The Heidelberg Catechism, Palatinate Catechism - Full Text
General Information
THE CATECHISM, or Method of Instruction in the Christian Religion,
as the same is taught in the Reformed Churches and schools in Holland
and America (with the Scripture references written out).
Note. This Catechism is fully based on the Scriptures. The
references to Scripture are indicated in parentheses with a letter. For
example, the letter (a) points to the texts (a) placed after the
answer. All Scriptures are from the King James Authorized Version
of the Bible.
(week) 1. Lord's Day
Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death,
(a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c)
who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and
delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that
without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g)
yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by
his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely
willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)
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Footnotes
(a) Rom.14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man
dieth to himself. Rom.14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and
whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are
the Lord's. (b) 1 Cor.6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (c) 1
Cor.3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Tit.2:14 Who gave himself for
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works. (d) 1 Pet.1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that
ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 John
1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1
John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but
also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little
children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (e) Heb.2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself
likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had
the power of death, that is, the devil; 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of
the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of
God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. John 8:34
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is
the servant of sin. John 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever:
but the Son abideth ever. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye
shall be free indeed. (f) John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath
sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should
raise it up again at the last day. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 2
Thess.3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil. 1 Pet.1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time. (g) Matt.10:29 Are not two sparrows sold
for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your
Father. Matt.10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt.10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 21:18 But
there shall not an hair of your head perish. (h) Rom.8:28 And we know that all
things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose. (i) 2 Cor.1:20 For all the promises of God in him are
yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor.1:21 Now he which
stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2 Cor.1:22 Who
hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2
Cor.5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath
given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Eph.1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after
that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also
after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph.1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Rom.8:16 The Spirit itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (j) Rom.8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 1 John
3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.
Question 2. How many things are necessary for thee to know,
that thou, enjoying this comfort, mayest live and die happily?
Answer: Three; (a) the first, how great my sins and miseries
are; (b) the second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries; (c)
the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Matt.11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of
me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matt.11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Luke 24:46 And said unto
them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from
the dead the third day: Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke
24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 1 Cor.6:11 And such were some of
you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name
of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Tit.3:3 For we ourselves also
were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and
pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Tit.3:4
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost; Tit.3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Tit.3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life. (b) John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind,
ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now
they have no cloke for their sin. (c) John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that
they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 10:43 To him
(Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth
in him shall receive remission of sins. (d) Eph.5:8 For ye were sometimes
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Eph.5:9
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Eph.5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Eph.5:11 And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 1
Pet.2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called
you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Pet.2:10 Which in time past
were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy,
but now have obtained mercy. Rom.6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue
in sin, that grace may abound? Rom.6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead
to sin, live any longer therein? Rom.6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your
mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom.6:13 Neither yield
ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves
unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments
of righteousness unto God.
The First Part - Of The Misery Of Man
(week) 2. Lord's Day
Question 3. Whence knowest thou thy misery?
Answer: Out of the law of God. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no
flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Question 4. What does the law of God require of us?
Answer: Christ teaches us that briefly, Matt. 22:37-40,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and the great
commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (a)
Footnotes
(a) Deut.6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all
thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Lev.19:18 Thou shalt
not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. Mark 12:30 And thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Luke 10:27
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy
neighbour as thyself.
Question 5. Canst thou keep all these things perfectly?
Answer: In no wise; (a) for I am prone by nature to hate God
and my neighbour.(b)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no,
not one: Rom.3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be
justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom.3:23 For all
have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 1 John 1:8 If we say that we
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:10 If we
say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (b)
Rom.8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to
the law of God, neither indeed can be. Eph.2:3 Among whom also we all had our
conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of
the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as
others. Tit.3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient,
deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful, and hating one another. Gen.6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man
was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually. Gen.8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the
LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's
sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I
again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Jer.17:9 The heart is
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Rom.7:23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and
bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
(week) 3. Lord's Day
Question 6. Did God then create man so wicked and perverse?
Answer: By no means; but God created man good, (a) and after
his own image, (b) in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly
know God his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness
to glorify and praise him. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and,
behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
(b) Gen.1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and
let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth. Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (c) Col.3:9 Lie
not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col.3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the
image of him that created him: Eph.4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your
mind; Eph.4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness. 2 Cor.3:18 But we all, with open face beholding
as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory
to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Question 7. Whence then proceeds this depravity of human
nature?
Answer: From the fall and disobedience of our first parents,
Adam and Eve, in Paradise; (a) hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we
are all conceived and born in sin. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Genesis 3. Rom.5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered
into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all
have sinned: Rom.5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all
men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon
all men unto justification of life. Rom.5:19 For as by one man's disobedience
many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
(b) Ps.51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive
me. Gen.5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his
own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
Question 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly
incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?
Answer: Indeed we are; (a) except we are regenerated by the
Spirit of God. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.8:21 The imagination of man's heart is evil from his
youth; John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born
of the Spirit is spirit. Gen.6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was
great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was
only evil continually. Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
not one. Job 15:14 What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of
a woman, that he should be righteous? Job 15:16 How much more abominable and
filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? Job 15:35 They conceive
mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. Isa.53:6 All
we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the
LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (b) John 3:3 Jesus answered and
said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of God. 1 Cor.12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man
speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say
that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor.3:5 Not that we are
sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency
is of God;
(week) 4. Lord's Day
Question 9. Does not God then do injustice to man, by
requiring from him in his law, that which he cannot perform?
Answer: Not at all; (a) for God made man capable of
performing it; but man, by the instigation of the devil, (b) and his own wilful
disobedience, (c) deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine
gifts.
Footnotes
(a) Eph.4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God
is created in righteousness and true holiness. Eccl.7:29 Lo, this only have I
found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
(b) John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye
will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his
own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 2 Cor.11:3 But I fear, lest by any
means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Gen.3:4 And the serpent said
unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (c) Gen.3:6 And when the woman saw that
the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to
be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and
gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Rom.5:12 Wherefore, as by
one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon
all men, for that all have sinned: Gen.3:13 And the LORD God said unto the
woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent
beguiled me, and I did eat. 1 Tim.2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1
Tim.2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the
transgression.
Question 10. Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion
to go unpunished?
Answer: By no means; but is terribly displeased (a) with our
original as well as actual sins; and will punish them in his just judgment
temporally and eternally, (b) as he has declared, "Cursed is every one that
continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do
them." (c)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die. Rom.5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,
and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(b) Ps.5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of
iniquity. Ps.50:21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou
thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove
thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Nah.1:2 God is jealous, and the
LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance
on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. Exod.20:5 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; Exod.34:7 Keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no
means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children,
and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Rom.1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Eph.5:6 Let
no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath
of God upon the children of disobedience. Heb.9:27 And as it is appointed unto
men once to die, but after this the judgment: (c) Deut.27:26 Cursed be he that
confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall
say, Amen. Gal.3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the
curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things
which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Question 11. Is not God then also merciful?
Answer: God is indeed merciful, (a) but also just; (b)
therefore his justice requires, that sin which is committed against the most
high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting
punishment of body and soul.
Footnotes
(a) Exod.34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and
proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth, Exod.34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's
children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Exod.20:6 And shewing
mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (b) Ps.7:9
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for
the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. Exod.20:5 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; Exod.23:7 Keep thee far from a false matter;
and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Exod.34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and
sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and
to the fourth generation. Ps.5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou
hatest all workers of iniquity. Ps.5:6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak
leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. Nah.1:2 God is
jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD
will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
Nah.1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all
acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and
the clouds are the dust of his feet.
The Second Part - Of Man's Deliverance
(week) 5. Lord's Day
Question 12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God,
we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may
escape that punishment, and be again received into favour?
Answer: God will have his justice satisfied: (a) and
therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by
another. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die. Exod.20:5 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; Exod.23:7 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous
slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. Ezek.18:4 Behold, all souls
are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the
soul that sinneth, it shall die. Matt.5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by
no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 2
Thess.1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to
them that trouble you; Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it
that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be
no longer steward. (b) Rom.8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was
weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,
and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom.8:4 That the righteousness of the
law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit.
Question 13. Can we ourselves then make this
satisfaction?
Answer: By no means; but on the contrary we daily increase
our debt. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Job 9:2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be
just with God? Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of
a thousand. Job 15:15 Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the
heavens are not clean in his sight. Job 15:16 How much more abominable and
filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? Job 4:18 Behold, he put no
trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: Job 4:19 How much
less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust,
which are crushed before the moth? Ps.130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark
iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? Matt.6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we
forgive our debtors. Matt.18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord
commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and
payment to be made. Matt.16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the
whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his
soul?
Question 14. Can there be found anywhere, one, who is a mere
creature, able to satisfy for us?
Answer: None; for, first, God will not punish any other
creature for the sin which man has committed; (a) and further, no mere creature
can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver
others from it. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Ezek.18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the
father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall
die. Gen.3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice
of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou
shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat
of it all the days of thy life; Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;
that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is,
the devil; Heb.2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage. Heb.2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature
of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Heb.2:17 Wherefore in all
things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a
merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make
reconciliation for the sins of the people. (b) Nah.1:6 Who can stand before his
indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is
poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. Ps.130:3 If thou,
LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Question 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must
we seek for?
Answer: For one who is very man, and perfectly (a)
righteous; (b) and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is
also very God. (c)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also
the resurrection of the dead. Jer.33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and
Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be
called, The LORD our righteousness. Isa.53:9 And he made his grave with the
wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither
was any deceit in his mouth. 2 Cor.5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (b)
Heb.7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Heb.7:16 Who is made,
not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless
life. (c) Isa.7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a
virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isa.9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Rom.9:5 Whose are the
fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God
blessed for ever. Amen. Jer.23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I
will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper,
and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jer.23:6 In his days Judah
shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he
shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Luke 11:22 But when a stronger than
he (a stromg man armed) shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from
him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
(week) 6. Lord's Day
Question 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly
righteous?
Answer: Because the justice of God requires that the same
human nature which has sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; (a)
and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Ezek.18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the
father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall
die. Ezek.18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the
iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:
the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the
wicked shall be upon him. Rom.5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the
world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have
sinned: Rom.5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if
through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the
gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom.5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to
condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all
men unto justification of life. 1 Cor.15:21 For since by man came death, by man
came also the resurrection of the dead. Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children
are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the
same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that
is, the devil; Heb.2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all
their lifetime subject to bondage. Heb.2:16 For verily he took not on him the
nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ
also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring
us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Isa.53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we
esteemed him not. Isa.53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa.53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa.53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when
thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall
prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by
his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their
iniquities. (b) Heb.7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy,
harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb.7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,
first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he
offered up himself. Ps.49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother,
nor give to God a ransom for him: Ps.49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is
precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once
suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being
put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Question 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
Answer: That he might, by the power of his Godhead (a)
sustain in his human nature, (b) the burden of God's wrath; (c) and might obtain
for, and restore to us, righteousness and life. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Isa.9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is
given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be
called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince
of Peace. Isa.63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there
was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my
fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all
my raiment. (b) Isa.53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by
his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their
iniquities. (c) Deut.4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a
jealous God. Nah.1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in
the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are
thrown down by him. Ps.130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord,
who shall stand? (d) Isa.53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with
his stripes we are healed. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul,
and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify
many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up,
having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be
holden of it. 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just
for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh,
but quickened by the Spirit: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to
all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed
the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. John 1:4 In him
was life; and the life was the light of men.
Question 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person
both very God, (a) and a real (b) righteous man? (c)
Answer: Our Lord Jesus Christ: (d) "who of God is made unto
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." (e)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and
hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in
him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and
eternal life. Rom.9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh
Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Rom.8:3 For what the
law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son
in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Gal.4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made
of a woman, made under the law, Isa.9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a
son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall
be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace. Jer.23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall
dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR
RIGHTEOUSNESS. Mal.3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare
the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his
temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall
come, saith the LORD of hosts. (b) Luke 1:42 And she (Elisabeth) spake out with
a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou (Mary) among women, and blessed is the
fruit of thy womb. Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days
were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth
her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a
manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Rom.1:3 Concerning his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the
flesh; Rom.9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ
came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Philip.2:7 But made himself
of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men: Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh
and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Heb.2:16 For
verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of
Abraham. Heb.2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto
his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Heb.4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (c)
Isa.53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death;
because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Isa.53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his
knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their
iniquities. Jer.23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise
unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall
execute judgment and justice in the earth. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and
said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest
shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of
thee shall be called the Son of God. John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of
sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? Heb.4:15 For we have not
an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb.7:26 For such an
high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and made higher than the heavens; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood of
Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Pet.2:22 Who did no
sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once
suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being
put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (d) 1 Tim.2:5 For there
is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Heb.2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering
of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should
taste death for every man. Matt.1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and
shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being
interpreted is, God with us. 1 Tim.3:16 And without controversy great is the
mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received
up into glory. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (e) 1 Cor.1:30 But of him are ye in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption:
Question 19. Whence knowest thou this?
Answer: From the holy gospel, which God himself first
revealed in Paradise; (a) and afterwards published by the patriarchs (b) and
prophets, (c) and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law;
(d) and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son. (e)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the
woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou
shalt bruise his heel. (b) Gen.22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of
the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Gen.12:3 And I will
bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall
all families of the earth be blessed. Gen.49:10 The sceptre shall not depart
from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto
him shall the gathering of the people be. Gen.49:11 Binding his foal unto the
vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine,
and his clothes in the blood of grapes: (c) Isaiah 53. Isa.42:1 Behold my
servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my
spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isa.42:2 He
shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
Isa.42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not
quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. Isa.42:4 He shall not fail nor
be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait
for his law. Isa.43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for
mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isa.49:5 And now, saith the LORD
that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him,
Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD,
and my God shall be my strength. Isa.49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that
thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the
preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that
thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isa.49:22 Thus saith the
Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my
standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy
daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isa.49:23 And kings shall be
thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down
to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and
thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for
me. Jer.23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David
a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute
judgment and justice in the earth. Jer.23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved,
and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called,
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jer.31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made
with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of
the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto
them, saith the LORD: Jer.31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in
their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and
they shall be my people. Jer.32:39 And I will give them one heart, and one way,
that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children
after them: Jer.32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I
will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their
hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Jer.32:41 Yea, I will rejoice over
them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole
heart and with my whole soul. Mic.7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that
pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his
heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
Mic.7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our
iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Mic.7:20 Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which
thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. Acts 10:43 To him give
all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall
receive remission of sins. Rom.1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets
in the holy scriptures,) Heb.1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Acts 3:22 For Moses truly
said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of
your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall
say unto you. Acts 3:23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will
not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Acts 3:24 Yea,
and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have
spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Acts 10:43 To him give all the
prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive
remission of sins. John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed
me: for he wrote of me. (d) Heb.10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things
to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices
which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Heb.10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of
me,) to do thy will, O God. Col.2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished
in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. John
5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
(e) Rom.10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one
that believeth. Gal.4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent
forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Gal.4:5 To redeem them that
were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gal.3:24
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be
justified by faith. Col.2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body
is of Christ.
(week) 7. Lord's Day
Question 20. Are all men then, as they perished in Adam,
saved by Christ?
Answer: No; (a) only those who are ingrafted into him, and,
receive all his benefits, by a true faith. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the
way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt.22:14 For many
are called, but few are chosen. (b) Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. John 1:12 But as many
as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he
that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the
name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son
hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but
the wrath of God abideth on him. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his
soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant
justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Ps.2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he
be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Rom.11:17 And if some of the
branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among
them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Rom.11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in. Rom.11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou
standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: Rom.3:22 Even the righteousness
of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that
believe: for there is no difference: Heb.4:2 For unto us was the gospel
preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not
being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Heb.4:3 For we which have believed
do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter
into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Heb.5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him; Heb.10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto
perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Heb.11:6 But
without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must
believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.
Question 21. What is true faith?
Answer: True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby
I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, (a) but also an
assured confidence, (b) which the Holy Ghost (c) works by the gospel in my
heart; (d) that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin,
everlasting righteousness and salvation, (e) are freely given by God, merely of
grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits. (f)
Footnotes
(a) James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou
doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (b) 2 Cor.4:13 We having the
same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have
I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Eph.2:7 That in the ages to come
he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus. Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph.2:9 Not of works, lest any man
should boast. Eph.3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by
the faith of him. Gal.2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of
the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus
Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works
of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Heb.11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb.11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved
with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned
the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Heb.11:8 By
faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after
receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he
went. Heb.11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange
country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the
same promise: Heb.11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God. Heb.4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is
like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Matt.16:17 And Jesus
answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood
hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Philip.1:19
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the
supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Rom.4:17 (As it is written, I have made
thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who
quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Rom.4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also
to perform. Rom.5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom.10:10 For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation. Rom.10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God. Rom.4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end
the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law,
but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Rom.4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of
many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Rom.4:19
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he
was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
Rom.4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong
in faith, giving glory to God; Rom.3:24 Being justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Rom.3:25 Whom God hath set forth
to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (c)
Gal.5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Matt.16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him,
Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto
thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 2 Cor.4:13 We having the same spirit of
faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we
also believe, and therefore speak; John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them,
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Eph.2:8 For
by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: Philip.1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your
prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Acts 16:14 And a certain
woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped
God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things
which were spoken of Paul. (d) Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom.10:17 So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 1 Cor.1:21 For after that in the wisdom
of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of
preaching to save them that believe. Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these
words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Acts 16:14 And a
certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which
worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto
the things which were spoken of Paul. (e) Rom.1:17 For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just
shall live by faith. Gal.3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the
sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Heb.10:10 By the
which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all. Heb.10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Gal.2:16 Knowing that a man is not
justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we
have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of
Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no
flesh be justified. (f) Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and
that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Rom.3:24 Being justified freely
by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Rom.5:19 For as by
one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall
many be made righteous. Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people
by the remission of their sins, Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God;
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Question 22. What is then necessary for a christian to
believe?
Answer: All things promised us in the gospel, (a) which the
articles of our catholic undoubted christian faith briefly teach us.
Footnotes
(a) John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life
through his name. Matt.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mark 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye,
and believe the gospel.
Question 23. What are these articles?
Answer: 1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth: 2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: 3.
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: 4. Suffered under
Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell: 5. The
third day he rose again from the dead: 6. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth
at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: 7. From thence he shall come to
judge the quick and the dead: 8. I believe in the Holy Ghost: 9. I believe a
holy catholic church: the communion of saints: 10. The forgiveness of sins: 11.
The resurrection of the body: 12. And the life everlasting.
(week) 8. Lord's Day
Question 24. How are these articles divided?
Answer: Into three parts; the first is of God the Father,
and our creation; the second of God the Son, and our redemption; the third of
God the Holy Ghost, and our sanctification.
Question 25. Since there is but one only divine essence, (a)
why speakest thou of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?
Answer: Because God has so revealed himself in his word, (b)
that these three distinct persons are the one only true and eternal God.
Footnotes
(a) Deut.6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Eph.4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all. Isa.44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD
of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isa.45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I
girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 1 Cor.8:4 As concerning therefore
the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know
that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1 Cor.8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things,
and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
(b) Isa.61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath
anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound; Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to
heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Gen.1:2 And the
earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Gen.1:3 And God said,
Let there be light: and there was light. Ps.33:6 By the word of the LORD were
the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. Isa.48:16
Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the
beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his
Spirit, hath sent me.
Ps.110:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD said
unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy
footstool. Matt.3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of
the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of
God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: Matt.3:17 And lo a voice from
heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt.28:19 Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear
record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are
one. Isa.6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon
a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isa.6:3 And one
cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole
earth is full of his glory. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John
15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,
even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of
me: 2 Cor.13:13 All the saints salute you.
Gal.4:6 And because ye are sons, God
hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Eph.2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost; Tit.3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our
Saviour;
Of God The Father
(week) 9. Lord's Day
Question 26. What believest thou when thou sayest, "I
believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth"?
Answer: That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
(who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; (a) who
likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) (b)
is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father; (c) on whom I rely so
entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary
for soul and body (d) and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends
upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; (e) for he is able to
do it, being Almighty God, (f) and willing, being a faithful Father. (g)
Footnotes
(a) Genesis 1 and 2. Exod.20:11 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. Job 33:4 The Spirit
of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Job 38
and 39. Ps.33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host
of them by the breath of his mouth. Acts 4:24 And when they heard that, they
lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God,
which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Acts
14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions
with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the
living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are
therein: Isa.45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and
create evil: I the LORD do all these things. (b) Matt.10:29 Are not two sparrows
sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your
Father.
Heb.1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of
his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Ps.104:27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due
season. Ps.104:28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand,
they are filled with good. Ps.104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled:
thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Ps.104:30
Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of
the earth. Ps.115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he
hath pleased. Matt.10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of
them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Eph.1:11 In whom also we
have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of
him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (c) John 1:12 But
as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name: Rom.8:15 For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby
we cry, Abba, Father. Gal.4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we
might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal.4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath
sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Gal.4:7
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of
God through Christ. Eph.1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of
children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
(d) Ps.55:23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction:
bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in
thee. Matt.6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye
shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matt.6:26 Behold the
fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Luke
12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought
for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
(e) Rom.8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (f) Rom.10:12 For
there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all
is rich unto all that call upon him. Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples,
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat;
neither for the body, what ye shall put on. Rom.8:23 And not only they, but
ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves
groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our
body. Isa.46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I
carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver
you. Rom.10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the
same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (g) Matt.6:25 Therefore
I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye
shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more
than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matt.6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for
they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly
Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matt.6:27 Which of you by
taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matt.6:28 And why take ye
thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil
not, neither do they spin: Matt.6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon
in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matt.6:30 Wherefore, if God
so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into
the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matt.6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?
or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? Matt.6:32 (For after all these things do
the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all
these things. Matt.6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt.6:34 Take
therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the
things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matt.7:9 Or what
man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Matt.7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? Matt.7:11 If ye then,
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall
your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(week) 10. Lord's Day
Question 27. What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
Answer: The almighty and everywhere present power of God;
(a) whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs (b) heaven, earth,
and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, (c) fruitful and
barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, (d) riches and poverty, (e)
yea, and all things come, not by chance, but be his fatherly hand. (f)
Footnotes
(a) Acts 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as
though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all
things; Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on
all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and
the bounds of their habitation; Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if
haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every
one of us: Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as
certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Jer.23:23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Jer.23:24
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD.
Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Isa.29:15 Woe unto them that
seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark,
and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? Isa.29:16 Surely your turning of
things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work
say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him
that framed it, He had no understanding? Ezek.8:12 Then said he unto me, Son of
man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark,
every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not;
the LORD hath forsaken the earth. (b) Heb.1:3 Who being the brightness of his
glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word
of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand
of the Majesty on high; (c) Jer.5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now
fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his
season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Acts 14:17
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave
us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and
gladness. (d) John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his
parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (e) Prov.22:2
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. (f)
Matt.10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which
speaketh in you. Prov.16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole
disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Question 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has
created, and by his providence does still uphold all things?
Answer: That we may be patient in adversity; (a) thankful in
prosperity; (b) and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place
our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, (c) that nothing shall separate
us from his love; (d) since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his
will they cannot so much as move. (e)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations
also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; James 1:3 Knowing this, that
the trying of your faith worketh patience. Ps.39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my
mouth; because thou didst it. Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's
womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken
away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor
charged God foolishly.
(b) Deut.8:10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then
thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 1
Thess.5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you. (c) Ps.55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall
sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Rom.5:4 And
patience, experience; and experience, hope: (d) Rom.8:38 For I am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, Rom.8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
(e) Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all
that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So
Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Job 2:6 And the LORD said unto
Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. Acts 17:28 For in him we
live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said,
For we are also his offspring. Acts 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's
hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath,
and all things; Prov.21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the
rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Of God The Son
(week) 11. Lord's Day
Question 29. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus", that is a Saviour?
Answer: Because he saveth us, and delivereth us from our
sins; (a) and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation
in any other. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt
call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Heb.7:24 But
this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Heb.7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by
him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (b) Acts 4:12 Neither
is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved. John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the
branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,
except ye abide in me. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that
abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me
ye can do nothing. 1 Tim.2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God
and men, the man Christ Jesus; Isa.43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me
there is no saviour. 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to
us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Question 30. Do such then believe in Jesus the only Saviour,
who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere
else?
Answer: They do not; for though they boast of him in words,
yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Saviour; (a) for one of
these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Saviour; or
that they, who by a true faith receive this Saviour, must find all things in him
necessary to their salvation. (b)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you?
or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor.1:30 But of him are ye in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption: 1 Cor.1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord. Gal.5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you,
whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (b)
Heb.12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the
joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God. Isa.9:6 For unto us a child is
born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and
his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace. Col.1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him
should all fulness dwell; Col.1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of
his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether
they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Col.2:10 And ye are complete in
him, which is the head of all principality and power: 1 John 1:7 But if we walk
in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. John 1:16 And of
his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
(week) 12. Lord's Day
Question 31. Why is he called "Christ", that is
anointed?
Answer: Because he is ordained of God the Father, and
anointed with the Holy Ghost, (a) to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, (b) who
has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our
redemption; (c) and to be our only High Priest, (d) who by the one sacrifice of
his body, has redeemed us, (e) and makes continual intercession with the Father
for us; (f) and also to be our eternal King, who governs us by his word and
Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in that salvation, he has purchased for
us. (g)
Footnotes
(a) Ps.45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and
cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. Heb.1:9 Thou
hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath
anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Isa.61:1 The Spirit of
the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good
tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim
liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to
preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set
at liberty them that are bruised, (b) Deut.18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up
unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto
him ye shall hearken; Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet
shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him
shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Acts 7:37 This is
that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord
your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
Isa.55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and
commander to the people. (c) John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the
only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what
his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard
of my Father I have made known unto you. (d) Ps.110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and
will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (e)
Heb.10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God; Heb.10:14 For by one offering he hath
perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Heb.9:12 Neither by the blood of
goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place,
having obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb.9:14 How much more shall the
blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to
God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb.9:28 So
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for
him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (f) Rom.8:34 Who
is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Heb.9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which
are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us: 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto
you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous: Rom.5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Rom.5:10 For if, when we were
enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being
reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (g) Ps.2:6 Yet have I set my king
upon my holy hill of Zion. Zech.9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout,
O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and
having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an
ass. Matt.21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,
meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. Luke 1:33 And he
shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be
no end. Matt.28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal
life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand. Rev.12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his
Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before
our God day and night. Rev.12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the
death.
Question 32. But why art thou called a Christian? (a)
Answer: Because I am a member of Christ by faith, (b) and
thus am partaker of his anointing; (c) that so I may confess his name, (d) and
present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him: (e) and also that with
a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life (f)
and afterwards I reign with him eternally, over all creatures. (g)
Footnotes
(a) Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto
Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with
the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians
first in Antioch. (b) 1 Cor.6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of
Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an
harlot? God forbid. (c) 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of
him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same
anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as
it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass
in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see
visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (d) Matt.10:32 Whosoever therefore
shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is
in heaven. Rom.10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore
shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation;
of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his
Father with the holy angels. (e) Rom.12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by
the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 1 Pet.2:5 Ye also, as
lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up
spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Pet.2:9 But ye are a
chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that
ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light: Rev.5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts
and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them
harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Rev.5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth. Rev.1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;
to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (f) 1 Pet.2:11 Dearly
beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts,
which war against the soul; Rom.6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal
body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom.6:13 Neither yield ye
your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves
unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments
of righteousness unto God. Gal.5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye
shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal.5:17 For the flesh lusteth against
the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to
the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Eph.6:11 Put on the
whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. 1 Tim.1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good
warfare; 1 Tim.1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put
away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (g) 2 Tim.2:12 If we suffer, we shall
also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: Matt.24:34 Verily I
say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be
fulfilled.
(week) 13. Lord's Day
Question 33. Why is Christ called the "only begotten Son" of
God, since we are also the children of God?
Answer: Because Christ alone is the eternal and natural Son
of God; (a) but we are children adopted of God, by grace, for his sake. (b)
Footnotes
(a) John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and
we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of
grace and truth. John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten
Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Heb.1:1 God, who
at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the
prophets, Heb.1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he
hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 1 John 4:9 In
this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only
begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Rom.8:32 He that
spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with
him also freely give us all things? (b) Rom.8:15 For ye have not received the
spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Rom.8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with
our spirit, that we are the children of God: Rom.8:17 And if children, then
heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with
him, that we may be also glorified together. John 1:12 But as many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name: Gal.4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of
his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Eph.1:5 Having predestinated us
unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good
pleasure of his will, Eph.1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein
he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Question 34. Wherefore callest thou him "our Lord"?
Answer: Because he hath redeemed us, both soul and body,
from all our sins, not with silver or gold, but with his precious blood, and has
delivered us from all the power of the devil; and thus has made us his own
property. (a)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Pet.1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed
with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation
received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood
of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Pet.2:9 But ye are a
chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that
ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light: 1 Cor.6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor.7:23 Ye are
bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 1 Tim.2:6 Who gave himself a
ransom for all, to be testified in due time. John 20:28 And Thomas answered and
said unto him, My Lord and my God.
(week) 14. Lord's Day
Q. 35. What is the meaning of these words "He was
conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary"?
Answer: That God's eternal Son, who is, and continues (a)
true and eternal God, (b) took upon him the very nature of man, of the flesh and
blood of the virgin Mary, (c) by the operation of the Holy Ghost; (d) that he
might also be the true seed of David, (e) like unto his brethren in all things,
(f) sin excepted. (g)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Rom.9:5
Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is
over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (b) 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son
of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is
true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the
true God, and eternal life. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that
they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Rom.1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of
David according to the flesh; Col.1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of every creature: (c) Gal.4:4 But when the fulness of the time
was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Luke 1:31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt
call his name JESUS. Luke 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said,
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luke 1:43
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (d) John
1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Matt.1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost. Matt.1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the
angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of
David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in
her is of the Holy Ghost. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her,
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God. (e) Ps.132:11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto
David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy
throne. Rom.1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the
seed of David according to the flesh; 2 Sam.7:12 And when thy days be fulfilled,
and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which
shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. Luke 1:32 He
shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God
shall give unto him the throne of his father David: Acts 2:30 Therefore being a
prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit
of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his
throne; (f) Philip.2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the
form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then
as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took
part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil; Heb.2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be
made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high
priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the
people. (g) Heb.4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
Question 36. What profit dost thou receive by Christ's holy
conception and nativity?
Answer: That he is our Mediator; (a) and with His innocence
and perfect holiness, covers in the sight of God, my sins, wherein I was
conceived and brought forth. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Heb.7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy,
harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb.7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,
first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he
offered up himself. Heb.2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made
like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (b)
1 Pet.1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition
from your fathers; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once
suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being
put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 1 Cor.1:30 But of him
are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness,
and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Cor.1:31 That, according as it is written,
He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Rom.8:3 For what the law could not
do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the
likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom.8:4 That
the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul,
and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify
many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Ps.32:1 <<A Psalm of David,
Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is
covered.
(week) 15. Lord's Day
Question 37. What dost thou understand by the words, "He suffered"?
Answer: That he, all the time that he lived on earth, but
especially at the end of his life, sustained in body and soul, the wrath of God
against the sins of all mankind: (a) that so by his passion, as the only
propitiatory sacrifice, (b) he might redeem our body and soul from everlasting
damnation, (c) and obtain for us the favour of God, righteousness and eternal
life. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Isa.53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 1
Pet.2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed. 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the
unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit: 1 Tim.2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be
testified in due time. (b) Isa.53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he
hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he
shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD
shall prosper in his hand. Isa.53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with
the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured
out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare
the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Eph.5:2 And walk
in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering
and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 1 Cor.5:7 Purge out therefore
the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ
our passover is sacrificed for us: 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our
sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John
4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his
Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Rom.3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be
a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the
remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Heb.9:28 So
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for
him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb.10:14 For by
one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (c) Gal.3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Col.1:13 Who hath
delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom
of his dear Son: Heb.9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his
own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal
redemption for us. 1 Pet.1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed
with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation
received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood
of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (d) Rom.3:25 Whom God
hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his
righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance
of God; 2 Cor.5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that
we might be made the righteousness of God in him. John 3:16 For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 6:51 I am the living bread
which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for
ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life
of the world. Heb.9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new
testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that
were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise
of eternal inheritance. Heb.10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter
into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Question 38. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate, as judge"?
Answer: That he, being innocent, and yet condemned by a
temporal judge, (a) might thereby free us from the severe judgement of God to
which we were exposed. (b)
Footnotes
(a) John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when
he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find
in him no fault at all. Matt.27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail
nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands
before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person:
see ye to it. Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou
hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people
of Israel, were gathered together, Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and
thy counsel determined before to be done. Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have
brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I,
having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those
things whereof ye accuse him: Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to
him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. John 19:4 Pilate
therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to
you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. (b) Ps.69:4 They that hate me
without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy
me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took
not away. Isa.53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet
we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa.53:5 But he was
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 2
Cor.5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him. Gal.3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from
the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is
every one that hangeth on a tree:
Question 39. Is there anything more in his being
"crucified", than if he had died some other death?
Answer: Yes there is; for thereby I am assured, that he took
on him the curse which lay upon me; (a) for the death of the cross was accursed
of God. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Gal.3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a
curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (b)
Deut.21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in
any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy
land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
(week) 16. Lord's Day
Question 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble
himself even "unto death"?
Answer: Because with respect to the justice and truth of
God, (a) satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise, than by the death
of the Son of God. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die. (b) Rom.8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and
for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom.8:4 That the righteousness of the law
might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Heb.2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God
should taste death for every man. Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;
that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is,
the devil; Heb.2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage.
Question 41. Why was he also "buried"?
Answer: Thereby to prove that he was really dead. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.27:59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped
it in a clean linen cloth, Matt.27:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he
had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the
sepulchre, and departed. Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the
body of Jesus. Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid
it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
John 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but
secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body
of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of
Jesus. John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to
Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound
weight. John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen
clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. John 19:41 Now in
the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new
sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. John 19:42 There laid they Jesus
therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at
hand. Acts 13:29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they
took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
Question 42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also
die?
Answer: Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, (a)
but only an abolishing of sin, and a passage into eternal life. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his
soul? Ps.49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God
a ransom for him: (b) John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth
my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Philip.1:23 For I am
in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which
is far better: Rom.7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the
body of this death?
Question 43. What further benefit do we receive from the
sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
Answer: That by virtue thereof, our old man is crucified,
dead and buried with him; (a) that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may
no more reign in us; (b) but that we may offer ourselves unto him a sacrifice of
thanksgiving. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with
him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not
serve sin. (b) Rom.6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin. Rom.6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Rom.6:8 Now if we be dead
with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Rom.6:11 Likewise
reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom.6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,
that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Col.2:12 Buried with him in
baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation
of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (c) Rom.12:1 I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Question 44. Why is there added, "he descended into hell"?
Answer: That in my greatest temptations, I may be assured,
and wholly comfort myself in this, that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his
inexpressible anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies, in which he was
plunged during all his sufferings, (a) but especially on the cross, has
delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Ps.18:5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the
snares of death prevented me. Ps.18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and
cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before
him, even into his ears. Ps.116:3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the
pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Matt.26:38 Then
saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye
here, and watch with me. Heb.5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had
offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that
was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Isa.53:10 Yet
it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt
make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his
days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Matt.27:46 And
about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (b)
Isa.53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we
are healed.
(week) 17. Lord's Day
Question 45. What does the "resurrection" of Christ profit
us?
Answer: First, by his resurrection he has overcome death,
that he might make us partakers of that righteousness which he had purchased for
us by his death; (a) secondly, we are also by his power raised up to a new life;
(b) and lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed
resurrection. (c)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ
raised: Rom.4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for
our justification. 1 Pet.1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a
lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (b) Rom.6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk
in newness of life. Col.3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Col.3:3 For ye
are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Eph.2:5 Even when we were
dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph.2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus: (c) 1 Cor.15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose
from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1 Cor.15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept. 1 Cor.15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the
resurrection of the dead. Rom.8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus
from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also
quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(week) 18. Lord's Day
Q. 46. How dost thou understand these words, "he
ascended into heaven"?
Answer: That Christ, in sight of his disciples, was taken up
from earth into heaven; (a) and that he continues there for our interest, (b)
until he comes again to judge the quick and the dead. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they
beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Matt.26:64
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter
shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in
the clouds of heaven. Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he
was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Luke 24:51 And it
came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up
into heaven. (b) Heb.7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the
uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession
for them. Heb.4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb.9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which
are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us: Rom.8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that
died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who
also maketh intercession for us. Eph.4:10 He that descended is the same also
that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Col.3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God. (c) Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up
from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven. Matt.24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:
and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of
man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Question 47. Is not Christ then with us even to the end of
the world, as he has promised? (a)
Answer: Christ is very man and very God; with respect to his
human nature, he is no more on earth; (b) but with respect to his Godhead,
majesty, grace and spirit, he is at no time absent from us. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (b) Heb.8:4 For if he
were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that
offer gifts according to the law: Matt.26:11 For ye have the poor always with
you; but me ye have not always. John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am
come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. John 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to
thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me,
that they may be one, as we are. Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until
the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of
all his holy prophets since the world began. (c) John 14:17 Even the Spirit of
truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth
him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:18
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:19 Yet a little
while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall
live also. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he
shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Matt.28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Eph.4:8 Wherefore he
saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts
unto men. Eph.4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Question 48. But if his human nature is not present,
wherever his Godhead is, are not then these two natures in Christ separated from
one another?
Answer: Not as all, for since the Godhead is illimitable and
omnipresent, (a) it must necessarily follow that the same is beyond the limits
of the human nature he assumed, (b) and yet is nevertheless in this human
nature, and remains personally united to it.
Footnotes
(a) Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool:
what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
Jer.23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith
the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. (b) Col.2:9 For in him
dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. John 3:13 And no man hath
ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man
which is in heaven. John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not
there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Matt.28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord
lay.
Question 49. Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension
into heaven?
Answer: First, that he is our advocate in the presence of
his Father in heaven; (a) secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure
pledge that he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members; (b)
thirdly, that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, (c) by whose power we "seek
the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and
not things on earth." (d)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto
you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous: Rom.8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ
that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of
God, who also maketh intercession for us. (b) John 14:2 In my Father's house are
many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place
for you. John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be
with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for
thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. John 20:17 Jesus saith unto
her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my
brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my
God, and your God. Eph.2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit
together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (c) John 14:16 And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for
ever; John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that
I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I
depart, I will send him unto you. Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was
fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Acts 2:2 And suddenly
there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all
the house where they were sitting. Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven
tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Acts 2:4 And they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God
exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he
hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 2 Cor.1:22 Who hath also sealed
us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor.5:5 Now he that
hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the
earnest of the Spirit. (d) Col.3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Philip.3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
(week) 19. Lord's Day
Question 50. Why is it added, "and sitteth at the right hand
of God"?
Answer: Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end,
that he might appear as head of his church, (a) by whom the Father governs all
things. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Eph.1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph.1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come: Eph.1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Col.1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (b)
Matt.28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto
me in heaven and in earth. John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath
committed all judgment unto the Son:
Question 51. What profit is this glory of Christ, our head,
unto us?
Answer: First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly
graces upon us his members; (a) and then that by his power he defends and
preserves us against all enemies. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God
exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he
hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Eph.4:8 Wherefore he saith,
When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(b) Ps.2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in
pieces like a potter's vessel. Ps.110:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The
LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies
thy footstool. Ps.110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion:
rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal
life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand. Eph.4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity
captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Question 52. What comfort is it to thee that "Christ shall
come again to judge the quick and the dead"?
Answer: That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with
uplifted head I look for the very same person, who before offered himself for my
sake, to the tribunal of God, and has removed all curse from me, to come as
judge from heaven: (a) who shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting
condemnation, (b) but shall translate me with all his chosen ones to himself,
into heavenly joys and glory. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass,
then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Rom.8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the
redemption of our body. Philip.3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from
whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Tit.2:13 Looking for
that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ; 1 Thess.4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead
in Christ shall rise first: (b) 2 Thess.1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with
God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 2 Thess.1:8 In flaming
fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Thess.1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2
Thess.1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired
in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that
day. Matt.25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from
me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Matt.25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye
gave me no drink: Matt.25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and
ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. (c) Matt.25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 2
Thess.1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
Of God The Holy Ghost
(week) 20. Lord's Day
Question 53. What dost thou believe concerning the Holy
Ghost?
Answer: First, that he is true and coeternal God with the
Father and the Son; (a) secondly, that he is also given me, (b) to make me by a
true faith, partaker of Christ and all his benefits, (c) that he may comfort me
(d) and abide with me for ever. (e)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in
heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Gen.1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face
of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Isa.48:16
Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the
beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his
Spirit, hath sent me. 1 Cor.3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and
that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Cor.6:19 What? know ye not that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and
ye are not your own? Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled
thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the
land? Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold,
was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine
heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (b) Gal.4:6 And because ye are
sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba,
Father. Matt.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt.28:20 Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 2 Cor.1:21 Now he which
stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2 Cor.1:22 Who
hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Eph.1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that
holy Spirit of promise, (c) Gal.3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on
the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the
Spirit through faith. 1 Pet.1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the
Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of
the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Cor.6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (d) Acts 9:31 Then had the
churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified;
and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were
multiplied. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you
from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me: (e) John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 1 Pet.4:14 If
ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory
and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your
part he is glorified.
(week) 21. Lord's Day
Question 54. What believest thou concerning the "holy
catholic church" of Christ?
Answer: That the Son of God (a) from the beginning to the
end of the world, (b) gathers, defends, and preserves (c) to himself by his
Spirit and word, (d) out of the whole human race, (e) a church chosen to
everlasting life, (f) agreeing in true faith; (g) and that I am and forever
shall remain, (h) a living member thereof. (i)
Footnotes
(a) Eph.5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the
washing of water by the word, John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto
yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own
blood. Eph.4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph.4:12 For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph.4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness
of Christ: (b) Ps.71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto
have I declared thy wondrous works. Ps.71:18 Now also when I am old and
grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this
generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. Isa.59:21 As for me,
this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and
my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor
out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the
LORD, from henceforth and for ever. 1 Cor.11:26 For as often as ye eat this
bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (c)
Matt.16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I
will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. John
10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither
shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:29 My Father, which gave them
me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's
hand. John 10:30 I and my Father are one. Ps.129:1 <<A Song of
degrees.>> Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel
now say: Ps.129:2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they
have not prevailed against me. Ps.129:3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they
made long their furrows. Ps.129:4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the
cords of the wicked. Ps.129:5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that
hate Zion. (d) Isa.59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the
LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth,
shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of
the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek. Rom.10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher? Rom.10:15 And how shall they preach, except
they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach
the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Rom.10:16 But they
have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our
report? Rom.10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God. Eph.5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by
the word, (e) Gen.26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of
heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall
all the nations of the earth be blessed; Rev.5:9 And they sung a new song,
saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for
thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred,
and tongue, and people, and nation; (f) Rom.8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he
also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be
the firstborn among many brethren. Rom.8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,
them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he
justified, them he also glorified. Eph.1:10 That in the dispensation of the
fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both
which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Eph.1:11 In whom also
we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of
him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Eph.1:12 That we
should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Eph.1:13 In
whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your
salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy
Spirit of promise, (g) Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in
the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with
gladness and singleness of heart, Eph.4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph.4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as
ye are called in one hope of your calling; Eph.4:5 One Lord, one faith, one
baptism, Eph.4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all,
and in you all. (h) Ps.23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 1 Cor.1:8
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of
our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto
the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. John 10:28 And I give unto them
eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out
of my hand. 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if
they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went
out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 1 Pet.1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time. (i) 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from
death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother
abideth in death. 1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and
shall assure our hearts before him. 1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God
is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our
heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 2 Cor.13:5 Examine
yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your
own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Rom.8:10
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness.
Question 55. What do you understand by "the communion of
saints"?
Answer: First, that all and every one, who believes, being
members of Christ, are in common, partakers of him, and of all his riches and
gifts; (a) secondly, that every one must know it to be his duty, readily and
cheerfully to employ his gifts, for the advantage and salvation of other
members. (b)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we
unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is
with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.1:9 God is faithful, by
whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom.8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 1 Cor.12:12 For as the
body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being
many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Cor.12:13 For by one Spirit are we all
baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor.6:17 But he that is
joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (b) 1 Cor.12:21 And the eye cannot say unto
the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need
of you. 1 Cor.13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and
have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1
Cor.13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil; Philip.2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but
every man also on the things of others. Philip.2:5 Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus: Philip.2:6 Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Philip.2:7 But made himself of no
reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men: Philip.2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Question 56. What believest thou concerning "the forgiveness
of sins"?
Answer: That God, for the sake of Christ's satisfaction,
will no more remember my sins, neither my corrupt nature, against which I have
to struggle all my life long; (a) but will graciously impute to me the
righteousness of Christ, (b) that I may never be condemned before the tribunal
of God. (c)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and
not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 1:7 But if
we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 2
Cor.5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation. 2 Cor.5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (b) Jer.31:34 And
they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother,
saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto
the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I
will remember their sin no more. Ps.103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
who healeth all thy diseases; Ps.103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Ps.103:10 He hath not
dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Ps.103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our
transgressions from us. Mic.7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion
upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into
the depths of the sea. Rom.7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring
against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin
which is in my members. Rom.7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me
from the body of this death? Rom.7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law
of sin. (c) Rom.8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom.8:2 For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of
sin and death. Rom.8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and
for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom.8:4 That the righteousness of the law
might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not
is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God. John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth
my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(week) 22. Lord's Day
Question 57. What comfort does the "resurrection of the
body" afford thee?
Answer: That not only my soul after this life shall be
immediately taken up to Christ its head; (a) but also, that this my body, being
raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul, and made like
unto the glorious body of Christ. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and
was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was
buried; Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt
thou be with me in paradise. Philip.1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die
is gain. Philip.1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to
depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (b) 1 Cor.15:53 For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1
Cor.15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying
that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Job 19:25 For I know that my
redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job
19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I
see God: 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be
like him; for we shall see him as he is. Philip.3:21 Who shall change our vile
body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the
working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Question 58. What comfort takest thou from the article of
"life everlasting"?
Answer: That since I now feel in my heart the beginning of
eternal joy, (a) after this life, I shall inherit perfect salvation, which "eye
has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man" to
conceive, and that to praise God therein for ever. (b)
Footnotes
(a) 2 Cor.5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be
clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 2 Cor.5:3 If so be that being
clothed we shall not be found naked. (b) 1 Cor.2:9 But as it is written, Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the
things which God hath prepared for them that love him. John 17:3 And this is
life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom thou hast sent.
(week) 23. Lord's Day
Question 59. But what does it profit thee now that thou
believest all this?
Answer: That I am righteous in Christ, before God, and an
heir of eternal life. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Hab.2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not
upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Rom.1:17 For therein is
the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The
just shall live by faith. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath
everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him.
Question 60. How are thou righteous before God?
Answer: Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; (a) so that,
though my conscience accuse me, that I have grossly transgressed all the
commandments of God, and kept none of them, (b) and am still inclined to all
evil; (c) notwithstanding, God, without any merit of mine, (d) but only of mere
grace, (e) grants and imputes to me, (f) the perfect satisfaction, (g)
righteousness and holiness of Christ; (h) even so, as if I never had had, nor
committed any sin: yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which
Christ has accomplished for me; (i) inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a
believing heart. (j)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law
is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Rom.3:22 Even the
righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all
them that believe: for there is no difference: Rom.3:23 For all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God; Rom.3:24 Being justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Rom.3:25 Whom God hath set forth
to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom.3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law. Rom.5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom.5:2 By whom also we have access by faith
into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Gal.2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the
faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the
works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph.2:9 Not of
works, lest any man should boast. Philip.3:9 And be found in him, not having
mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith
of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (b) Rom.3:9 What then?
are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and
Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (c) Rom.7:23 But I see another law in my
members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to
the law of sin which is in my members. (d) Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Deut.9:6 Understand therefore,
that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy
righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Ezek.36:22 Therefore say unto
the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O
house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the
heathen, whither ye went. (e) Rom.3:24 Being justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (f)
Rom.4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of
debt. Rom.4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth
the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 2 Cor.5:19 To wit, that God
was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses
unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (g) 1 John 2:2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the
sins of the whole world. (h) 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I
unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (i) 2 Cor.5:21 For he hath made him to be
sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in
him. (j) Rom.3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus
Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: John
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God.
Question 61. Why sayest thou, that thou art righteous by
faith only?
Answer: Not that I am acceptable to God, on account of the
worthiness of my faith; but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and
holiness of Christ, is my righteousness before God; (a) and that I cannot
receive and apply the same to myself any other way than by faith only. (b)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God
is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1
Cor.2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and
him crucified. (b) 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the
witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he
believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
(week) 24. Lord's Day
Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole, or
part of our righteousness before God?
Answer: Because, that the righteousness, which can be
approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, (a) and in
all respects conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best works in
this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Gal.3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are
under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in
all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Deut.27:26
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all
the people shall say, Amen. (b) Isa.64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and
all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and
our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Question 63. What! do not our good works merit, which yet
God will reward in this and in a future life?
Answer: This reward is not of merit, but of grace. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all
those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have
done that which was our duty to do.
Question 64. But does not this doctrine make men careless
and profane?
Answer: By no means: for it is impossible that those, who
are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of
thankfulness. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye
are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Of The Sacraments
(week) 25. Lord's Day
Question 65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and
all his benefits by faith only, whence does this faith proceed?
Answer: From the Holy Ghost, (a) who works faith in our
hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the
sacraments. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph.2:9 Not of works, lest any man
should boast. Eph.6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God
the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God. Philip.1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of
Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (b)
Matt.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt.28:20 Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 1 Pet.1:22 Seeing ye have purified
your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Pet.1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of
God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Question 66. What are the sacraments?
Answer: The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals,
appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully
declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel, viz., that he grants us freely
the remission of sin, and life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of
Christ, accomplished on the cross. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Gen.17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your
foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Rom.4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the
faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all
them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be
imputed unto them also: Deut.30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine
heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Lev.6:25 Speak unto Aaron and to
his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the
burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it is
most holy.
Heb.9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every
year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the
people: Heb.9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of
all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Heb.9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both
gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as
pertaining to the conscience; Heb.9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy
places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven
itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Ezek.20:12 Moreover also I
gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know
that I am the LORD that sanctify them. Isa.6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims
unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from
off the altar: Isa.6:7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath
touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Isa.54:9
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters
of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be
wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
Question 67. Are both word and sacraments, then, ordained
and appointed for this end, that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our salvation? (a)
Answer: Yes, indeed: for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the
gospel, and assures us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation
depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the
cross.
Footnotes
(a) Rom.6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Gal.3:27 For as many of you as
have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Question 68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in
the new covenant, or testament?
Answer: Two: namely, holy baptism, and the holy supper.
Of Holy Baptism
(week) 26. Lord's Day
Question 69. How art thou admonished and assured by holy
baptism, that the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is of real advantage to
thee?
Answer: Thus: That Christ appointed this external washing
with water, (a) adding thereto this promise, (b) that I am as certainly washed
by his blood and Spirit from all the pollution of my soul, that is, from all my
sins, (c) as I am washed externally with water, by which the filthiness of the
body is commonly washed away.
Footnotes
(a) Matt.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(b) Matt.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Acts 2:38 Then Peter
said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost. Matt.3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that
cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Mark 16:16 He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned. John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water,
the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and
remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. Rom.6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized
into his death? Rom.6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even
so we also should walk in newness of life. (c) 1 Pet.3:21 The like figure
whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth
of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ: Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and
preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Luke 3:3 And he came
into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the
remission of sins;
Question 70. What is it to be washed with the blood and
Spirit of Christ?
Answer: It is to receive of God the remission of sins,
freely, for the sake of Christ's blood, which he shed for us by his sacrifice
upon the cross; (a) and also to be renewed by the Holy Ghost, and sanctified to
be members of Christ, that so we may more and more die unto sin, and lead holy
and unblamable lives. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Heb.12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 1
Pet.1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Rev.1:5 And from Jesus
Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the
prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our
sins in his own blood, Rev.7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he
said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Zech.13:1 In that day
there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of
Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Ezek.36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean
water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all
your idols, will I cleanse you. (b) John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that
sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see
the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with
the Holy Ghost. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God. 1 Cor.6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are
sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the
Spirit of our God. 1 Cor.12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been
all made to drink into one Spirit. Rom.6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by
baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col.2:12 Buried
with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the
operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Question 71. Where has Christ promised us, that he will as
certainly wash us by his blood and Spirit, as we are washed with the water of
baptism?
Answer: In the institution of baptism, which is thus
expressed: "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", Matt.28:19. And "he that
believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be
damned.", Mark 16:16. This promise is also repeated, where the scripture calls
baptism "the washing of regenerations" and the washing away of sins. Tit.3:5,
Acts 22:16. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be
baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
(week) 27. Lord's Day
Question 72. Is then the external baptism with water the
washing away of sin itself?
Answer: Not at all: (a) for the blood of Jesus Christ only,
and the Holy Ghost cleanse us from all sin. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto
repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not
worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 1
Pet.3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Eph.5:26 That he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Eph.5:27 That he
might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (b) 1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1
Cor.6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our
God.
Question 73. Why then does the Holy Ghost call baptism "the
washing of regeneration," and "the washing away of sins"?
Answer: God speaks thus not without great cause, to-wit, not
only thereby to teach us, that as the filth of the body is purged away by water,
so our sins are removed by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ; (a) but
especially that by this divine pledge and sign he may assure us, that we are
spiritually cleansed from our sins as really, as we are externally washed with
water. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Rev.1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful
witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the
earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Rev.7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are
they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made
them white in the blood of the Lamb. 1 Cor.6:11 And such were some of you: but
ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (b) Mark 16:16 He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Gal.3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Question 74. Are infants also to be baptized?
Answer: Yes: for since they, as well as the adult, are
included in the covenant and church of God; (a) and since redemption from sin
(b) by the blood of Christ, and the Holy Ghost, the author of faith, is promised
to them no less than to the adult; (c) they must therefore by baptism, as a sign
of the covenant, be also admitted into the christian church; and be
distinguished from the children of unbelievers (d) as was done in the old
covenant or testament by circumcision, (e) instead of which baptism is
instituted (f) in the new covenant.
Footnotes
(a) Gen.17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and
thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant,
to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (b) Matt.19:14 But Jesus
said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such
is the kingdom of heaven. (c) Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of
the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled
with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. Ps.22:10 I was cast upon thee
from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. Isa.44:1 Yet now hear, O
Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Isa.44:2 Thus saith the LORD
that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O
Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. Isa.44:3 For I will
pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour
my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Acts 2:39 For the
promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as
many as the Lord our God shall call. (d) Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water,
that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as
we? (e) Gen.17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is
not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my
covenant. (f) Col.2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the
circumcision of Christ: Col.2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are
risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him
from the dead. Col.2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision
of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all
trespasses;
Of The Holy Supper Of Our Lord Jesus Christ
(week) 28. Lord's Day
Question 75. How art thou admonished and assured in the
Lord's Supper, that thou art a partaker of that one sacrifice of Christ,
accomplished on the cross, and of all his benefits?
Answer: Thus: That Christ has commanded me and all
believers, to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup, in remembrance
of him, adding these promises: (a) first, that his body was offered and broken
on the cross for me, and his blood shed for me, as certainly as I see with my
eyes, the bread of the Lord broken for me, and the cup communicated to me; and
further, that he feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life, with his
crucified body and shed blood, as assuredly as I receive from the hands of the
minister, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, as certain
signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Footnotes
(a) Matt.26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and
blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat;
this is my body. Matt.26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to
them, saying, Drink ye all of it; Matt.26:28 For this is my blood of the new
testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mark 14:22 And as
they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and
said, Take, eat: this is my body. Mark 14:23 And he took the cup, and when he
had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. Mark 14:24 And
he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for
many. Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto
them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of
me. Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new
testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1 Cor.10:16 The cup of blessing
which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which
we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor.10:17 For we
being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one
bread. 1 Cor.11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered
unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took
bread: 1 Cor.11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take,
eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1
Cor.11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped,
saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye
drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Cor.12:13 For by one Spirit are we all
baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Question 76. What is it then to eat the crucified body, and
drink the shed blood of Christ?
Answer: It is not only to embrace with believing heart all
the sufferings and death of Christ and thereby to obtain the pardon of sin, and
life eternal; (a) but also, besides that, to become more and more united to his
sacred body, (b) by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us; so that
we, though Christ is in heaven (c) and we on earth, are notwithstanding "flesh
of his flesh and bone of his bone" (d) and that we live, and are governed
forever by one spirit, (e) as members of the same body are by one soul.
Footnotes
(a) John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of
life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall
never thirst. John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will
raise him up at the last day. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
believeth on me hath everlasting life. John 6:48 I am that bread of life. John
6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. John 6:50 This
is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not
die. John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat
of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my
flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:52 The Jews therefore
strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? John
6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat
the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. John
6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will
raise him up at the last day. (b) John 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my
blood is drink indeed. John 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,
dwelleth in me, and I in him. (c) Col.3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek
those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all
things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the
world began. 1 Cor.11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,
ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (d) Eph.3:16 That he would grant you,
according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his
Spirit in the inner man; Eph.5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but
nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Eph.5:30 For we are
members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Eph.5:32 This is a great
mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 1 Cor.6:15 Know ye not
that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of
Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 1 Cor.6:17 But he
that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 1 Cor.6:19 What? know ye not that
your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God,
and ye are not your own? 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments
dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the
Spirit which he hath given us. 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him,
and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. John 14:23 Jesus answered
and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will
love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (e) John 6:56
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
John 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he
that eateth me, even he shall live by me. John 6:58 This is that bread which
came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that
eateth of this bread shall live for ever. John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my
Father is the husbandman. John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he
taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have
spoken unto you. John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear
fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in
me. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I
in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is
withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Eph.4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ: Eph.4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined
together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the
effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto
the edifying of itself in love.
Question 77. Where has Christ promised that he will as
certainly feed and nourish believers with his body and bleed, as they eat of
this broken bread, and drink of this cup?
Answer: In the institution of the supper, which is thus
expressed: (a) "The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took
bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and: said: eat, this is my
body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same
manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying: this cup is the new
testament in my blood; this do ye, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of
me. For, as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the
Lord's death till he come." 1 Cor.11:23-26. This promise is repeated by the holy
apostle Paul, where he says "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the
communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the
communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body:
for we are all partakers of that one bread." 1 Cor.10:16,17.
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which
also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was
betrayed took bread: 1 Cor.11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and
said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in
remembrance of me. 1 Cor.11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when
he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as
oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Matt.26:26 And as they were eating,
Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples,
and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Matt.26:27 And he took the cup, and gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; Matt.26:28 For this is
my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mark 14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and
gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. Mark 14:23 And he took the
cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
Mark 14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which
is shed for many. Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it,
and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in
remembrance of me. Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This
cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1 Cor.10:16 The cup
of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The
bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor.10:17
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that
one bread.
(week) 29. Lord's Day
Question 78. Do then the bread and wine become the very body
and blood of Christ?
Answer: Not at all: (a) but as the water in baptism is not
changed into the blood of Christ, neither is the washing away of sin itself,
being only the sign and confirmation thereof appointed of God; (b) so the bread
in the Lord's supper is not changed into the very body of Christ; (c) though
agreeably to the nature and properties of sacraments, (d) it is called the body
of Christ Jesus.
Footnotes
(a) Matt.26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink
henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with
you in my Father's kingdom. (b) Eph.5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it
with the washing of water by the word, Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (c) Mark 14:24 And he said unto
them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 1 Cor.10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1 Cor.10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all
partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor.11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and
drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor.11:27 Wherefore
whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily,
shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Cor.11:28 But let a man
examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (d)
Gen.17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy
seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. Gen.17:11 And
ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the
covenant betwixt me and you. Gen.17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose
flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his
people; he hath broken my covenant. Gen.17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall
bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish
my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
Exod.12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your
feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the
LORD'S passover. Exod.12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the
houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the
plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Exod.12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who
passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the
Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and
worshipped. Exod.12:43 And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the
ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: Exod.12:48 And
when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD,
let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he
shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat
thereof. Exod.13:9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for
a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with
a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. 1 Pet.3:21 The like
figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the
filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Cor.10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye
should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all
passed through the sea; 1 Cor.10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud
and in the sea; 1 Cor.10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 1 Cor.10:4
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual
Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Question 79. Why then doth Christ call the bread "his body",
and the cup "his blood", or "the new covenant in his blood"; and Paul the
"communion of body and blood of Christ"?
Answer: Christ speaks thus, not without great reason,
namely, not only thereby to teach us, that as bread and wine support this
temporal life, so his crucified body and shed blood are the true meat and drink,
whereby our souls are fed to eternal life; (a) but more especially by these
visible signs and pledges to assure us, that we are as really partakers of his
true body and blood by the operation of the Holy Ghost as we receive by the
mouths of our bodies these holy signs in remembrance of him; (b) and that all
his sufferings and obedience are as certainly ours, as if we had in our own
persons suffered and made satisfaction for our sins to God.
Footnotes
(a) John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from
heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that
I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:55
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. (b) 1 Cor.10:16 The
cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?
The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1
Cor.10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all
partakers of that one bread.
(week) 30. Lord's Day
Question 80. What difference is there between the Lord's
supper and the popish mass?
Answer: The Lord's supper testifies to us, that we have a
full pardon of all sin by the only sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself
has once accomplished on the cross; (a) and, that we by the Holy Ghost are
ingrafted into Christ, (b) who, according to his human nature is now not on
earth, but in heaven, at the right hand of God his Father, (c) and will there be
worshipped by us. (d) But the mass teaches, that the living and dead have not
the pardon of sins through the sufferings of Christ, unless Christ is also daily
offered for them by the priests; and further, that Christ is bodily under the
form of bread and wine, and therefore is to be worshipped in them; so that the
mass, at bottom, is nothing else than a denial of the one sacrifice and
sufferings of Jesus Christ, and an accursed idolatry. (e)
Footnotes
(a) Heb.7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to
offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this
he did once, when he offered up himself. Heb.9:12 Neither by the blood of goats
and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having
obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb.9:25 Nor yet that he should offer
himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with
blood of others; Heb.9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the
foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared
to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Heb.9:27 And as it is appointed
unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Heb.9:28 So Christ was once
offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he
appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb.10:10 By the which will
we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Heb.10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God; Heb.10:13 From henceforth expecting till his
enemies be made his footstool. Heb.10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected
for ever them that are sanctified. John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received
the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the
ghost. Matt.26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for
many for the remission of sins. Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks,
and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for
you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after
supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for
you. (b) 1 Cor.6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 1
Cor.10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the
blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body
of Christ? (c) Heb.1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express
image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he
had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on
high; Heb.8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have
such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty
in the heavens; Heb.8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched, and not man. John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me
not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto
them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (d)
Matt.6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Matt.6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. John 4:21 Jesus saith
unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this
mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. John 4:22 Ye worship ye know
not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John 4:23 But
the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father
in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in
truth. Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great
joy: Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into
heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God. Col.3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek
those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Philip.3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Philip.3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that
it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working
whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 1 Thess.1:10 And to
wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which
delivered us from the wrath to come. Heb.9:6 Now when these things were thus
ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the
service of God. Heb.9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once
every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors
of the people: Heb.9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the
holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet
standing: Heb.9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were
offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service
perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Heb.9:10 Which stood only in meats and
drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the
time of reformation. (e) Heb.9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the
foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared
to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Heb.10:12 But this man, after he
had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Heb.10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
sanctified. Heb.10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the
holiest by the blood of Jesus, Heb.10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath
consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; Heb.10:21 And
having an high priest over the house of God; Heb.10:22 Let us draw near with a
true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb.10:23 Let us hold fast
the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that
promised;) Heb.10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to
good works: Heb.10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see
the day approaching. Heb.10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have
received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb.10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries. Heb.10:28 He that despised Moses' law died
without mercy under two or three witnesses: Heb.10:29 Of how much sorer
punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot
the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Heb.10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Heb.10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Question 81. For whom is the Lord's supper instituted?
Answer: For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins,
and yet trust that these are forgiven them for the sake of Christ; and that
their remaining infirmities are covered by his passion and death; and who also
earnestly desire to have their faith more and more strengthened, and their lives
more holy; but hypocrites, and such as turn not to God with sincere hearts, eat
and drink judgment to themselves. (a)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing,
or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 1 Cor.10:20 But I
say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and
not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 1
Cor.10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot
be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 1 Cor.10:22 Do we
provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 1 Cor.11:28 But let a man
examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 1
Cor.11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Question 82. Are they also to be admitted to this supper,
who, by confession and life, declare themselves unbelieving and ungodly?
Answer: No; for by this, the covenant of God would be
profaned, and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation; (a) therefore it
is the duty of the christian church, according to the appointment of Christ and
his apostles, to exclude such persons, by the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
till they show amendment of life.
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.11:20 When ye come together therefore into one
place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 1 Cor.11:34 And if any man hunger,
let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest
will I set in order when I come. Isa.1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of
your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of
rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or
of lambs, or of he goats. Isa.1:12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath
required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Isa.1:13 Bring no more vain
oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the
calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn
meeting. Isa.1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they
are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. Isa.1:15 And when ye spread
forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many
prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Isa.66:3 He that killeth
an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a
dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he
that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own
ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. Jer.7:21 Thus saith the
LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices,
and eat flesh. Jer.7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in
the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings
or sacrifices: Jer.7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice,
and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways
that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Ps.50:16 But unto the
wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou
shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
(week) 31. Lord's Day
Question 83. What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?
Answer: The preaching of the holy gospel, and christian
discipline, or excommunication out of the christian church; by these two, the
kingdom of heaven is opened to believers, and shut against unbelievers.
Question 84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by
the preaching of the holy gospel?
Answer: Thus: when according to the command of Christ, it is
declared and publicly testified to all and every believer, that, whenever they
receive the promise of the gospel by a true faith, all their sins are really
forgiven them of God, for the sake of Christ's merits; and on the contrary, when
it is declared and testified to all unbelievers, and such as do not sincerely
repent, that they stand exposed to the wrath of God, and eternal condemnation,
so long as they are unconverted: (a) according to which testimony of the gospel,
God will judge them, both in this, and in the life to come.
Footnotes
(a) Matt.16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it. Matt.16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom
of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt.18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Matt.18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more,
that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Matt.18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if
he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a
publican. Matt.18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed
in heaven. Matt.18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on
earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
Father which is in heaven. John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be
unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:22 And when he
had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy
Ghost: John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and
whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Question 85. How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by
christian discipline?
Answer: Thus: when according to the command of Christ,
those, who under the name of christians, maintain doctrines, or practices
inconsistent therewith, and will not, after having been often brotherly
admonished, renounce their errors and wicked course of life, are complained of
to the church, or to those, who are thereunto appointed by the church; and if
they despise their admonition, are by them forbidden the use of the sacraments;
whereby they are excluded from the christian church, and by God himself from the
kingdom of Christ; and when they promise and show real amendment, are again
received as members of Christ and his church. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against
thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear
thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Matt.18:16 But if he will not hear thee,
then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word may be established. Matt.18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto
thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matt.18:18 Verily I say unto you,
Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye
shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor.5:2 And ye are puffed up,
and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken
away from among you. 1 Cor.5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in
spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath
so done this deed, 1 Cor.5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are
gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1
Cor.5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that
the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor.5:11 But now I have
written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an
extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 2 Thess.3:14 And if any man obey
not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that
he may be ashamed. 2 Thess.3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him
as a brother. 2 Cor.2:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was
inflicted of many. 2 Cor.2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive
him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with
overmuch sorrow. 2 Cor.2:8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your
love toward him.
The Third Part - Of Thankfulness
(week) 32. Lord's Day
Question 86. Since then we are delivered from our misery,
merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we still do
good works?
Answer: Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by
his blood, also renews us by his Holy Spirit, after his own image; that so we
may testify, by the whole of our conduct, our gratitude to God for his
blessings, (a) and that he may be praised by us; (b) also, that every one may be
assured in himself of his faith, (c) by the fruits thereof; and that, by our
godly conversation others may be gained to Christ. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive
from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Rom.12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service. Rom.12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 1 Pet.2:5 Ye also, as lively stones,
are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual
sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Pet.2:9 But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye
should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light: 1 Pet.2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are
now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained
mercy. 1 Cor.6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (b) Matt.5:16 Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is
in heaven. 1 Pet.2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that,
whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which
they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Pet.1:6 Wherein ye
greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness
through manifold temptations: 1 Pet.1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much
more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might
be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (c)
2 Pet.1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling
and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Matt.7:17
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth
forth evil fruit. Gal.5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any
thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Gal.5:22 But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, Gal.5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (d) 1
Pet.3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any
obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of
the wives; 1 Pet.3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with
fear. Rom.14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.
Question 87. Cannot they then be saved, who, continuing in
their wicked and ungrateful lives, are not converted to God?
Answer: By no means; for the holy scripture declares that no
unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer,
robber, or any such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (a)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1
Cor.6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Eph.5:5 For this ye know, that
no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath
any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph.5:6 Let no man deceive
you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon
the children of disobedience. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death
unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth
in death.
(week) 33. Lord's Day
Question 88. Of how many parts does the true conversion of
man consist?
Answer: Of two parts; of the mortification of the old, and
the quickening of the new man. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,
that grace may abound? Rom.6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into
death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom.6:5 For if we have
been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection: Rom.6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is
crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we
should not serve sin. Eph.4:22 That ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph.4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Eph.4:24 And that ye put on
the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Col.3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which
is idolatry: Col.3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the
children of disobedience: Col.3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye
lived in them. Col.3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Col.3:9 Lie not one to
another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; Col.3:10 And
have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him
that created him: 1 Cor.5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a
new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for
us: 2 Cor.7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be
repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Question 89. What is the mortification of the old man?
Answer: It is a sincere sorrow of heart, that we have
provoked God by our sins; and more and more to hate and flee from them. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Joel 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD
your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the evil. Hos.6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD:
for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us
up.
Question 90. What is the quickening of the new man?
Answer: It is a sincere joy of heart in God, through Christ,
(a) and with love and delight to live according to the will of God in all good
works. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom.14:17 For the kingdom of God is not
meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Isa.57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose
name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a
contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive
the heart of the contrite ones. (b) Rom.6:10 For in that he died, he died unto
sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Rom.6:11 Likewise reckon ye
also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Gal.2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet
not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Question 91. But what are good works?
Answer: Only those which proceed from a true faith, (a) are
performed according to the law of God, (b) and to his glory; (c) and not such as
are founded on our imaginations, or the institutions of men. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat,
because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (b)
Lev.18:4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I
am the LORD your God. 1 Sam.15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great
delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Eph.2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (c) 1 Cor.10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of
God. (d) Deut.12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou
shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Ezek.20:18 But I said unto their
children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither
observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: Ezek.20:19 I am
the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
Isa.29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with
their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far
from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Matt.15:7 Ye
hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, Matt.15:8 This people
draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but
their heart is far from me. Matt.15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching
for doctrines the commandments of men.
(week) 34. Lord's Day
Question 92. What is the law of God?
Answer: God spake all these words, Exodus 20:1-17 and
Denteronomy 5:6-21, saying: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out
of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
1st commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2nd commandment: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation
of them that hate me, and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments.
3rd commandment: 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.
4th commandment: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD
thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter,
thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the
sabbath day, and hallowed it.
5th commandment: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long
upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
6th commandment: Thou shalt not kill.
7th commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8th commandment: Thou shalt not steal.
9th commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10th commandment: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not
covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox,
nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Question 93. How are these commandments divided?
Answer: Into two tables; (a) the first of which teaches us
how we must behave towards God; the second, what duties we owe to our neighbour.
(b)
Footnotes
(a) Exod.34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and
forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the
tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. Deut.4:13 And he
declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten
commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. Deut.10:3 And I made
an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and
went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. Deut.10:4 And he
wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which
the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of
the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. (b) Matt.22:37 Jesus said unto
him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind. Matt.22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Matt.22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. Matt.22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets.
Question 94. What does God enjoin in the first
commandment?
Answer: That I, as sincerely as I desire the salvation of my
own soul, avoid and flee from all idolatry, (a) sorcery, soothsaying,
superstition, (b) invocation of saints, or any other creatures; (c) and learn
rightly to know the only true God; (d) trust in him alone, (e) with humility (f)
and patience submit to him; (g) expect all good things from him only; (h) love,
(i) fear, (j) and glorify him with my whole heart; (k) so that I renounce and
forsake all creatures, rather than commit even the least thing contrary to his
will. (l)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Amen. 1 Cor.6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom
of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1 Cor.6:10 Nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the
kingdom of God. 1 Cor.10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it
is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 1
Cor.10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. (b) Lev.19:31 Regard
not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled
by them: I am the LORD your God. Deut.18:9 When thou art come into the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the
abominations of those nations. Deut.18:10 There shall not be found among you any
one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth
divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Deut.18:11 Or
a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Deut.18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and
because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before
thee.
(c) Matt.4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is
written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Rev.19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou
do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony
of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Rev.22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and
seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these
things. Rev.22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy
fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the
sayings of this book: worship God. (d) John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that
they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
(e) Jer.17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. Jer.17:7 Blessed
is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (f) 1 Pet.5:5
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be
subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the
proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Pet.5:6 Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (g) Heb.10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might
receive the promise. Col.1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his
glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Rom.5:3 And
not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh
patience; Rom.5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 1 Cor.10:10
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the
destroyer. Philip.2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
(h) Ps.104:27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due
season. Ps.104:28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand,
they are filled with good. Ps.104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled:
thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Ps.104:30
Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of
the earth. Isa.45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and
create evil: I the LORD do all these things. James 1:17 Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (i) Deut.6:5 And thou
shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy might. Matt.22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (j)
Deut.6:2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and
his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son,
all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
Ps.111:10 The fear
of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that
do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Prov.1:7 The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prov.9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of
the holy is understanding. Matt.10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but
are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both
soul and body in hell. (k) Matt.4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence,
Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve. Deut.10:20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou
serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. Deut.10:21 He is thy
praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible
things, which thine eyes have seen.
(l) Matt.5:29 And if thy right eye offend
thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that
one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast
into hell. Matt.5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it
from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matt.10:37 He that loveth
father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other
apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Question 95. What is idolatry?
Answer: Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true
God, who has manifested himself in his word, to contrive, or have any other
object, in which men place their trust. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Eph.5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor
unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in
the kingdom of Christ and of God. 1 Chron.16:26 For all the gods of the people
are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Philip.3:19 Whose end is destruction,
whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly
things.) Gal.4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them
which by nature are no gods. Eph.2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 1 John 2:23 Whosoever
denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the
Son hath the Father also. 2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in
the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ,
he hath both the Father and the Son. John 5:23 That all men should honour the
Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not
the Father which hath sent him.
(week) 35. Lord's Day
Question 96. What does God require in the second
commandment?
Answer: That we in no wise represent God by images, (a) nor
worship him in any other way than he has commanded in his word. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Deut.4:15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves;
for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in
Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Deut.4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and
make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or
female, Deut.4:17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness
of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, Deut.4:18 The likeness of any thing
that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters
beneath the earth: Deut.4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and
when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of
heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy
God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Isa.40:18 To whom then
will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? Isa.40:19 The
workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold,
and casteth silver chains. Isa.40:20 He that is so impoverished that he hath no
oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning
workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. Isa.40:21 Have ye
not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have
ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? Isa.40:22 It is he that
sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as
grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them
out as a tent to dwell in: Isa.40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he
maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. Isa.40:24 Yea, they shall not be
planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in
the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the
whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. Isa.40:25 To whom then will ye liken
me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Rom.1:23 And changed the glory of
the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds,
and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Rom.1:24 Wherefore God also gave
them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their
own bodies between themselves: Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring
of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or
stone, graven by art and man's device. (b) 1 Sam.15:23 For rebellion is as the
sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou
hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Deut.12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after
that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their
gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do
likewise. Deut.12:31 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every
abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for
even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.
Deut.12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add
thereto, nor diminish from it. Matt.15:9 But in vain they do worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Question 97. Are images then not at all to be made?
Answer: God neither can, nor may be represented by any
means: (a) but as to creatures; though they may be represented, yet God forbids
to make, or have any resemblance of them, either in order to worship them or to
serve God by them. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Isa.40:25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be
equal? saith the Holy One. (b) Exod.23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods,
nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them,
and quite break down their images. Exod.23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your
God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away
from the midst of thee. Exod.34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break
their images, and cut down their groves: Exod.34:14 For thou shalt worship no
other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exod.34:17
Thou shalt make thee no molten gods. Num.33:52 Then ye shall drive out all the
inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and
destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:
Deut.7:5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and
break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images
with fire. Deut.12:3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their
pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven
images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.
Deut.16:21 Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of
the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee. 2 Kin.18:3 And he did that which
was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.
2 Kin.18:4 He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the
groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto
those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it
Nehushtan.
Question 98. But may not images be tolerated in the
churches, as books to the laity?
Answer: No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God,
who will have his people taught, not by dump images, (a) but by the lively
preaching of his word. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Jer.10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the
stock is a doctrine of vanities. Hab.2:18 What profiteth the graven image that
the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that
the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? Hab.2:19 Woe unto
him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach!
Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in
the midst of it. (b) Rom.10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have
not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and
how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom.10:15 And how shall they preach,
except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that
preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Rom.10:17 So
then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 2 Pet.1:19 We have
also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as
unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star
arise in your hearts: 2 Tim.3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: 2 Tim.3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.
(week) 36. Lord's Day
Question 99. What is required in the third commandment?
Answer: That we, not only by cursing (a) or perjury, (b) but
also by rash swearing, (c) must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by
silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; (d) and,
briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and
reverence; (e) so that he may be rightly confessed (f) and worshipped by us, (g)
and be glorified in all our words and works. (h)
Footnotes
(a) Lev.24:11 And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the
name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's
name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) Lev.24:12 And
they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. Lev.24:13
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Lev.24:14 Bring forth him that hath
cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his
head, and let all the congregation stone him. Lev.24:15 And thou shalt speak
unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his
sin. Lev.24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be
put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the
stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the
LORD, shall be put to death. (b) Lev.19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name
falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. (c)
Matt.5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is
more than these cometh of evil. James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren,
swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath:
but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (d)
Lev.5:1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness,
whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear
his iniquity. Prov.29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he
heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. (e) Jer.4:2 And thou shalt swear, The
LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall
bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. Isa.45:23 I have sworn by
myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return,
That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (f) Rom.10:9 That
if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom.10:10 For
with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession
is made unto salvation. Matt.10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before
men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (g) Ps.50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt
glorify me. 1 Tim.2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up
holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (h) Rom.2:24 For the name of God is
blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 1 Tim.6:1 Let as
many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all
honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. Col.3:16 Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord. Col.3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Question 100. Is then the profaning of God's name, by
swearing and cursing, so heinous a sin, that his wrath is kindled against those
who do not endeavour, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such
cursing and swearing?
Answer: It undoubtedly is, (a) for there is no sin greater
or more provoking to God, than the profaning of his name; and therefore he has
commanded this sin to be punished with death. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Prov.29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own
soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. Lev.5:1 And if a soul sin, and
hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of
it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. (b) Lev.24:15 And
thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God
shall bear his sin. Lev.24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he
shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone
him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth
the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.
(week) 37. Lord's Day
Question 101. May we then swear religiously by the name of God?
Answer: Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the
subjects; or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm a fidelity and truth
to the glory of God, and the safety of our neighbour: for such an oath is
founded on God's word, (a) and therefore was justly used by the saints, both in
the Old and New Testament. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Deut.6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve
him, and shalt swear by his name. Deut.10:20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God;
him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
Isa.48:1 Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel,
and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the
LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in
righteousness. Heb.6:16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for
confirmation is to them an end of all strife. (b) Gen.21:24 And Abraham said, I
will swear. Gen.31:53 The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their
father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.
Gen.31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren
to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
Jos.9:15 And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let
them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. Jos.9:19 But all
the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD
God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. 1 Sam.24:22 And David sware
unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.
2 Sam.3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was
yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread,
or ought else, till the sun be down. 1 Kin.1:28 Then king David answered and
said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before
the king. 1 Kin.1:29 And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath
redeemed my soul out of all distress, 1 Kin.1:30 Even as I sware unto thee by
the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me,
and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this
day. Rom.1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of
his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 2
Cor.1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came
not as yet unto Corinth.
Question 102. May we also swear by saints or any other
creatures?
Answer: No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the
only one who knows the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish
me if I swear falsely; (a) which honour is due to no creature. (b)
Footnotes
(a) 2 Cor.1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul,
that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Rom.9:1 I say the truth in
Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, (b)
Matt.5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is
God's throne: Matt.5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by
Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Matt.5:36 Neither shalt thou
swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. James
5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by
the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay,
nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
(week) 38. Lord's Day
Question 103. What does God require in the fourth
commandment?
Answer: First, that the ministry of the gospel and the
schools be maintained; (a) and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on
the day of rest, diligently frequent the church of God, (b) to hear his word,
(c) to use the sacraments, (d) publicly to call upon the Lord, (e) and
contribute to the relief of the poor. (f) Secondly, that all the days of my life
I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy
Spirit in me: and thus begin in this life the eternal sabbath. (g)
Footnotes
(a) Tit.1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou
shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every
city, as I had appointed thee: 2 Tim.3:14 But continue thou in the things which
thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned
them; 2 Tim.3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus. 1 Tim.5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double
honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Cor.9:11 If we
have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your
carnal things? 1 Cor.9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy
things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar? 1 Cor.9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they
which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 2 Tim.2:2 And the things that
thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to teach others also. (b) Ps.40:10 I have not hid thy
righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy
salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great
congregation. Ps.40:11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let
thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. Ps.68:27 There is
little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the
princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. Acts 2:42 And they continued
stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread,
and in prayers. Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness
and singleness of heart, (c) 1 Tim.4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading,
to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Cor.14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak
five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also,
than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 1 Cor.14:29 Let the prophets speak
two or three, and let the other judge. 1 Cor.14:31 For ye may all prophesy one
by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (d) 1 Cor.11:33 Wherefore,
my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. (e) 1 Tim.2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 1 Tim.2:2 For kings, and for all that
are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty. 1 Tim.2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour; 1 Tim.2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy
hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Tim.2:9 In like manner also, that women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with
broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1 Tim.2:10 But (which
becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Tim.2:11 Let the woman
learn in silence with all subjection. 1 Cor.14:16 Else when thou shalt bless
with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen
at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? (f) 1
Cor.16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in
store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (g)
Isa.66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from
one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the
LORD.
(week) 39. Lord's Day
Question 104. What does God require in the fifth
commandment?
Answer: That I show all honour, love and fidelity, to my
father and mother, and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good
instruction and correction, with due obedience; (a) and also patiently bear with
their weaknesses and infirmities, (b) since it pleases God to govern us by their
hand. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Eph.5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands,
as unto the Lord. Eph.6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is
right. Eph.6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment
with promise;) Eph.6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long
on the earth. Eph.6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but
bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph.6:5 Servants, be
obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and
trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Col.3:18 Wives, submit
yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Col.3:20 Children,
obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Col.3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Col.3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not
with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Col.3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col.3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Prov.1:8 My son, hear the instruction
of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Prov.4:1 Hear, ye
children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
Prov.15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his
mother. Prov.20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put
out in obscure darkness. Exod.21:17 And he that curseth his father, or his
mother, shall surely be put to death. Rom.13:1 Let every soul be subject unto
the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ordained of God. Rom.13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the
ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Rom.13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou
then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have
praise of the same: Rom.13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But
if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:
for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth
evil. Rom.13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also
for conscience sake. Rom.13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they
are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Rom.13:7 Render
therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom
custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (b) Prov.23:22 Hearken unto
thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Gen.9:24
And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
Gen.9:25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto
his brethren. 1 Pet.2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not
only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (c) Eph.6:4 And, ye
fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. Eph.6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto
them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven;
neither is there respect of persons with him. Col.3:19 Husbands, love your
wives, and be not bitter against them. Col.3:20 Children, obey your parents in
all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Col.3:21 Fathers, provoke
not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Rom.13:2 Whosoever
therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that
resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Rom.13:3 For rulers are not a
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the
power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Matt.22:21
They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto
Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are
God's.
(week) 40. Lord's Day
Question 105. What does God require in the sixth
commandment?
Answer: That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures,
much less in deeds, I dishonour, hate, wound, or kill my neighbour, by myself or
by another: (a) but that I lay aside all desire of revenge: (b) also, that I
hurt not myself, nor wilfully expose myself to any danger. (c) Wherefore also
the magistrate is armed with the sword, to prevent murder. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old
time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment: Matt.5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to
his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say,
Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matt.26:52 Then said Jesus unto him,
Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall
perish with the sword. Gen.9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his
blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. (b) Eph.4:26 Be ye angry,
and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Rom.12:19 Dearly beloved,
avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written,
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Matt.5:25 Agree with thine
adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the
adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer,
and thou be cast into prison. Matt.18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do
also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their
trespasses. (c) Rom.13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Col.2:23 Which things have
indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the
body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Matt.4:7 Jesus said unto
him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (d) Gen.9:6
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of
God made he man. Exod.21:14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour,
to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
Matt.26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for
all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Rom.13:4 For he is the
minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid;
for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger
to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Question 106. But this commandment seems only to speak of
murder?
Answer: In forbidding murder, God teaches us, that he abhors
the causes thereof, such as envy, (a) hatred, (b) anger, (c) and desire of
revenge; and that he accounts all these as murder. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Prov.14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but
envy the rottenness of the bones. Rom.1:29 Being filled with all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of
envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (b) 1 John 2:9 He that
saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
1 John 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in
darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded
his eyes. (c) James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of
God. Gal.5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal.5:20 Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal.5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which
I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (d) 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth
his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life
abiding in him.
Question 107. But is it enough that we do not kill any man
in the manner mentioned above?
Answer: No: for when God forbids envy, hatred, and anger, he
commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves; (a) to show patience, peace,
meekness, mercy, and all kindness, towards him, (b) and prevent his hurt as much
as in us lies; (c) and that we do good, even to our enemies. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the
prophets. Matt.22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. Rom.12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with
brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (b) Eph.4:2 With all lowliness
and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Gal.6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such
an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted. Gal.6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Matt.5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matt.5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matt.5:9 Blessed are the
peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Rom.12:18 If it be
possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Luke 6:36 Be ye
therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 1 Pet.3:8 Finally, be ye
all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful,
be courteous:
Col.3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Rom.12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another; Rom.12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep
with them that weep. (c) Exod.23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee
lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help
with him.
(d) Matt.5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you; Matt.5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Rom.12:20 Therefore if thine
enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt
heap coals of fire on his head. Rom.12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome
evil with good.
(week) 41. Lord's Day
Question 108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?
Answer: That all uncleanness is accursed of God: (a) and
that therefore we must with all our hearts detest the same, (b) and live
chastely and temperately, (c) whether in holy wedlock, or in single life.
(d)
Footnotes
(a) Lev.18:27 (For all these abominations have the men of the
land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) Lev.18:28 That the
land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that
were before you. (b) Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of
the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (c) 1 Thess.4:3 For this
is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from
fornication: 1 Thess.4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his
vessel in sanctification and honour; 1 Thess.4:5 Not in the lust of
concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: (d) Heb.13:4 Marriage is
honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God
will judge. 1 Cor.7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every
man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
1 Cor.7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if
they abide even as I. 1 Cor.7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for
it is better to marry than to burn. 1 Cor.7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek
not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
Question 109. Does God forbid in this commandment, only
adultery, and such like gross sins?
Answer: Since both our body and soul are temples of the holy
Ghost, he commands us to preserve them pure and holy: therefore he forbids all
unchaste actions, gestures, words, (a) thoughts, desires, (b) and whatever can
entice men thereto. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Eph.5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or
covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Eph.5:4
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:
but rather giving of thanks. 1 Cor.6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man
doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against
his own body. 1 Cor.6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1
Cor.6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's. (b) Matt.5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by
them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Matt.5:28 But I say unto you,
That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with
her already in his heart. (c) Eph.5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is
excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 1 Cor.15:33 Be not deceived: evil
communications corrupt good manners.
(week) 42. Lord's Day
Question 110. What does God forbid in the eighth
commandment?
Answer: God forbids not only those thefts, (a) and
robberies, (b) which are punishable by the magistrate; but he comprehends under
the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we design to
appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbour: (c) whether it
be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells,
measures, fraudulent merchandise, (d) false coins, usury, (e) or by any other
way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, (f) all abuse and waste of his
gifts. (g)
Footnotes
(a) 1 Cor.6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (b) 1 Cor.5:10 Yet
not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or
extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
Isa.33:1 Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest
treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease
to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal
treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee. (c) Luke 3:14 And the
soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said
unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content
with your wages. 1 Thess.4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in
any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have
forewarned you and testified. (d) Prov.11:1 A false balance is abomination to
the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. Prov.16:11 A just weight and balance
are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work. Ezek.45:9 Thus saith
the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and
spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my
people, saith the Lord GOD. Ezek.45:10 Ye shall have just balances, and a just
ephah, and a just bath. Ezek.45:11 The ephah and the bath shall be of one
measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of an homer, and the ephah the
tenth part of an homer: the measure thereof shall be after the homer. Ezek.45:12
And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels,
fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh. Deut.25:13 Thou shalt not have in thy bag
divers weights, a great and a small. Deut.25:14 Thou shalt not have in thine
house divers measures, a great and a small. Deut.25:15 But thou shalt have a
perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy
days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deut.25:16 For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an
abomination unto the LORD thy God. (e) Ps.15:5 He that putteth not out his money
to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things
shall never be moved. Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend,
hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the
children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (f)
1 Cor.6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (g) Prov.23:20 Be not among
winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: Prov.23:21 For the drunkard and the
glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Prov.21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Question 111. But what does God require in this
commandment?
Answer: That I promote the advantage of my neighbour in
every instance I can or may; and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by
others: (a) further also that I faithfully labour, so that I may be able to
relieve the needy. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the
prophets. (b) Eph.4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him
labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give
to him that needeth.
(week) 43. Lord's Day
Question 112. What is required in the ninth commandment?
Answer: That I bear false witness against no man, (a) nor
falsify any man's words; (b) that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; (c) that I
do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly, or unheard; (d) but that I
avoid all sorts of lies and deceit, as the proper works of the devil, (e) unless
I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God; (f) likewise, that in
judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly and confess
it; (g) also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the horror and
good character of my neighbour. (h)
Footnotes
(a) Prov.19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he
that speaketh lies shall not escape. Prov.19:9 A false witness shall not be
unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Prov.21:28 A false witness
shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. (b) Ps.15:3 He that
backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a
reproach against his neighbour. Ps.50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy
tongue frameth deceit. Ps.50:20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother;
thou slanderest thine own mother's son. (c) Rom.1:29 Being filled with all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of
envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Rom.1:30 Backbiters, haters
of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to
parents, (d) Matt.7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matt.7:2 For with what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall
be measured to you again. Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged:
condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
(e) John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye
will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his
own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (f) Prov.12:22 Lying lips are
abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Prov.13:5 A
righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
(g) 1 Cor.13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Eph.4:25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we
are members one of another. (h) 1 Pet.4:8 And above all things have fervent
charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
(week) 44. Lord's Day
Question 113. What does the tenth commandment require of us?
Answer: That even the smallest inclination or thought,
contrary to any of God's commandments, never rise in our hearts; but that at all
times we hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.
(a)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God
forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust,
except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Question 114. But can those who are converted to God
perfectly keep these commandments?
Answer: No: but even the holiest men, while in this life,
have only a small beginning of this obedience; (a) yet so, that with a sincere
resolution they begin to live, not only according to some, but all the
commandments of God. (b)
Footnotes
(a) 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a
liar, and his word is not in us. Rom.7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual:
but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom.7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for
what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Eccl.7:20 For there is
not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. 1 Cor.13:9 For we
know in part, and we prophesy in part. (b) Rom.7:22 For I delight in the law of
God after the inward man: Ps.1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and
in his law doth he meditate day and night. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep
the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Question 115. Why will God then have the ten commandments so
strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?
Answer: First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and
more to know (a) our sinful nature, and thus become the more earnest in seeking
the remission of sin, and righteousness in Christ; (b) likewise, that we
constantly endeavour and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we
may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the
perfection proposed to us, in a life to come. (c)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no
flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 1 John
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Ps.32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee,
and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto
the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (b) Matt.5:6 Blessed
are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled. Rom.7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of
this death? Rom.7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the
mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (c) 1
Cor.9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. Philip.3:11 If by any means I might
attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philip.3:12 Not as though I had
already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may
apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philip.3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before, Philip.3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Of Prayer
(week) 45. Lord's Day
Question 116. Why is prayer necessary for christians?
Answer: Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which
God requires of us: (a) and also, because God will give his grace and Holy
Spirit to those only, who with sincere desires continually ask them of him, and
are thankful for them. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Ps.50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows
unto the most High: Ps.50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will
deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (b) Matt.7:7 Ask, and it shall be given
you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matt.7:8
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it
shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto
you. Luke 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:13 If ye then,
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall
your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 1 Thess.5:17
Pray without ceasing.
Question 117. What are the requisites of that prayer, which
is acceptable to God, and which he will hear?
Answer: First, that we from the heart pray (a) to the one
true God only, who has manifested himself in his word, (b) for all things, he
has commanded us to ask of him; (c) secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly
know our need and misery, (d) that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the
presence of his divine majesty; (e) thirdly, that we be fully persuaded that he,
notwithstanding that we are unworthy of it, will, for the sake of Christ our
Lord, certainly hear our prayer, (f) as he has promised us in his word. (g)
Footnotes
(a) John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must
worship him in spirit and in truth. Ps.145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them
that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (b) Rev.19:10 And I fell
at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy
fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship
God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. John 4:22 Ye worship
ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John
4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship
the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit
and in truth. (c) Rom.8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for
we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 1 John 5:14 And this
is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to
his will, he heareth us: James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given
him. (d) 2 Chron.20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might
against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do:
but our eyes are upon thee. (e) Ps.2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice
with trembling. Ps.34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD
delivereth him out of them all. Isa.66:2 For all those things hath mine hand
made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I
look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my
word. (f) Rom.10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher? James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing
wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed. (g) John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I
do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:14 If ye shall ask any
thing in my name, I will do it. John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me
nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in
my name, he will give it you. Dan.9:17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer
of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy
sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. Dan.9:18 O my God, incline
thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city
which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee
for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. (h) Matt.7:8 For every one
that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it
shall be opened. Ps.27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto
thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Question 118. What has God commanded us to ask of him?
Answer: All things necessary for soul and body; (a) which
Christ our Lord has comprised in that prayer he himself has taught us.
Footnotes
(a) James
1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Matt.6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.
Question 119. What are the words of that prayer? (a)
Answer: Our Father which art in heaven, 1 Hallowed be thy
name. 2 Thy kingdom come. 3 Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 4
Give us this day our daily bread. 5 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors. 6 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Footnotes
(a) Matt.6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father
which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matt.6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matt.6:11 Give us this day our daily
bread. Matt.6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matt.6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Luke 11:2 And he said
unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread. Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we
also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
(week) 46. Lord's Day
Question 120. Why has Christ commanded us to address God
thus: "Our Father"?
Answer: That immediately, in the very beginning of our
prayer, he might excite in us a childlike reverence for, and confidence in God,
which are the foundation of our prayer: namely, that God is become our Father in
Christ, and will much less deny us what we ask of him in true faith, than our
parents will refuse us earthly things. (a)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask
bread, will he give him a stone? Matt.7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him
a serpent? Matt.7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good
things to them that ask him? Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you
that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a
fish give him a serpent? Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him
a scorpion? Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask him?
Question 121. Why is it here added, "Which art in heaven"?
Answer: Lest we should form any earthly conceptions of God's
heavenly majesty, (a) and that we may expect from his almighty power all things
necessary for soul and body. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Jer.23:23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a
God afar off? Jer.23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not
see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Acts
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of
heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Acts 17:25 Neither is
worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to
all life, and breath, and all things; Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord,
if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from
every one of us: (b) Rom.10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and
the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
(week) 47. Lord's Day
Question 122. Which is the first petition?
Answer: "Hallowed be thy name"; that is, grant us, first,
rightly to know thee, (a) and to sanctify, glorify and praise thee, (b) in all
thy works, in which thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth, are
clearly displayed; and further also, that we may so order and direct our whole
lives, our thoughts, words and actions, that thy name may never be blasphemed,
but rather honoured and praised on our account. (c)
Footnotes
(a) John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Jer.9:24 But let
him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am
the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the
earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jer.31:33 But this shall
be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days,
saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their
hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer.31:34 And they
shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying,
Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the
greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will
remember their sin no more. Matt.16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him,
Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto
thee, but my Father which is in heaven. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let
him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it
shall be given him. Ps.119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto
my path. (b) Ps.119:137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy
judgments. Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Luke 1:47 And
my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of
Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, Luke 1:69 And hath raised
up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; Rom.11:33 O
the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Rom.11:34 For who
hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Rom.11:35 Or
who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
Rom.11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen. (c) Ps.71:8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and
with thy honour all the day. Ps.115:1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto
thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
(week) 48. Lord's Day
Question 123. Which is the second petition?
Answer: "Thy kingdom come"; that is, rule us so by thy word
and Spirit, that we may submit ourselves more and more to thee; (a) preserve and
increase thy church; (b) destroy the works of the devil, and all violence which
would exalt itself against thee; and also all wicked counsels devised against
thy holy word; (c) till the full perfection of thy kingdom take place, (d)
wherein thou shalt be all in all. (e)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Ps.119:5 O that my
ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Ps.143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for
thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. (b)
Ps.51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of
Jerusalem. Ps.122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that
love thee. Ps.122:7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy
palaces. Ps.122:8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace
be within thee. Ps.122:9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek
thy good. (c) 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil
sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that
he might destroy the works of the devil. Rom.16:20 And the God of peace shall
bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you. Amen. (d) Rev.22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him
that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely. Rev.22:20 He which testifieth these
things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rom.8:22
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together
until now. Rom.8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the
firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for
the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (e) 1 Cor.15:28 And when all
things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject
unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
(week) 49. Lord's Day
Question 124. Which is the third petition?
Answer: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"; that
is, grant that we and all men may renounce our own will, (a) and without
murmuring obey thy will, which is only good; (b) that every one may attend to,
and perform the duties of his station and calling, (c) as willingly and
faithfully as the angels do in heaven. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Matt.16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man
will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Tit.2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit.2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (b) Luke 22:42 Saying,
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will,
but thine, be done. Eph.5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Rom.12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,
will of God. (c) 1 Cor.7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called,
therein abide with God. (d) Ps.103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel
in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Ps.103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his
pleasure.
(week) 50. Lord's Day
Question 125. Which is the fourth petition?
Answer: "Give us this day our daily bread"; that is, be
pleased to provide us with all things necessary for the body, (a) that we may
thereby acknowledge thee to be the only fountain of all good, (b) and that
neither our care nor industry, nor even thy gifts, can profit us without thy
blessing; (c) and therefore that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures,
and place it alone in thee. (d)
Footnotes
(a) Ps.104:27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give
them their meat in due season. Ps.104:28 That thou givest them they gather: thou
openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Ps.145:15 The eyes of all wait
upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Ps.145:16 Thou openest
thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Matt.6:25 Therefore
I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye
shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more
than meat, and the body than raiment? Matt.6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for
they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly
Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (b) James 1:17 Every good
gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of
lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Acts 14:17
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave
us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and
gladness. Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel
after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Acts 17:28
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own
poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (c) 1 Cor.15:58 Therefore, my
beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Deut.8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with
manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make
thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Ps.37:3 Trust in the
LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be
fed. Ps.37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the
desires of thine heart. Ps.37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him;
and he shall bring it to pass. Ps.37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is
better than the riches of many wicked. Ps.127:1 <<A Song of degrees for
Solomon.>> Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build
it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Ps.127:2 It
is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows:
for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (d) Ps.55:23 But thou, O God, shalt bring
them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live
out half their days; but I will trust in thee. Ps.62:11 God hath spoken once;
twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Ps.146:3 Put not your
trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. Jer.17:5 Thus
saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his
arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. Jer.17:7 Blessed is the man that
trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
(week) 51. Lord's Day
Question 126. Which is the fifth petition?
Answer: "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our
debtors"; that is, be pleased for the sake of Christ's blood, not to impute to
us poor sinners, our transgressions, nor that depravity, which always cleaves to
us; (a) even as we feel this evidence of thy grace in us, that it is our firm
resolution from the heart to forgive our neighbour. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Ps.51:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to
Bathsheba.>> Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Ps.51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Ps.51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Ps.51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou
judgest. Ps.51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother
conceive me. Ps.51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the
hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Ps.51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and
I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Ps.143:2 And enter
not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be
justified. 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye
sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous: 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for
ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Rom.8:1 There is therefore
now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit. (b) Matt.6:14 For if ye forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Matt.6:15 But if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses.
(week) 52. Lord's Day
Question 127. Which is the sixth petition?
Answer: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil"; that is, since we are so weak in ourselves, that we cannot stand a
moment; (a) and besides this, since our mortal enemies, the devil, (b) the
world, (c) and our own flesh, (d) cease not to assault us, do thou therefore
preserve and strengthen us by the power of thy Holy Spirit, that we may not be
overcome in this spiritual warfare, (e) but constantly and strenuously may
resist our foes, till at last we obtain a complete victory. (f)
Footnotes
(a) John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that
abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me
ye can do nothing. Ps.103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we
are dust. (b) 1 Pet.5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Eph.6:12 For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places. (c) John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his
own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you. (d) Rom.7:23 But I see another law in my
members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to
the law of sin which is in my members. Gal.5:17 For the flesh lusteth against
the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to
the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (e) Matt.26:41 Watch
and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak. Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when
the time is. (f) 1 Thess.3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable
in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
with all his saints. 1 Thess.5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Question 128. How dost thou conclude thy prayer?
Answer: "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory, forever"; that is, all these we ask of thee, because thou, being our King
and almighty, art willing and able to give us all good; (a) and all this we pray
for, that thereby not we, but thy holy name, may be glorified for ever. (b)
Footnotes
(a) Rom.10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on
him shall not be ashamed. Rom.10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew
and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 2
Pet.2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (b) John 14:13 And
whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. Jer.33:8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity,
whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities,
whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.
Jer.33:9 And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all
the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and
they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that
I procure unto it. Ps.115:1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name
give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
Question 129. What does the word "Amen" signify?
Answer: "Amen" signifies, it shall truly and certainly be:
for my prayer is more assuredly heard of God, than I feel in my heart that I
desire these things of him. (a)
Footnotes
(a) 2 Cor.1:20 For all the promises of God in
him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Tim.2:13 If we
believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
End of the Catechism
Also, see:
Heidelberg Catechism
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