The Westminster Larger Catechism
Q. 1. 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 for ever.
Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 73:24-28; John 17:21-23.
Q. 2. 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.
Rom. 1:19-20; Ps. 19:1-3; Acts 17:28; 1 Cor. 2:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Isa. 59:21.
Q. 3. What is the Word of God?
A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God,
the only rule of faith and obedience.
2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 22:18-19; Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29,
31; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Tim. 3:15-16.
Q. 4. 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.
Hos. 8:12; 1 Cor. 2:6-7, 13; Ps. 119:18, 129; Ps. 12:6; Ps. 119:140; Acts 10:43;
Acts 26:22; Rom. 3:19, 27; Acts 18:28; Heb. 4:12; Jas. 1:18; Ps. 19:7-9; Rom. 15:
4; Acts 20:32; John 16:13-14; 1 John 2:20, 27; John 20:31.
Q. 5. 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.
2 Tim. 1:13.
What Man Ought to Believe Concerning God
Q. 6. 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.
Heb. 11:6; 1 John 5:7; Acts 15:14-15, 18; Acts 4:27-28.
Q. 7. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and
perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, everywhere
present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most
merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
John 4:24; Ex. 3:14; Job 11:7-9; Acts 7:2; 1 Tim. 6:15; Matt. 5:48; Gen. 17:1;
Ps. 90:2; Mal. 3:6; Jas. 1:17; 1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 139:1-13; Rev. 4:8; Heb. 4:13; Ps.
147:5; Rom. 16:27; Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4; Deut. 32:4; Ex. 34:6.
Q. 8. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6; Jer. 10:10.
Q. 9. 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.
1 John 5:7; Matt. 3:16-17; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 10:30.
Q. 10. 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.
Heb. 1:5-6, 8; John 1:14, 18; John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.
Q. 11. 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.
Isa. 6:3, 5, 8; John 12:41; Acts 28:25; 1 John 5:20; Acts 5:3-4; John 1:1; Isa. 9:
6; John 2:24-25; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Col. 1:16; Gen. 1:2; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14.
Q. 12. 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
fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning
angels and men.
Eph. 1:11; Rom. 11:33; Rom. 9:14-15, 18; Eph. 1:4, 11; Rom. 9:22-23; Ps. 33:11.
Q. 13. 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 fore-ordained the rest to dishonor and wrath,
to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice.
1 Tim. 5:21; Eph. 1:4-6; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Rom. 9:17-18, 21-22; Matt. 11:25-26;
2 Tim. 2:20; Jude 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:8.
Q. 14. How doth God execute his decrees?
A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according
to his infallible fore-knowledge, and the free and immutable counsel
of his own will.
Eph. 1:11.
Q. 15. 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.
Gen. 1; Heb. 11:3; Prov. 16:4.
Q. 16. 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.
Col. 1:16; Ps. 104:4; Matt. 22:30; Matt. 25:31; 2 Sam. 14:17; Matt. 24:36; 2
Thess. 1:7; Ps. 103:20-21; 2 Pet. 2:4.
Q. 17. 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, with dominion
over the creatures; yet subject to fall.
Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:7; Gen. 2:22; Gen. 2:7; Job 35:11; Eccl. 12:7; Matt. 10:28;
Luke 23:43; Gen. 1:27; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24; Rom. 2:14-15; Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 1:
28; Gen. 3:6; Eccl. 7:29.
Q. 18. 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.
Ps. 145:17; Ps. 104:24; Isa. 28:29; Heb. 1:3; Ps. 103:19; Matt. 10:29-31; Gen.
45:7; Rom. 11:36; Isa. 63:14.
Q. 19. What is God's providence toward 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.
Jude 1:6; 2 Pet. 2:4; Heb. 2:16; John 8:44; Job 1:12; Matt. 8:31; 1 Tim. 5:21;
Mark 8:38; Heb. 12:22; Ps. 104:4; 2 Kings 19:35; Heb. 1:14.
Q. 20. 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 knowledge of good and evil,
upon the pain of death.
Gen. 2:8, 15-16; Gen. 1:28; Gen. 2:18; Gen. 1:26-29; Gen. 3:8; Gen. 2:3; Gal.
3:12; Rom. 10:5; Gen. 2:9, 17.
Q. 21. 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.
Gen. 3:6-8, 13; Eccl. 7:29; 2 Cor. 11:3.
Q. 22. 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.
Acts 17:26; Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 5:12-20; 1 Cor. 15:21-22.
Q. 23. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
Rom. 5:12; Rom. 3:23.
Q. 24. 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.
1 John 3:4; Gal. 3:10, 12.
Q. 25. 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.
Rom. 5:12, 19; Rom. 3:10-19; Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 5:6; Rom. 8:7-8; Gen. 6:5; Jas.
1:14-15; Matt. 15:19.
Q. 26. 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.
Ps. 51:5; Job 14:4; Job 15:14; John 3:6.
Q. 27. 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.
Gen. 3:8, 10, 24; Eph. 2:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:26; Gen. 2:17; Lam. 3:39; Rom. 6:23;
Matt. 25:41, 46; Jude 1:7.
Q. 28. 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 sake; and all other evils that befall us in our bodies, names, estates,
relations, and employments; together with death itself.
Eph. 4:18; Rom. 1:28; 2 Thess. 2:11; Rom. 2:5; Isa. 33:14; Gen. 4:13; Matt. 27:
4; Rom. 1:26; Gen. 3:17; Deut. 28:15-68; Rom. 6:21, 23.
Q. 29. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come?
A. The punishments of sin in the world to come, are everlasting separation
from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul
and body, without intermission, in hell-fire for ever.
2 Thess. 1:9; Mark 9:43-44, 46, 48; Luke 16:24.
Q. 30. 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.
1 Thess. 5:9; Gal. 3:10, 12; Titus 3:4-7; Gal. 3:21; Rom. 3:20-22.
Q. 31. 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.
Gal. 3:16; Rom. 5:15-21; Isa. 53:10-11.
Q. 32. 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.
Gen. 3:15; Isa. 42:6; John 6:27; 1 John 5:11-12; John 3:16; John 1:12; Prov. 1:23; 2 Cor.
4:13; Gal. 5:22-23; Ezek. 36:27; Jas. 2:18, 22; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Eph. 2:10.
Q. 33. 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.
2 Cor. 3:6-9.
Q. 34. 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 fore-signify 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.
Rom. 15:8; Acts 3:20, 24; Heb. 10:1; Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 8-10, 11:13;
Gal. 3:7-9, 14.
Q. 35. 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.
Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25; 2 Cor. 3:6-18; Heb. 8:6, 10, 11;
Matt. 28:19.
Q. 36. 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.
1 Tim. 2:5; John 1:1, 14; John 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4; Luke 1:35; Rom. 9:5;
Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24-25.
Q. 37. 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.
John 1:14; Matt. 26:38; Luke 1:27, 31, 35, 42; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 4:15; Heb. 7:26.
Q. 38. 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.
Acts 2:24-25; Rom. 1:4; Rom. 4:25; Heb. 9:14; Acts 20:28; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 7:
25-28; Rom. 3:24-26; Eph. 1:6; Matt. 3:17; Titus 2:13-14; Gal. 4:6; Luke 1:68-69,
71, 74; Heb. 5:8-9; Heb. 9:11-15.
Q. 39. 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.
Heb. 2:16; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 2:14; Heb. 7:24-25; Heb. 4:15; Gal. 4:5; Heb. 4:16.
Q. 40. 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.
Matt. 1:21, 23; Matt. 3:17; Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 2:6.
Q. 41. Why was our Mediator called Jesus?
A. Our Mediator was called Jesus, because he saveth his people from their sins.
Matt. 1:21.
Q. 42. 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.
John 3:34; Ps. 45:7; John 6:27; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 3:21-22; Luke 4:18, 21;
Heb. 5:5-7; Heb. 4:14-15; Ps. 2:6; Matt. 21:5; Isa. 9:6-7; Phil. 2:8-11.
Q. 43. 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.
John 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Heb. 1:1-2; John 15:15; Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11-13;
John 20:31.
Q. 44. 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.
Heb. 9:14, 28; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 7:25.
Q. 45. 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.
Acts 15:14-16; Isa. 55:4-5; Gen 49:10; Ps. 110:3; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 12:28; Isa. 33:22;
Matt. 18:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:4-5; Acts 5:31; Rev. 22:12; Rev. 2:10; Rev. 3:19; Isa. 63:9; 1
Cor. 15:25; Ps. 110:1-7; Rom. 14:10-11; Rom. 8:28; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; Ps. 2:8-9.
Q. 46. 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.
Phil. 2:6-8; Luke 1:31; 2 Cor. 8:9; Acts 2:24.
Q. 47. 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.
John 1:14, 18; Gal. 4:4; Luke 2:7.
Q. 48. 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.
Gal. 4:4; Matt. 5:17; Rom. 5:19; Ps. 22:6; Heb. 12:2-3; Matt. 4:1-12; Luke 4:13;
Heb. 2:17-18; Heb. 4:15; Isa. 52:13-14.
Q. 49. 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.
Matt. 27:4; Matt. 26:56; Isa. 53:2-3; Matt. 27:26-50; John 19:34; Luke 22:44;
Matt. 27:46; Isa. 53:10; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 12:2; Gal. 3:13.
Q. 50. 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.
1 Cor. 15:3-4; Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:24-27, 31; Rom. 6:9; Matt. 12:40.
Q. 51. 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.
1 Cor. 15:4; Mark 16:19; Eph. 1:20; Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31.
Q. 52. 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.
Acts 2:24, 27; Luke 24:39; Rom. 6:9; Rev. 1:18; John 10:18; Rom. 1:4; Rom.
8:34; Heb. 2:14; Rom. 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:21-22; Eph. 1:20, 22-23; Col. 1:18; Rom.
4:25; Eph. 2:1, 5-6; Col. 2:12; 1 Cor. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 15:20.
Q. 53. 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.
Acts 1:2-3; Matt. 28:19-20; Heb. 6:20; Eph. 4:8; Acts 1:9-11; Eph. 4:10; Ps. 68:
18; Col. 3:1-2; John 14:3; Acts 3:21.
Q. 54. 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.
Phil. 2:9; Acts 2:28; Ps. 16:11; John 17:5; Eph. 1:22; 1 Pet. 3:22; Eph. 4:10-12;
Ps. 110:1; Rom. 8:34.
Q. 55. 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.
Heb. 9:12, 24; Heb. 1:3; John 3:16; John 17:9, 20, 24; Rom. 8:33-34; Rom. 5:
1-2; 1 John 2:1-2; Heb. 4:16; Eph. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:5.
Q. 56. 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.
Acts 3:14-15; Matt. 24:30; Luke 9:26; Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 4:16; Acts 17:31.
Q. 57. 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.
Heb. 9:12; 2 Cor. 1:20.
Q. 58 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.
John 1:11-12; Titus 3:5-6.
Q. 59. 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.
Eph. 1:13-14; John 6:37, 39; John 10:15-16; Eph. 2:8; 2 Cor. 4:13.
Q. 60. Can they who have never heard of 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
Saviour only of his body the Church.
Rom. 10:14; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; Eph. 2:12; John 1:10-12; John 8:24; Mark 16:
16; 1 Cor. 1:20-24; John 4:22; Rom. 9:31-32; Phil. 3:4-9; Acts 4:12; Eph. 5:23.
Q. 61. 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
only they who are true members of the Church invisible.
John 12:38-40; Rom. 9:6; Matt. 22:14; Matt. 7:21; Rom. 11:7.
Q. 62. 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.
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. 7:14; Acts 2:39; Rom. 11:16; Gen. 17:7.
Q. 63. 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.
Isa. 4:5-6; 1 Tim. 4:10; Ps. 115:1-18; Isa. 31:4-5; Zech. 12:2-4,8-9; Acts 2:39,
42; Ps. 147:19-20; Rom. 9:4; Eph. 4:11-12; Mark 16:15-16; John 6:37.
Q. 64. 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.
Eph. 1:10, 22-23; John 10:16; John 11:52.
Q. 65. 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.
John 17:21; Eph. 2:5-6; John 17:24.
Q. 66. 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.
Eph. 1:22; Eph. 2:6-8; 1 Cor. 6:17; John 10:28; Eph. 5:23, 30; 1 Pet. 5:10; 1
Cor. 1:9.
Q. 67. 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.
John 5:25; Eph. 1:18-20; 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Titus 3:4-5; Eph. 2:4-5, 7-9; Rom.
9:11; 2 Cor. 5:20, 2 Cor. 6:1-2; John 6:44; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 26:18;
1 Cor. 2:10, 12; Ezek. 11:19; Ezek. 36:26-27; John 6:45; Eph. 2:5; Phil. 2:13;
Deut. 30:6.
Q. 68. 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.
Acts 13:48; Matt. 22:14; Matt. 7:22; Matt. 13:20-21; Heb. 6:4-6; John 12:38-40;
Acts 28:25-27; John 6:64-65; Ps. 81:11-12.
Q. 69. 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.
Rom. 8:30; Eph. 1:5; 1 Cor. 1:30.
Q. 70. 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 any thing 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.
Rom. 3:22, 24-25; Rom. 4:5; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24-25, 27-28; Titus 3:
5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 5:17-19; Rom. 4:6-8; Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.
Q. 71. 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 in
as much 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.
Rom. 5:8-10, 19; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 10:10; Matt. 20:28; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:
4-6; Isa. 53:10-12; Heb. 7:22; Rom. 8:32; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:
24-25; Eph. 2:8; Eph. 1:7.
Q. 72. 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.
Heb. 10:39; 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 1:17-19; Rom. 10:14, 17; Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30;
John 16:8-9; Rom. 5:6; Eph. 2:1; Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:13; John 1:12; Acts 16:31;
Acts 10:43; Phil. 3:9; Acts 15:11.
Q. 73. 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.
Gal. 3:11; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 4:5; Rom. 10:10; John 1:12; Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:16.
Q. 74. 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.
1 John 3:1; Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4-5; John 1:12; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12; Gal. 4:6;
Ps. 103:13; Prov. 14:26; Matt. 6:32; Heb. 6:12; Rom. 8:17.
Q. 75. 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.
Eph. 1:4; 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 6:4-6; Eph. 4:23-24; Acts 11:18; 1 John 3:9;
Jude 1:20; Heb. 6:11-12; Eph. 3:16-19; Col. 1:10-11; Rom. 6:4, 6, 14; Gal. 5:24.
Q. 76. 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
endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience.
2 Tim. 2:25; Zech. 12:10; Acts 11:18, 20-21; Ezek. 18:28, 30, 32; Luke 15:17-18; Hos.
2:6-7; Ezek. 36:31; Isa. 30:22; Joel 2:12-13; Jer. 31:18-19; 2 Cor. 7:11; Acts 26:18; Ezek.
14:6; 1 Kings 8:47-48; Ps. 119:6, 59, 128; Luke 1:6; 2 Kings 23:25.
Q. 77. 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.
1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 4:6, 8; Ezek. 36:27; Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 6:6, 14; Rom.
8:33-34; 1 John 2:12-14; Heb. 5:12-14; 1 John 1:8, 10; 2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 3:12-14.
Q. 78. 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.
Rom. 7:18, 23; Mark 14:66-72; Gal. 2:11-12; Heb. 12:1; Isa. 64:6; Ex. 28:38.
Q. 79. 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.
Jer. 31:3; 2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 13:20-21; 2 Sam. 23:5; 1 Cor. 1:8-9; Heb. 7:25;
Luke 22:32; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:27; Jer. 32:40; John 10:28; 1 Peter 1:5.
Q. 80. 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.
1 John 2:3; 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 John 3:14, 18-19, 21, 24; 1 John 4:13, 16; Heb. 6:
11- 12; Rom. 8:16; 1 John 5:13.
Q. 81. 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.
Eph. 1:13; Isa. 1:10; Ps. 88:1-18; Ps. 77:1-12; Song of Sol. 5:2-3, 6; Ps. 51:8,
12; Ps. 31:22; Ps. 22:1; 1 John 3:9; Job 13:15; Ps. 73:15, 23; Isa. 54:7-10.
Q. 82. 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.
2 Cor. 3:18; Luke 23:43; 1 Thess. 4:17.
Q. 83. 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 first-fruits 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.
Eph.2:6; Rom. 5:5 with 2 Cor. 1:22; Rom. 5:1-2; Rom. 14:17; Gen. 4:13; Matt.
27:4; Heb. 10:27; Rom. 2:9; Mark 9:44.
Q. 84. 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.
Rom. 6:23; Heb. 9:27; Rom. 5:12.
Q. 85. 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.
1 Cor. 15:26, 55-57; Heb. 2:15; Isa. 57:1-2; 2 Kings 22:20; Rev. 14:13; Eph. 5:
27; Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:23.
Q. 86. 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 with 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, until the resurrection and judgment of the great day.
Heb. 12:23; 2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Acts 3:21; Eph. 4:10; 1 John 3:2; 1
Cor. 13:12; Rom. 8:23; Ps. 16:9; 1 Thess. 4:14; Isa. 57:2; Job 19:26-27; Luke 16:
23-24; Acts 1:25; Jude 1:6-7.
Q. 87. 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 are
laid in the grave, being then again united to their souls for ever, 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.
Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:21-23,
42-44; Phil. 3:21; John 5:27-29; Matt. 25:33.
Q. 88. 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.
2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7, 14-15; Matt. 25:46; Matt. 24:36, 42, 44; Luke 21:35-36.
Q. 89. 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 for ever.
Matt. 25:33; Rom. 2:15-16; Matt. 25:41-43; Luke 16:26; 2 Thess. 1:8-9.
Q. 90. 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 for ever 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.
1 Thess. 4:17; Matt. 25:33; Matt. 10:32; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; Matt. 25:34, 46; Eph. 5:
27; Rev. 14:13; Ps. 16:11; Heb. 12:22-23; 1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 4:
17-18.
Having Seen What the Scriptures Principally Teach Us To Believe Concerning God, It Follows
To
Consider What They Require As the Duty of Man
Q. 91. What is the duty which God requireth of man?
A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will.
Rom. 12:1-2; Mic. 6:8; 1 Sam. 15:22.
Q. 92. 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, beside a special command not to eat of the fruit of the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law.
Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 2:14-15; Rom. 10:5; Gen. 2:17.
Q. 93. What is the moral law?
A. The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind, directing
and bonding every one 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.
Deut. 5:1-3, 31, 33; Luke 10:26-27; Gal. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:23; Luke 1:75; Acts
24:16; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:10, 12.
Q. 94. 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.
Rom. 8:3; Gal. 2:16; 1 Tim. 1:8.
Q. 95. 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.
Lev. 11:44-45; Lev. 20:7-8; Rom. 7:12; Mic. 6:8; Jas. 2:10-11; Ps. 19:11-12; Rom. 3:20;
Rom. 7:7; Rom. 3:9, 23; Gal. 3:21-22; Rom. 10:4.
Q. 96. 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.
1 Tim. 1:9-10; Gal. 3:24; Rom. 1:20; Rom. 2:15; Gal. 3:10.
Q. 97. 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, beside 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.
Rom. 6:14; Rom. 7:4, 6; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 5:23; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 7:
24-25; Gal. 3:13-14; Rom. 8:3-4; Luke 1:68-69, 74-75; Col. 1:12-14; Rom. 7:22;
Rom. 12:2; Titus 2:11-14.
Q. 98. 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.
Deut. 10:4; Ex. 34:1-4; Matt. 22:37-40.
Q. 99. 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 every one to full conformity in the
whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience for ever;
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.
Ps. 19:7; Jas. 2:10; Matt. 5:21-22; Rom. 7:14; Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37-39; Matt.
5: 27-28, 33-34, 37-39, 43-44; Col. 3:5; Amos 8:5; Prov. 1:19; 1 Tim. 6:10;
Isa. 58:13; Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:9-10; Matt. 15:4-6; Matt. 5:21-24; Eph. 4:28; Ex.
20:12; Prov. 30:17; Jer. 18:7-8; Ex. 20:7; Ps. 15:1, 4-5; Ps. 24:4-5; Job 13:7-
8; Rom. 3:8; Job 36:21; Heb. 11:25; Deut. 4:8-9; Matt. 12:7, Matt. 5:21-22,
27-28; Matt. 15:4-6; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Thess. 5:22; Jude 1:23; Gal. 5:26; Col.
3:21; Ex. 20:10; Lev. 19:17; Gen. 18:19; Josh. 24:15: Deut. 6:6-7; 2 Cor. 1:24;
1 Tim. 5:22; Eph. 5:11.
Q. 100. 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 the several reasons annexed to some
of them the more to enforce them.
Q. 101. 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.
Ex. 20:2; Isa. 44:6; Ex. 3:14; Ex. 6:3; Acts 17:24, 28; Gen. 17:7; Rom. 3:29;
Luke 1:74-75; 1 Pet. 1:15-18; Lev. 18:30; Lev. 19:37.
Q. 102. 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.
Luke 10:27.
Q. 103. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Ex. 20:3.
Q. 104. 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.
1 Chron. 28:9; Deut. 26:17; Isa. 43:10; Jer. 14:22; Ps. 95:6-7; Matt. 4:10; Ps.
29:2; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 63:6; Eccl. 12:1; Ps. 71:19; Mal. 1:6; Isa. 45:23; Josh. 24:15,
22; Deut. 6:5; Ps. 123:25; Isa. 8:13; Ex. 14:31; Isa. 26:4; Ps. 130:7; Ps. 37:4; Ps.
32:11; Rom. 12:11; Num. 25:11; Phil. 4:6; Jer. 7:23; Jas 4:7; 1 John 3:22; Jer. 31:
18; Ps. 119:136; Mic. 6:8.
Q. 105. 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 any thing 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.
Ps. 14:1; Eph. 2:12; Jer. 2:27-28; 1 Thess. 1:9; Ps. 81:11; Isa. 43:22-24; Jer. 4:
22; Hos. 4:1, 6; Jer. 2:32; Acts 17:23, 29; Isa. 40:18; Ps. 1:21; Deut. 29:29; Titus
1:16; Heb. 12:16; Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:2; Phil. 2:21; 1 John 2:15-16; 1 Sam. 2:
29; Col. 3:2, 5; 1 John 4:1; Heb. 3:12; Gal. 5:20; Titus 3:10; Acts 26:9; Ps. 78:22;
Gen. 4:13; Jer. 5:3; Isa. 42:25; Rom. 2:5; Jer. 13:15; Ps. 19:13; Zeph. 1:12; Matt.
4:7; Rom. 3:8; Jer. 17:5; 2 Tim. 3:4; Gal. 4:17; John 16:2; Rom. 10:2; Luke 9:
54-55; Rev. 3:16; Rev. 3:1; Ezek. 14:5; Isa. 1:4-5; Rom. 10:13-14; Hos. 4:12; Acts
10:25-26; Rev. 19:10; Matt. 4:10; Col. 2:18; Rom. 1:25; Lev. 20:6; 1 Sam. 28:7, 11; 1
Chron. 10:13-14; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor. 1:24; Matt. 23:9; Deut. 32:15; 2 Sam. 12:9; Prov. 13:13;
Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30; Ps. 73:2-3, 13-15, 22; Job 1:22; 1 Sam. 6:7-9; Dan. 5:23; Deut. 8:17;
Dan. 4:30; Hab. 1:16.
Q. 106. What are we especially 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.
Ezek.. 8:5-18; Ps. 44:20-21; 1 Chron. 28:9.
Q. 107. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven
image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth
beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 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 showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me,
and keep my commandments.
Ex. 20:4-6.
Q. 108. 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.
Deut. 32:46-47; Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 6:13-14; Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20;
Deut. 17:18-19; Acts 15:21; 2 Tim. 4:2; Jas. 1:21-22: Acts 10:33; Matt. 28:19; 1
Cor. 11:23-30; Matt. 18:15-17; Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:
11-12; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Cor. 9:7-15; Joel 2:12-13; 1 Cor. 7:5; Deut. 6:13; Isa. 19:
21; Ps. 76:11; Acts 17:16-17; Ps. 16:4; Deut. 7:5; Isa. 30:22.
Q. 109. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising, counselling, commanding,
using, and anywise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself;
tolerating a false religion; 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 pretence
whatsoever; simony; sacrilege; all neglect, contempt, hindering, and opposing the worship
and ordinances which God hath appointed.
Num. 15:39; Deut. 13:6-8; Hos. 5:11; Mic. 6:16; 1 Kings 11:33; 1 Kings 12:
33; Deut. 12:30-32; Deut. 13:6-12; Zech. 13:2-3; Rev. 2:2, 14-15, 20; Rev. 17:12, 16-17;
Deut. 4:15-19; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:21-23, 25; Dan. 3:18; Gal. 4:8; Ex. 32:5; Ex. 32:8; 1
Kings 18:26, 28; Isa. 65:11; Acts 17:22; Col. 2:21-23; Mal. 1:7-8, 14; Deut. 4:2; Ps.
106:39; Matt. 15:9; 1 Pet. 1:18; Jer. 44:17; Isa. 65:3-5; Gal. 1:13-14; 1 Sam. 13:11-12; 1
Sam. 15:21; Acts 8:18; Rom. 2:22; Mal. 3:8; Ex. 4:24-26; Matt. 22:5; Mal. 1:7, 13; Matt.
23:13; Acts 13:44-45; 1 Thess. 2:15-16.
Q. 110. 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 showing 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 into divers generations; and esteeming the observers of it such
as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto
many generations.
Ex. 20:5-6; Ps. 45:11; Rev. 15:3-4; Ex. 34:13-14; 1 Cor. 10:20-22; Jer. 7:18-20;
Ezek. 16:26-27; Deut. 32:16-20; Hos. 2:2-4; Deut. 5:29.
Q. 111. 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.
Ex. 20:7.
Q. 112. 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.
Matt. 6:9; Deut. 28:58; Ps. 29:2; Ps. 68:4; Rev. 15:3-4; Mal. 1:14; Eccl. 5:1; Ps.
138:2; 1 Cor. 11:24-25, 28-29; 1 Tim. 2:8; Jer. 4:2; Eccl. 5:2, 4-6; Acts 1:24, 26;
Job 36:24; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 8:1, 3-4, 9; Col. 3:17; Ps. 105:2, 5; Ps. 102:18; 1 Pet. 3: 15;
Mic. 4:5; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 10:31; Jer. 32:39; 1 Pet. 2:12.
Q. 113. 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 any way 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 any thing contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts
and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise 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.
Mal. 2:2; Acts 17:23; Prov. 30:9; Mal. 1:6-7, 12; Mal. 3:14; 1 Sam. 4:3-5; Jer. 7:4, 9-10,
14, 31; Col. 2:20-22; 2 Kings 18:30, 35; Ex. 5:2; Ps. 139:20; Ps. 1:16-17; Isa. 5:12; 2
Kings 19:22; Lev. 24:11; Zech. 5:4; Zech. 8:17; 1 Sam. 17:43; 2 Sam. 16:5; Jer. 5:7; Jer.
23:10; Deut. 23:18; Acts 23:12, 14; Esther 3:7; Esther 9:24; Ps. 22:18; Ps. 24:4; Ezek.
17:16, 18-19; Mark 6:26; 1 Sam. 25:22, 32-34; Rom. 9:14, 19-20; Deut. 29:29; Rom. 3:5, 7;
Rom. 6:1-2; Eccl. 8:11; Eccl. 9:3; Ps. 39:1-13; Matt. 5:21-28; Ezek. 13:22; 2 Pet. 3:16;
Matt. 22:24-31; Isa. 22:13; Jer. 23:34, 36, 38; 1 Tim. 1:4, 6-7; 1 Tim. 6:4-5, 20; 2 Tim.
4:3-4; Rom. 13:13-14; 1 Kings 21:9-10; Jude 1:4: Acts 13:45; 1 John 3:12; Ps. 1:1; 2 Pet.
3:3; 1 Pet. 4:4; Acts 13:45-46, 50; Acts 4:18; Acts 19:9; 1 Thess. 2:16; Heb. 10:29; 2 Tim.
3:5; Matt. 23:14; Matt. 6:1-2, 5, 16; Mark 8:38; Ps. 73:14-15; 1 Cor. 6:5-6; Eph. 5:15-17;
Isa. 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:8-9; Rom. 2:23-24; Gal. 3:1, 3; Heb. 6:6; 2 Tim. 2:14; Titus 3:9; Deut.
18:10-14; Acts 19:13.
Q. 114. 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 any way 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.
Ex. 20:7; Lev. 19:12; Ezek. 36:21-23; Deut. 28:58-59; Zech. 5:2-4; 1 Sam. 2:12,
17, 22, 24; 1 Sam. 3:13.
Q. 115. What is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath-day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labor, 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 man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, 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.
Ex. 20:8-11.
Q. 116. 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.
Deut. 5:12-14; Gen. 2:2-3; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; Matt. 5:17-18; Isa. 56:2,
4, 6-7; Rev. 1:10.
Q. 117. 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 to despatch our worldly
business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.
Ex. 20:8, 10; Ex. 16:25-28; Neh. 13:15-22; Jer. 17:21-22; Matt. 12:1-13; Isa. 58:13; Luke
4:16; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Ps. 92 title; Isa. 66:23; Lev. 23:3; Ex. 20:8; Luke 23:54,
56; Ex. 16:22, 25-26, 29; Neh. 13:19.
Q. 118. 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.
Ex. 20:10; Josh. 24:15; Neh. 13:15, 17; Jer. 17:20-22; Ex. 23:12.
Q. 119. 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.
Ezek 22:26; Acts 20:7, 9; Ezek. 33:30-32; Amos 8:5; Mal. 1:13; Ezek. 23:38;
Jer. 17:24, 27; Isa. 58:13.
Q. 120. 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 labor 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.
Ex. 20:9; Ex. 20:10; Ex. 20:11.
Q. 121. 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 abridgement 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.
Ex. 20:8; Ex. 16:23; Luke 23:54, 56; Mark 15:42; Neh. 13:19; Ps. 92 title, 13-14;
Ezek. 20:12, 19-20; Gen. 2:2-3; Ps. 118:22, 24; Acts 4:10-11; Rev. 1:10; Ezek.
22:26; Neh. 9:14; Ex. 34:21; Deut. 5:14-15; Amos 8:5; Lam. 1:7; Jer. 17:21-23;
Neh. 13:15-23.
Q. 122. 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.
Matt. 22:39; Matt. 7:12.
Q. 123. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Ex. 20:12.
Q. 124. 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.
Prov. 23:22, 25: Eph. 6:1-2; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; Gen. 4:20-22; Gen. 45:8; 2 Kings 5:
13; 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 13:14; Gal. 4:19; Isa. 49:23.
Q. 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother?
A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties
towards 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.
Eph. 6:4; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:7-8, 11; Num. 11:11-12; 1 Cor. 4:14-16; 2
Kings 5:13.
Q. 126. 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.
Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10.
Q. 127. 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, defence 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.
Mal. 1:6; Lev. 19:3; Prov. 31:28; 1 Pet. 3:6; Lev. 19:32; 1 Kings 2:19; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Heb.
13:7; Phil. 3:17; Eph. 6:1-2, 5-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:1-5; Heb. 13:17; Prov. 4:3-4;
Prov. 23:22; Ex. 18:19, 24; Heb. 12:9; 1 Pet. 2:18-20; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Sam. 26:15-16; 2
Sam. 18:3; Esther 6:2; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:6-7; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6; Gen. 45:11; Gen.
47:12; 1 Pet. 2:18; Prov. 23:22; Gen. 9:23; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 31:23.
Q. 128. 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.
Matt. 15:4-6; Num. 11:28-29; 1 Sam. 8:7; Isa. 3:5; 2 Sam. 15:1-12; Ex. 21:
15; 1 Sam. 10:27; 1 Sam. 2:25; Deut. 21:18-21; Prov. 30:11, 17; Prov. 19:26.
Q. 129. 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.
Col. 3:19; Titus 2:4; 1 Sam. 12:23; Job 1:5; 1 Kings 8:55-56; Heb. 7:7; Gen.
49:28; Deut. 6:6-7; Eph. 6:4; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 Pet. 2:14; Rom. 13:3; Esther 6:3; Rom.
13:3-4; Prov. 29:15; 1 Pet. 2:14; Job 29:12-17; Isa. 1:10, 17; Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:
8; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Kings 3:28; Titus 2:15.
Q. 130. 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 in any way dishonoring themselves, or lessening
their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behavior.
Ezek. 34:2-4; Phil. 2:21; John 5:44; John 7:18; Isa. 56:10-11; Deut. 17:17; Dan. 3:4-6;
Acts 4:17-18; Ex. 5:10-18; Matt. 23:2, 4; Matt. 14:8; Mark 6:24; 2 Sam. 13:28; 1 Sam. 3:13;
John 7:46-49; Col. 3:21; Ex. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:18-20; Heb. 12:10; Deut. 25:3; Gen. 38:11, 26;
Acts 18:17; Eph. 6:4; Gen. 9:21; 1 Kings 12:13-16; 1 Kings 1:6; 1 Sam. 2:29-31.
Q. 131. 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.
1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10; Rom. 12:15-16; Phil. 2:3-4.
Q. 132. 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 or
prosperity one of another; and usurping pre-eminence one over another.
Rom. 13:8; 2 Tim. 3:3; Acts 7:9; Gal. 5:26; Num. 12:2; Esther 6:12-13; 3 John
1:9; Luke 22:24.
Q. 133. 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.
Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; 1 Kings 8:25; Eph. 6:2-3.
Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Ex. 20:13.
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies,
and lawful endeavours, 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 defence 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 recreation; 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.
Eph. 5:28-29; 1 Kings 18:4; Jer. 26:15-16; Acts 23:12, 16-17, 21, 27; Eph. 4:26-27; 2 Sam.
2:22; Deut. 22:8; Matt. 4:6-7; Prov. 1:10-11, 15-16; 1 Sam. 24:12; 1 Sam. 26:9-11; Gen.
37:21-22; Ps. 82:4; Prov. 24:11-12; 1 Sam. 14:45; Jas. 5:7-11; Heb. 12:9; 1 Thess. 4:11; 1
Pet. 3:3-4; Ps. 37:8-11; Prov. 17:22; Prov. 25:16, 27; 1 Tim. 5:23; Isa. 38:21; Ps. 127:2;
Eccl. 5:12; 2 Thess. 3:10, 12; Prov. 16:26; Eccl. 3:4, 11; 1 Sam. 19:4-5; 1 Sam. 22:13-14;
Rom. 13:10; Luke 10:33-34; Col. 3:12-13; Jas. 3:17; 1 Pet. 3:8-11; Prov. 15:1; Judg. 8:1-3;
Matt. 5:24; Eph. 4:2, 32; Rom. 12:17, 20-21; 1 Thess. 5:14; Job 31:19-20; Matt. 25:35-36;
Prov. 31:8-9.
Q. 136. 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 defence; 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.
Acts 16:28; Gen. 9:6; Num. 35:31, 33; Jer. 48:10; Deut. 20:1-20; Ex. 22:2-3; Matt.
25:42-43; Jas. 2:15-16; Eccl. 6:1-2; Matt. 5:22; 1 John 3:15; Lev. 19:17; Prov. 14:30; Rom.
12:19; Eph. 4:31; Matt. 6:31, 34; Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13; Eccl. 12:12; Eccl. 2:22-23; Isa.
5:12; Prov. 15:1; Prov. 12:18; Ezek. 18:18; Ex. 1:14; Gal. 5:15; Prov. 23:29; Num.
35:16-18, 21; Ex. 21:18-36.
Q. 137. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Ex. 20:14.
Q. 138. 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 all our callings;
shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.
1 Thess. 4:4; Job 31:1; 1 Cor. 7:34; Col. 4:6; 1 Pet. 3:2; 1 Cor. 7:2, 35-36; Job 31:1;
Acts 24:24-25; Prov. 2:16-20; 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Cor. 7:2, 9; Prov. 5:19-20; 1 Pet. 3:7; Prov.
31:11, 27-28; Prov. 5:8; Gen. 39:8-10.
Q. 139. 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, dancing, stage plays; all other provocations to, or acts
of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.
Prov. 5:7; Heb. 13:4; Gal. 5:19; 2 Sam. 13:14; 1 Cor. 5:1; Rom. 1:24, 26-27; Lev. 20:15-16;
Matt. 5:28; Matt. 15:19; Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:3-4; Prov. 7:5, 21-22; Isa. 3:16; 2 Pet. 2:14;
Prov. 7:10, 13; 1 Tim. 4:3; Lev. 18:1-21; Mark 6:18; Mal. 2:11-12; 1 Kings 15:12; 2 Kings
23:7; Deut. 23:17-18; Lev. 19:29; Jer. 5:7; Prov.7:24-27; Matt. 19:10-11; 1 Cor. 7:7-9;
Gen. 38:26; Mal. 2:14-15; Matt. 19:5; Mal. 2:16; Matt. 5:32; 1 Cor. 7:12-13; Ezek. 16:49;
Prov. 23:30-33; Gen. 39:10; Prov. 5:8; Eph. 5:4; Ezek. 23:14-16; Isa. 23:15-17; Isa. 3:16;
Mark 6:22; Rom. 13:13; 1Pet. 4:3; 2 Kings 9:30; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40.
Q. 140. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Ex. 20:15.
Q. 141. 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 every
one 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 of
those 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 law-suits, 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.
Ps. 15:2, 4; Zech. 7:4, 10; Zech. 8:16-17; Rom. 13:7; Lev. 6:2-5; Luke 19:8; Luke 6:30, 38;
1 John 3:17; Eph. 4:28; Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:6-9; Gal. 6:14; 1 Tim. 5:8; Prov. 27:23-27;
Eccl. 2:24; Eccl. 3:12-13; 1 Tim. 6:17-18; Isa. 38:1; Matt. 11: 8; 1 Cor. 7:20; Gen. 2:15;
Gen. 3:19; Eph. 4:28; Prov. 10:4; John 6:12; Prov. 21:20; 1 Cor. 6:1-9; Prov. 6:1-6; Prov.
11:15; Lev. 25:35; Deut. 22:1-4; Ex. 23:4-5; Gen. 47:14, 20; Phil. 2:4; Matt. 22:39.
Q. 142. 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, man-stealing, and receiving any thing 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 inclosures
and depopulations; 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 others 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.
Jas. 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17; Eph. 4:28; Ps. 62:10; 1 Tim. 1:10; Prov. 29:24; Ps. 1:18; 1
Thess. 4:6; Prov. 11:1; Prov. 20:10; Deut. 19:14; Prov. 23:10; Amos 8:5; Ps. 37:21; Luke
16:10-12; Ezek. 22:29; Lev. 25:17; Matt. 23:25; Ezek. 22:12; Ps. 15:5; Job 15:34; 1 Cor.
6:6-8; Prov. 3:29-30; Isa. 5:8; Mic. 2:2; Prov. 11:26; Acts 19:19, 24-25; Job 20:19; Jas.
5:4; Prov. 21:6; Luke 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:5; Col. 3:2; Prov. 23:5; Ps. 62:10; Matt. 6:25, 31,
34; Eccl. 5:12; Ps. 73:3; Ps. 37:1, 7; 2 Thess. 3:11; Prov. 18:9; Prov. 21:17; Prov.
23:20-21; Prov. 28:19; Eccl. 4:8; Eccl. 6:2; 1 Tim. 5:8.
Q. 143. Which the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Ex. 20:16.
Q. 144. 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 good report,
and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, concerning them; discouraging
tale-bearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name,
and defending it when need requireth; keeping of lawful promises; study and
practising of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report.
Zech. 8:16; 3 John 1:12; Prov. 31:8-9; Ps. 15:2; 2 Chron. 19:9; 1 Sam. 19:4-5;
Josh. 7:19; 2 Sam. 14:18-20; Lev. 19:15; Prov. 14:5, 25; 2 Cor. 1:17-18; Eph. 4:
25; Heb. 6:9; 1 Cor. 13:7; Rom. 1:8; 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3-4; 1 Cor. 1:4-5, 7; 2
Tim. 1:4-5; 1 Sam. 22:14; 1 Cor. 13:6-7; Ps. 15:3; Prov. 25:23; Prov. 26:24-25;
Ps. 101:5; Prov. 22:1; John 8:49; Ps. 15:4; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:
21; Prov. 17:9; 1 Pet. 4:8.
Q. 145. 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; out-facing 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, tale-bearing, whispering, scoffing, reviling, rash, harsh,
and partial censuring; misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; flattering,
vain-glorious 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 rumours, receiving
and countenancing evil reports, and stopping our ears against just defence; evil
suspicion; envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, endeavouring 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.
1 Sam. 17:28; 2 Sam.16:3; 2 Sam. 1:9-10, 15-16; Lev. 19:15; Hab. 1:4; Prov. 19:5; Prov.
6:16, 19; Acts 6:13; Jer. 9:3, 5; Acts 24:2, 5; Ps. 12:3-4; Ps. 52:1-4; Prov. 17:15; 1
Kings 21:9-14; Isa. 5:23; Ps.119:69; Luke 19:8; Luke 16:5-7; Lev. 5:1; Deut. 13:8; Acts
5:3, 8-9; 2 Tim. 4:16; 1 Kings 1:6; Lev. 19:17; Isa. 59:4; Prov. 29:11; 1 Sam. 22:9-10; Ps.
52:1-5; Ps. 56:5; John 2:19; Matt. 26:60-61; Gen. 3:5; Gen. 26:7, 9; Isa. 59:13; Lev.
19:11; Col. 3:9; Ps. 50:20; Ps. 15:3; Jas. 4:11; Jer. 38:4; Lev. 19:16; Rom. 1:29-30: Gen.
21:9; Gal. 4:29; 1 Cor. 6:10; Matt. 7:1; Acts 28:4; Gen. 38:24; Rom. 2:1; Neh. 6:6-8; Rom.
3:8; Ps. 69:10; 1 Sam. 1:13-15; 2 Sam. 10:3; Ps. 12:2-3; 2 Tim. 3:2; Luke 18:9, 11; Rom.
12:16; 1 Cor. 4:6; Acts 12:22; Ex. 4: 10-14; Job 27:5-6; Job 4:6; Matt. 7:3-5; Prov. 28:13;
Prov. 30:20; Gen. 3:12-13; Jer. 2:35; 2 Kings 5:25; Gen. 4:9; Gen. 9:22; Prov. 25:9-10; Ex.
23:1; Prov. 29:12; Acts 7:56-57; Job 31:13-14; 1 Cor. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:4; Num. 11:29; Matt.
21:15; Ezra 4:12-13; Jer. 48:27; Ps. 35:15-16, 21; Matt. 27:28-29; Jude 1:16; Acts 12:22;
Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3; 1 Sam. 2:24; 2 Sam. 13:12-13; Prov. 5:8-9; Prov. 6:33.
Q. 146. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou
shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant,
nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.
Ex. 20:17.
Q. 147. 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.
Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6; Job 31:29; Rom. 12:15; Ps. 122:7-9; 1 Tim. 1:5; Esther
10:3; 1 Cor. 13:4-7.
Q. 148. 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.
1 Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:10; Gal. 5:26; Jas. 3:14, 16; Ps. 112:9-10;
Neh. 2:10; Rom. 7:7-8; Rom. 13:9; Col. 3:5; Deut. 5:21.
Q. 149. 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.
Jas. 3:2; John 15:5; Rom. 8:3; Eccl. 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10; Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:
18-19; Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21; Rom. 3:9-19; Jas. 3:2-13.
Q. 150. 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.
John 19:11; Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15; 1 John 5:16; Ps. 78:17, 32, 56.
Q. 151. 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 offence: 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 break 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, wilfully,
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.
Jer. 2:8; Job 32:7, 9; Eccl. 4:13; 1 Kings 11:4, 9; 2 Sam. 12:14; 1 Cor. 5:1; Jas. 4:17;
Luke 12:47-48; Jer. 5:4-5; 2 Sam. 12:7-9; Ezek. 8:11-12; Rom. 2:17-24; Gal. 2:11-14; Matt.
21:38-39; 1 Sam. 2:25; Acts 5:4; Ps. 51:4; Rom. 2:4; Mal. 1:8, 14; Heb. 2:2-3; Heb. 12:25;
Heb. 10:29; Matt. 12:31-32; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 6:4-6; Jude 1:8; Num. 12:8-9; Isa. 3:5; Prov.
30:17; 2 Cor. 12:15; Ps. 55:12-15; Zeph. 2:8, 10-11; Matt. 18:6; 1 Cor. 6:8; Rev. 17:6; 1
Cor. 8:11-12; Rom. 14:13, 15, 21; Ezek. 13:19; 1 Cor. 8:12; Rev. 18:12-13; Matt. 23:15; 1
Thess. 2:15-16; Josh. 22:20; Prov. 6:30-33; Ezra 9:10-12; 1 Kings 11:9-10; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim.
6:10; Prov. 5:8-12; Prov. 6:32-33; Josh. 7:21; Jas. 1:14-15; Matt. 5:22; Mic. 2:1; Matt.
18:7; Rom. 2:23-24; Deut. 22:22, 28-29; Prov. 6:32-35; Matt. 11:21-24; John 15:22; Isa.
1:3; Deut. 32:6; Amos 4:8-11; Jer. 5:3; Rom. 1:26-27; Rom. 1:32; Dan. 5:22; Titus 3:10-11;
Prov. 29:1; Titus 3:10; Matt. 18:17; Prov. 27:22: Prov. 23:35; Ps. 78:34-37; Jer. 2:20;
Jer. 42:5-6, 20, 21; Eccl. 5:4-6; Prov. 20:25; Lev. 26:25; Prov. 2:17; Ezek. 17:18-19; Ps.
36:4; Jer. 6:16; Num. 15:30; Ex. 21:14; Jer. 3:3; Prov. 7:13; Ps. 52:1; 3 John 1:10; Num.
14:22; Zech. 7:11-12; Prov. 2:14; Isa. 57:17; Jer. 34:8-11; 2 Pet. 2:20-22; 2 Kings 5:26;
Jer. 7:10; Isa. 26:10; Ezek. 23:37-39; Isa. 58:3-5; Num. 25:6-7; 1 Cor. 11:20-21; Jer.
7:8-10; Prov. 7:14-15; John 13:27, 30; Ezra 9:13-14; 2 Sam. 16:22; 1 Sam. 2:22-24.
Q. 152. 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.
Jas. 2:10-11; Ex. 20:1-2; Hab. 1:13; Lev. 10:3; Lev. 11:44-45; 1 John 3:4; Rom.
7:12; Eph. 5:6; Gal. 3:10; Lam. 3:39; Deut. 28:15-68; Matt. 25:41; Heb. 9:22; 1
Pet. 1:18-19.
Q. 153. 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.
Acts 20:21; Matt. 3:7-8; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 16:30-31; John 3:16, 18; Prov. 2:
1-5; Prov. 8:33-36.
Q. 154. 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.
Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:42, 46-47.
Q. 155. 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.
Neh. 8:8; Acts 26:18; Ps. 19:8; 1 Cor. 14:24-25; 2 Chron. 34:18-19, 26-28; Acts
2:37, 41; Acts 8:27-39; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Cor. 10:4-6; Rom. 6:17; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10;
Eph. 6:16-17; Ps. 19:11; 1 Cor. 10:11; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Rom. 16:25; 1
Thess. 3:2, 10-11, 13; Rom. 15:4; Rom. 10:13-17; Rom. 1:16.
Q. 156. 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.
Deut. 31:9, 11-13; Neh. 8:2-3; Neh. 9:3-5; Deut. 17:19; Rev. 1:3; John 5:39;
Isa. 34:16; Deut. 6:6-9; Gen. 18:17, 19; Ps. 78:5-7; 1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11-12, 15-16,
24, 27-28.
Q. 157. 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.
Ps. 19:10; Neh. 8:3-10; Ex. 24:7; 2 Chron. 34:27; Isa. 66:2; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; Luke
24:45; 2 Cor. 3:13-16; Deut. 17:19-20; Acts 17:11; Acts 8:30, 34; Luke 10:26-28;
Ps. 1:2; Ps. 119:97; 2 Chron. 34:21; Prov. 3:5; Deut. 33:3; Prov. 2:1-6; Ps.119:
18; Neh. 8:6, 8.
Q. 158. By whom is the Word of God to be preached?
A. The Word of God is to preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted,
and also duly approved and called to that office.
1 Tim. 3:2, 6; Eph. 4:8-11; Hos. 4:6; Mal. 2:7; 2 Cor. 3:6; 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.
Q. 159. 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.
Titus 2:1, 8; Acts 18:25; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Cor. 14:19; 1 Cor. 2:4; Jer. 23:28; 1 Cor.
4:1-2; Acts 20:27; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12-14; Luke 12:42;
Acts 18:25; 2 Cor. 5:13-14; Phil. 1:15-17; Col. 4:12; 2 Cor. 12:15; 2 Cor. 2:17; 2
Cor. 4:2; 1 Thess. 2:4-6; John 7:18; 1 Cor. 9:19-22; 2 Cor. 12:19; Eph. 4:12; 1
Tim. 4:16; Acts 26:16-18.
Q. 160. 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.
Prov. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1-2; Luke 8:18; Ps. 119:18; Eph. 6:18-19; Acts 17:11; Heb. 4:2; 2
Thess. 2:10; Jas. 1:21; Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 2:13; Luke 9:44; Heb. 2:1; Luke 24:14; Deut.
6:6-7; Prov. 2:1; Ps.119:11; Luke 8:15; Jas. 1:25.
Q. 161. 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.
1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 8:13, 23; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 12:13.
Q. 162. 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.
Gen. 17:7, 10; Ex. 12:1-51; Matt. 28:19; Matt. 26:26-28; Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11:
24-25; Rom. 15:8; Ex. 12:48; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 10:16; Rom. 4:11; Gal. 3:27; Rom.
6:3- 4; 1 Cor. 10:21; Eph. 4:2-5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:11; Gen. 34:14.
Q. 163. 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.
Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21; Rom. 2:28-29.
Q. 164. 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.
Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:20, 23; Matt. 26:26-28.
Q. 165. 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.
Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 11:20, 23; Matt. 26:26-28; Matt. 5:26; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Cor.
15:29; Rom. 6:5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 6:4.
Q. 166. 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 descended 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.
Acts 8:36-37; Acts 2:38; Gen. 17:7, 9; Gal. 3:9, 14; Col. 2:11-12; Acts 2:38-39;
Rom. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 7:14; Matt. 28:19; Luke 18:15-16; Rom. 11:16.
Q. 167. 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 the 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.
Col. 2:11-12; Rom. 6:4, 6, 11; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 1:11-13; Rom. 6:2-3; Rom.
4:11-12; 1 Pet. 3:21; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 6:22; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 12:
13, 25-27.
Q. 168. 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 shewed 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.
Luke 22:20; Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:24; 1 Cor.
10:14-16, 21; 1 Cor. 10:17.
Q. 169. 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.
1 Cor. 11:23-24; Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20.
Q. 170. 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 or 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.
Acts 3:21; Matt. 26:26, 28; 1 Cor. 11:24-29; 1 Cor. 10:16.
Q. 171. 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.
1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 5:7; Ex. 12:15; 1 Cor. 11:29; 2 Cor. 13:5; Matt. 26:28;
Zech. 12:10; 1 Cor. 11:31; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; Acts 2:46-47; 1 Cor. 5:8; 1 Cor. 11:18, 20;
Matt. 5:23-24; Isa. 55:1; John 7:37; 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 1 Cor. 11:25-26, 28; Heb. 10:21-22, 24;
Ps. 26:6; 1 Cor. 11:24-25; 2 Chron. 30:18-19; Matt. 26:26.
Q. 172. 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.
Isa. 1:10; 1 John 5:13; Ps. 88:1-18; Ps. 77:1-12; Jonah 2:4, 7; Isa. 54:7-10; Matt. 5:3-4;
Ps. 31:22; Ps. 73:13, 22-23; Phil. 3:8-9; Ps. 10:17; Ps. 42:1-2, 5, 11; 2 Tim. 2:19; Isa.
1:10; Ps. 66:18-20; Isa. 40:11, 29, 31; Matt. 11:28; Matt. 12:20; Matt. 26:28; Mark 9:24;
Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30; Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11:28.
Q. 173. 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.
1 Cor. 11:27-34; Matt. 7:6; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; Jude 1:23; 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Cor. 2:7.
Q. 174. 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 fulness, 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.
Lev. 10:3; Heb. 12:28; Ps. 5:7; 1 Cor. 11:17, 26-27; Ex. 24:8; Matt. 26:28; 1
Cor. 11:29; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:26; 1 Cor. 10:3-5, 11, 14; 1 Cor. 11:31; Zech.
12:10; Rev. 22:17; John 6:35; John 1:16; Phil. 3:9; Ps. 63:4-5; 2 Chron. 30:21;
Ps. 22:26; Jer. 1:5; Ps. 1:5; Acts 2:42.
Q. 175. 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 that they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, and to
attend upon it afterward with more care and diligence.
Ps. 28:7; Ps. 85:8; 1 Cor. 11:17, 30-31; 2 Chron. 30:21-23, 25-26; Acts 2:42, 46-47; Ps.
36:10; Song of Sol. 3:4; 1 Chron. 29:18; 1 Cor. 10:3-5, 12; Ps. 1:14; 1 Cor. 11:25-26; Acts
2:42, 46; Song of Sol. 5:1-6; Eccl. 5:1-6; Ps. 73:1-2; Ps. 42:5, 8; Ps. 43:3-5; 2 Chron.
30:18-19; Isa. 1:16, 18; 2 Cor. 7:11; 1 Chron. 15:12-14.
Q. 176. 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.
Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 10:16; Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:12; Matt.
26:27-28; John 1:33; Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23; 1 Cor. 4:1; Heb. 5:4; Matt. 28:
19-20; 1 Cor. 11:26.
Q. 177. 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.
Matt. 3:11; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:27; Gen. 17:7, 9; Acts 2:38-39; 1 Cor. 7:14; 1 Cor.
11:23-26; 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:28-29.
Q. 178. 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.
Ps. 62:8; John 16:23; Rom. 8:26; Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4; Phil. 4:6.
Q. 179. 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.
1 Kings 8:39; Acts 1:24; Rom. 8:27; Ps. 65:2; Mic. 7:18; Ps. 145:18-19; Rom.
10:14; Matt. 4:10; 1 Cor. 1:2; Ps. 50:15; Rom. 10:14.
Q. 180. 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.
John 14:13-14; John 16:24; Dan. 9:17; Matt. 7:21; Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 5:13-15.
Q. 181. 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.
John 14:6; Isa. 59:2; Eph. 3:12; John 6:27; Heb. 7:25-27; 1 Tim. 2:5; Col. 3:
17; Heb. 13:15.
Q. 182. 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.
Rom. 8:26-27; Ps. 10:17; Zech. 12:10.
Q. 183. 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.
Eph. 6:18; Ps. 28:9; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Col. 4:3; Gen. 32:11; Jas. 5:16; Matt. 5:
44; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; John 17:20; 2 Sam. 7:29; 2 Sam. 12:21-23; 1 John 5:16.
Q. 184. 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 any thing that is unlawful.
Matt. 6:9; Ps. 51:18; Ps. 122:6; Matt. 7:11; Ps. 125:4; 1 John 5:14.
Q. 185. How are we to pray?
A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, and
deep sense of our 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.
Eccl. 5:1; Gen. 18:27: Gen. 32:10; Luke 15:17-19; Luke 18:13-14; Ps. 51:17; Phil. 4:6; 1
Sam. 1:15; 1 Sam. 2:1; 1 Cor. 14:15; Mark 11:24; Jas. 1:6; Ps. 145:18; Ps. 17:1; Jas. 5:16;
1 Tim. 2:8; Eph. 6:18; Mic. 7:7; Matt. 26:39.
Q. 186. 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 Saviour Christ
taught his disciples, commonly called, The Lord's Prayer.
1 John 5:14; Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4.
Q. 187. 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.
Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2.
Q. 188. 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.
Q. 189. 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 child-like dispositions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions
of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: as also, to pray
with and for others.
Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:13; Rom. 8:15; Isa. 64:9; Ps. 123:1; Lam. 3:41; Isa. 63:15-16;
Neh. 1:4-6; Acts 12:5.
Q. 190. 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 include 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.
Matt. 6:9; 2 Cor. 3:5; Ps. 51:15: Ps. 67:2-3; Ps. 83:18; Ps. 86:10-13, 15; 2 Thess. 3:1;
Ps. 147:19-20; Ps. 138:1-3; 2 Cor. 2:14-15; Ps. 145:1-21: Ps. 8; Ps. 103:1; Ps. 19:14;
Phil. 1:9, 11; Ps. 67:1-4; Eph. 1:17-18; Ps. 97:7; Ps. 74:18, 22-23; 2 Kings 19:15-16; 2
Chron. 20:6, 10-12; Ps. 83:1-18; Ps. 140:4-8.
Q. 191. 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 fulness of the Gentiles
brought in; the church furnished with all gospel officers and ordinances, purged
from corruption, countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrates; 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 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 for ever: 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.
Matt. 6:10; Eph. 2:2-3; Ps. 68:1, 18; Rev. 12:10-11; 2 Thess. 3:1; Rom. 10:1; John 17:9,
20; Rom. 11:25-26; Ps. 67:1-7; Matt. 9:38; 2 Thess. 3:1; Mal. 1:11; Zeph. 3:9; 1 Tim.
2:1-2; Acts 4:29-30; Eph. 3:14-20; Rev. 22:20; Isa. 64:1-2; Rev. 4:8-11; Eph. 6:18-20; Rom.
15:29-30, 32; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:16-17.
Q. 192. 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.
Matt. 6:10; Rom. 7:18; Job 21:14; 1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 8:7; Ex. 17:7; Num. 14:2; Eph. 2:2;
Eph. 1:17-18; Eph. 3:16; Matt. 26:40-41; Jer. 31:18-19; Ps. 119:1, 8, 35-36; Acts 21:14;
Mic. 6:8; Ps. 100:2; Job 1:21; 2 Sam. 15:25-26; Isa. 38:3; Ps. 119:4-5; Rom. 12:11; Ps.
119:80; Ps. 119:112; Isa. 6:2-3; Ps. 103:20-21; Matt. 18:10.
Q. 193. 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.
Matt. 6:11; Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:20-22; Jer. 5:25; Deut. 28:15-68;
Deut. 8:3; Gen. 32:10; Deut. 8:17-18; Jer. 6:13; Mark 7:21-22; Hos. 12:7; Jas. 4:
3; Gen. 43:12-14; Gen. 28:20; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:11-12; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 4:
3-5; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Prov. 30:8-9.
Q. 194. 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 of 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 favour 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 offences.
Matt. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-22; Matt. 18:24-25; Ps. 130:3-4; Rom. 3:24-26; Heb. 9:22; Eph. 1:6-7;
2 Pet. 1:2; Hos. 14:2; Jer. 14:7; Rom. 15:13; Ps. 51:7-10, 12; Luke 11:4; Matt. 6:14-15;
Matt. 18:35.
Q. 195. 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 for ever.
Matt. 6:13; 2 Chron. 32:31; 1 Chron. 21:1; Luke 21:34; Mark 4:19; Jas. 1:14; Gal. 5:17;
Matt. 26:41; Matt. 26:69-72; Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Chron. 18:3; 2 Chron. 19:2; Rom. 7:23-24; 1
Chron. 21:1-4; 2 Chron. 16:7-10; Ps. 81:11-12; John 17:15; Ps. 51:10; Ps. 119:133; 2 Cor.
12:7-8; 1 Cor. 10:12-13; Heb. 13:20-21; Matt. 26:41; Ps. 19:13; Eph. 3:14-17; 1 Thess.
3:13; Jude 1:24; Ps. 51:12; 1 Pet. 5:8-10; 2 Cor. 13:7, 9; Rom. 16:20; Zech. 3:2; Luke
12:31-32; John 17:15; 1 Thess. 5:23.
Q. 196. 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.
Matt. 6:13; Rom. 15:30; Dan. 9:4, 7-9, 16-19; Phil. 4:6; 1 Chron. 29:10-13;
Eph. 3:20-21; Luke 11:13; 2 Chron. 20:6, 11; 2 Chron. 14:11; 1 Cor. 14:16; Rev.
22:20- 21.