 16:10–12 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?

  • Ezek. 22:29; Lev. 25:17.

    Ezek. 22:29 The people of the land [with] oppression have oppressed, and [with] robbery have robbed, and the poor and the needy they have mistreated; and the sojourner they oppress without justice.

    Lev. 25:17 And you⁺ shall not oppress one another, and you shall fear your God. For I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.

  • Matt. 23:25; Ezek. 22:12.

    Matt. 23:25 Woe to you⁺, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you⁺ cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of plundering and self-indulgence.

    Ezek. 22:12 They take Bribes among you in order to pour out blood; usury and increase you take, and you cut off your neighbors by extortion, and Me you have forgotten, a declaration of the Lord YHWH.

  • Ps. 15:5.

    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.

  • Job 15:34.

    Job 15:34 For the company of the godless [is] barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery.

  • 1 Cor. 6:6–8; Prov. 3:29–30.

    1 Cor. 6:6–8 6 But brother goes to be judged against brother, and this before unbelievers! 7 Therefore indeed, it is already altogether a defeat for you⁺ that you⁺ have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you⁺ do wrong and defraud, and this to brothers!

    Prov. 3:29–30 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he is dwelling in trust with you. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has not dealt with you [for] evil.

  • Isa. 5:8; Mic. 2:2.

    Isa. 5:8 Woe to those joining house to house; field to field they bring near, until [there is] no place to stand, and you⁺ are made to dwell by yourselves alone in the midst of the land!

    Mic. 2:2 And they desire fields, and seize [them], and houses, and they take [them]; and they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.

  • Prov. 11:26.

    Prov. 11:26 The one withholding grain, the people will curse him, and blessing [is] on the head of the one selling.

  • Acts 19:19 (see vv. 24–25).

    Acts 19:19 and many of those having practiced works of magic, having brought the books, burned [them] before all. And they counted up the prices of them and found [it] five myriads of silver.

  • James 5:4; Prov. 21:6. (See Job 20:19.)

    James 5:4 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.

    Prov. 21:6 Working [for] treasures by a tongue of deception is a vapor driven away [of those] seeking death.

    Job 20:19 For he has crushed [and] forsaken the poor; he has seized a house, and he did not build it.

  • Luke 12:15.

    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.”

  • 1 Tim. 6:5; Col. 3:2; 1 John 2:15–16. (See Prov. 23:5; Ps. 62:10.)

    1 Tim. 6:5 [and] constant arguing of men thoroughly corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, supposing godliness to be a means of gain.

    Col. 3:2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth.

    1 John 2:15–16 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone should love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, 16 because all that [is] in the world, the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the vaunting of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.

    Prov. 23:5 Will you make your eyes fly onto it, and it is not there? For it certainly makes for itself wings like an eagle [and] flies away [to] the heavens!

    Ps. 62:10 You should⁺ not trust in oppression, and do not be vain in robbery; [on] wealth when it increases you⁺ should not set the heart.

  • Matt. 6:25, 31, 34; Eccl. 5:12.

    Matt. 6:25, 31, 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? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘[With] what shall we be clothed?’ 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day [is] its evil.[]

    Eccl. 5:12 Sweet [is] the sleep of the one working, whether he eats little or much; but the satsifaction of the rich one will not allow rest for him to sleep.

  • Ps. 73:3. (See Ps. 37:1, 7.)

    Ps. 73:3 For I was envious of those boasting [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

    Ps. 37:1, 7 1 Of David. You should not fret ove those doing evil, and do not be jealous of the workers of iniquity. 7 Be still before YHWH, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret over the one succeeding in his path, over the man making schemes.

  • 2 Thess. 3:10–11. (See Prov. 18:9.)

    2 Thess. 3:10–11 10 For even when we were with you⁺, we were commanding you⁺ this, that “if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.” 11 For we hear some are walking among you⁺ in an unruly manner, not working at all, but being busybodies.

    Prov. 18:9 The one being slack in his work, he [is] also a brother to a lord of destruction.

  • Prov. 21:17; Prov. 23:20–21. (See Prov. 28:19.)

    Prov. 21:17 The one loving pleasure [is] a man of need, the one loving wine and oil will not become rich.

    Prov. 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.

    Prov. 28:19 The one working his land will be filled [with] bread, and the one pursuing empty [things] will be filled with poverty.

  • Eccl. 4:8; Eccl. 6:2; 1 Tim. 4:3–5; 1 Tim. 5:8.

    Eccl. 4:8 There is one, and there is not a second—there is not even a son or brother for him—and there is not end to all his toils; and his eye is not satisfied with wealth: “For whom [am] I toiling and depriving my soul of good?” This also [is] vapor, and it [is] a task of evil.

    Eccl. 6:2 A man [for] whom God has given to him riches and wealth and honor, and he has no lack for his soul from all that; he desires and God does not give him power to eat from it; instead a foreign man eats it. This [is] vapor, and it [is] a sickening evil.

    1 Tim. 4:3–5 3 forbidding to marry, [requiring] to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful and [by] [those] knowing the truth. 4 For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing [is] to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and intercession.

    1 Tim. 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for [his] own, and especially [his] household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

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Question 143

Q. Which is the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:16. (Cf. Deut. 5:20.)

    Ex. 20:16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness.

    Deut. 5:20 And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Parallel passages (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 762 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 144

Q. What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?

A. The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbor, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbors; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency; a ready receiving of a good report, and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, concerning them; discouraging talebearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth; keeping of lawful promises; studying and practicing of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report.

Scripture proofs
  • Zech. 8:16; Eph. 4:25.

    Zech. 8:16 These [are] the things that you⁺ will do: Speak the truth, every man with his neighbor; [in] truth and judgment of peace render judgment in your⁺ gates;

    Eph. 4:25 Therefore, having put off falsehood, let each one speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another.

  • 3 John 12.
  • Prov. 31:8–9.

    Prov. 31:8–9 8 Open your mouth for a mute one, for the cause of all the sons of destitution. 9 Open your mouth, judge with righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor one and needy one.

  • Ps. 15:2.

    Ps. 15:2 The one walking blamelessly, and doing righteousness, and speaking truth in his heart.

  • 2 Chron. 19:9.

    2 Chron. 19:9 And he commanded them, saying, “Thus you⁺ shall do in the fear of YHWH, in faithfulness, and with a perfect heart.

  • 1 Sam. 19:4–5.

    1 Sam. 19:4–5 4 And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works [are] very good toward you. 5 For he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and YHWH brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw [it] and rejoiced; and why would you sin against innocent blood to kill David for nothing?”

  • Josh. 7:19 (see vv. 15–20).

    Josh. 7:19 And Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give, please, glory to YHWH, God of Israel, and make to Him confession and tell now me what you have done. Do not hide [it] from me.”

  • 2 Sam. 14:18 (see vv. 19–20); Acts 20:27.

    2 Sam. 14:18 And the king answered and said to the woman, “Please do not hide from me anything that I am asking you.” And the woman said, “Please let my lord the king speak.”

    Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you⁺ the whole counsel of God.

  • Lev. 19:15; Prov. 14:5, 25.

    Lev. 19:15 You⁺ shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not lift up the face of the poor, and you shall not honor the face of the great; in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.

    Prov. 14:5, 25 5 A witness of faithfulness does not lie, and a witness of deception breathes out lies. 25 A witness of truth is delivering souls, and one who breathes out lies [is] deceitful.

  • 2 Cor. 1:17–18; Eph. 4:25. (See Col. 3:9.)

    2 Cor. 1:17–18 17 Therefore, purposing this, then, did I use lightness? Or do I purpose what I purpose according to flesh, so that with me it may be “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? 18 But faithful [is] God, that our word to you⁺ is not “Yes” and “No.”

    Eph. 4:25 Therefore, having put off falsehood, let each one speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another.

    Col. 3:9 Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his practices,

  • Heb. 6:9; 1 Cor. 13:7.

    Heb. 6:9 But even if we speak thus. beloved, we are persuaded of better [things] concerning you⁺, and [things] belonging to salvation.

    1 Cor. 13:7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

  • Rom. 1:8; 2 John 4; 3 John 3–4.

    Rom. 1:8 First indeed, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you⁺, because your⁺ faith is being proclaimed in all the world.

    2 John 4 on BibleHub ↗

    3 John 3 on BibleHub ↗

    3 John 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • 2 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:21. (See Ps. 119:158.)

    2 Cor. 2:4 For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart, I wrote to you⁺ through many tears, not that you⁺ might be grieved, but that you⁺ might know the love that I have more abundantly toward you⁺.

    2 Cor. 12:21 lest [on] my having come again, my God should humble me as to you⁺, and I should mourn many of those having before sinned and not having repented of the impurity and sexual immorality and sensuality that they have practiced.

    Ps. 119:158 I have seen those acting treacherously, and I felt loathing, because they have not kept Your word.

  • Prov. 17:9; 1 Peter 4:8.

    Prov. 17:9 The one covering a transgression is seeking love, and one repeating a word is separating a close friend.

    1 Peter 4:8 before all things having fervent love among yourselves because love covers a multitude of sins,

  • 1 Cor. 1:4–5, 7. (See 2 Tim. 1:4–5.)

    1 Cor. 1:4–5, 7 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, 7 so as for you⁺ not to be lacking in [any] gift, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

    2 Tim. 1:4–5 4 longing to see you, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, 5 having taken remembrance of the unfeigned faith in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that [it is] in you also.

  • 1 Sam. 22:14.

    1 Sam. 22:14 And Ahimelech answered the king, and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, and son-in-law of the king, and has turned aside at your council, and is honorable in your house?

  • 1 Cor. 13:6–7.

    1 Cor. 13:6–7 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.

  • Ps. 15:3.

    Ps. 15:3 He does not have slander upon his tongue, and he has not done evil to his neighbor, and a reproach he has not taken up against his neighbor.

  • Prov. 25:23.

    Prov. 25:23 A north wind twists out rain, and a secret tongue [brings] faces of indignanation.

  • Prov. 26:24–25.

    Prov. 26:24–25 24 With his lips the one hating disguises [it], and within himself he places deceit. 25 When his voice is favorable, you should not trust in him, for seven abominations [are] in his heart.

  • Ps. 101:5.

    Ps. 101:5 The one slandering his neighbor in secret, I will put an end [to] him; the high of eyes and proud of heart—him I will not endure.

  • Prov. 22:1; John 8:49. (See 2 Cor. 11:1–12:13.)

    Prov. 22:1 A name to be chosen [is] greater than wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.

    John 8:49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father, and you⁺ dishonor Me.

    2 Cor. 11:1–12:13 1 I wish you⁺ were bearing with me in a little foolishness, but you⁺ also bear with me. 13 For [in] what is it that you⁺ were inferior beyond the rest [of] the churches, except that I myself did not burden you⁺? Forgive me this wrong!

  • Ps. 15:4.

    Ps. 15:4 A rejected one is despised in his eyes, and those fearful of YHWH he honors—one [who] swears to endure evil, and not changing.

  • Phil. 4:8.

    Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever [is] honorable, whatever [is] right, whatever [is] pure, whatever [is] lovely, whatever [is] well spoken of—if any excellence and if any praise—think on these things.

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Question 145

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbors, as well as our own, especially in public judicature; giving false evidence, suborning false witnesses, wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause, outfacing and overbearing the truth; passing unjust sentence, calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous, and the righteous according to the work of the wicked; forgery, concealing the truth, undue silence in a just cause, and holding our peace when iniquity calleth for either a reproof from ourselves, or complaint to others; speaking the truth unseasonably, or maliciously to a wrong end, or perverting it to a wrong meaning, or in doubtful and equivocal expressions, to the prejudice of truth or justice; speaking untruth, lying, slandering, backbiting, detracting, talebearing, whispering, scoffing, reviling, rash, harsh, and partial censuring; misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; flattering, vainglorious boasting; thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of ourselves or others; denying the gifts and graces of God; aggravating smaller faults; hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when called to a free confession; unnecessary discovering of infirmities; raising false rumors, receiving and countenancing evil reports, and stopping our ears against just defense; evil suspicion; envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, endeavoring or desiring to impair it, rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy; scornful contempt, fond admiration; breach of lawful promises; neglecting such things as are of good report, and practicing, or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering what we can in others, such things as procure an ill name.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 3:14. (See 1 Sam. 17:28; 2 Sam. 16:3; 1:9–10, 15–16.)

    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.”

    1 Sam. 17:28 And Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men, and the anger of Eliab was kindled against David, and he said, “Why [is] this [that] you came down, and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for in order you have come down to see the battle.”

    2 Sam. 16:3 And the king said, “And where [is] the son of your master?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my father.’”

    1:9–10, 15–16 9 And he said to me, ‘Stand, please, over me and kill me, for the anguish has seized me, but all my life [is] in me still.’ 10 And I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the diadem that [was] on his head and the bracelet that [was] on his arm, and have brought them to my lord here.” 15 And David called one of the young men and said, “Go near [and] fall upon him.” And he struck him, and he died. 16 And David said to him, “Your blood [is] on your own head. For your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the anointed of YHWH.’”

  • Lev. 19:15. (See Hab. 1:4.)

    Lev. 19:15 You⁺ shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not lift up the face of the poor, and you shall not honor the face of the great; in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.

    Hab. 1:4 Over this, the law is numb, and justice does not go forth forever. For the wicked are surrounding the righteous. Upon thus, twisted justice goes forth.

  • Prov. 19:5. (See Prov. 6:16, 19.)

    Prov. 19:5 A witness of falsehoods will not be acquitted, and the one breathing out lies will not escape.

    Prov. 6:16, 19 16 These six [things] YHWH hates, and seven [are] an abomination to His soul: 19 one breathing out lies, a witness of falsehood, and one sending forth contentions between brothers.

  • Acts 6:13.

    Acts 6:13 And they set up false witnesses, saying, “This man does not stop speaking words against this holy place and the law.

  • Jer. 9:3, 5; Ps. 12:3–4. (See Acts 24:2, 5; Ps. 52:1–4.)

    Jer. 9:3, 5 3 “And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [in] deception, and they are not mighty for the truth on the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me!” A declaration of YHWH. 5 And each man will deceive his neighbor, and they will not speak the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak deception, and they weary themselves to commit iniquity.

    Ps. 12:3–4 3 May YHWH cut off all lips of flattery, a tongue speaking great [things]— 4 those who have said, “By our tongues we will prevail; our lips [are] with us; who [is] lord over us?”

    Acts 24:2, 5 2 And he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, “Attaining great peace through you, and excellent measures being done to this nation through your foresight, 5 For having found this man a pestilence and stirring dissension among all the Jews in the world—also a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes—

    Ps. 52:1–4 1 For the one directing. A Maskil of David, in the coming of Doeg the Edomite, when he announced to Saul and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God [is] all the day. 2 Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor working deceit. 3 You love evil more than good, lying more than speaking righteousness. Selah 4 You love all devouring words, O tongue of deceit!

  • Prov. 17:15. (See 1 Kings 21:9–14.)

    Prov. 17:15 One justifying the wicked, and condemning the just—even the two of them [are] an abomination to YHWH.

    1 Kings 21:9–14 9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth with high honor among the people. 10 And seat two men, sons of worthlessness, before him to bear witness against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ And take him out and stone him, that he may die.” 11 And the men of his city, the elders and nobles who were dwellers of his city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, as it [was] written in the letters that she had sent to them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth with high honor among the people. 13 And two men, the sons of worthlessness, came in and sat before him. And the men of worthlessness witnessed against him, against Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed God and the king.” And they took him outside of the city and stoned him with stones, so that he died. 14 And they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned, and he is dead.”

  • Isa. 5:23.

    Isa. 5:23 those declaring right the wicked for a bribe, and justice for the righteous ones they turn aside from him.

  • 1 Kings 21:8.

    1 Kings 21:8 And she wrote letters in the name of Ahab and sealed [them] with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who [were] dwelling in the city with Naboth.

  • Lev. 5:1; Acts 5:3 (see vv. 8–9). (See also Deut. 13:8; 2 Tim. 4:16.)

    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.

    Acts 5:3 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?

    Deut. 13:8 you shall not consent to him nor listen to him. Nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor conceal him,

    2 Tim. 4:16 In my first defense, no one came beside me, but all deserted me. May it not be reckoned to them!

  • 1 Kings 1:6; Lev. 19:17.

    1 Kings 1:6 (And his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, “Why have you done so?” And He [was] also very good in form, and she had borne him after Absalom.)

    Lev. 19:17 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.

  • Isa. 59:4.

    Isa. 59:4 No one calls for justice, and no one pleads his case in truth, trusting in emptiness, and speaking vanity, conceiving trouble, and birthing iniquity.

  • Prov. 29:11.

    Prov. 29:11 A fool brings out all his spirit, and a wise one soothes it backward.

  • 1 Sam. 22:9–10; Ps. 52:1–5.

    1 Sam. 22:9–10 9 And answered Doeg the Edomite, and he was set over the servants of Saul, and he said, “I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob, to Ahimelech son of Ahitub. 10 And he inquired for him of YHWH, and he gave provisions to him, and the sword of Goliath the Philistine he gave to him.”

    Ps. 52:1–5 1 For the one directing. A Maskil of David, in the coming of Doeg the Edomite, when he announced to Saul and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God [is] all the day. 2 Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor working deceit. 3 You love evil more than good, lying more than speaking righteousness. Selah 4 You love all devouring words, O tongue of deceit! 5 Even God will tear you down forever; He will take you up and pluck you out of the tent and uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

  • Ps. 56:5; Matt. 26:60–61. (See John 2:19.)

    Ps. 56:5 All the day they wrest my words; their thoughts [are] all for evil against me.

    Matt. 26:60–61 60 But they did not find [any], of many false witnesses having come forward. And at last, two having come forward, 61 they said, “This [man] has been saying, ‘I am able to demolish the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

    John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

  • Gen. 3:5. (See Gen. 26:7, 9.)

    Gen. 3:5 For God knows that in the day of your⁺ eating from it, your⁺ eyes will be opened and you⁺ will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

    Gen. 26:7, 9 7 And the men of that place asked about his wife, and he said, “She [is] my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “[She is] my wife,” lest the men of the place kill me on account of Rebekah, because she [is] beautiful of appearance. 9 And Abimelech called to Isaac and said, “Surely behold, she [is] your wife! And how did you say, ‘She [is] my sister?’” And Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘lest I die on account of her.’”

  • Isa. 59:13.

    Isa. 59:13 Breaking faith and being false with YHWH, and removing ourselves from following our God; speaking [words of] oppression and revolt, conceiving and musing from the heart words of deception.

  • Col. 3:9. (See Lev. 19:11.)

    Col. 3:9 Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his practices,

    Lev. 19:11 You⁺ shall not steal, and you⁺ shall not deal falsely, and you⁺ shall not lie—a man to his neighbor.

  • Ps. 50:20.

    Ps. 50:20 You sit against your brother and speak; against the son of your mother you place fault.

  • Ps. 15:3.

    Ps. 15:3 He does not have slander upon his tongue, and he has not done evil to his neighbor, and a reproach he has not taken up against his neighbor.

  • James 4:11. (See Jer. 38:4.)

    James 4:11 Do not speak against one another, brothers. The one speaking against a brother or judging his brother speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.

    Jer. 38:4 And the princes said to the king, “Please, let this man be put to death, for by this he is weakening the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, speaking to them these words. For this man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but only the harm.

  • Lev. 19:16.

    Lev. 19:16 You shall not go about [as] a slanderer among your people. You shall not stand against the blood of your neighbor. I [am] YHWH.

  • Rom. 1:29–30.

    Rom. 1:29–30 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;

  • Gen. 21:9; Gal. 4:29.

    Gen. 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking [her son].

    Gal. 4:29 But just as then the one having been born according to flesh was persecuting the one [born] according to the Spirit, so also [it is] now.

  • 1 Cor. 6:10.

    1 Cor. 6:10 nor thieves, nor coveters, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Matt. 7:1.

    Matt. 7:1 “Do not judge, that you⁺ may not be judged.

  • Acts 28:4. (See James 2:13.)

    Acts 28:4 And when the natives saw the beast hanging from his hand, they began to say to one another, “By all means this man is a murderer whom, having been saved from the sea, Dike did not permit to live.”

    James 2:13 For judgment without mercy [will be] to the one not having done mercy. Mercy exults over judgment.

  • Gen. 38:24; Rom. 2:1.

    Gen. 38:24 And it came to pass about three months [later], that it was told to Judah, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the prostitute, and also behold, she [is] pregnant by prostitution.” And Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned.”

    Rom. 2:1 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.

  • Rom. 3:8; Ps. 69:10. (See Neh. 6:6–8; 1 Sam. 1:13–15; 2 Sam. 10:3.)

    Rom. 3:8 And [is it] not, as we are slandered and as some affirm us to say, “Let us do evil so that the good may come”? Their judgment is just.

    Ps. 69:10 I even wept in the fasting of my soul, and it was for a reproach to me.

    Neh. 6:6–8 6 written in it: “Among the nations it is reported, and Gashmu says, [that] you and the Jews plan to rebel; upon thus you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king, according to these words. 7 And also you have appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘[There is] a king in Judah!’ And these words will be reported to the king; and now come and let us counsel together.” 8 And I sent to him, saying, “These things are not being done as you say, but you are inventing them in your own heart.”

    1 Sam. 1:13–15 13 And Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. And Eli thought [she was] drunk. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine from you.” 15 And Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I [am] a woman oppressed in spirit; and I have not drunk any wine or strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the face of YHWH.

    2 Sam. 10:3 And the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Is David honoring your father in your eyes because he has sent to you comforters? Is [it] not for the purpose of searching out the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it [that] David has sent his servants to you?”

  • Ps. 12:2–3.

    Ps. 12:2–3 2 Vanity they speak, each man with his neighbor; [with] lips of flattery with a double heart they speak. 3 May YHWH cut off all lips of flattery, a tongue speaking great [things]—

  • 2 Tim. 3:2.

    2 Tim. 3:2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boasters, proud, verbally abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

  • Luke 18:9, 11; Acts 12:22; Ex. 4:10–14. (See Rom. 12:16; Gal. 5:26; 1 Cor. 4:6.)

    Luke 18:9, 11 9 And He also spoke this parable to some trusting in themselves that they are righteous, and despising others: 11 The Pharisee, having stood, was praying toward himself thus: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of the men—swindlers, unrighteous, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

    Acts 12:22 And the people were crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”

    Ex. 4:10–14 10 And Moses said to YHWH, “Please, my Lord, I [am] not a man of words, neither from yesterday nor from the day before yesterday nor from the time You have spoken to Your servant. For I [am] slow of mouth and slow of tongue.” 11 And YHWH said to him, “Who has made a mouth for the man? Or who makes mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is [it] not I, YHWH? 12 And now go, and I—I will be with your mouth, and I will teach you what you shall say.” 13 And he said, “Please, my Lord, send, please, by the hand [of another] whom You send.” 14 And the anger of YHWH burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he surely speaks. And also, behold, he is coming out to meet you, and he will see you, and he will be glad in his heart.

    Rom. 12:16 minding the same thing toward one another, not minding the high [things], but going along with the lowly. Do not be wise in yourselves,

    Gal. 5:26 We should not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

    1 Cor. 4:6 Now I have applied these things, brothers, to myself and Apollos on account of you⁺, so that in us you⁺ may learn, “Not beyond what has been written,” so that not one [of] you⁺ may be puffed up over one against the other.

  • Luke 9:49–50; 2 Cor. 10:10; Acts 2:13. (See Job 27:5–6; 4:6.)

    Luke 9:49–50 49 And answering, John said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we were forbidding him because he does not follow with us.” 50 And Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid [it]; for whoever is not against you⁺ is for you⁺.”

    2 Cor. 10:10 For they say, “The letters indeed [are] weighty and strong, but the presence of the body [is] weak, and the word is of no account.”

    Acts 2:13 But others, mocking, were saying, “They are full of new wine!”

    Job 27:5–6 5 Far be it from me that I justify you⁺; until I die, I will not turn aside my integrity from me. 6 My righteousness I hold fast, and I will not let go; my heart shall not reproach [me] in my days.

    4:6 Is not your fear your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?

  • Matt. 7:3–5.

    Matt. 7:3–5 3 And why do you look at the splinter that [is] in the eye of your brother, but not notice the beam in your [own] eye? 4 Or how will you say to your brother, ‘Permit that I might cast out the splinter from your eye,’ and behold, the beam [is] in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First cast out the beam from your eye, and then you will see clearly to cast out the splinter from the eye of your brother.

  • Prov. 28:13; Gen. 3:12–13. (See Prov. 30:20; Jer. 2:35; 2 Kings 5:25; Gen. 4:9.)

    Prov. 28:13 One covering his transgressions will not prosper, and one confessing and forsaking [them] will find mercy.

    Gen. 3:12–13 12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave [to be] with me, she gave to me from the tree, and I ate.” 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.”

    Prov. 30:20 This [is] the way of a woman committing adultery: She eats and has wiped her mouth and has said, ‘I have not done wickedness.’

    Jer. 2:35 you also say ‘Because I am innocent, surely His anger has turned away from me.’ Behold, I will plead with you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

    2 Kings 5:25 And he went in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, “From where, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go where and where.”

    Gen. 4:9 And YHWH said to Cain, “Where [is] Abel your brother?” And He said, “I do not know. [Am] I my brother’s keeper?”

  • Prov. 25:9–10. (See Gen. 9:22.)

    Prov. 25:9–10 9 Dispute your cause with your neighbor, and do not uncover the secret to another, 10 lest the one hearing [it] should bring shame to you, and your defamation shall not turn back.

    Gen. 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and he told his two brothers outside.

  • Ex. 23:1.

    Ex. 23:1 “You shall not lift up a vain report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be a violent witness.

  • Prov. 29:12. (See Ps. 41:7–8.)

    Prov. 29:12 One ruling listening to words of deception, all his ministers [are] wicked.

    Ps. 41:7–8 7 All those hating me, they whisper together against me; against me they devise evil to me: 8 “Let a thing of destruction be poured into him, and [he] who lies down shall not rise up again.”

  • Acts 7:56–57; Job 31:13–14.

    Acts 7:56–57 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens having been opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 And having cried out in a loud voice, they held their ears and rushed upon him with one accord,

    Job 31:13–14 13 If I have rejected the justice of my manservant or my maidservant, in their dispute with me, 14 then what shall I do when God arises? And when He inspects, how shall I answer him?

  • 1 Cor. 13:5. (See 1 Tim. 6:4.)

    1 Cor. 13:5 It does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own [things], it is not provoked, it keeps no reckoning of evil.

    1 Tim. 6:4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but diseased about controversies and fights about words, out of which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions,

  • Matt. 21:15. (See Num. 11:29.)

    Matt. 21:15 But the chief priests and the scribes, having seen the wonders that He did and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” were indignant.

    Num. 11:29 And Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? If only he would make all people of YHWH prophets, [and] that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them.”

  • Ezra 4:12–13. (See Dan. 6:3–4.)

    Ezra 4:12–13 12 be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have come to Jerusalem; the rebellious and wicked city they are building, and [its] walls they are finishing, and the foundations they are repairing. 13 Now be it known to the king that if this city is built and the walls are completed, tax, tribute, and custom they will not pay, and the treasury of the king will be diminished.

    Dan. 6:3–4 3 Then this Daniel came to be distinguished over the administrators and the satraps, because that an extraordinary spirit [was] in him; and the king was planning to establish him over all of the kingdom. 4 Then the administrators and the satraps were looking for a matter to find against Daniel regarding the kingdom, and any matter or corruption they were not able to find, all because that he [was] trustworthy, and there was not found any neglect or corruption in him.

  • Jer. 48:27.

    Jer. 48:27 For did not Israel come to be for you a laughingstock? Was he found among thieves, that whenever you speak of him you shake your head about him?

  • Matt. 27:28–29. (See Ps. 35:15–16, 21.)

    Matt. 27:28–29 28 And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

    Ps. 35:15–16, 21 15 And in my stumbling, they were glad and gathered themselves together; attackers they gathered together against me, and ones I did not know, they tore and did not cease., 16 Like godless mockers at a feast, they gnashed at me with their teeth. 21 And they opened wide against me their mouths; they said, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen [it]!”

  • Jude 16; Acts 12:22.

    Acts 12:22 And the people were crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”

    Jude 16 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3.

    Rom. 1:31 unintelligent, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;

    2 Tim. 3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without control, savage, without love of good,

  • 1 Sam. 2:24.

    1 Sam. 2:24 No, my sons, for the report [is] not good that I hear spreading among the people of YHWH.

  • 2 Sam. 13:12–13; Prov. 5:8–9; Prov. 6:33.

    2 Sam. 13:12–13 12 And she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for such should not be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing. 13 And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. And now speak, please, to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.”

    Prov. 5:8–9 8 Keep your path far away from her, and do not go near to the opening of her house, 9 lest you give to others your splendor, and your years to a cruel one;

    Prov. 6:33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away.

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Question 146

Q. Which is the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:17. (Cf. Deut. 5:21.)

    Ex. 20:17 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. 5:21 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 (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 792 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 147

Q. What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?

A. The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition, and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbor, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6. (See Phil. 4:11.)

    Heb. 13:5 [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.”

    1 Tim. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is a means of great gain.

    Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak according to deficiency, for I have learned to be content in that which I am.

  • Job 31:29; Rom. 12:15. (See Ps. 122:7–9; 1 Tim. 1:5; Est. 10:3; 1 Cor. 13:4–7.)

    Job 31:29 If I have rejoiced in the destruction of one hating me, or raised myself up because evil found him—

    Rom. 12:15 to rejoice with the rejoicing, to weep with the weeping,

    Ps. 122:7–9 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.

    1 Tim. 1:5 Now the goal of [our] charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,

    Est. 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew [was] second to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and was favored by the multitude of his brothers, seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all his seed.

    1 Cor. 13:4–7 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 804 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 554 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1233 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1042 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1251 shared proof textSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text

Question 148

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate; envying and grieving at the good of our neighbor, together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 10:10. (See 1 Kings 21:4; Est. 5:13.)

    1 Cor. 10:10 And do not grumble, as some of them grumbled, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

    1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab went into his house sullen and angry because of the word that Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him. For he had said, “I will not give to you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed, and he turned away his face and would not eat food.

    Est. 5:13 And all this, none of it is equal to me with every time that I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the gate of the king.”

  • Gal. 5:26; James 3:14, 16.

    Gal. 5:26 We should not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

    James 3:14, 16 14 But if you⁺ have bitter jealousy and self-interest in your⁺ heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. 16 For where jealousy and self-interest [are], there [are] disorder and every evil thing.

  • Ps. 112:9–10. (See Neh. 2:10.)

    Ps. 112:9–10 9 He has scattered—he has given to the needy; his righteousness stands forever; his horn is raised high in honor. 10 A wicked one will see and be angry; he will gnash his teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked ones will perish.

    Neh. 2:10 And Sanballat the Horonite heard, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and they were disturbed exceedingly deeply that a man had come to seek the good of the sons of Israel.

  • Rom. 7:7–8; Rom. 13:9; Col. 3:5; Deut. 5:21.

    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.

    Rom. 13:9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Col. 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

    Deut. 5:21 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+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 815 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 32 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1132 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 149

Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No man is able, either of himself, or by any grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.

Scripture proofs
  • James 3:2; John 15:5; Rom. 8:3.

    James 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one [is] a perfect man, able to bridle even the whole body.

    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.

    Rom. 8:3 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,

  • Eccl. 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10; Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:18–19.

    Eccl. 7:20 For [there is] not a righteous man on the earth who does good and does not sin.

    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.

    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.

    Rom. 7:18–19 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.

  • Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21; James 1:14.

    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.

    Gen. 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.

    James 1:14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.

  • Rom. 3:9 (see vv. 10–19). (See also James 3:2–13.)

    Rom. 3:9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin.

    James 3:2–13 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one [is] a perfect man, able to bridle even the whole body. 3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of the horses for them to obey us, we turn about even their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, being so great and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder where the impulse of the one steering intends. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, and it boasts great [things]. Behold what size a fire, what size a forest it kindles. 6 And the tongue [is] a fire, the world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, and setting aflame the course of nature, and [itself] being set aflame by Gehenna. 7 For every nature both of beasts and of birds, both of creeping things and things of the sea, is subdued and has been subdued by the human race, 8 but no one of men is able to subdue the tongue; [it is] an unstable evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, those having been made according to the likeness of God. 10 Out of the same mouth come out blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does the spring send forth out of the same opening sweet and bitter? 12 Is a fig tree able, my brothers, to make olives, or a vine, figs? Neither [can] salt prooduce sweet water. 13 Who [is] wise and understanding among you⁺? Let him show [it] out of the good conduct his works in meekness of wisdom.

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Question 150

Q. Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God?

A. All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous; but some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

Scripture proofs
  • John 19:11; 1 John 5:16; Heb. 2:2–3. (See Ps. 78:17, 32, 56; Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15.)

    John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Because of this, the one having delivered Me up to you has greater sin.”

    1 John 5:16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that.

    Heb. 2:2–3 2 For if the word having been spoken by angels was firm, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3 how will we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a beginning to be spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard,

    Ps. 78:17, 32, 56 17 And they added still to sin against Him by rebelling against the Most High in the desert. 32 In all this, still they sinned, and they did not have faith in His wonders. 56 And they tested and provoked El-Elyon, and His testimonies they did not keep.

    Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15 6 And He said to me: “Son of man, are you seeing what [they] are doing? The great abominations that the house of Israel is doing here to keep Me far off from My sanctuary? And still you will turn [and] you will see greater abominations!” 13 And He said to me: “Again you will turn [and] will see greater abominations that they are doing!” 15 And He said to me: “Have you seen, son of man? Again you will turn [and] will see greater abominations than these!”

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Question 151

Q. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?

A. Sins receive their aggravations, 1. From the persons offending: if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by others. 2. From the parties offended: if immediately against God, his attributes, and worship; against Christ, and his grace; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings; against superiors, men of eminency, and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; against any of the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or any other, and the common good of all or many. 3. From the nature and quality of the offense: if it be against the express letter of the law, break many commandments, contain in it many sins: if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation: if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, conviction of conscience, public or private admonition, censures of the church, civil punishments; and our prayers, purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to God or men: if done deliberately, willfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance. 4. From circumstances of time and place: if on the Lord's Day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 2:8.

    Jer. 2:8 The priests did not say, ‘Where [is] YHWH?’ And those handling the law did not know Me; and the rulers transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things] not profitable.

  • Job 32:7, 9; Eccl. 4:13.

    Job 32:7, 9 7 I said, “Days shall speak, and a multitude of years shall make known wisdom.’ 9 Not [only] the great [in years] [are] wise, nor do [only] the aged understand justice.

    Eccl. 4:13 Better a youth poor and wise than a king old and foolish, who does not know to be warned anymore.

  • 1 Kings 11:4, 9.

    1 Kings 11:4, 9 4 And it was, at the time of the old age of Solomon, that his wives stretched his heart after other gods, and his heart was not loyal to YHWH his God like the heart of David his father. 9 And YHWH became angry with Solomon, because his heart had stretched from YHWH, God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.

  • 2 Sam. 12:14; 1 Cor. 5:1.

    2 Sam. 12:14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for [the word] of YHWH by this deed, also the son born to you will surely die.”

    1 Cor. 5:1 Sexual immorality is actually heard [of] among you⁺, and sexual immorality such as [is] not even among the nations, so as for one to have the wife of the father.

  • James 4:17; Luke 12:47–48.

    James 4:17 Therefore to the one knowing to do good, and not doing [it], to him it is sin.

    Luke 12:47–48 47 Now that servant, the one having known the will of his master and not having prepared nor having done according to his will, he will be beaten with many. 48 But the one not having known but having done [things] worthy of stripes will be beaten with few. And of everyone to whom much was given, much will be required; and from him to whom much was committed, more will they ask of him.

  • Jer. 5:4–5.

    Jer. 5:4–5 4 And I said, “Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish, for they do not know the way of YHWH, the justice of their God. 5 I shall go Myself to the great ones, and will speak to them, for they have known the way of YHWH, the justice of their God.” But they have broken the yoke as one; they have drawn away the bonds.

  • 2 Sam. 12:7–9; Ezek. 8:11–12.

    2 Sam. 12:7–9 7 And Nathan said to David, “You [are] the man. Thus says YHWH, God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I snatched you up from the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave to you the house of your master and the wives of your master into your bosom, and I gave to you the house of Israel and Judah. And if [that was] too little, I would have given to you like them and like them. 9 Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken [to be] your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon.

    Ezek. 8:11–12 11 and seventy men from the elders of the house of Israel—and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing in their midst—standing before them; and each man his censer in his hand, and the fragrance of a cloud of incense was rising up. 12 And He said to me: “Have you seen, Son of man, that which the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each man in the inner chambers of his imagery? For they say, ‘YHWH [is] not seeing us, [for] YHWH has forsaken the land.’”

  • Rom. 2:17–24.

    Rom. 2:17–24 17 But if you are named a Jew and rest upon the law and boast in God, 18 and you know the will and approve the [things] being superior, being instructed out of the law, 19 and you have persuaded yourself [that you] are a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth— 21 then [you] who are teaching another, do you not teach yourself? [You] who are preaching not to steal, do you steal? 22 [You] who are saying not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? [You] who are abhorring idols, do you rob temples? 23 [You] who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law? 24 As it has been written: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you⁺.”

  • Gal. 2:11–14.

    Gal. 2:11–14 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they are not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before all, “If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how do you compel the Gentiles to Judaize?”

  • Ps. 2:12; Matt. 21:38–39.

    Ps. 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you⁺ perish [in] the way, when His wrath is kindled in an instant. Blessed [are] all those taking refuge in Him.

    Matt. 21:38–39 38 But the farmers, having seen the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and gain possession of his inheritance.’ 39 And having taken him, they cast [him] out of the vineyard and killed [him].

  • 1 Sam. 2:25; Acts 5:4; Ps. 5:4.

    1 Sam. 2:25 If one man sins against another, God will judge him, but if a man sins against YHWH, who will intercede for him?” And they did not listen to the voice of their father, because YHWH delighted to put them to death.

    Acts 5:4 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!”

    Ps. 5:4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You.

  • Rom. 2:4.

    Rom. 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

  • Mal. 1:8, 14.

    Mal. 1:8, 14 8 For when you⁺ offer the blind as a sacrifice, [is it] not evil? And when you⁺ offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? Offer it now to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or would he lift up your face?” Says YHWH of Hosts. 14 “And cursed [is] the one plotting, and a male is in his flock, and vowing [it] and sacrificing [what] is blemished to the Lord. For I [am] a great King,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And My name is feared among the nations.

  • Heb. 2:2–3; Heb. 12:25.

    Heb. 2:2–3 2 For if the word having been spoken by angels was firm, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3 how will we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a beginning to be spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard,

    Heb. 12:25 Watch out, lest you⁺ refuse the One speaking. For if they did not escape, having refused the One divinely warning [them] on earth, much less we, turning away from the One from the heavens,

  • Heb. 10:28–29; Matt. 12:31–32.

    Heb. 10:28–29 28 Anyone having set aside the law of Moses dies without mercies on the basis of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you⁺ think he will be worthy of, the one having trampled upon the Son of God, and having deemed common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of grace?

    Matt. 12:31–32 31 Because of this I say to you⁺, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men; but the blasphemy of the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever may speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever may speak against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him—neither in this age nor in the coming one.

  • Eph. 4:30.

    Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

  • Heb. 6:4–6.

    Heb. 6:4–6 4 For [it is] impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and having tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power [of] the coming age— 6 and then having fallen away—to restore [them] again to repentance, crucifying in themselves the Son of God and subjecting [Him] to open shame.

  • Jude 8; Num. 12:8–9; Isa. 3:5.

    Num. 12:8–9 8 I speak with him mouth to mouth, and even plainly and not in riddles; and the form of YHWH he sees. And why were you⁺ not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of YHWH was kindled against them, and He departed.

    Isa. 3:5 And the people will be oppressed, each man by a man and each man by his neighbor; the child will rage against the elder, and the one despised against the honored.

    Jude 8 on BibleHub ↗

  • Prov. 30:17; 2 Cor. 12:15; Ps. 55:12–15.

    Prov. 30:17 The eye [that] mocks at a father and despises obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will dig it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

    2 Cor. 12:15 Now I will spend most gladly, and will be utterly spent for your⁺ souls. If loving you⁺ more abundantly, am I loved less?

    Ps. 55:12–15 12 For [it is] not an enemy [who] scorns me, or I could bear it; and not one hating me [who] wielded power against me, or I could hide myself from him. 13 And [it was] you, a man like me in rank, my companion, and one known by me, 14 [with] whom we would take sweet counsel together; in the house of God we walked with the throng. 15 Devastation [is] upon them! May they go down alive [to] Sheol! For evils [are] in their dwellings, within them.

  • Zeph. 2:8, 10–11; Matt. 18:6; 1 Cor. 6:8; Rev. 17:6.

    Zeph. 2:8, 10–11 8 “I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the sons of Ammon, with which they have scorned My people, and magnified [themselves] against their border. 10 This [is] unto them in exchange for their pride, because they have scorned and magnified [themselves] against the people of YHWH of Hosts. 11 Fearsome [is] YHWH against them, for he will starve all the gods of the earth; and will bow down to Him all the coasts of the nations, each man from his place.

    Matt. 18:6 And whoever might cause to stumble one of these little ones believing in Me, it is better for him that a heavy millstone should be hung around his neck and he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

    1 Cor. 6:8 But you⁺ do wrong and defraud, and this to brothers!

    Rev. 17:6 And I saw the woman being drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. And having seen her, I marveled with great wonder.

  • 1 Cor. 8:11–12; Rom. 14:13, 15, 21.

    1 Cor. 8:11–12 11 For the one being weak is destroyed by your knowledge—the brother for whom Christ died. 12 And thus sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience, [it] being weak, you⁺ sin against Christ.

    Rom. 14:13, 15, 21 13 May we no longer, therefore, judge one another; but rather you⁺ decide this, not to put a stumbling block or obstacle before a brother. 15 For if because of food your brother is grieved, no longer do you walk according to love. Do not destroy with your food that one for whom Christ died. 21 [It is] good neither to eat meat nor to drink wine nor [anything] in which your brother stumbles.

  • Ezek. 13:19; 1 Cor. 8:12; Rev. 18:12–13; Matt. 23:15.

    Ezek. 13:19 And you⁺ profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley, and for pieces of bread, by putting to death people who should not die, and keeping alive people who should not live, by your⁺ lying to My people who listen to a lie.

    1 Cor. 8:12 And thus sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience, [it] being weak, you⁺ sin against Christ.

    Rev. 18:12–13 12 cargo of gold, and of silver, and of precious stone, and of pearls; and of fine linen, and of purple, and of silk, and of scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel of most precious wood, and of bronze, and of iron, and of marble; 13 and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and myrrh, and frankincense; and wine, and oil, and finest flour, and wheat; and cattle, and sheep, and of horses, and of chariots; and of bodies and souls of men.

    Matt. 23:15 Woe to you⁺, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you⁺ traverse the sea and the dry land to make one convert, and when he might become one, you⁺ make him twofold more a son of Gehenna than yourselves.

  • 1 Thess. 2:15–16; Josh. 22:20.

    1 Thess. 2:15–16 15 who, having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and having driven us out; and [they are] not pleasing God and contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, so as to fill up their sins always. Now the wrath has come upon them to the end.

    Josh. 22:20 Did not Achan son of Zerah act unfaithfully—an unfaithfulness—with the devoted thing, so that wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And not only he, one man, perished in his iniquity.’”

  • Prov. 6:30–33.

    Prov. 6:30–33 30 They do not despise the thief if he steals to fill his soul when he is hungry, 31 and having been found, he must repay sevenfold; all the wealth of his house he must give. 32 The one committing adultery with a woman is lacking of heart; he does it, destroying his own soul. 33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away.

  • Ezra 9:10–12; 1 Kings 11:9–10.

    Ezra 9:10–12 10 And what shall we say, our God, after this? For we have forsaken Your commandments, 11 that You commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you⁺ are entering to possess, it is a land of impurity, by the impurity of the peoples of the lands with their abominations that have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. 12 And now, do not give as wives your⁺ daughters for their sons, and lift not their daughters to your⁺ sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity even to forever, that you⁺ may be strong and eat the good of the land, and give possession to your⁺ children even to forever.’

    1 Kings 11:9–10 9 And YHWH became angry with Solomon, because his heart had stretched from YHWH, God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 And He had commanded to him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. And he did not keep what YHWH had commanded.

  • Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10; Prov. 5:8–12; Prov. 6:32–33; Josh. 7:21.

    Col. 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

    1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all evils, which some, stretching after, were led astray away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

    Prov. 5:8–12 8 Keep your path far away from her, and do not go near to the opening of her house, 9 lest you give to others your splendor, and your years to a cruel one; 10 lest strangers be satisfied [by] your strength, and your labors [be] in the house of a foreigner; 11 and you groan at your end, in the consumption of your flesh and your body, 12 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart spurned rebuke!

    Prov. 6:32–33 32 The one committing adultery with a woman is lacking of heart; he does it, destroying his own soul. 33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away.

    Josh. 7:21 And I saw among the spoils one beautiful cloak of Shinar, and two hundred shekels of silver, and one wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, and I coveted them and took them, and there they are hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver [is] under it.”

  • James 1:14–15; Matt. 5:22; Mic. 2:1.

    James 1:14–15 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 15 Then desire, having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having become fully grown, brings forth death.

    Matt. 5:22 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.

    Mic. 2:1 Woe [to] those devising iniquity and working evil on their beds. In the light of morning they do it, because it is in the power of their hand.

  • Matt. 18:7; Rom. 2:23–24.

    Matt. 18:7 Woe to the world because of the stumbling blocks. For [it is] a necessity that the stumbling blocks come, but woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes!

    Rom. 2:23–24 23 [You] who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law? 24 As it has been written: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you⁺.”

  • Deut. 22:22, 28–29; Prov. 6:32–35.

    Deut. 22:22, 28–29 22 If a man is found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall die, even the two of them, the man that lay with the woman and the woman. And you shall put away the evil from Israel. 28 If a man finds a young woman, a virgin who is not betrothed, and he seizes her and lies with her and they are found out, 29 then the man who lay with her shall give to the father of the young woman fifty [shekels] of silver, and to him she shall be wife upon that he has humbled her. He shall not be permitted to divorce her all his days.

    Prov. 6:32–35 32 The one committing adultery with a woman is lacking of heart; he does it, destroying his own soul. 33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the heat of a man, and he will not spare on the day of vengeance. 35 He will not lift the face of any ransom, and he will not consent, though you may multiply the bribe.

  • Matt. 11:21–24; John 15:22.

    Matt. 11:21–24 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented. 22 But I say to you⁺, for Tyre and Sidon it will be more bearable in the day of judgment than for you⁺. 23 And you, Capernaum, to heaven will you be lifted up? To Hades you will be brought down! For if the miracles having happened in you had happened in Sodom, it would have remained until [this] day. 24 But I say to you⁺ that it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

    John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

  • Isa. 1:3; Deut. 32:6.

    Isa. 1:3 An ox has known his owner and a donkey the trough of its master; Israel has not known; my people have not understood.”

    Deut. 32:6 Is it [even] to YHWH [that] you⁺ would act this way, O people foolish and unwise? Is not He your Father [who] created you, He [who] made you and established you?

  • Amos 4:8–11; Jer. 5:3.

    Amos 4:8–11 8 And they would stagger off two [or] three cities to one city, to drink water, and they were not satisfied—and [still] you⁺ have returned not to Me!” An utterance of YHWH. 9 “I struck you⁺ with blight and with mildew in your growing your⁺ gardens and your⁺ vineyards and your⁺ fig trees and your⁺ olive trees. The locust devoured and you⁺ have not returned to Me,” a declaration of YHWH. 10 “I sent among you⁺ a plague in the manner of Egypt; I killed your⁺ young men with the sword, along with the captivity of your⁺ horses. And the stench of your⁺ camps I even made come up to your⁺ nostrils! And you⁺ have not returned to Me,” a declaration of YHWH. 11 “I overthrew [some] among you⁺, like the overthrow by God of Sodom and Gomorrah, and you⁺ were like a firebrand delivered from the burning—and you⁺ have not returned to Me,” a declaration of YHWH.

    Jer. 5:3 O YHWH, [are] not Your eyes on the truth? You have struck them, and they have not grieved; You have finished them off; they have refused to receive discipline. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to turn back.

  • Rom. 1:26–27.

    Rom. 1:26–27 26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature. 27 And likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working out shame and receiving back in themselves the recompense that was fitting of their error.

  • Rom. 1:32; Dan. 5:22; Titus 3:10–11.

    Rom. 1:32 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].

    Dan. 5:22 And you, his son, O Belshazzar, you have not humbled your heart, all even though all of this you knew,

    Titus 3:10–11 10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition, 11 knowing that such a man is warped and is sinning, being self-condemned.

  • Prov. 29:1.

    Prov. 29:1 A man often reproved hardening the neck, suddenly will be broken, and there is no healing.

  • Titus 3:10; Matt. 18:17.

    Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition,

    Matt. 18:17 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.

  • Prov. 27:22; Prov. 23:35.

    Prov. 27:22 Though you may pound a fool in the mortar, in the midst of the grain with the pestle, his folly will not turn away from him.

    Prov. 23:35 “They struck me; I did not become weak. They beat me; I did not know [it]. When I awake, I will add to seek it again?”

  • Ps. 78:34–37; Jer. 2:20; Jer. 13:5–6, 20–21.

    Ps. 78:34–37 34 When He slew them, they would seek Him, and they turned back and sought after God. 35 And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and El-Elyon their Redeemer. 36 And they deceived Him with their mouth, and with their tongue they lied to Him. 37 And their heart was not established with Him, and they were not faithful to His covenant.

    Jer. 2:20 “For from long ago I have broken your yoke, and torn off your bonds. And you said, I will not serve!’ For on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.

    Jer. 13:5–6, 20–21 5 And I went and hid it in Perath, as YHWH commanded me. 6 And it came to pass after many days that YHWH said to me: “Rise [and] go to Perath, and take from there the the loincloth that I commanded you to hide there. 20 Lift up your⁺ eyes, and see those coming from the north. Where [is] the flock He gave to you, your beautiful flock? 21 What will you say when He sets over you—and you had taught them to be allies with you—to be head? Will not pangs seize you like a woman in labor?

  • Eccl. 5:4–6; Prov. 20:25.

    Eccl. 5:4–6 4 When you vow a vow to God, you should not delay to fulfill it, for [there is] no delight in fools. What you have vowed, you must fulfill. 5 Better that you did not vow, than that you vow and not fulfill [it]. 6 Do not give your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the face of the messenger that it [was] an error. Why should God be angry concerning your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

    Prov. 20:25 [It is] a snare for a man to rashly declare “It is holy” and afterward to reconsider [his] vows.

  • Lev. 26:25.

    Lev. 26:25 And I will bring against you⁺ a sword that will kill the vengeance of the covenant. And [when] you⁺ are gathered together within your⁺ cities, then I will send pestilence in your⁺ midst, and you⁺ shall be given into the hand of the enemy.

  • Prov. 2:17; Ezek. 7:18–19.

    Prov. 2:17 the one having forsaken the guide of her youth, and she has forgotten the covenant of her God.

    Ezek. 7:18–19 18 And they will be girded with sackcloth, and shuddering will cover them; and on every face [is] shame, and on all their heads baldness. 19 Their silver they will throw into the streets, and their gold will become like refuse; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of YHWH. Their souls they cannot satisfy, and their stomachs they cannot fill, for a stumbling block their iniquity has become.

  • Ps. 36:4.

    Ps. 36:4 He devises iniquity upon his bed; he stands himself on a path [that is] not good; he does not reject evil.

  • Jer. 6:16.

    Jer. 6:16 Thus says YHWH: “Stand along the pathways, and see; and ask for the old paths, ‘Where [is] this good way,’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your⁺ souls. And they said, ‘We will not walk!’

  • Num. 15:30; Ex. 21:14.

    Num. 15:30 And the soul who does beguile by hand, from the native and from the sojourner, he reviles YHWH; that person shall be cut off from among his people.

    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.

  • Jer. 3:3; Prov. 7:13.

    Jer. 3:3 And the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; and yet you had a whorish woman’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed.

    Prov. 7:13 And she laid hold on him and kissed him; she has hardened her face and said to him:

  • Ps. 52:1.

    Ps. 52:1 For the one directing. A Maskil of David, in the coming of Doeg the Edomite, when he announced to Saul and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God [is] all the day.

  • 3 John 10.
  • Num. 14:22.

    Num. 14:22 indeed all these men who have seen My glory and the signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test these ten times and have not heeded My voice,

  • Zech. 7:11–12.

    Zech. 7:11–12 11 And they refused to pay attention, and they gave the shoulder, acting rebelliously, and their ears they made heavy from hearing; 12 and their hearts they made flint, from hearing the law and the words that YHWH of Hosts had sent by His Spirit, by the hand of the former prophets. And there was great wrath from YHWH of Hosts.

  • Prov. 2:14.

    Prov. 2:14 those glad to do evil, they rejoice in the perversity of evil,

  • Isa. 57:17.

    Isa. 57:17 With the iniquity of his gain I was angry, and I struck him; I hid and was angry. And he went on, turning back in the way of his heart.

  • Jer. 34:8–11; 2 Peter 2:20–22.

    Jer. 34:8–11 8 The word that came to Jeremiah from YHWH after King Zedekiah had cut a covenant with all the people who [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim to them liberty, 9 that each man should send forth free his manservant and his maidservant, a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, that none of them should lay service on a Jew, his fellow man. 10 And they agreed, all the princes and all the people who had come into this covenant, to send forth free each man his manservant and his maidservant, so as not to lay service on them anymore. And they agreed and sent [them] forth. 11 And they turned around after thus, the menservants and the maidservants made return whom they had sent forth free, and they subjected them as menservants and as maidservants.

    2 Peter 2:20–22 20 For if, having escaped from the pollutions of the world in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, now again having been entangled in these they are subdued, the last [state] has become worse to them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, having known [it], to have turned from the holy commandment having been delivered to them. 22 The thing of the true proverb has happened to them: “A dog having returned to [its] own vomit,” and, “A sow, having washed, to [her] rolling place in the mire.”

  • 2 Kings 5:26.

    2 Kings 5:26 And he said to him, “Did my heart not go when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? [Is it] the time to receive silver, and to receive garments, and olive groves, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

  • Jer. 7:10; Isa. 26:10.

    Jer. 7:10 and then come and stand before My face in this house, over which is called My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—In order to do all these abominations?

    Isa. 26:10 Let the wicked be favored—he will not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he acts unjustly, and he cannot see the majesty of YHWH.

  • Ezek. 23:37–39.

    Ezek. 23:37–39 37 For they have committed adultery, and blood [is] on their hands; with their idols they have committed adultery, and even their sons whom they bore to Me, they made pass through [the fire] for them as food. 38 Moreover this they have done to Me: They have defiled My sanctuary on that day, and My Sabbaths have profaned. 39 For in their slaughtering their children to their idols, they came into My sanctuary on that day to profane it; and behold, thus they have done in the midst of My house,

  • Isa. 58:3–5; Num. 25:6–7.

    Isa. 58:3–5 3 “Why have we fasted and You have not seen—we have afflicted our soul, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your⁺ fast you⁺ find pleasure, and you⁺ oppress all your⁺ laborers! 4 Behold, for quarreling and strife you⁺ fast, and for striking with the fist of wickedness. You⁺ shall not fast like this day to make heard your⁺ voice on high. 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?

    Num. 25:6–7 6 And indeed, one of the sons of Israel came and presented to his brothers a Midianitess before the eyes of Moses and before the eyes of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and they [were] weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 7 And Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw [it], and he rose from the midst of the congregation, and he took a spear in his hand,

  • 1 Cor. 11:20–21; Jer. 7:8–10.

    1 Cor. 11:20–21 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.

    Jer. 7:8–10 8 Behold, you⁺ keep trusting for yourselves in words of deception that do not profit. 9 Are you stealing, murdering, and committing adultery, and swearing by deception, and burning incense to Baal, and walking after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and then come and stand before My face in this house, over which is called My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—In order to do all these abominations?

  • Prov. 7:14–15; John 13:27, 30.

    Prov. 7:14–15 14 “Sacrifices of peace offerings [are] by me; this day I have paid my vows; 15 upon thus I have come out to meet you, to earnestly seek your face, and I have found you!

    John 13:27, 30 27 And after the morsel, then Satan entered into him. Therefore Jesus says to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 30 Therefore, having received the morsel, he went out immediately. And it was night.

  • Ezra 9:13–14.

    Ezra 9:13–14 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt (since You, our God, you have restrained it to lower than our iniquities and have given us a deliverance like this), 14 should we turn back to break Your commandments and join in marriage with the peoples of these abominations? Would You not be angry with us until You had consumed [us] without remnant or survivor?

  • 2 Sam. 16:22; 1 Sam. 2:22–24.

    2 Sam. 16:22 And they pitched for Absalom a tent on the roof, and Absalom went in to the concubines of his father before the eyes of all Israel.

    1 Sam. 2:22–24 22 And Eli was very old, and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you⁺ do these things? For I hear of your⁺ evil deeds from all these people. 24 No, my sons, for the report [is] not good that I hear spreading among the people of YHWH.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 834 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 152

Q. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God?

A. Every sin, even the least, being against the sovereignty, goodness, and holiness of God, and against his righteous law, deserveth his wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come; and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • James 2:10–11.

    James 2:10–11 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

  • Ex. 20:1–2.

    Ex. 20:1–2 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.

  • Hab. 1:13; Lev. 10:3; Lev. 11:44–45.

    Hab. 1:13 Purer of eyes than to behold evil, and You are not able to look on wickedness. Why do You look on those acting treacherously, [and] remain quiet when the wicked is devouring one more righteous than he?

    Lev. 10:3 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.

    Lev. 11:44–45 44 For I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. And you⁺ shall sanctify yourselves, and you⁺ shall be holy, for I [am] holy. And you⁺ shall not make unclean your souls with any swarming thing that crawls upon the earth. 45 For I [am] YHWH, the One bringing you⁺ up from the land of Egypt, to be your⁺ God; and you⁺ shall be holy, for I [am] holy.

  • 1 John 3:4; Rom. 7:12.

    1 John 3:4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

    Rom. 7:12 So indeed, the law [is] holy, and the commandment [is] holy and righteous and good.

  • Eph. 5:6; Gal. 3:10.

    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.

    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.”

  • Lam. 3:39; Deut. 28:15–68.

    Lam. 3:39 Why should complain a living man, a man for his sins?

    Deut. 28:15–68 15 And it shall come to pass, if you do not listen to the voice of YHWH your God, to observe carefully to do all His commandments and His statutes that I am commanding you today, [that] all these curses will come upon you and overtake you. 16 Cursed [are] you in the city, and cursed [are] you in the field. 17 Cursed is your basket and your kneading bowl. 18 Cursed is the fruit of your womb, and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock. 19 Cursed [are] you in your coming in, and cursed [are] you in your going out. 20 YHWH will send on you the cursing, the confusion, and the rebuke, in every putting forth of your hand that you do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me. 21 YHWH will make cling to you the plague, until He has consumed you from the land that you are going in to possess. 22 YHWH will strike you with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with severe burning fever, and with the sword, and with scorching, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish. 23 And your heavens that [are] over your head shall be bronze, and the earth that [is] under you iron. 24 YHWH will give the rain of your land [to be] dust and powder; from the heavens it shall come down on you, until you are destroyed. 25 YHWH will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; one way you shall go out against him, and seven ways you shall flee before his face, and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth. 26 And your carcass shall be food for all the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth, and no one shall frighten [them] away. 27 YHWH will strike you with the boils of Egypt, and with the tumors, and with the scab, and with the itch, from which you are not able to be healed. 28 YHWH will strike you with madness and blindness and confusion of mind, 29 and you shall grope at noonday as a blind man gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways. And you shall be only oppressed and plundered all of the days, and no one shall save [you]. 30 You shall betroth a wife and another man shall lie with her. You shall build a house and you shall not dwell in it. You shall plant a vineyard and you shall not gather its grapes. 31 Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it. Your donkey shall be seized from before your face and shall not be restored to you. Your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have no one to rescue [them]. 32 Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, and your eyes are looking and wasting away toward them all the day, and there is no power in your hand. 33 A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and of all your toil, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed all the days. 34 And you shall be driven mad because of the sight of your eyes that you see. 35 YHWH will strike you with severe boils in the knees and on the legs, which are not able to be healed, from the sole of your foot and to the top of your head. 36 YHWH shall bring you and the king whom you set over you to a nation that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will serve other gods of wood and stone. 37 And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all the nations to which YHWH will drive you. 38 Much Seed you shall carry out into the field, and little gather in, for the locust shall consume it. 39 You shall plant vineyards and tend [them], and [of] the wine you shall not drink and not gather, for the worms shall consume it. 40 Olive trees shall be unto you throughout all your territory, and with the oil you shall not anoint, for your olives shall drop off. 41 You shall bear sons and daughters, and they shall not be yours, for they shall go into captivity. 42 The locust shall consume all your trees and the produce of your land. 43 The foreigner who [is] among you shall rise above you higher and higher, and you shall descend lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to him. He shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 And all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of YHWH your God to keep His commandments and His statutes that He commanded you. 46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your seed, even to forever. 47 Because that you did not serve YHWH your God with joy and gladness of heart from the abundance of all things, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom YHWH will send against you, in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in lack of all things, and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 YHWH will bring against you a nation from afar, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies, a nation whose tongue you have not heard, 50 a nation fierce of face, which does not respect the face of the aged, and does not show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed—which will leave to you no grain, or new wine, or oil, or offspring of your cattle, [or] increase of your flock, until they have destroyed you. 52 And they shall lay siege to you in all your gates until your walls, high and fortified, in which you trust, come down in all your land; and they shall besiege you in all your gates in all your land that YHWH your God has given to you. 53 And you shall eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of your sons and your daughters whom YHWH your God has given you, in the siege and dire straits that your enemy will inflict on you. 54 The tender man among you and very refined—his eye shall do evil against his brother, and against the wife of his bosom, and against the remnant of his sons whom he leaves behind, 55 so that he will not give to one of them the flesh of his children whom he will eat, because there remains nothing at all for him in the siege and dire straits that your enemy will inflict on you at all your gates. 56 The tender and delicate woman among you who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground because of her delicateness and tenderness—her eye is evil against the husband of her bosom, and against her son, and against her daughter, 57 and against her afterbirth that comes from between her feet, and against her children whom she bears. For she will eat them in secret for lack of anything in the siege and dire straits that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates. 58 If you are not careful to do all the words of this law written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name—YHWH your God— 59 then YHWH will bring extraordinary plagues and the plagues of your seed, great and prolonged plagues, and evil and prolonged sicknesses. 60 And He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, the presence of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. 61 Also every sickness and every plague that [is] not written in the Book of this Law, YHWH will bring upon you until you are destroyed. 62 And you⁺ shall be left few men, instead of which you⁺ were as stars of the heavens in multitude, because you would not listen to the voice of YHWH your God. 63 And it shall come to pass [that] as YHWH rejoiced over you⁺ to do good to you⁺ and multiply you⁺, so YHWH will rejoice over you⁺ to destroy you⁺ and bring you⁺ to nothing, and you⁺ shall be plucked from off the land that you are going there to possess. 64 And YHWH will scatter you among all the peoples, from the end of the earth and to the end of the earth, and there you shall serve other gods—which neither you nor your fathers have known—wood and stone. 65 And among those nations you shall not find rest, nor shall you have a resting place for the sole of your foot. And there YHWH will give to you a trembling heart, and failing eyes, and anguish of soul. 66 And your life shall be hanging in doubt before you, and you shall dread night and day, and have no assurance of life. 67 In the morning you shall say, ‘Would that evening be granted!’ And at the evening you shall say, ‘Would that morning be granted!’ Because of the dread of your heart that you dread, and because of the sight of your eyes that you see. 68 And YHWH will take you back to Egypt in ships by the way of which I said to you, never will you add again to see it, and you⁺ will sell yourselves there to your enemies for menservants and for maidservants, and no one will buy [you].”

  • Matt. 25:41.

    Matt. 25:41 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.

  • Heb. 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are purified with blood according to the law, and without blood-shedding there is no forgiveness.

    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 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 844 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 topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 193 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 153

Q. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?

A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the law, he requireth of us repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 20:21; Matt. 3:7–8; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 16:30–31; John 3:16, 18.

    Acts 20:21 earnestly testifying both to the Jews and to the Greeks repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Matt. 3:7–8 7 But having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Offspring of vipers, who warned you⁺ to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.

    Luke 13:3, 5 3 No, I say to you⁺; but unless you⁺ repent, you⁺ will all likewise perish. 5 No, I say to you⁺; but unless you⁺ repent, you⁺ will all likewise perish.”

    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.”

    John 3:16, 18 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.

  • Prov. 2:1–5; Prov. 8:33–36.

    Prov. 2:1–5 1 My son, if you receive my words and you treasure my commands within you, 2 to make your ear attentive to wisdom, you incline your heart to understanding. 3 For if you call out for understanding, [and] for insight you give forth your voice, 4 if you seek her like silver, and like hidden treasures you search for her, 5 then you will understand the fear of YHWH, and the knowledge of God you will find.

    Prov. 8:33–36 33 Listen [to] discipline and be wise, and do not neglect [it]. 34 Blessed [is] the man listening to me, watching at my gates day by day, keeping watch [at] the posts of my doors. 35 For the one finding me has found life, and he brings forth favor from YHWH; 36 but the one sinning against me is wronging his soul; all those hating me love death.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 603 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 202 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 851 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 871 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 154

Q. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 2:42, 46–47.

    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.”

    Acts 2:42, 46–47 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. 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 883 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1033 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1233 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 155

Q. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them to his image, and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace, and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Neh. 8:8; Acts 26:18; Ps. 19:8.

    Neh. 8:8 And they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving the meaning, and they gave understanding to the convocation.

    Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’

    Ps. 19:8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes.

  • 1 Cor. 14:24–25. (See 2 Chron. 34:18–19, 26–28.)

    1 Cor. 14:24–25 24 But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or uninstructed one should come in, he is convicted by all, he is examined by all, 25 [and] the secrets of his heart become manifest. And thus having fallen upon [his] face, he will worship God, declaring that “God is really among you⁺!”

    2 Chron. 34:18–19, 26–28 18 And Shaphan the scribe declared to the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given a book to me.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 And it came to pass, in the king hearing the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes. 26 And as for the king of Judah who sent you⁺ to inquire of YHWH in this manner, you⁺ shall say to him, thus says YHWH, God of Israel: ‘The words that you have heard, 27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its dwellers, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes, and you wept before Me, I also have heard’—the declaration of YHWH. 28 ‘Surely I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place and its dwellers.’” And to the king they brought back word.

  • Acts 2:37, 41. (See Acts 8:27–38.)

    Acts 2:37, 41 37 And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?” 41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

    Acts 8:27–38 27 And having risen up, he went. And behold, a man, an Ethiopian eunuch, a potentate of Kandake, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and join yourself to this chariot.” 30 And Philip, having run up, heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and he said, “Do you then understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How indeed could I be able, unless someone will guide me?” And he invited Philip, having come up, to sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture that he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb before the one shearing it [is] silent, so He does not open His mouth. 33 In His humiliation, justice was taken away from Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch, answering, said to Philip, “I beseech you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself, or about some other?” 35 And Philip, having opened his mouth and having begun from this Scripture, proclaimed the good news to him—Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, “Behold, water! What prevents my being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (KJV) 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down to the water—both Philip and the eunuch—and he baptized him.

  • 2 Cor. 3:18. (See Col. 1:27.)

    2 Cor. 3:18 And we all, having been unveiled in face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

    Col. 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you⁺, the hope of glory,

  • 2 Cor. 10:4–6. (See Rom. 6:17–18.)

    2 Cor. 10:4–6 4 For the weapons of our warfare [are] not fleshly, but powerful before God toward the tearing down of strongholds, 5 tearing down arguments and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ, 6 and having readiness within to avenge all disobedience, when your⁺ obedience shall have been fulfilled.

    Rom. 6:17–18 17 But thanks [be] to God that you⁺ used to be slaves of sin, but you⁺ obeyed from the heart the form of teaching to which you⁺ were delivered up. 18 Now having been set free from sin, you⁺ became slaves to righteousness.

  • Eph. 6:16–17; Col. 1:28; Ps. 19:11. (See Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; 1 Cor. 10:11.)

    Eph. 6:16–17 16 in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

    Col. 1:28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

    Ps. 19:11 Indeed, Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them [is] great reward.

    Matt. 4:4, 7, 10 4 But answering, He said, “It has been written: ‘Not on bread alone shall the man live, but on every word coming out through the mouth of God.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” 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.’”

    1 Cor. 10:11 Now these things happened to those [as] types and were written for our admonition, to whom the ends of the ages have come.

  • Eph. 4:11–12; Acts 20:32. (See 2 Tim. 3:15–17.)

    Eph. 4:11–12 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,

    Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

    2 Tim. 3:15–17 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.

  • Rom. 16:25; 1 Thess. 3:2, 10–11, 13. (See Rom. 15:4; 10:13–17; 1:16.)

    Rom. 16:25 Now to Him being able to strengthen you⁺ according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery having been kept silent in the times of the ages,

    1 Thess. 3:2, 10–11, 13 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker of God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you⁺ on behalf of your⁺ faith, 10 night and day imploring exceedingly in order to see your⁺ face and to complete the things lacking of your⁺ faith? 11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you⁺. 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.

    Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.

    10:13–17 13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” 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.

    1:16 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 899 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling8 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1037 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God6 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 156

Q. Is the Word of God to be read by all?

A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, and with their families: to which end, the Holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar languages.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 31:9, 11–13. (See Neh. 8:2–3; 9:3–5.)

    Deut. 31:9, 11–13 9 And Moses wrote this law and delivered it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of YHWH, and to all the elders of Israel. 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the face of YHWH your God in the place that He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their ears. 12 Gather together the people, the men, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourner who [is] within your gates, that they may hear, and so that they may learn and fear YHWH your⁺ God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, 13 and [that] their children who have not known it may hear and learn to fear YHWH your⁺ God all the days that you⁺ are living in the land that you⁺ are passing over the Jordan to possess.”

    Neh. 8:2–3 2 And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the face of the assembly, of men and also women, and all with understanding to hear, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it before the face of the open square that [was] in front of the Water Gate from the morning until the middle of the day before the men and the women and those with understanding. And the ears of all the people [were] toward the Book of the Law.

    9:3–5 3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of YHWH their God [for] a fourth of the day, and a fourth they confessed and bowed low to YHWH their God. 4 And there stood on the ascent, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, [and] Chenani, and they cried out in a loud voice to YHWH their God. 5 And the Levites said—Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah: “Rise [and] bless YHWH your⁺ God from forever even to forever! And blessed be the name of your glory, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

  • Deut. 17:19; Rev. 1:3; John 5:39; Isa. 34:16.

    Deut. 17:19 And it shall come to pass with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear YHWH his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and doing these statutes,

    Rev. 1:3 Blessed [is] the one reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it; for the time [is] near.

    John 5:39 You⁺ search the Scriptures because you⁺ think to have eternal life in them, and these are they testifying concerning Me;

    Isa. 34:16 Search from the book of YHWH and recite: Not one of these will go missing, a female will not lack her mate. For His mouth has commanded it, and by His Spirit He has gathered them.

  • Deut. 6:6–9; Gen. 18:17, 19; Ps. 78:5–7.

    Deut. 6:6–9 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.

    Gen. 18:17, 19 17 And YHWH said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing? 19 For I have known him in order that he may command his children and his house after him that they keep the way of YHWH by doing what is right and just, that YHWH may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

    Ps. 78:5–7 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, and a law He has appointed in Israel, which He commanded [to] our fathers, to make them known to their sons, 6 so that a following generation would know them—the sons to be born—to arise and recount to their sons, 7 that they should put their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, and keep His commandments.

  • 1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 15–16, 24, 27–28; Neh. 8:8.

    1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 15–16, 24, 27–28 6 But now, brothers, if I should come to you⁺ speaking in tongues, what will I profit you⁺, unless I should speak to you⁺ either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? 9 So also you⁺, unless you⁺ give intelligible speech through the tongue, how will it be known what [is] being spoken? For you⁺ will be speaking into the air. 11 Therefore unless I know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me. 12 So also you⁺, since you⁺ are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek for the edification of the church, so that you⁺ may abound. 15 What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind. I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will also sing praise with the mind. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling up the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say? 24 But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or uninstructed one should come in, he is convicted by all, he is examined by all, 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, [be] by two, or [at] the most three, and [each] in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there may be no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

    Neh. 8:8 And they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving the meaning, and they gave understanding to the convocation.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1034 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 31 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 157

Q. How is the Word of God to be read?

A. The Holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that he only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence, and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self-denial, and prayer.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 119:97; Ps. 19:10; Ex. 24:7; 2 Chron. 34:27; Isa. 66:2. (See Neh. 8:3–10.)

    Ps. 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! All the day, it [is] my meditation.

    Ps. 19:10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb.

    Ex. 24:7 And he took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud in the ears of the people. And they said, “All that YHWH has spoken we will do, and we will listen.”

    2 Chron. 34:27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its dwellers, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes, and you wept before Me, I also have heard’—the declaration of YHWH.

    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.

    Neh. 8:3–10 3 And he read from it before the face of the open square that [was] in front of the Water Gate from the morning until the middle of the day before the men and the women and those with understanding. And the ears of all the people [were] toward the Book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a tower of wood that they had made for the purpose. And Mattithiah stood beside him, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah at his right hand, and at his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book before the eyes of all the people, for he was above all the people. And at his opening [it], all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed YHWH, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” with lifting up of their hands, and they bowed and prostrated themselves to YHWH—nostrils to the ground. 7 And Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites instructed the people in the law, and the people [were] on their stations. 8 And they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving the meaning, and they gave understanding to the convocation. 9 And Nehemiah (he [was] the Tirshatha) said—and Ezra the priest [and] the scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people—to all the people, “This day [is] holy to YHWH your⁺ God. Do not mourn and do not weep.” For all the people wept at their hearing the words of the Law. 10 And he said to them, “Go, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to those with nothing prepared for them, for the day [is] holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of YHWH is your⁺ strength.”

  • 2 Peter 1:19–21; Matt. 4:4; 1 Thess. 2:13. (See Mark 7:13.)

    2 Peter 1:19–21 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, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

    Matt. 4:4 But answering, He said, “It has been written: ‘Not on bread alone shall the man live, but on every word coming out through the mouth of God.’”

    1 Thess. 2:13 And because of this, we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of God, hearing from us, you⁺ accepted, not the word of men, but just as truly it is, the word of God, which also works in you⁺, those believing.

    Mark 7:13 making void the word of God for your⁺ tradition, which you⁺ delivered. And you⁺ do many things as such.”

  • Luke 24:45; 2 Cor. 3:13–16.

    Luke 24:45 Then He opened their mind to understand the Scriptures.

    2 Cor. 3:13–16 13 and not as Moses would put a veil over his face for the sons of Israel not to look intently into the end of what [was] fading away. 14 But their minds were hardened; for until the present day, the same veil remains upon the reading of the old covenant, not being unveiled, which is removed in Christ. 15 But until today when Moses is read, a veil lies upon their heart. 16 But whenever one may turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

  • Deut. 17:10, 20.

    Deut. 17:10, 20 10 And you shall do according to the mouth of the word that they pronounce upon you, in that place that YHWH chooses, and you shall be careful to do according to all that they instruct you. 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment [to] the right or [to] the left, that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom—he and his children—in the midst of Israel.

  • Acts 17:11.

    Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.

  • Acts 8:30, 34; Luke 10:26–28.

    Acts 8:30, 34 30 And Philip, having run up, heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and he said, “Do you then understand what you are reading?” 34 And the eunuch, answering, said to Philip, “I beseech you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself, or about some other?”

    Luke 10:26–28 26 And He said to him, “What has been written in the Law? How do you read [it]?” 27 And answering, he said, “‘You will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, “You answered correctly. Do this and you will live.”

  • Ps. 1:2; Ps. 119:97.

    Ps. 1:2 But rather his delight [is] in the law of YHWH, and in His law he meditates day and night.

    Ps. 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! All the day, it [is] my meditation.

  • 2 Chron. 34:21.

    2 Chron. 34:21 “Go, inquire of YHWH for me and on behalf of those remaining in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found. For great [is] the wrath of YHWH that is poured out on us, upon that our fathers have kept not the word of YHWH, to do according to all written in this book.”

  • Prov. 3:5; Deut. 33:3; Matt. 16:24. (See Luke 9:23; Gal. 1:15–16.)

    Prov. 3:5 Put your trust unto YHWH with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.

    Deut. 33:3 Yes, He loves the people; all the holy ones [are] in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words.

    Matt. 16:24 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.

    Luke 9:23 And He was saying to all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross every day and follow Me.

    Gal. 1:15–16 15 But when God was well pleased—the One having set me apart from the womb of my mother and having called [me] by His grace— 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I conferred not immediately with flesh and blood,

  • Prov. 2:1–6; Ps. 119:18; Neh. 8:6, 8.

    Prov. 2:1–6 1 My son, if you receive my words and you treasure my commands within you, 2 to make your ear attentive to wisdom, you incline your heart to understanding. 3 For if you call out for understanding, [and] for insight you give forth your voice, 4 if you seek her like silver, and like hidden treasures you search for her, 5 then you will understand the fear of YHWH, and the knowledge of God you will find. 6 For YHWH gives wisdom; from His mouth [is] knowledge and understanding.

    Ps. 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders from Your law.

    Neh. 8:6, 8 6 And Ezra blessed YHWH, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” with lifting up of their hands, and they bowed and prostrated themselves to YHWH—nostrils to the ground. 8 And they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving the meaning, and they gave understanding to the convocation.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 24 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 892 shared proof texts

Question 158

Q. By whom is the Word of God to be preached?

A. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and called to that office.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 3:2, 6; Eph. 4:8–11; Mal. 2:7; 2 Cor. 3:6; 2 Tim. 2:2.

    1 Tim. 3:2, 6 2 Therefore it is necessary for the overseer to be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, sound-minded, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 6 not a novice, lest, having been puffed up, he might fall into the judgment of the devil.

    Eph. 4:8–11 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,

    Mal. 2:7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and instruction they should seek from his mouth, for he [is] the messenger of YHWH of Hosts.

    2 Cor. 3:6 who also made us sufficient [as] ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

    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.

  • Jer. 14:15; Rom. 10:15; Heb. 5:4; 1 Cor. 12:28–29; 1 Tim. 3:10; 1 Tim. 4:14; 1 Tim. 5:22.

    Jer. 14:15 Therefore, thus says YHWH concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, “When I did not send them, and they say, ‘Sword and famine will not be in this land.’ By sword and by famine those prophets will meet their end!

    Rom. 10:15 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!”

    Heb. 5:4 And no one takes upon himself the honor, but is being called by God, just as Aaron also.

    1 Cor. 12:28–29 28 And some indeed God placed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helping, administrating, various kinds of tongues. 29 [Are] all apostles? [Are] all prophets? [Are] all teachers? Do all [work] miracles?

    1 Tim. 3:10 And these also, let them be tested first; then let them serve, being blameless.

    1 Tim. 4:14 Do not be negligent of the gift in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elderhood.

    1 Tim. 5:22 Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate5 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 514 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 463 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 texts

Question 159

Q. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?

A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the Word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Titus 2:1, 8.

    Titus 2:1, 8 1 But you, speak the things that are fitting for sound teaching. 8 sound speech, uncondemnable, so that the one of the contrary should be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us.

  • Acts 18:25.

    Acts 18:25 He was instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and was teaching earnestly the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John,

  • 2 Tim. 4:2.

    2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all patience and teaching.

  • 1 Cor. 14:9 (see vv. 10–19).

    1 Cor. 14:9 So also you⁺, unless you⁺ give intelligible speech through the tongue, how will it be known what [is] being spoken? For you⁺ will be speaking into the air.

  • 1 Cor. 2:4.

    1 Cor. 2:4 And my speech and my preaching [were] not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

  • Jer. 23:28; 1 Cor. 4:1–2.

    Jer. 23:28 The prophet with whom [is] a dream, let him recount the dream, and with whom [is] My word, let him speak My word in faithfulness. What [is] the chaff to the wheat?” A declaration of YHWH.

    1 Cor. 4:1–2 1 So let a man reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Here, henceforth, it is required in the stewards that one should be found faithful.

  • Acts 20:27.

    Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you⁺ the whole counsel of God.

  • Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 2:15.

    Col. 1:28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

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

  • 1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12–14; Luke 12:42.

    1 Cor. 3:2 I gave you⁺ milk to drink, not food, for you⁺ were not yet able. But now you⁺ are still not able,

    Heb. 5:12–14 12 For even by the time you ought to be teachers, you⁺ have need of one to teach you⁺ again what [is] the beginning of the elements of the oracles of God; and you⁺ have become [those] having need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.

    Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful, wise manager, whom the master will set over the care of his, to give in season the grain measure?

  • Acts 18:25; Ps. 119:139; 2 Tim. 4:5.

    Acts 18:25 He was instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and was teaching earnestly the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John,

    Ps. 119:139 My zeal has cut me off, because my adversaries have forgotten Your words.

    2 Tim. 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, suffer hardships, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.

  • 2 Cor. 5:13–14; Phil. 1:15–17.

    2 Cor. 5:13–14 13 For if we were beside ourselves, [it is] to God; and if we are sound-minded, [it is] for you⁺. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, having judged this, that One died for all, therefore all died.

    Phil. 1:15–17 15 Indeed, some, even through envy and strife, but some also through goodwill, preach Christ— 16 the ones indeed out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 but the [others] proclaim Christ out of self-interest, not purely, supposing to add tribulation to my chains.

  • Col. 4:12; 2 Cor. 12:15.

    Col. 4:12 Epaphras greets you⁺, who [is] of you⁺, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving for you⁺ in the prayers, so that you⁺ may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

    2 Cor. 12:15 Now I will spend most gladly, and will be utterly spent for your⁺ souls. If loving you⁺ more abundantly, am I loved less?

  • 2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor. 4:2.

    2 Cor. 2:17 For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity—but as from God—we speak before God in Christ.

    2 Cor. 4:2 But we renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor distorting the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God.

  • 1 Thess. 2:4–6; John 7:18.

    1 Thess. 2:4–6 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, the One proving our hearts. 5 For neither at any time were we with a word of flattery, just as you⁺ know, nor with a pretext for greed—God [is] witness— 6 nor seeking glory from men, nor from you⁺, nor from others, [though] having power to be with authority as apostles of Christ.

    John 7:18 The one speaking from himself seeks [his] own glory, but the One seeking the glory of the One having sent Him, He is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

  • 1 Cor. 9:19–22.

    1 Cor. 9:19–22 19 For being free from all, I myself became a slave to all, so that I might gain the more. 20 And I became to the Jews as a Jew, so that I might gain the Jews; to those under the law, as under the law (myself not being under the law), so that I might gain those under the law; 21 to those without the law, as without the law (not being without the law of God, but within the law of Christ), so that I might gain those without the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all, so that by all means I might save some.

  • 2 Cor. 12:19; Eph. 4:12.

    2 Cor. 12:19 Do you⁺ think all along that we are making a defense to you⁺? We speak in Christ before God, and all things, beloved, for your⁺ edification.

    Eph. 4:12 toward the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,

  • 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 26:16–18.

    1 Tim. 4:16 Give heed to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in them; for doing this, you will save both yourself and those hearing you.

    Acts 26:16–18 16 But rise up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of that which you have seen of Me and of the things in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof texts

Question 160

Q. What is required of those that hear the Word preached?

A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.

Scripture proofs
  • Prov. 8:34.

    Prov. 8:34 Blessed [is] the man listening to me, watching at my gates day by day, keeping watch [at] the posts of my doors.

  • 1 Peter 2:1–2; Luke 8:18.

    1 Peter 2:1–2 1 Therefore, having put off all malice and all deceit and hypocrisies and envies and all evil-speakings, 2 like newborn babies, long for the reasonable, unspoiled milk, so that in it you⁺ may grow up into salvation,

    Luke 8:18 Therefore look how you⁺ hear; for whoever may have, to him [it] will be given; and whoever may not have, even what he thinks to have will be taken away from him.”

  • Ps. 119:18; Eph. 6:18–19.

    Ps. 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders from Your law.

    Eph. 6:18–19 18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, 19 and for me, that word may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known in boldness the mystery of the gospel,

  • Acts 17:11.

    Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.

  • Heb. 4:2.

    Heb. 4:2 For also we are [those] having had the gospel proclaimed, even as also those; but the word of [their] hearing did not profit those not having been united with the faith of those having heard.

  • 2 Thess. 2:10.

    2 Thess. 2:10 and in every deception of wickedness to those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved.

  • James 1:21.

    James 1:21 Therefore, having put off all filthiness and abundance of wickedness, accept in meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your⁺ souls.

  • Acts 17:11.

    Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.

  • 1 Thess. 2:13.

    1 Thess. 2:13 And because of this, we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of God, hearing from us, you⁺ accepted, not the word of men, but just as truly it is, the word of God, which also works in you⁺, those believing.

  • Luke 9:44; Heb. 2:1.

    Luke 9:44 “You⁺ let these words sink into your⁺ ears; for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

    Heb. 2:1 Because of this, it is necessary for us to give heed more abundantly to the things having been heard, lest ever we should drift away.

  • Luke 24:14; Deut. 6:6–7.

    Luke 24:14 And they were talking with one another about all these things having taken place.

    Deut. 6:6–7 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.

  • Prov. 2:1; Ps. 119:11.

    Prov. 2:1 My son, if you receive my words and you treasure my commands within you,

    Ps. 119:11 In my heart I have hidden Your word, that I should not sin against You.

  • Luke 8:15; James 1:25.

    Luke 8:15 And the [seed] in the good soil, these are those [who], in a beautiful and good heart, having heard the word, hold [it] fast and bear fruit in perseverance.

    James 1:25 But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in [it], not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work—this one will be blessed in his doing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 907 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1032 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 161

Q. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered, but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ, by whom they are instituted.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 8:13, 23; 1 Cor. 3:5–7 (cf. 1 Cor. 1:12–17); 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Cor. 6:11.

    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,

    Acts 8:13, 23 13 And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed. 23 For I see you being in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.”

    1 Cor. 3:5–7 5 Who then is Apollos? And who is Paul? Servants through whom you⁺ believed, even as the Lord gave to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was giving growth. 7 So neither the one planting nor the one watering is anything, but [only] God, the One giving growth.

    1 Cor. 1:12–17 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? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you⁺ except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say that you⁺ were baptized into my name. 16 Now also I baptized the household of Stephanas; as to the rest, I do not know if I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in wisdom of word, so that the cross of the Christ should not be made void.

    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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 917 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism4 shared proof texts · 3 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 27: Of the Sacraments2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 302 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 Church1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Question 162

Q. What is a sacrament?

A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; to oblige them to obedience; to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; and to distinguish them from those that are without.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 17:7, 10; Ex. 12 (containing the institution of the Passover); Matt. 28:19; Matt. 26:26–28. (See Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:22–26.)

    Gen. 17:7, 10 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. 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.

    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,

    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 14:22–25 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. 25 Truly I say to you⁺ that I will never [again] drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”

    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. 11:22–26 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.

    Exodus 12 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11:24–25.

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:24–25 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.”

  • Rom. 15:8; Ex. 12:48; Rom. 9:8; Gal. 3:27, 29.

    Rom. 15:8 For I say [that] Christ has become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises to the fathers,

    Ex. 12:48 And when a sojourner sojourns with you, and he does the Passover to YHWH, every male of his shall be circumcised; and then he may come near to do it, and he shall be as a native of the land. And any uncircumcised person shall not eat of it.

    Rom. 9:8 That is, the children of the flesh, these [are] not children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for seed.

    Gal. 3:27, 29 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ. 29 Now if you⁺ [are] of Christ, then you⁺ are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

  • Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 10:16.

    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.

    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?

  • Rom. 4:11; Gal. 3:27.

    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,

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

  • Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 10:21.

    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.

    1 Cor. 10:21 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.

  • Eph. 4:2–5; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Cor. 10:16–17.

    Eph. 4:2–5 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;

    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.

    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.

  • Eph. 2:11–12; Gen. 34:14.

    Eph. 2:11–12 11 Therefore remember that once you⁺—the Gentiles in the flesh, the ones being called the uncircumcision by that being called the circumcision, done by hands in the flesh— 12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.

    Gen. 34:14 and they said to them, “We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who has a foreskin, for that [is] a reproach to us.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments21 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper16 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9213 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7511 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 163

Q. What are the parts of a sacrament?

A. The parts of a sacrament are two; the one an outward and sensible sign, used according to Christ's own appointment; the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 3:11; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5. (Cf. Confession of Faith 27.2 and the passages cited thereunder. Cf. also Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4.)

    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,

    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,

    Deut. 10:16 And you⁺ shall circumcise the foreskin of your⁺ heart, and be not stiff-necked anymore.

    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.

    Jer. 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to YHWH, and turn aside the foreskins of your⁺ heart, O men of Judah and dwellers of Jerusalem, lest My fury should go forth like the fire and burn—with no one to extinguish it—from the face of the evil of your⁺ deeds!”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 692 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 722 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 312 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 164

Q. How many sacraments hath Christ instituted in his church under the new testament?

A. Under the new testament Christ hath instituted in his church only two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper.

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

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:20, 23 20 Therefore, [on] your⁺ coming together in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 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,

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 924 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 754 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 783 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 165

Q. What is baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrament of the new testament, wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself, of remission of sins by his blood, and regeneration by his Spirit; of adoption, and resurrection unto everlasting life; and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible church, and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lord's.

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,

  • Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3.

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

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

  • Mark 1:4; Rev. 1:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance unto forgiveness of sins.

    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—

    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.

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

    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,

  • Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:26. (See Acts 2:38.)

    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,

    Eph. 5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed [her] by the washing of water in the word,

    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.

  • Gal. 3:26–27.

    Gal. 3:26–27 26 For you⁺ are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

  • 1 Cor. 15:29; Rom. 6:5.

    1 Cor. 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they also baptized for them?

    Rom. 6:5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection,

  • 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41.

    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 2:41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

  • Rom. 6:4. (See Acts 2:38–42.)

    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.

    Acts 2:38–42 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.” 40 And he earnestly testified many other words and was exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation.” 41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added. 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9412 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 735 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 166

Q. Unto whom is baptism to be administered?

A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, and so strangers from the covenant of promise, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him, but infants descending from parents, either both, or but one of them, professing faith in Christ, and obedience to him, are in that respect within the covenant, and to be baptized.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:38–39, 41; Acts 8:12, 36, 38; Acts 16:15.

    Acts 2:38–39, 41 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.” 41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

    Acts 8:12, 36, 38 12 But when they believed Philip proclaiming the gospel concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 36 And as they were going along the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, “Behold, water! What prevents my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down to the water—both Philip and the eunuch—and he baptized him.

    Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her house, she begged, saying, “If you⁺ have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having entered into my house, abide.” And she persuaded us.

  • Col. 2:11–12; Acts 2:38–39; Rom. 4:11–12; 1 Cor. 7:14; Luke 18:15–16. (See Gen. 17:7–9; Gal. 3:9–14; Rom. 11:16.)

    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.

    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.”

    Rom. 4:11–12 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, 12 and father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those walking in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham in uncircumcision.

    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.

    Luke 18:15–16 15 And they were bringing the infants also to Him so that He might touch them; but having seen, the disciples were rebuking them. 16 But Jesus summoned them, saying, “Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God.

    Gen. 17:7–9 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. 8 And I give to you and to your seed after you the land in which you are a sojourner—all the land of Canaan—as an everlasting possession. And I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham, “And as for you, you shall keep My covenant—you and your seed after you, throughout their generations.

    Gal. 3:9–14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 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,” 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.

    Rom. 11:16 Now if the firstfruit [is] holy, also [is] the lump; and if the root [is] holy, also [are] the branches.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism19 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9510 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church10 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 747 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts

Question 167

Q. How is our baptism to be improved by us?

A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; and by endeavoring to live by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body.

Scripture proofs
  • Col. 2:11–12; Rom. 6:4, 6, 11.

    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. 6:4, 6, 11 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. 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. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

  • Rom. 6:3–5; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Rom. 6:3–5 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,

    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 Cor. 1:11–13; Rom. 6:2–3.

    1 Cor. 1:11–13 11 For it was revealed to me concerning you⁺, my brothers, by those of Chloe, that there are contentions among you⁺. 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?

    Rom. 6:2–3 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?

  • Rom. 6:4–7, 22; 1 Peter 3:21; Rom. 5:1–2; Jer. 33:8.

    Rom. 6:4–7, 22 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. 22 But now, having been set free from sin and having become slaves to God, you⁺ have your⁺ fruit unto sanctification, and the end [is] eternal life.

    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,

    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.

    Jer. 33:8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will forgive all their iniquities by which they have sinned against Me and by which they have transgressed against Me.

  • Rom. 6:3–5.

    Rom. 6:3–5 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,

  • Gal. 3:26–27.

    Gal. 3:26–27 26 For you⁺ are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

  • Rom. 6:22.

    Rom. 6:22 But now, having been set free from sin and having become slaves to God, you⁺ have your⁺ fruit unto sanctification, and the end [is] eternal life.

  • Acts 2:38 (cf. Gal. 2:20). (See also Rev. 2:17.)

    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.

    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.

    Rev. 2:17 The one having an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one overcoming, I will give to him the hidden manna, and I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except the one receiving [it].

  • 1 Cor. 12:13, 25.

    1 Cor. 12:13, 25 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. 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have the same concern for one another.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism12 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 697 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 887 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 946 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 168

Q. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament of the new testament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, his death is showed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; have their union and communion with him confirmed; testify and renew their thankfulness, and engagement to God, and their mutual love and fellowship each with other, as members of the same mystical body.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 22:20.

    Luke 22:20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

  • Matt. 26:26–28; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    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.

    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.

    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?

  • 1 Cor. 11:24.

    1 Cor. 11:24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.”

  • 1 Cor. 10:14–16, 21. (Cf. Rom. 7:4.)

    1 Cor. 10:14–16, 21 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible ones; judge for yourselves what I say. 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? 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.

    Rom. 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you⁺ also have been put to death to the law through the body of Christ, for you⁺ to become unto another, unto the One having been raised out from the dead, so that we should bear fruit to God.

  • 1 Cor. 10:17.

    1 Cor. 10:17 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 Supper11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 967 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 757 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 786 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 169

Q. How hath Christ appointed bread and wine to be given and received in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper?

A. Christ hath appointed the ministers of his Word, in the administration of this sacrament of the Lord's Supper, to set apart the bread and wine from common use, by the word of institution, thanksgiving, and prayer; to take and break the bread, and to give both the bread and the wine to the communicants: who are, by the same appointment, to take and eat the bread, and to drink the wine, in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given, and his blood shed, for them.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:23–24. (See Matt. 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20.)

    1 Cor. 11:23–24 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.”

    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⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7510 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 928 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 170

Q. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?

A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper, and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward senses; so they that worthily communicate in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a spiritual manner; yet truly and really, while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 3:21.

    Acts 3:21 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. 26:26, 28.

    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.” 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

  • 1 Cor. 11:24–29. (Cf. Confession of Faith 27.2. Cf. also John 6:51, 53.)

    1 Cor. 11:24–29 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.

    John 6:51, 53 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.” 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.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16.

    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 29: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 786 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 826 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 171

Q. How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?

A. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:28.

    1 Cor. 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

  • 2 Cor. 13:5.

    2 Cor. 13:5 Test yourselves, whether you⁺ are in the faith; examine yourselves. Or do you⁺ not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ [is] in you⁺?—unless you⁺ are unapproved.

  • 1 Cor. 5:7; Ex. 12:15.

    1 Cor. 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed,

    Ex. 12:15 Seven days you⁺ shall eat unleavened [bread]; indeed, on the first day you⁺ shall remove leaven from your⁺ houses, for anyone eating leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

  • 1 Cor. 11:29.

    1 Cor. 11:29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

  • 2 Cor. 13:5; Matt. 26:28.

    2 Cor. 13:5 Test yourselves, whether you⁺ are in the faith; examine yourselves. Or do you⁺ not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ [is] in you⁺?—unless you⁺ are unapproved.

    Matt. 26:28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

  • Zech. 12:10; 1 Cor. 11:31.

    Zech. 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and on those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me, whom they have pierced. And they will mourn for Him, like the mourning over the only one, and grieving over Him like the grieving over a firstborn.

    1 Cor. 11:31 For if we were discerning of ourselves, we would not be being judged.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16–17; Acts 2:46–47.

    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.

    Acts 2:46–47 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.

  • 1 Cor. 5:8; 1 Cor. 11:18, 20.

    1 Cor. 5:8 so that we may keep the feast, not with old leaven, not with leaven of malice and wickedness, but with unleavened [bread] of sincerity and of truth.

    1 Cor. 11:18, 20 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. 20 Therefore, [on] your⁺ coming together in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

  • Matt. 5:23–24.

    Matt. 5:23–24 23 Therefore, if you may offer your gift at the altar, and there may remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and first go, be reconciled to your brother, and then, having come, offer your gift.

  • Isa. 55:1; John 7:37.

    Isa. 55:1 “Come, everyone [who is] thirsty—come to the waters; and who [is] without silver unto him—let them come, buy, and let them come and eat, [and] buy without silver and without price, wine and milk.

    John 7:37 Now in the last day of the feast, the great [day], Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone may thirst, let him come to Me and drink.

  • 1 Cor. 5:7–8.

    1 Cor. 5:7–8 7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed, 8 so that we may keep the feast, not with old leaven, not with leaven of malice and wickedness, but with unleavened [bread] of sincerity and of truth.

  • 1 Cor. 11:25–26, 28; Heb. 10:21–22, 24; Ps. 26:6.

    1 Cor. 11:25–26, 28 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. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

    Heb. 10:21–22, 24 21 and [having] a great priest over the house of God, 22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water. 24 And we should carefully consider toward stirring up one another to love and to good works,

    Ps. 26:6 I wash my hands in innocence, and I go about Your altar, O YHWH,

  • 1 Cor. 11:24–25.

    1 Cor. 11:24–25 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.”

  • 2 Chron. 30:18–19; Matt. 26:26.

    2 Chron. 30:18–19 18 For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May YHWH, who [is] good, provide atonement on the behalf 19 everyone [who] prepares his heart to seek God—YHWH, God of his fathers—and not according to the purifying of the sanctuary.”

    Matt. 26:26 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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster 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 Supper9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments9 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 828 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 786 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 172

Q. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord's Supper?

A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof; and in God's account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it, and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, and to depart from iniquity: in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians) he is to bewail his unbelief, and labor to have his doubts resolved; and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord's Supper, that he may be further strengthened.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 50:10; 1 John 5:13; Ps. 88; Ps. 77:1–4, 7–10; Jonah 2:4.

    Isa. 50:10 Who among you⁺ fears YHWH, listening to the voice of His Servant, who has walked in darkness, and there is no no brightness unto him? Let him trust in the name of YHWH, and lean on his God.

    1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.

    Ps. 77:1–4, 7–10 1 For the one directing. According to Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. My voice [is] to God—indeed I cry out [with] my voice to God—and He has given ear to me. 2 In the day of my distress I sought the Lord; my hand in the night has been stretched out, and it does not slacken; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 I remember God, and I groan; I meditate, and my spirit becomes faint. Selah 4 You hold the lids of my eyes; I am troubled, and I cannot speak. 7 “Will the Lord forever reject [us], and not anymore will He add to show favor? 8 Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has [His] speech come to an end to generation and generation? 9 Or has God forgotten to show favor? Has He shut up in anger His compassion?” Selah 10 and I said, “I am grieved. Has it changed—the right hand of the Most High?”

    Jonah 2:4 And I said, ‘I have been driven out from before Your eyes; yet I will add to look toward the temple of Your holiness.’

    Psalm 88 on BibleHub ↗

  • Isa. 54:7–10; Matt. 5:3–4; Ps. 31:22; Ps. 73:13, 22–23.

    Isa. 54:7–10 7 “For a small moment I have forsaken you, and with great compassion I will gather you; 8 in a flood of wrath I hid My face [for] a moment from you, and with kindness everlasting I will have compassion on you,” says YHWH your Redeemer. 9 “For to Me this [is] the days of Noah, as when I swore to keep from passing the waters of Noah again over the earth—so have I sworn from being be angry with you and from giving rebuke to you. 10 For the mountains may depart and the hills may be shaken, and My loving devotion will not depart from you, and the covenant of My peace will not be shaken [off],” says YHWH, the One having compassion on you.

    Matt. 5:3–4 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.

    Ps. 31:22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes!” Surely You heard the voice of my supplications, in my crying out to You.

    Ps. 73:13, 22–23 13 Surely [in] vain I have cleansed my heart, and I have washed my hands in innocence. 22 And I [was] brutish and could not know; I was a beast before You. 23 And I [am] always with You; You hold my right hand.

  • Phil. 3:8–9; Ps. 10:17; Ps. 42:1–2, 5, 11.

    Phil. 3:8–9 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,

    Ps. 10:17 The desire of the afflicted ones You have heard, O YHWH; You will make firm their hearts; You will incline Your ear,

    Ps. 42:1–2, 5, 11 1 For the one directing. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before the face of God? 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and in commotion within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, for the salvation of His face. 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in commotion within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, the salvation of my face, and my God.

  • 2 Tim. 2:19; Isa. 50:10; Ps. 66:18–20.

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    Isa. 50:10 Who among you⁺ fears YHWH, listening to the voice of His Servant, who has walked in darkness, and there is no no brightness unto him? Let him trust in the name of YHWH, and lean on his God.

    Ps. 66:18–20 18 If I had seen iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19 Surely God has heard; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed [be] God, who has not turned aside my prayer, or His loving devotion from me.

  • Isa. 40:11, 29, 31; Matt. 11:28; Matt. 12:20; Matt. 26:28.

    Isa. 40:11, 29, 31 11 Like a shepherd He will pasture His flock; He gathers the lambs with His arm, and in His bosom He carries [them], the nursing ones He leads. 29 He gives power to the weary, and to those with no might, He increases strength. 31 and those waiting on YHWH will renew [their] strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

    Matt. 11:28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest.

    Matt. 12:20 A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench, until He should put forth judgment to victory.

    Matt. 26:28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

  • Mark 9:24.

    Mark 9:24 Immediately, having cried out, the father of the child was saying, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

  • Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30.

    Acts 2:37 And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?”

    Acts 16:30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?”

  • Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11:28.

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation14 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation13 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence11 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 603 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 782 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 173

Q. May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's Supper, be kept from it?

A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's Supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ hath left in his church, until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:27–34; Matt. 7:6; 1 Cor. 5; Jude 23; 1 Tim. 5:22.

    1 Cor. 11:27–34 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. 33 So then, my brothers, [in] coming together in order to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you⁺ may not come together for judgment; and I will prescribe the other things as soon as I shall come.

    Matt. 7:6 Do not give what [is] holy to the dogs, nor cast your⁺ pearls before the pigs, lest they will trample them among their feet and, having turned, tear you⁺ to pieces.

    1 Tim. 5:22 Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

    1 Corinthians 5 on BibleHub ↗

    Jude 23 on BibleHub ↗

  • 2 Cor. 2:7.

    2 Cor. 2:7 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures10 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 826 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 816 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 976 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 174

Q. What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the time of the administration of it?

A. It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, heedfully discern the Lord's body, and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; in judging themselves, and sorrowing for sin; in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, feeding on him by faith, receiving of his fullness, trusting in his merits, rejoicing in his love, giving thanks for his grace; in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints.

Scripture proofs
  • Lev. 10:3; Heb. 12:28; Ps. 5:7; 1 Cor. 11:17, 26–27.

    Lev. 10:3 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.

    Heb. 12:28 Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, we may have grace, by which we may serve God well pleasingly, with reverence and awe.

    Ps. 5:7 But I, in the abundance of Your loving devotion, will come into Your house; I will bow down toward the temple of Your Holiness in fear of You.

    1 Cor. 11:17, 26–27 17 Now in this instructing, I do not praise [you], because not for the better, but for the worse, do you⁺ come together. 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.

  • Ex. 24:8; Matt. 26:28.

    Ex. 24:8 And Moses took the blood and sprinkled [it] on the people, and he said, “Behold, the blood of the covenant which YHWH has cut with you⁺ according to all these words.”

    Matt. 26:28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

  • 1 Cor. 11:29.

    1 Cor. 11:29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

  • Luke 22:19.

    Luke 22:19 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,”

  • 1 Cor. 11:26; 1 Cor. 10:3–5, 11, 14.

    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.

    1 Cor. 10:3–5, 11, 14 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. 5 But God was not well pleased in most of them, for they were strewn in the wilderness. 11 Now these things happened to those [as] types and were written for our admonition, to whom the ends of the ages have come. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

  • 1 Cor. 11:31.

    1 Cor. 11:31 For if we were discerning of ourselves, we would not be being judged.

  • Zech. 12:10.

    Zech. 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and on those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me, whom they have pierced. And they will mourn for Him, like the mourning over the only one, and grieving over Him like the grieving over a firstborn.

  • Rev. 22:17. (See Matt. 5:6.)

    Rev. 22:17 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.

    Matt. 5:6 Blessed [are] those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, because they will be filled.

  • John 6:35 (see vv. 47–58).

    John 6:35 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.

  • John 1:16.

    John 1:16 For from His fullness we all received also grace upon grace.

  • Phil. 3:9.

    Phil. 3:9 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,

  • Ps. 63:4–5; 2 Chron. 30:21.

    Ps. 63:4–5 4 So I will bless You in my life; in Your name I will lift up my hands. 5 As [with] milk and fatness, my soul is satisfied, and with lips of joyful shouts, my mouth will praise You,

    2 Chron. 30:21 And the sons of Israel who were found in Jerusalem kept the Feast of the Unleavened seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests were praising YHWH day by day, accompanied by loud instruments to YHWH.

  • Ps. 22:26. (See 1 Cor. 10:16.)

    Ps. 22:26 The afflicted ones shall eat and be satisfied; those seeking Him shall praise YHWH. May your⁺ hearts live forever!

    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?

  • Jer. 50:5; Ps. 50:5.

    Jer. 50:5 They will ask the way [to] Zion, with their faces toward it: Come and let us join ourselves to YHWH [in] a covenant forever that will not be forgotten.

    Ps. 50:5 “Gather to Me My holy ones, those having cut a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”

  • Acts 2:42.

    Acts 2:42 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 786 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 825 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 175

Q. What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper?

A. The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success; if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, beg the continuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfill their vows, and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance: but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament; in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time: but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 28:7; Ps. 85:8; 1 Cor. 11:17, 30–31.

    Ps. 28:7 YHWH [is] my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; so my heart rejoices, and with my song I will give thanks to Him.

    Ps. 85:8 Let me hear what [my] God YHWH will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His holy ones; He will not let them return to folly.

    1 Cor. 11:17, 30–31 17 Now in this instructing, I do not praise [you], because not for the better, but for the worse, do you⁺ come together. 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.

  • 2 Chron. 30:21–23, 25–26; Acts 2:42, 46–47.

    2 Chron. 30:21–23, 25–26 21 And the sons of Israel who were found in Jerusalem kept the Feast of the Unleavened seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests were praising YHWH day by day, accompanied by loud instruments to YHWH. 22 And Hezekiah spoke to the heart of all the Levites who gave good understanding of YHWH. And they ate the appointed thing seven days, sacrificing sacrifices of peace offerings and confessing to YHWH, God of their fathers. 23 And all the assembly counseled to keep [it] another seven days, and they kept it seven days [with] joy. 25 And all the assembly of Judah rejoiced, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the assembly that came from Israel, and the sojourners who came from the land of Israel, and those who dwelt in Judah. 26 And there was great joy in Jerusalem, for from the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel nothing like this [was] in Jerusalem.

    Acts 2:42, 46–47 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. 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.

  • Ps. 36:10; Song 3:4; 1 Chron. 29:18.

    Ps. 36:10 Draw out Your loving devotion to those knowing You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.

    Song 3:4 Scarcely had I passed by them when I found the one my soul loves; I held him, and I would not let him go, until I had brought him to the house of my mother, and into the chamber of her who conceived me.

    1 Chron. 29:18 O YHWH, God of Abraham, [and] Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.

  • 1 Cor. 10:3–5, 12.

    1 Cor. 10:3–5, 12 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. 5 But God was not well pleased in most of them, for they were strewn in the wilderness. 12 Therefore the one thinking to stand, let him observe, lest he fall.

  • Ps. 50:14.

    Ps. 50:14 Make a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and fulfill to the Most High your vows.

  • 1 Cor. 11:25–26; Acts 2:42, 46.

    1 Cor. 11:25–26 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.

    Acts 2:42, 46 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. 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,

  • Eccl. 5:1–6; Ps. 139:23–24.

    Eccl. 5:1–6 1 Guard your feet when you walk to the house of God; and drawing near to listen [is] above giving the sacrifice of fools, for there are none of them knowing they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and do not let your heart hurry to bring out a word before the face of God; for God [is] in the heavens, and you [are] upon the earth—upon thus, let your words be few. 3 For [as] a dream comes with an abundance of business, so the voice of a fool with an abundance of words. 4 When you vow a vow to God, you should not delay to fulfill it, for [there is] no delight in fools. What you have vowed, you must fulfill. 5 Better that you did not vow, than that you vow and not fulfill [it]. 6 Do not give your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the face of the messenger that it [was] an error. Why should God be angry concerning your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

    Ps. 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.

  • Ps. 123:1–2; Ps. 42:5, 8; Ps. 43:3–5.

    Ps. 123:1–2 1 A Song of the Ascents. Unto You I lift up my eyes, [to] the One sitting in the heavens. 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants [are] to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maidservant [are] to the hand of her mistress, so [are] our eyes to YHWH our God, until He shows us mercy.

    Ps. 42:5, 8 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and in commotion within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, for the salvation of His face. 8 By day, YHWH commands His loving devotion, and in the night His song [is] with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

    Ps. 43:3–5 3 Send forth Your light and Your truth; they shall guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to Your dwelling place! 4 And I will come to the altar of God, to God, the joy of my rejoicing; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, the salvation of my face, and my God.

  • 2 Chron. 30:18–19.

    2 Chron. 30:18–19 18 For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May YHWH, who [is] good, provide atonement on the behalf 19 everyone [who] prepares his heart to seek God—YHWH, God of his fathers—and not according to the purifying of the sanctuary.”

  • 2 Cor. 7:11; 1 Chron. 15:12–14.

    2 Cor. 7:11 For behold how much earnestness this same thing—to have been grieved according to God—produced in you⁺: but defense, but indignation, but fear, but longing, but zeal, but avenging! In everything, you⁺ commended yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

    1 Chron. 15:12–14 12 and He said to them, “You⁺ [are] heads of the fathers of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, you⁺ and your⁺ brothers, that you⁺ may bring up the ark of YHWH, God of Israel, to [where] I have prepared for it. 13 And because at the first [it was] not you⁺ not, YHWH our God broke out against us because we did not seek Him according to the ordinance.” 14 And the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of YHWH, God of Israel;

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 826 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1035 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 176

Q. Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper agree?

A. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper agree, in that the author of both is God; the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits; both are seals of the same covenant, are to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel, and by none other; and to be continued in the church of Christ until his second coming.

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

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:23 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,

  • Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 10:16.

    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.

    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?

  • Rom. 4:11 (cf. Col. 2:12); Matt. 26:27–28.

    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,

    Col. 2:12 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.

    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.

  • John 1:33; Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23; 1 Cor. 4:1; Heb. 5:4.

    John 1:33 And I did not know Him, but the One having sent me to baptize in water, He said to me, ‘Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One baptizing in the Holy Spirit.’

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:23 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,

    1 Cor. 4:1 So let a man reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

    Heb. 5:4 And no one takes upon himself the honor, but is being called by God, just as Aaron also.

  • Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26.

    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. 11:26 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 27: Of the Sacraments12 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 177

Q. Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper differ?

A. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper differ, in that baptism is to be administered but once, with water, to be a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ, and that even to infants; whereas the Lord's Supper is to be administered often, in the elements of bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual nourishment to the soul, and to confirm our continuance and growth in him, and that only to such as are of years and ability to examine themselves.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 3:11; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:27.

    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,

    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,

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

  • Gen. 17:7, 9; Acts 2:38–39; 1 Cor. 7:14.

    Gen. 17:7, 9 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. 9 And God said to Abraham, “And as for you, you shall keep My covenant—you and your seed after you, throughout their generations.

    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.”

    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.

  • 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.

    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?

  • 1 Cor. 11:28–29.

    1 Cor. 11:28–29 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 826 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 178

Q. What is prayer?

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit; with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 10:17; Ps. 62:8; Matt. 7:7–8.

    Ps. 10:17 The desire of the afflicted ones You have heard, O YHWH; You will make firm their hearts; You will incline Your ear,

    Ps. 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your⁺ heart before Him; God [is] [is] a refuge for us. Selah

    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.

  • John 16:23.

    John 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. 8:26.

    Rom. 8:26 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.

  • Ps. 32:5–6; 1 John 1:9. (See Dan. 9:4–19.)

    Ps. 32:5–6 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 6 upon thus, let every godly one pray to You, in a time to find; even with a flood of great waters toward him, they shall not touch him.

    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.

    Dan. 9:4–19 4 And I prayed to YHWH my God, and I made confession and said: “O Lord God, the great and fearsome One, the One keeping the covenant and the loving devotion to those loving Him and those keeping His commandments. 5 We have sinned and we have done wrong, and we have been wicked and we have rebelled and turned aside from Your precepts and Your ordinances. 6 And we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, those who spoke in Your name to our kings, and our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 7 Unto You, O Lord, [is] the righteousness, and unto us [is] shame of face, as [on] this day, to the men of Judah, and to those dwelling in Jerusalem, and to all of Israel—those near, and those far off—in all the lands to which You have driven them there because of their unfaithfulness with which they were unfaithful to You! 8 O YHWH, unto us [is] shame of face—to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers—because we have sinned against You. 9 Unto the Lord our God [are] compassion and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him, 10 and we did not listen to the voice of YHWH our God, to walk in His laws that He gave before our faces by the hand of His servants the prophets. 11 And all Israel has transgressed Your law, turning aside not to listen to Your voice. And has been poured out on us the oath and the curse that is written in the Law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him. 12 And He has made stand His word, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us great calamity—which has not been done under all the heavens, like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us, we have pleaded and not before the face of YHWH our God, to turn back from our iniquity, and to gain discernment of Your truth. 14 And YHWH has kept watch over the calamity, and has brought it upon us, for righteous [is] YHWH our God in all His deeds that He does, and we have not listened to His voice. 15 And now, O Lord our God, who brought out Your people from the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made for Yourself a name as [on] this day, we have sinned; we have acted wickedly. 16 O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, let be turned back, please, Your anger and Your fury from Your city Jerusalem, the mountain of Your holiness! For because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people [are] a reproach to all around us. 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!”

  • Phil. 4:6; Ps. 103:1–5. (See Ps. 136.)

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

    Ps. 103:1–5 1 Of David. Bless, O my soul, YHWH, and all within me—His holy name! 2 O my soul, bless YHWH, and do not forget all His benefits— 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, 5 the One filling your beauty with the good; your youth is renewed like the eagle.

    Psalm 136 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9830 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1078 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1177 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1053 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life3 shared proof texts

Question 179

Q. Are we to pray unto God only?

A. God only being able to search the hearts, hear the requests, pardon the sins, and fulfill the desires of all; and only to be believed in, and worshiped with religious worship; prayer, which is a special part thereof, is to be made by all to him alone, and to none other.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Kings 8:39; Acts 1:24; Rom. 8:27.

    1 Kings 8:39 then may You hear in the heavens, the fixed place of Your dwelling, and forgive and act and give to each man according to all his ways, of whom You know the heart. For You alone know the hearts of all the sons of man,

    Acts 1:24 And having prayed, they said, “You, Lord, knower of the heart of all, show which one of these two You chose

    Rom. 8:27 And the One searching hearts knows what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the saints according to God.

  • Ps. 65:2.

    Ps. 65:2 O Hearer of prayer, to You all flesh will come.

  • Mic. 7:18.

    Mic. 7:18 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.

  • Ps. 145:18.

    Ps. 145:18 Near [is] YHWH to all those calling on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

  • Rom. 10:14.

    Rom. 10:14 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?

  • Matt. 4:10.

    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.’”

  • 1 Cor. 1:2.

    1 Cor. 1:2 To the church of God being in Corinth, having been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those in every place calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, theirs and ours:

  • Isa. 45:22; Matt. 6:9; Ps. 50:15.

    Isa. 45:22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I [am] God, and there is no other.

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

    Ps. 50:15 And call on Me in the day of distress, [and] I will rescue you, and you will glorify Me.”

  • Isa. 43:11; Isa. 46:9 (see entire chapter).

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

    Isa. 46:9 Remember the former [things] of old: For I [am] God, and there is no other; [I am] God, and none [is] like Me—

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 5: Of the Adoring, Worshipping, and Invocating of God, through the Only Mediator, Jesus Christ3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1172 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 462 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 180

Q. What is it to pray in the name of Christ?

A. To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake; not by bare mentioning of his name, but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation.

Scripture proofs
  • John 14:13–14; John 16:24; Dan. 9:17.

    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].

    John 16:24 Until now you⁺ have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you⁺ will receive, so that your⁺ joy may be full.

    Dan. 9:17 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!

  • Matt. 7:21.

    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.

  • Heb. 4:14–16; 1 John 5:13–15.

    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.

    1 John 5:13–15 13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life. 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1175 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 983 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts

Question 181

Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ?

A. The sinfulness of man, and his distance from God by reason thereof, being so great, as that we can have no access into his presence without a mediator; and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to, or fit for, that glorious work but Christ alone, we are to pray in no other name but his only.

Scripture proofs
  • John 14:6; Isa. 59:2; Eph. 3:12.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

    Isa. 59:2 For but your⁺ iniquities [that] have been causing separation for you⁺ from your⁺ God, and your⁺ sins have hidden the Face from you⁺, away from hearing.

    Eph. 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through the faith from Him.

  • John 6:27; Heb. 7:25–27; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    John 6:27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.”

    Heb. 7:25–27 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them. 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 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Col. 3:17; Heb. 13:15.

    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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 162 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 182

Q. How doth the Spirit help us to pray?

A. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, by enabling us to understand both for whom, and what, and how prayer is to be made; and by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in all persons, nor at all times, in the same measure) those apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:26–27; Ps. 10:17; Zech. 12:10.

    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.

    Ps. 10:17 The desire of the afflicted ones You have heard, O YHWH; You will make firm their hearts; You will incline Your ear,

    Zech. 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and on those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me, whom they have pierced. And they will mourn for Him, like the mourning over the only one, and grieving over Him like the grieving over a firstborn.

Parallel passages (6)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1172 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 981 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life1 shared proof textLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation1 shared proof text

Question 183

Q. For whom are we to pray?

A. We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; for magistrates, and ministers; for ourselves, our brethren, yea, our enemies; and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 6:18; Ps. 28:9.

    Eph. 6:18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

    Ps. 28:9 May You save Your people and bless Your inheritance, and shepherd them and carry them, even to forever.

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

  • Col. 4:3.

    Col. 4:3 praying at the same time also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I have been bound,

  • Gen. 32:11.

    Gen. 32:11 Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me—mother with sons.

  • James 5:16.

    James 5:16 Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you⁺ may be healed. The supplication of a righteous [man] being made effective prevails much.

  • Matt. 5:44.

    Matt. 5:44 But I say to you⁺, love your⁺ enemies and pray for those persecuting you⁺,

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

  • John 17:20; 2 Sam. 7:29.

    John 17:20 But I do not ask for these only, but also for those believing in Me through their word,

    2 Sam. 7:29 And now begin and bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord YHWH, have spoken [it], and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

  • 2 Sam. 12:21–23.

    2 Sam. 12:21–23 21 And his servants said to him, “What [is] this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; and when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 And he said, “While the child was alive I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows that YHWH may be gracious, and the child may live?’ 23 And he is dead. Why [is] this [that] I should fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, and he shall not return to me.”

  • 1 John 5:16.

    1 John 5:16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1003 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Question 184

Q. For what things are we to pray?

A. We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, the welfare of the church, our own or others' good; but not for anything that is unlawful.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9.

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

  • Ps. 51:18; Ps. 122:6.

    Ps. 51:18 By Your pleasure, do good to Zion; may You build up the walls of Jerusalem.

    Ps. 122:6 Ask for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper, those loving you!

  • Matt. 7:11.

    Matt. 7:11 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!

  • Ps. 125:4.

    Ps. 125:4 Do good, O YHWH, to the good, and to the upright in their hearts!

  • 1 John 5:14.

    1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 992 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1231 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1191 shared proof text · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 185

Q. How are we to pray?

A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, and deep sense of our own unworthiness, necessities, and sins; with penitent, thankful, and enlarged hearts; with understanding, faith, sincerity, fervency, love, and perseverance, waiting upon him, with humble submission to his will.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 33:8; Ps. 95:6; Ps. 145:5.

    Ps. 33:8 Let them be afraid of YHWH, all the earth; let all those dwelling in the world stand in awe of Him!

    Ps. 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker!

    Ps. 145:5 The splendor of the glory of Your majesty, and words of Your wonders I will put forth.

  • Gen. 18:27; Gen. 32:10.

    Gen. 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, “Behold, please, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord, and I [am] dust and ash.

    Gen. 32:10 I am not worthy of all the kindnesses and of all the faithfulness that You have done for Your servant. For with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.

  • Luke 15:17–19.

    Luke 15:17–19 17 But having come to himself, he was saying, ‘How many hired men of my father have an abundance of loaves, but here I am perishing with hunger? 18 Having risen up, I will go to my father and I will say to him, “Father, I sinned against heaven and before you; 19 no longer am I worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired men.”’

  • Luke 18:13–14.

    Luke 18:13–14 13 But the tax collector, standing afar off, was not even willing to lift up the eyes to heaven, but was striking his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I say to you⁺, this one went down to his house justified, rather than that one. For everyone exalting himself will be humbled, but the one humbling himself will be exalted.”

  • Ps. 51:17.

    Ps. 51:17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit. A heart broken and crushed, O God, You will not despise.

  • Phil. 4:6.

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

  • 1 Sam. 1:15; 1 Sam. 2:1.

    1 Sam. 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I [am] a woman oppressed in spirit; and I have not drunk any wine or strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the face of YHWH.

    1 Sam. 2:1 And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices in YHWH; My horn is exalted in YHWH. My mouth is wide over my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.

  • 1 Cor. 14:15.

    1 Cor. 14:15 What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind. I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will also sing praise with the mind.

  • Mark 11:24; James 1:6.

    Mark 11:24 Because of this, I say to you⁺, all things—as many as you⁺ pray and ask—believe that you⁺ receive, and it will be unto you⁺.

    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.

  • Ps. 145:18; Ps. 17:1.

    Ps. 145:18 Near [is] YHWH to all those calling on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

    Ps. 17:1 A Prayer of David. Hear, O YHWH, a just cause; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer without lips of deceit.

  • James 5:16.

    James 5:16 Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you⁺ may be healed. The supplication of a righteous [man] being made effective prevails much.

  • Ps. 116:1–2; Rom. 15:30.

    Ps. 116:1–2 1 I have loved because YHWH has heard the voice of my supplications, 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, even in the day I called.

    Rom. 15:30 Now I exhort you⁺, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in the prayers for me to God,

  • Eph. 6:18.

    Eph. 6:18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

  • Mic. 7:7.

    Mic. 7:7 And I, for YHWH I will watch, I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.

  • Matt. 26:39.

    Matt. 26:39 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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day8 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 803 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1002 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1172 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 186

Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of prayer?

A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which our Savior Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 5:14.

    1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

  • 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+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1198 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 996 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1171 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 187

Q. How is the Lord's Prayer to be used?

A. The Lord's Prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according to which we are to make other prayers; but may also be used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding, faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2.

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

    Luke 11:2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

Parallel passages (5)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1192 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 991 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 541 shared proof textSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints1 shared proof text

Question 188

Q. Of how many parts doth the Lord's Prayer consist?

A. The Lord's Prayer consists of three parts; a preface, petitions, and a conclusion.

Question 189

Q. What doth the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

A. The preface of the Lord's Prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven,) teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: as also, to pray with and for others.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9. (Cf. Luke 11:2.)

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

    Luke 11:2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

  • Ps. 103:13; Luke 11:13; Rom. 8:15.

    Ps. 103:13 As a father has compassion for [his] children, [so] YHWH has compassion for those fearing Him.

    Luke 11:13 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!”

    Rom. 8:15 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!”

  • Isa. 64:9.

    Isa. 64:9 Do not be angry, O YHWH, beyond measure, and do not remember [our] iniquity forever! Behold, please, look; we [are] all Your people!

  • Col. 3:1–2; Ps. 123:1; Lam. 3:41.

    Col. 3:1–2 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.

    Ps. 123:1 A Song of the Ascents. Unto You I lift up my eyes, [to] the One sitting in the heavens.

    Lam. 3:41 Let us lift our heart with [our] hands to God in the heavens:

  • Isa. 63:15–16; Neh. 1:4–6. (See Ps. 113:4–6.)

    Isa. 63:15–16 15 Look down from the heavens and see, from the habitation of Your holiness and Your glory! Where [is] Your zeal and Your strength, the groaning of Your bowels and Your compassion toward me—are they restrained? 16 For You [are] our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us, You, O YHWH, [are] our Father, Our Redeemer from Everlasting [is] Your name.

    Neh. 1:4–6 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned [for] days, and I was fasting and praying before the face of the God of the heavens, 5 and I said, “Please, O YHWH, God of the heavens, the great and awesome God, keeping the covenant and loving devotion for those loving Him and observing His commandments, 6 please let Your ear be attentive, and Your eyes be open, that You may listen to the prayer of Your servant, which I pray before You now, day and night, for the sons of Israel Your servants. And confessing on account of the sins of the sons of Israel, which we have sinned against You, both I and the house of my father have sinned.

    Ps. 113:4–6 4 High over all nations [is] YHWH, [and] over the heavens His glory, 5 who [is] like YHWH our God, being on high to dwell, 6 stooping down to look on the heavens and on the earth,

  • Acts 12:5; 1 Tim. 2:1–2; Eph. 6:18.

    Acts 12:5 Therefore indeed Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church concerning him.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

    Eph. 6:18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1005 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 6: Of the Providence of God3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1192 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 190

Q. What do we pray for in the first petition?

A. In the first petition, (which is, Hallowed be thy name,) acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in ourselves and all men to honor God aright, we pray, that God would by his grace enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to esteem him, his titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, works, and whatsoever he is pleased to make himself known by; and to glorify him in thought, word, and deed: that he would prevent and remove atheism, ignorance, idolatry, profaneness, and whatsoever is dishonorable to him; and, by his overruling providence, direct and dispose of all things to his own glory.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9. (Cf. Luke 11:2.)

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

    Luke 11:2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

  • 2 Cor. 3:5; Ps. 51:15.

    2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] of God,

    Ps. 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

  • Ps. 67:2–3; Ps. 99:1–3.

    Ps. 67:2–3 2 for the knowing of Your way on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise You, O God; may the peoples praise You—all of them.

    Ps. 99:1–3 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!

  • Ps. 83:18.

    Ps. 83:18 And they shall know that You—Your name [is] YHWH—You alone [are] Most High over all the earth!

  • Ps. 86:10–13, 15.

    Ps. 86:10–13, 15 10 For You [are] great, and the One doing wonders; You [are] God—You alone. 11 Instruct me, O YHWH, [in] Your way, [and] I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will confess You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. 13 For Your loving devotion [is] great toward me. And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 15 But You, O Lord, [are] a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in in loving devotion and faithfulness.

  • 2 Thess. 3:1; Ps. 147:19–20; Ps. 138:1–3; 2 Cor. 2:14–15.

    2 Thess. 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may run and may be glorified, just as also with you⁺,

    Ps. 147:19–20 19 He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. 20 He has not done so for any nation; and His judgments they have not known. Praise YAH!

    Ps. 138:1–3 1 Of David. I give You praise with all of my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises. 2 I bow down toward the temple of Your holiness, and I give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion, and for Your faithfulness; for You have magnified above all Your name [and] Your word. 3 On the day I called out, then You answered me; You embolden me in my soul [with] strength.

    2 Cor. 2:14–15 14 But thanks [be] to God, the One always leading us in triumph in Christ and making manifest the fragrance of the knowledge of Him through us in every place. 15 For we are a sweet smell of Christ to God among those being saved and among those perishing:

  • Ps. 145; Ps. 8.
  • Ps. 103:1; Ps. 19:14.

    Ps. 103:1 Of David. Bless, O my soul, YHWH, and all within me—His holy name!

    Ps. 19:14 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.

  • Phil. 1:9, 11; Ps. 100:3–4.

    Phil. 1:9, 11 9 And this I pray, that your⁺ love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 11 being filled with the fruit of righteousness that [is] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

    Ps. 100:3–4 3 Know that YHWH, He [is] God; He has made us and not we ourselves; [we are] His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise; give thanks to Him; bless His name!

  • Ps. 67:1–4.

    Ps. 67:1–4 1 For the one directing. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us, [and] cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 for the knowing of Your way on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise You, O God; may the peoples praise You—all of them. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you will judge the peoples with uprightness, and You will guide the nations on the earth. Selah

  • Eph. 1:17–18.

    Eph. 1:17–18 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

  • Ps. 97:7.

    Ps. 97:7 Let all those serving a carved image be put to shame, those boasting in idols! Bow down to Him, all gods!

  • Ps. 74:18, 22–23.

    Ps. 74:18, 22–23 18 Remember this, an enemy has reproached YHWH, and a foolish people have spurned Your name! 22 Arise, O God, defend Your cause! Remember the scorning of You from a fool all the day. 23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies, the uproar of those rising against You, going up continually.

  • 2 Kings 19:15–16.

    2 Kings 19:15–16 15 And Hezekiah prayed before the face of YHWH and said, “O YHWH, God of Israel, dwelling [between] the cherubim, You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. 16 Incline, O YHWH, Your ear, and hear; open, O YHWH, Your eyes, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.

  • 2 Chron. 20:6 (see vv. 10–12); Rom. 11:33–36; Rev. 4:11. (See Pss. 83; 140:4, 8.)

    2 Chron. 20:6 and he said, “O YHWH, God of our fathers, are You not He, the God in the heavens? And You are ruling over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand [are] power and might, and there is no one to stand against You.

    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.

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

    140:4, 8 4 keep me, O YHWH, from the hands of the wicked, from the man of violence guard me—those who have devised to push down my steps. 8 Do not grant, O YHWH, the desires of the wicked; do not promote his wicked device; [lest] they be exalted! Selah

    Psalm 83 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10111 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 45 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1224 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 191

Q. What do we pray for in the second petition?

A. In the second petition, (which is, Thy kingdom come,) acknowledging ourselves and all mankind to be by nature under the dominion of sin and Satan, we pray, that the kingdom of sin and Satan may be destroyed, the gospel propagated throughout the world, the Jews called, the fullness of the Gentiles brought in; the church furnished with all gospel officers and ordinances, purged from corruption, countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate: that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins, and the confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are already converted: that Christ would rule in our hearts here, and hasten the time of his second coming, and our reigning with him forever: and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world, as may best conduce to these ends.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:10. (Cf. Luke 11:2.)

    Matt. 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, also upon earth.

    Luke 11:2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

  • Eph. 2:2–3.

    Eph. 2:2–3 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.

  • Ps. 68:1, 18; Rev. 12:10–11.

    Ps. 68:1, 18 1 For the one directing. Of David. A Psalm. A Song. God Arises, His enemies are scattered, and those hating Him flee before His face. 18 You have gone up to the height, You have led captive captivity; You have received gifts from man, even [from] the rebellious ones, that YAH God may dwell there.

    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.

  • Ps. 67:1–2; 2 Thess. 3:1.

    Ps. 67:1–2 1 For the one directing. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us, [and] cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 for the knowing of Your way on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.

    2 Thess. 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may run and may be glorified, just as also with you⁺,

  • Rom. 10:1.

    Rom. 10:1 Brothers, indeed the good pleasure of my heart and [my] supplication to God on behalf of them [is] for salvation.

  • John 17:9, 20; Rom. 11:25–26. (See Ps. 67.)

    John 17:9, 20 9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours. 20 But I do not ask for these only, but also for those believing in Me through their word,

    Rom. 11:25–26 25 For I do not want you⁺ to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you⁺ may not be wise in yourselves: A hardening in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles may come in. 26 And thus all Israel will be saved, as it has been written: “The Delivering One will come out of Zion; He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.

    Psalm 67 on BibleHub ↗

  • Matt. 9:38; 2 Thess. 3:1.

    Matt. 9:38 Therefore implore the Lord of the harvest, that He might put forth workers into His harvest.”

    2 Thess. 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may run and may be glorified, just as also with you⁺,

  • Mal. 1:11; Zeph. 3:9.

    Mal. 1:11 For from the rising of the sun to its going down, great [is] My name among the nations; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. Indeed, My name will be great among the nations.” Says YHWH of Hosts.

    Zeph. 3:9 For then I will turn over to the peoples a lip made pure, to call for all of them on the name of YHWH, to serve Him with one shoulder.

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2; Isa. 49:23.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

    Isa. 49:23 And kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers; facedown to the earth they will bow low to you, and they will lick up the dust of your feet. And you will know that I [am] YHWH; those waiting for Me will not be ashamed.”

  • Acts 4:29–30; Eph. 6:18–20; Rom. 15:29–30, 32; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:16–17.

    Acts 4:29–30 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants to speak Your word with all boldness, 30 while You stretch out Your hand for healing and signs and wonders to take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

    Eph. 6:18–20 18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, 19 and for me, that word may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known in boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in a chain, that in it I may be bold, as it is necessary for me to speak.

    Rom. 15:29–30, 32 29 And I know that coming to you⁺ I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 30 Now I exhort you⁺, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in the prayers for me to God, 32 so that having come to you⁺ in joy, through the will of God I may be refreshed together with you⁺.

    2 Thess. 1:11 For [this] also we pray always for you⁺, that our God may count you⁺ worthy of the calling and may fulfill every good pleasure of goodness and work of faith in power,

    2 Thess. 2:16–17 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, the One having loved us and having given [us] eternal comfort and good hope in grace, 17 may He comfort your⁺ hearts, and may He strengthen [you] in every good work and word.

  • Eph. 3:14–20; Col. 3:15.

    Eph. 3:14–20 14 ... for reason of this, I bow my knees to the Father, 15 from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God. 20 Now to the One being able to do exceedingly above all things that we ask or think, according to the power that [is] working in us,

    Col. 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your⁺ hearts, to which also you⁺ were called in one body. And be thankful.

  • Rev. 22:20; 2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Peter 3:12.

    Rev. 22:20 The One testifying these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

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

    2 Peter 3:12 anticipating and hastening the coming of the day of God, by which the heavens will be dissolved, being set on fire, and the elements melt, burning with heat.

  • Isa. 64:1–2; Rev. 4:8–11.

    Isa. 64:1–2 1 If only You would rend the heavens [and] come down; at Your presence the mountains would shake, 2 like the kindling of brushwood [by] the fire—the fire boils the waters—to make known Your name to Your adversaries, [that] before Your face the nations will tremble,

    Rev. 4:8–11 8 And the four living creatures, one by one of them had six wings respectively, full of eyes all around and within; and they do not have rest day and night, saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, the One who was and who is and who is coming!” 9 And whenever the living creatures will give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the One sitting upon the throne, the One living to the ages of the ages, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall before the One sitting upon the throne, and they will worship the One living to the ages of the ages, and they will cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1004 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification4 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification4 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 192

Q. What do we pray for in the third petition?

A. In the third petition, (which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,) acknowledging, that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and do the will of God, but prone to rebel against his Word, to repine and murmur against his providence, and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh, and of the devil: we pray, that God would by his Spirit take away from ourselves and others all blindness, weakness, indisposedness, and perverseness of heart; and by his grace make us able and willing to know, do, and submit to his will in all things, with the like humility, cheerfulness, faithfulness, diligence, zeal, sincerity, and constancy, as the angels do in heaven.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:10. (Cf. Luke 11:2.)

    Matt. 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, also upon earth.

    Luke 11:2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

  • Rom. 7:18; Job 21:14; 1 Cor. 2:14.

    Rom. 7:18 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.

    Job 21:14 And they said to God, ‘Turn away from us! For we do not delight to know Your ways.

    1 Cor. 2:14 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.

  • Rom. 8:7.

    Rom. 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.

  • Ex. 17:7; Num. 14:2.

    Ex. 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the sons of Israel, and because of their testing of YHWH, saying, “Is YHWH among us, or not?”

    Num. 14:2 And all the sons of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!

  • Eph. 2:2.

    Eph. 2:2 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,

  • Eph. 1:17–18.

    Eph. 1:17–18 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

  • Eph. 3:16.

    Eph. 3:16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

  • Matt. 26:40–41.

    Matt. 26:40–41 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.”

  • Jer. 31:18–19.

    Jer. 31:18–19 18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: ‘You disciplined me, and I was disciplined as an untrained heifer; turn me back and I will return, for You [are] YHWH my God. 19 For after my turning back, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

  • Ps. 19:14; Acts 21:14. (See Ps. 119; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:20–21.)

    Ps. 19:14 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.

    Acts 21:14 And he not being persuaded, we were silent, having said, “The will of the Lord be done.”

    1 Thess. 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.

    Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.

    Psalm 119 on BibleHub ↗

  • Mic. 6:8.

    Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?

  • Ps. 100:2; Job 1:21; 2 Sam. 15:25–26.

    Ps. 100:2 Serve YHWH with gladness! Come before His face with a shout of joy!

    Job 1:21 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.”

    2 Sam. 15:25–26 25 And the king said to Zadok, “Carry back the ark of God into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of YHWH, He will bring me back and show me it and His dwelling place. 26 But if thus He says, ‘I have not delighted in you,’ behold, [it is] I. Let Him do to me as [is] good in His eyes.”

  • Isa. 38:3.

    Isa. 38:3 and he said, “I pray you, O YHWH, remember please how I have walked before Your face in truth and with a complete heart, and I have done [what is] good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept [with] great weeping.

  • Ps. 119:4–5.

    Ps. 119:4–5 4 You have commanded Your precepts, to be kept diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were set firm to keep Your statutes!

  • Ps. 69:9; John 2:17; Rom. 12:11.

    Ps. 69:9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those insulting You have fallen on me.

    John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “The zeal of Your house will consume Me.”

    Rom. 12:11 not slothful in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,

  • Josh. 24:14; Ps. 119:80; 1 Cor. 5:8. (See 2 Cor. 1:12.)

    Josh. 24:14 And now, fear YHWH and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. And put away the gods that your⁺ fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt, and Serve YHWH!

    Ps. 119:80 May my heart be perfect in Your statutes, so that I may not be ashamed.

    1 Cor. 5:8 so that we may keep the feast, not with old leaven, not with leaven of malice and wickedness, but with unleavened [bread] of sincerity and of truth.

    2 Cor. 1:12 For our boasting is this: The testimony of our conscience, that in the simplicity and sincerity of God, and not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we conducted ourselves in the world and more abundantly toward you⁺.

  • Ps. 119:112.

    Ps. 119:112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, [to] the end!

  • Isa. 6:2–3; Ps. 103:20–21; Matt. 18:10.

    Isa. 6:2–3 2 Seraphim stood above Him, [with] six wings for each—six wings—with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And this one cried to this one and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] YHWH of Hosts; the fullness of all the earth [is] His glory!”

    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.

    Matt. 18:10 See that you⁺ do not despise one of these little ones. For I say to you⁺ that their angels in the heavens always see the face of My Father who [is] in the heavens.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1036 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof textsWestminster 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 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 193

Q. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

A. In the fourth petition, (which is, Give us this day our daily bread,) acknowledging, that in Adam, and by our own sin, we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life, and deserve to be wholly deprived of them by God, and to have them cursed to us in the use of them; and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us, nor we to merit, or by our own industry to procure them; but prone to desire, get, and use them unlawfully: we pray for ourselves and others, that both they and we, waiting upon the providence of God from day to day in the use of lawful means, may, of his free gift, and as to his fatherly wisdom shall seem best, enjoy a competent portion of them; and have the same continued and blessed unto us in our holy and comfortable use of them, and contentment in them; and be kept from all things that are contrary to our temporal support and comfort.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:11. (Cf. Luke 11:3.)

    Matt. 6:11 Give us today our necessary bread.

    Luke 11:3 Give us each day our necessary bread.

  • Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:20–22; Jer. 5:25; Deut. 28:15–68.

    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!”

    Gen. 3:17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life,

    Rom. 8:20–22 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of the One having subjected [it], in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay, into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that all the creation groans together and travails together until now.

    Jer. 5:25 Your⁺ iniquities have stretched away these [things], and your⁺ sins have withheld the good from you⁺.

    Deut. 28:15–68 15 And it shall come to pass, if you do not listen to the voice of YHWH your God, to observe carefully to do all His commandments and His statutes that I am commanding you today, [that] all these curses will come upon you and overtake you. 16 Cursed [are] you in the city, and cursed [are] you in the field. 17 Cursed is your basket and your kneading bowl. 18 Cursed is the fruit of your womb, and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock. 19 Cursed [are] you in your coming in, and cursed [are] you in your going out. 20 YHWH will send on you the cursing, the confusion, and the rebuke, in every putting forth of your hand that you do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me. 21 YHWH will make cling to you the plague, until He has consumed you from the land that you are going in to possess. 22 YHWH will strike you with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with severe burning fever, and with the sword, and with scorching, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish. 23 And your heavens that [are] over your head shall be bronze, and the earth that [is] under you iron. 24 YHWH will give the rain of your land [to be] dust and powder; from the heavens it shall come down on you, until you are destroyed. 25 YHWH will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; one way you shall go out against him, and seven ways you shall flee before his face, and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth. 26 And your carcass shall be food for all the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth, and no one shall frighten [them] away. 27 YHWH will strike you with the boils of Egypt, and with the tumors, and with the scab, and with the itch, from which you are not able to be healed. 28 YHWH will strike you with madness and blindness and confusion of mind, 29 and you shall grope at noonday as a blind man gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways. And you shall be only oppressed and plundered all of the days, and no one shall save [you]. 30 You shall betroth a wife and another man shall lie with her. You shall build a house and you shall not dwell in it. You shall plant a vineyard and you shall not gather its grapes. 31 Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it. Your donkey shall be seized from before your face and shall not be restored to you. Your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have no one to rescue [them]. 32 Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, and your eyes are looking and wasting away toward them all the day, and there is no power in your hand. 33 A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and of all your toil, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed all the days. 34 And you shall be driven mad because of the sight of your eyes that you see. 35 YHWH will strike you with severe boils in the knees and on the legs, which are not able to be healed, from the sole of your foot and to the top of your head. 36 YHWH shall bring you and the king whom you set over you to a nation that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will serve other gods of wood and stone. 37 And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all the nations to which YHWH will drive you. 38 Much Seed you shall carry out into the field, and little gather in, for the locust shall consume it. 39 You shall plant vineyards and tend [them], and [of] the wine you shall not drink and not gather, for the worms shall consume it. 40 Olive trees shall be unto you throughout all your territory, and with the oil you shall not anoint, for your olives shall drop off. 41 You shall bear sons and daughters, and they shall not be yours, for they shall go into captivity. 42 The locust shall consume all your trees and the produce of your land. 43 The foreigner who [is] among you shall rise above you higher and higher, and you shall descend lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to him. He shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 And all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of YHWH your God to keep His commandments and His statutes that He commanded you. 46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your seed, even to forever. 47 Because that you did not serve YHWH your God with joy and gladness of heart from the abundance of all things, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom YHWH will send against you, in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in lack of all things, and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 YHWH will bring against you a nation from afar, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies, a nation whose tongue you have not heard, 50 a nation fierce of face, which does not respect the face of the aged, and does not show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed—which will leave to you no grain, or new wine, or oil, or offspring of your cattle, [or] increase of your flock, until they have destroyed you. 52 And they shall lay siege to you in all your gates until your walls, high and fortified, in which you trust, come down in all your land; and they shall besiege you in all your gates in all your land that YHWH your God has given to you. 53 And you shall eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of your sons and your daughters whom YHWH your God has given you, in the siege and dire straits that your enemy will inflict on you. 54 The tender man among you and very refined—his eye shall do evil against his brother, and against the wife of his bosom, and against the remnant of his sons whom he leaves behind, 55 so that he will not give to one of them the flesh of his children whom he will eat, because there remains nothing at all for him in the siege and dire straits that your enemy will inflict on you at all your gates. 56 The tender and delicate woman among you who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground because of her delicateness and tenderness—her eye is evil against the husband of her bosom, and against her son, and against her daughter, 57 and against her afterbirth that comes from between her feet, and against her children whom she bears. For she will eat them in secret for lack of anything in the siege and dire straits that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates. 58 If you are not careful to do all the words of this law written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name—YHWH your God— 59 then YHWH will bring extraordinary plagues and the plagues of your seed, great and prolonged plagues, and evil and prolonged sicknesses. 60 And He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, the presence of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. 61 Also every sickness and every plague that [is] not written in the Book of this Law, YHWH will bring upon you until you are destroyed. 62 And you⁺ shall be left few men, instead of which you⁺ were as stars of the heavens in multitude, because you would not listen to the voice of YHWH your God. 63 And it shall come to pass [that] as YHWH rejoiced over you⁺ to do good to you⁺ and multiply you⁺, so YHWH will rejoice over you⁺ to destroy you⁺ and bring you⁺ to nothing, and you⁺ shall be plucked from off the land that you are going there to possess. 64 And YHWH will scatter you among all the peoples, from the end of the earth and to the end of the earth, and there you shall serve other gods—which neither you nor your fathers have known—wood and stone. 65 And among those nations you shall not find rest, nor shall you have a resting place for the sole of your foot. And there YHWH will give to you a trembling heart, and failing eyes, and anguish of soul. 66 And your life shall be hanging in doubt before you, and you shall dread night and day, and have no assurance of life. 67 In the morning you shall say, ‘Would that evening be granted!’ And at the evening you shall say, ‘Would that morning be granted!’ Because of the dread of your heart that you dread, and because of the sight of your eyes that you see. 68 And YHWH will take you back to Egypt in ships by the way of which I said to you, never will you add again to see it, and you⁺ will sell yourselves there to your enemies for menservants and for maidservants, and no one will buy [you].”

  • Deut. 8:3.

    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.

  • Gen. 32:10.

    Gen. 32:10 I am not worthy of all the kindnesses and of all the faithfulness that You have done for Your servant. For with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.

  • Deut. 8:17–18.

    Deut. 8:17–18 17 and you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.” 18 And you shall remember YHWH your God, for He gives you power to gain wealth, that He may establish His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as [it is] this day.

  • Jer. 6:13; Mark 7:21–22.

    Jer. 6:13 “For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them, everyone is gaining dishonest gain; and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone is dealing falsely.

    Mark 7:21–22 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil reasonings, sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 covetous desires, wickednesses, deceit, sensuality, an evil eye, slander, pride, foolishness.

  • Hos. 12:7.

    Hos. 12:7 A Canaanite [has] scales of deceit in his hand; he loves to oppress.

  • James 4:3.

    James 4:3 You⁺ ask and do not receive, because you⁺ ask wrongly, that you⁺ may spend [it] in your⁺ pleasures.

  • Gen. 43:12–14; Gen. 28:20; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:11–12; Phil. 4:6.

    Gen. 43:12–14 12 And double the silver take in your⁺ hand, and the silver that was returned in the mouth of your⁺ bags you⁺ shall return in your⁺ hand. Perhaps it [was] a mistake. 13 And take your⁺ brother and arise; return to the man. 14 And may El-Shaddai give to you⁺ mercy before the man, and may he release to you⁺ your⁺ other brother and Benjamin! And I—if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”

    Gen. 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I am going and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear,

    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.

    2 Thess. 3:11–12 11 For we hear some are walking among you⁺ in an unruly manner, not working at all, but being busybodies. 12 Now to such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that, working with quietness, they should eat their own bread.

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

  • 1 Tim. 4:3–5.

    1 Tim. 4:3–5 3 forbidding to marry, [requiring] to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful and [by] [those] knowing the truth. 4 For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing [is] to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and intercession.

  • 1 Tim. 6:6–8.

    1 Tim. 6:6–8 6 But godliness with contentment is a means of great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, because neither are we able to bring out anything. 8 But having sustenance and coverings, with these we will be content.

  • Prov. 30:8–9.

    Prov. 30:8–9 8 Put vanity and the word of a lie far away from me; do not give poverty or wealth to me; provide me the bread of my portion, 9 lest I become satisfied and I deny and say, ‘Who [is] YHWH?’ And lest I become dispossessed and steal, and I seize the name of my God.

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Question 194

Q. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A. In the fifth petition, (which is, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,) acknowledging, that we and all others are guilty both of original and actual sin, and thereby become debtors to the justice of God; and that neither we, nor any other creature, can make the least satisfaction for that debt: we pray for ourselves and others, that God of his free grace would, through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith, acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin, accept us in his Beloved; continue his favor and grace to us, pardon our daily failings, and fill us with peace and joy, in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness; which we are the rather emboldened to ask, and encouraged to expect, when we have this testimony in ourselves, that we from the heart forgive others their offenses.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:12. (Cf. Luke 11:4.)

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

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

  • Rom. 3:9–22; Matt. 18:24–25; Ps. 130:3–4.

    Rom. 3:9–22 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. 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,

    Matt. 18:24–25 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.

    Ps. 130:3–4 3 If You were to mark iniquities, O YAH, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with You [is] forgiveness, so that You may be feared.

  • Rom. 3:24–26; Heb. 9:22.

    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.

    Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are purified with blood according to the law, and without blood-shedding there is no forgiveness.

  • Eph. 1:6–7.

    Eph. 1:6–7 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,

  • 2 Peter 1:2.

    2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺ in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

  • Hos. 14:2; Jer. 14:7; 1 John 1:9. (See Dan. 9:17–19.)

    Hos. 14:2 Take with you⁺ words, and return to YHWH. Say to Him: “Lift away all iniquity, and receive what is good, and we offer the fruit of our lips.

    Jer. 14:7 Though our iniquities testify against us, O YHWH, may You act for the sake of Your name! For many are our backslidings; we have sinned against You.

    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.

    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!”

  • Rom. 15:13; Ps. 51:7–10, 12.

    Rom. 15:13 And may the God of hope fill you⁺ with all joy and peace in believing, for you⁺ to abound in hope in the power [of] the Holy Spirit.

    Ps. 51:7–10, 12 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 9 May You hide Your face from my sins, and wipe out all my iniquities. 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

  • Luke 11:4; Matt. 6:14–15; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13. (See Matt. 18:21–35.)

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

    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.

    Eph. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as also God in Christ forgave you⁺.

    Col. 3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone may have a complaint toward another. Just as also the Lord forgave you⁺, so also you⁺.

    Matt. 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 10522 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 12618 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 512 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 195

Q. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

A. In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) acknowledging, that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things, that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by temptations; that Satan, the world, and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us; and that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption, weakness, and want of watchfulness, are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to expose ourselves unto temptations, but also of ourselves unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them, and to improve them; and worthy to be left under the power of them: we pray, that God would so overrule the world and all in it, subdue the flesh, and restrain Satan, order all things, bestow and bless all means of grace, and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin; or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation; or when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it, and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof: that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected, Satan trodden under our feet, and we fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:13. (Cf. Luke 11:4.)

    Matt. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

  • 2 Chron. 32:31.

    2 Chron. 32:31 And so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending to him to inquire about the sign that was [done] in the land, God withdrew from him in order to test him, that He might know all in his heart.

  • 1 Chron. 21:1.

    1 Chron. 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel.

  • Luke 21:34; Mark 4:19.

    Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest your⁺ hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life—and that day would come upon you⁺ suddenly as a snare.

    Mark 4:19 and the anxieties of the age, and the deceit of riches, and the desires concerning the other things, entering, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

  • James 1:14.

    James 1:14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.

  • Gal. 5:17.

    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. 26:41.

    Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.”

  • Matt. 26:69–72; Gal. 2:11–14; 2 Chron. 18:3; 2 Chron. 19:2.

    Matt. 26:69–72 69 And Peter was sitting outside in the court, and one servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 And he denied [it] before all, saying, “I do not know what you say.” 71 And having gone out to the gateway, another saw him and says to those there, “This [man] was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied [it] with an oath: “I do not know the man.”

    Gal. 2:11–14 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they are not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before all, “If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how do you compel the Gentiles to Judaize?”

    2 Chron. 18:3 And Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me [against] Ramoth-gilead?” And he answered him, “I [am] as you [are], and as your people [are] my people, and with you in the war.”

    2 Chron. 19:2 And Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and he said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should [you be] giving help to the wicked, and those hating YHWH would you love? And for this, wrath [is] upon you from before the face of YHWH.

  • Rom. 7:23–24; 1 Chron. 21:1–4; 2 Chron. 16:7–10.

    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?

    1 Chron. 21:1–4 1 And Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2 And David said to Joab and to the heads of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba and as far as Dan and bring [it] to me, that I may know their number.” 3 And Joab answered, “May YHWH add to His people as they [are] a hundred times. Are [they] not, my lord O king, all of them for my lord as servants? Why does my lord require this? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” 4 And the word of the king was strengthened against Joab, and Joab went out and went throughout all Israel, and he came to Jerusalem.

    2 Chron. 16:7–10 7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because of your leaning on the king of Aram and not leaning on YHWH your God, upon thus the force of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 8 Was [it] not [that] the Cushites and the Libyans were as an army of multitudes, of very many chariots and horsemen? And in your leaning on YHWH, He delivered them into your hand. 9 For YHWH—His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart [is] perfect to Him. You have acted foolishly regarding this; therefore from now on there will be wars with you.” 10 And Asa was angry with the seer, and he put him in the house of the stocks, for [he was] in a rage at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.

  • Ps. 81:11–12.

    Ps. 81:11–12 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me. 12 And I sent them away in the stubbornness of their hearts, to walk by their own counsels.

  • John 17:15.

    John 17:15 I do not ask that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil.

  • Ps. 51:10; Ps. 119:133.

    Ps. 51:10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

    Ps. 119:133 Establish my steps by Your word, and do not let any iniquity rule over me.

  • 2 Cor. 12:7–8.

    2 Cor. 12:7–8 7 and the surpassingness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I should not be over-exalted, a thorn in [my] flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not be over-exalted. 8 Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me.

  • 1 Cor. 10:12–13.

    1 Cor. 10:12–13 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].

  • Heb. 13:20–21.

    Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.

  • Matt. 26:41; Ps. 19:13.

    Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.”

    Ps. 19:13 Also, hold back Your servant from proud [things]; may they not rule over me. Then I shall be complete, and cleansed of great transgression.

  • Eph. 3:14–17; 1 Thess. 3:13; Jude 24.

    Eph. 3:14–17 14 ... for reason of this, I bow my knees to the Father, 15 from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love,

    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.

    Jude 24 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ps. 51:12.

    Ps. 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

  • 1 Peter 5:8–10.

    1 Peter 5:8–10 8 Be sober-minded; be alert. Your⁺ adversary the devil prowls around as a roaring lion seeking whom to swallow up, 9 whom you⁺ should resist, firm in the faith, knowing the same sufferings in your⁺ brotherhood to be experienced in the world. 10 And the God of all grace, the One having called you⁺ to His eternal glory in Christ, having suffered a little while, He Himself will complete, will confirm, will strengthen, [and] will establish [you].

  • 2 Cor. 13:7, 9.

    2 Cor. 13:7, 9 7 Now we pray to God [for] you⁺ to do nothing wrong, not that we might appear approved, but that you⁺ may do what [is] right, though we might appear as unapproved. 9 For we rejoice when we may be weak but you⁺ may be powerful. This also we pray for: your⁺ perfection.

  • Rom. 16:20; Luke 22:31–32.

    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⁺.

    Luke 22:31–32 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked for all of you⁺ to sift like wheat. 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

  • John 17:15; 1 Thess. 5:23.

    John 17:15 I do not ask that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil.

    1 Thess. 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 Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1068 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence8 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1277 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 196

Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

A. The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, (which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.) teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments, which are to be taken, not from any worthiness in ourselves, or in any other creature, but from God; and with our prayers to join praises, ascribing to God alone eternal sovereignty, omnipotency, and glorious excellency; in regard whereof, as he is able and willing to help us, so we by faith are emboldened to plead with him that he would, and quietly to rely upon him, that he will fulfill our requests. And, to testify this our desire and assurance, we say, Amen.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:13.

    Matt. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

  • Rom. 15:30.

    Rom. 15:30 Now I exhort you⁺, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in the prayers for me to God,

  • Dan. 9:4, 7–9, 16–19.

    Dan. 9:4, 7–9, 16–19 4 And I prayed to YHWH my God, and I made confession and said: “O Lord God, the great and fearsome One, the One keeping the covenant and the loving devotion to those loving Him and those keeping His commandments. 7 Unto You, O Lord, [is] the righteousness, and unto us [is] shame of face, as [on] this day, to the men of Judah, and to those dwelling in Jerusalem, and to all of Israel—those near, and those far off—in all the lands to which You have driven them there because of their unfaithfulness with which they were unfaithful to You! 8 O YHWH, unto us [is] shame of face—to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers—because we have sinned against You. 9 Unto the Lord our God [are] compassion and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him, 16 O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, let be turned back, please, Your anger and Your fury from Your city Jerusalem, the mountain of Your holiness! For because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people [are] a reproach to all around us. 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!”

  • Phil. 4:6.

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

  • 1 Chron. 29:10–13; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 5:11–13.

    1 Chron. 29:10–13 10 And David blessed YHWH before all the assembly, and David said, “Blessed are You, O YHWH, God of Israel, our Father, from forever and even to forever. 11 To You, O YHWH, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty, because of everything in the heavens and on earth. To You, O YHWH, [is] the kingdom, and You are exalted over all as head. 12 And the riches and the honor [are] from before You, and You reign over all, and in Your hand [is] power and might, and in Your hand [is] to exalt and to give strength to all. 13 And now, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.

    1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

    Rev. 5:11–13 11 And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders; and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and everything in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and might to the ages of the ages!”

  • Eph. 3:20–21; Luke 11:13.

    Eph. 3:20–21 20 Now to the One being able to do exceedingly above all things that we ask or think, according to the power that [is] working in us, 21 to Him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all the generations of the age of the ages. Amen.

    Luke 11:13 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!”

  • 2 Chron. 20:6, 11.

    2 Chron. 20:6, 11 6 and he said, “O YHWH, God of our fathers, are You not He, the God in the heavens? And You are ruling over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand [are] power and might, and there is no one to stand against You. 11 And behold, they are recompensing to us by coming to throw us out of Your possession, which You have given us to inherit.

  • 2 Chron. 14:11.

    2 Chron. 14:11 And Asa cried out to YHWH his God and said, “O YHWH, [it is] nothing for You to help, whether with many or with no power. Help us, O YHWH our God, for on You we rest, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O YHWH, You [are] our God; do not let man prevail against You.”

  • 1 Cor. 14:16; Rev. 22:20–21.

    1 Cor. 14:16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling up the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say?

    Rev. 22:20–21 20 The One testifying these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus [be] with all the saints. Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10718 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 989 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 544 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1053 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1173 shared proof texts · shared topic