Two
short Catechisms
John Owen
(minor style revisions by R. Scott Clark, March 2006)Wherein the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, are
unfolded and explained.
To my Loving Neighbors and Christian Friends.
Brethren, My heart's desire and request unto God for you
is, that you may be
saved. I say the truth in Christ also, I lie not, my conscience
bearing
me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness, and
continual sorrow in my heart, for them amongst you who, as yet,
walk disorderly, and not as appropriate the Gospel, little
laboring to
acquaint themselves with the mystery of godliness; for many
walk, of
whom I have told you often weeping, and now tell you again with
sorrow, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose
end is
destruction, whose god is their belly, who mind earthly things.
You
know, brethren, how I have been amongst you, and in what manner,
for these few years past, and how I have kept back nothing (to
the
utmost of the dispensation to me committed) that was profitable
unto you; but have showed you, and taught you publicly and from
house to house, testifying to all repentance towards God, and
faith
towards our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, with what sincerity this has
been by me performed, with what issue and success by you
received,
God the righteous Judge will one day declare; for before him
must
both you and I appear, to give an account of the dispensation of
the
glorious Gospel amongst us; - in the meanwhile, the desire of my
heart is, to be servant to the least of you in the work of the
Lord; and
that in any way which I can concede profitable unto you, -
either in
your persons or your families. Now, amongst my endeavors in
this
kind, after the ordinance of public preaching the Word, there is
not,
I conceive, any more needful (as all will grant that know the
estate of
this place, how taught of late days, how full of grossly
ignorant
persons) than catechizing; which has caused me to set aside some
hours for the compiling of these following, which also I have
procured to be printed, merely because the least part of the
parish
are able to read it in writing; - my intention in them being,
principally, to hold out those necessary truths wherein you have
been in my preaching more fully instructed. As they are, the use
of
them I shall briefly present unto you: -
1. The Lesser Catechism may be so learned of the younger
sort, that they may be ready to answer to every question
thereof. 2. The Greater will call to mind much of what has been
taught you in public, especially concerning the Person and
Offices of Jesus Christ. 3. Out of that you may have help to instruct your families in
the Lesser, being so framed, for the most part, that a chapter
of the one is spent in unfolding a question of the other. p. 2 4. The texts of Scripture quoted are diligently to be sought
out and pondered, that you may know indeed whether these
things are so.
5. In reading the Word, you may have light into the meaning
of many places, by considering what they are produced to
confirm. 6. I have been sparing in the doctrine of the Sacraments,
because I have already been so frequent in examinations
about them.
7. The handling of moral duties I have wholly
omitted, because, by God's assistance, I intend for you a brief
explication of the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten
Commandments, with some articles of the Creed, not
unfolded in these, by themselves, by the way of question and
answer. Now, in all this, as the pains has been mine, so I pray that the
benefit
may be yours, and the praise His, to whom alone any good that is
in
this or any thing else is to be ascribed. Now, the God of heaven
continue that peace, love, and amity, amongst ourselves, which
hitherto has been unshaken, in these divided times, and grant
that
the scepter and kingdom of his Son may be gloriously advanced in
your hearts, that the things which concern your peace may not be
hidden from your eyes in this your day; Which is the daily
prayer of
Your servant in the work of the Lord,
J .O.
From my Study,
September the last, [1645]. The Lesser Catechism Q. Whence is all truth concerning God and
ourselves to be learned?
Ans. From the holy Scripture, the Word of God. - Chapter 1 of
the Greater Catechism.
Q. What do the Scriptures teach that God is?
A. An eternal, infinite, most holy Spirit, giving being to all
things, and doing with them whatsoever he pleases. - Chap. 2.
Q. Is there but one God?
A. One only, in respect of his essence and being, but one in
three distinct persons, of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. - Chap.
3. Q. What else is held forth in the Word concerning God,
that we ought to know.?
A. His decrees, and his works. - Chap. 4. Q. What are the decrees of God concerning us?
A. His eternal purposes, of saving some by Jesus Christ, for the
praise of his glory, and of condemning others for their sins. -
Chap. 5. Q. What are the works of God? p. 3 A. Acts or doings of his power, whereby he
creates, sustains, and governs all things. - Chap. 6. Q. What is required from us towards Almighty God?
A. Holy and spiritual obedience, according to his law given
unto us - Chap. 7.
Q. Are we able to do this of ourselves?
A. No, in no wise, being by nature unto every good work
reprobate. - Chap. 7. Q. How came we into this estate, being at the first
created in the image of God, in righteousness and innocence?
A. By the fall of our first parents, breaking the covenant of
God, losing his grace, and deserving his curse. - Chap. 8. Q. By what way may we be delivered from this
miserable estate?
A. Only by Jesus Christ. - Chap. 9. Q. What is Jesus Christ?
A. God and man united in one person, to be a mediator
between God and man. - Chap 10. Q. What is he unto us?
A. A King, a Priest, and a Prophet. - Chap. 11. Q. Wherein does he exercise his kingly power towards
us?
A. In converting us unto God by his Spirit, subduing us unto
his obedience, and ruling in us by his grace. - Chap. 12. Q. In what does the exercise of his priestly office for us
chiefly consist?
A. In offering up himself an acceptable sacrifice on the cross,
so satisfying the justice of God for our sins, removing his
curse
from our persons, and bringing us unto him. - Chap. 13. Q. Wherein does Christ exercise his prophetical office
towards us?
A. In revealing to our hearts, from the bosom of his Father, the
way and truth whereby we must come unto him. - Chap. 13. Q. In what condition does Jesus Christ exercise these
offices?
A. He did in a low estate of humiliation on earth, but now in a
glorious estate of exaltation in heaven. - Chap. 14. Q. For whose sake does Christ perform all these?
A. Only for his elect. - Chap. 15. Q. What is the church of Christ?
A. The universal company of God's elect, called to the adoption
of children. - Chap. 16. Q. How come we to be members of this church?
A. By a lively faith. - Chap. 17. Q. What is a lively faith?
p. 4 A. An assured resting of the soul upon God's promises of
mercy in Jesus Christ, for pardon of sins here and glory
hereafter. - Chap. 18. Q. How come we to have this faith?
A. By the effectual working of the Spirit of God in our hearts,
freely calling us from the state of nature to the state of
grace. -
Chap. 18. Q. Are we accounted righteous for our faith?
A. No, but only for the righteousness of Christ, freely imputed
unto us, and laid hold of by faith. - Chap. 19. Q. 1. Is there no more required of us but faith only?
A. Yes; repentance also, and holiness. - Chap. 20. Q. 2. What is repentance?
A. A forsaking of all sin, with godly sorrow for what we have
committed. - Chap. 20. Q. 3. What is that holiness which is required of us?
A. Universal obedience to the will of God revealed unto us. -
Chap. 20. Q. What are the privileges of believers?
A. First, union with Christ; secondly, adoption of children;
thirdly, communion of saints; fourthly, right to the seals of
the
new covenant; fifthly, Christian liberty; sixthly, resurrection
of
the body to life eternal. - Chap. 21. Q. 1. What are the sacraments, or seals, of the new
covenant?
A. Visible seals of God's spiritual promises, made unto us in
the blood of Jesus Christ. - Chap. 21. Q. 2. Which be they?
A. Baptism and the Lord's supper. Q. What is baptism?
A. A holy ordinance, whereby, being sprinkled with water
according to Christ's institution, we are by his grace made
children of God, and have the promises of the covenant sealed
unto us. - Chap. 23. Q. What is the Lord's supper?
A. A holy ordinance of Christ, appointed to communicate unto
believers his body and blood spiritually, being represented by
bread and wine, blessed, broken, poured out, and received of
them. - Chap. 24. Q. Who have a right unto this sacrament?
A. They only who have an interest in Jesus Christ by faith. -
Chap. 24. Q. What is the communion of saints?
A. A holy conjunction between all God's people, partakers of
the same Spirit, and members of the same mystical body. -Chap. 25. Q. What is the end of all this dispensation?
p. 5 A. The glory of God in our salvation.
Glory be to God on high! The Greater Catechism
CHAPTER 1: OF THE SCRIPTURE.
Q. 1. What is Christian religion?
Ans. The only way of knowing God aright,
and living unto him.
John 14:5, 6, 17:3;
Acts 4:12. Colossians 1:10; 2 Corinthians
5:15; Galatians 2:19, 20. Q. 2. Whence is it to be learned?
A. From the holy Scripture only.
Isaiah
8:20; John 5:39. Q. 3. What is the Scripture?
A. The books of the Old and New Testament,
given by inspiration from God, containing
all things necessary to be believed and
done, that God may be worshipped and our
souls saved.
Isaiah 8:20; Romans 3:2. 2
Timothy 3:16, 17; Revelation 22:19, 20
Psalm 19:7, 8; Jeremiah 7:13; John 20:31.
Q. 4. How know you them to be the word of
God?
A. By the testimony of God’s Spirit working
faith in my heart to close with that
heavenly majesty, and clear divine truth,
that shines in them.
Matthew 16:17; John p. 6 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 2:20,
5:6. Luke 24:32; 1 Corinthians 2:14;
Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19.
CHAPTER 2: OF GOD. Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach
concerning God?
A. First, what he is, or his nature;
secondly, what he does, or his works.
Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 45:6; Hebrews 1:1-3,
11:6. Q. 2. What is God in himself?
A. An Eternal, infinite, etc.
incomprehensible Spirit, giving being to
all things, and doing with them whatsoever
he pleases.
Deuteronomy 33:27; Isaiah
57:15; Revelation 1:8. 1 Kings 8:27;
Psalm 139:2-5, Exodus 33:20; 1 Timothy
6:16. Genesis 1:1; Psalm 115:3, 135:6;
Isaiah 46:10; John 5:17;
Q. 3. Do we here know God as he is?
A. No, his glorious being is not of us, in
this life, to be comprehended.
Exodus
33:23; 1 Corinthians 13:12.
Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefly made known unto
us in the Word?
A. First, by his names; secondly, by his
attributes or properties.
Exodus 3:14,
6:3; Psalm 83:18. Exodus 34:6,7; Matthew
5:48. Q. 5. What are the names of God?
A. Glorious titles, which he has given
himself, to hold forth his excellencies
unto us, with some perfections whereby he
will reveal himself.
Exodus 3:14, 15, 6:3,
34:6, 7; Genesis 17:1.
Q. 6. What are the attributes of God?
A. His infinite perfections in being and
working.
Revelation 4:8-11.
Q. 7. What are the chief attributes of his
being?
A. Eternity, infiniteness, Simplicity or
purity, all-sufficiency, Perfection,
immutability, life, will, and
understanding.
Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm
93:2; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:11. 1
Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:1-4, 8-10. Exodus
3:14. Genesis 17:1; Psalm 135:4-6. Job
11:7-9; Romans 11:33-36. Malachi 3:6;
James 1:17. Judges 8:19; 1 Samuel 25:34;
2 Kings 3:14; Ezekiel 14:16; 16:48;
Matthew 16:16; Acts 14:15; 1
Thessalonians 1:9. Daniel 4:35; Isaiah
46:10; Ephesians 1:5, 11; James 1:18.
Psalm 7:8, 139:2, 147:4; Jeremiah 11:20;
Hebrews 4:13. p. 7 Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually
are ascribed to him in his works, or the
acts of his will?
A. Goodness, power, justice, mercy,
holiness, wisdom, and the like; which he delights to exercise towards his
creatures, for the praise of his glory.
Psalm 119:68; Matthew 19:17. Exodus
15:11; Psalm 62:11; Revelation 19:1.
Zephaniah 3:5; Psalm 11:7; Jeremiah 12:1;
Romans 1:32. Psalm 130:7; Romans 9:15;
Ephesians 2:4. Exodus 15:11; Joshua 24:19
Habakkuk 1:13; Revelation 4:8. Romans
11:33, 16:27. CHAPTER 3: OF THE HOLY TRINITY. Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these
properties do belong?
A. One only, in respect of his essence and
being but one in three distinct persons,
of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 19:17; Ephesians
4:5, 6. Genesis 1:26; 1 John 5:7; Matthew
28:19. Q. 2. What mean you by person?
A. A distinct manner of subsistence or
being, distinguished from the other
persons by its own properties.
John 5:17;
Hebrews 1:3.
Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of
the person of the Father?
A. To be of himself only the fountain of
the Godhead.
John 5:26, 27; Ephesians
1:3.
Q. 4. What is the property of the Son?
A. To be begotten of his Father from
eternity.
Psalm 2:7; John 1:14, 3:16.
Q. 5. What of the Holy ghost?
A. To proceed from the Father and the Son. John 14:17, 16:14, 15:26, 20:22.
Q. 6. Are these three one?
A. One every way, in nature, will, and
essential properties, distinguished only
in their personal manner of subsistence.
John 10:30; Romans 3:30. John 15:26; 1
John 5:7. Q. 7. Can we conceive these things as they
are in themselves?
A. Neither we nor yet the angels of heaven
are at all able to dive into these
secrets, as they are internally God; but
in respect of the outward dispensation of
themselves to us by creation, redemption,
and sanctification, a knowledge may be
attained of these things, saving and
p. 8 heavenly.
1 Timothy 6:16. Isaiah 6:2, 3.
Colossians 1:11-14.
CHAPTER 4: OF THE WORKS OF GOD; AND, FIRST, OF
THOSE THAT ARE INTERNAL AND IMMANENT.
Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach
concerning the works of God?
A. That they are of two sorts; first,
internal, in his counsel, decrees, and
purposes, towards his creatures; secondly,
external, in his works over and about
them, to the praise of his own glory.
Acts
15:18; Proverbs 16:4.
Q. 2. What are the decrees of God?
A. Eternal, unchangeable purposes of his
will, concerning the being and well-being
of his creatures.
Micah 5:2; Ephesians
3:9-11; Acts 15:18. Isaiah 14:24, 46:10;
Romans 9:11; 2 Timothy 2:19.
Q. 3. Concerning which of his creatures
chiefly are his decrees to be considered?
A. Angels and men, for whom other things
were ordained.
1 Timothy 5:21; Jude 6.
Q. 4. What are the decrees of God concerning
men?
A. Election and reprobation. Romans 9:11-13. Q. 5. What is the decree of election?
A. The eternal, fire immutable purpose of
God, whereby in Jesus Christ he chooseth
unto himself whom he pleaseth out of whole
mankind, determining to bestow upon them,
for his sake, grace here, and everlasting
happiness hereafter, for the praise of his
glory, by way of mercy.
Ephesians 1:4;
Acts 13:48; Romans 8:29, 30. Matthew
11:26. 2 Timothy 2:19. Ephesians 1:4, 5;
Matthew 22:14. Romans 9:18-21. John 6:37,
17:6, 9, 11, 24. Q. 6. Doth any thing in us move the Lord
thus to choose us from amongst others?
A. No, in no wise; we are in the same lump
with others rejected when separated by his
undeserved grace.
Romans 9:11, 12;
Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 2
Timothy 1:9.
Q. 7. What is the decree of reprobation?
A. The eternal purpose of God to suffer
many to sin, leave them in their sin, and
not giving them to Christ, to punish them
for their sin.
Romans 9:11, 12, 21, 22;
Proverbs 16:4; Matthew 11:25, 26; 2 Peter
2:12; Jude 4. CHAPTER 5: OF THE WORKS OF GOD THAT OUTWARDLY
ARE OF HIM. p. 9 Q. 1. What are the works of God that
outwardly respect his creatures?
A. First, of creation; secondly, of actual
providence.
Psalm 33:9; Hebrews 1:2, 3.
Q. 2. What is the work of creation?
A. An act or work of God’s almighty power,
whereby of nothing, in six days, he
created heaven, earth, and the sea, with
all things in them contained.
Genesis 1:1;
Exodus 20:11; Proverbs 16:4.
Q. 3. Wherefore did God make man?
A. For his own glory in his service and
obedience.
Genesis 1:26, 27, 2:16, 17;
Romans 9:23. Q. 4. Was man able to yield the service and
worship that God required of him?
A. Yea, to the uttermost, being created
upright in the image of God, in purity,
innocence, righteousness, and holiness.
Genesis 1:26; Ecclesiastes 7:29;
Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10.
Q. 5. What was the rule whereby man was at
first to be directed in his obedience?
A. The moral or eternal law of God,
implanted in his nature and written in his
heart by creation, being the tenor of the
covenant between him, sacramentally
typified by the tree of knowledge good and
evil.
Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 2:14, 15;
Ephesians 4:24. Q. 6. Do we stand in the same covenant
still, and have we the same power to yield
obedience unto God?
A. No; the covenant was broken by the sin
of Adam, with whom it was made, our nature
corrupted, and all power to do good
utterly lost.
Genesis 3:16-18; Galatians
3:10, 11, 21; Hebrews 7:19, 8:13. Job
14:4; Psalm 51:5. Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah
13:23.
CHAPTER 6: OF GOD’S ACTUAL PROVIDENCE.
Q. 1. What is God’s actual providence?
A. The effectual working of his power, and
almighty act of his will, whereby he
sustaineth, governeth, and disposeth of
all things, men and their actions, to the
ends which he has ordained for them.
Exodus 4:11; Job 5:10-12, 9:5, 6; Psalm
147:4; Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 45:6, 7;
John 5:17; Acts 17:28; Hebrews 1:3.
Q. 2. How is this providence exercised
towards mankind?
A. Two ways; first, peculiarly towards his
church, or elect, in their generations,
for whom are all things; secondly, towards
p. 10 all in a general manner, yet with various
and divers dispensations.
Deuteronomy
32:10; Psalm 17:8; Zechariah 2:8; Matthew
16:18, 19: 2, 29; 1 Peter 5:7. Genesis
9:5; Psalm 75:6, 7; Isaiah 45:6, 7;
Matthew 5:45. Q. 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward
providence of God towards his church? A. In three things; — first, in causing
and things to work together for their
good; secondly, in ruling and disposing of
kingdoms, nations, and persons, for their
benefit; thirdly, in avenging them of
their adversaries.
Matthew 6:31-33;
Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Peter 1:3.
Psalm 105:14,15; Isaiah 44:28; Daniel
2:44; Romans 9:17. Isaiah 60:12;
Zechariah 12:2-5; Luke 17:7; Revelation
17:14. Q. 4. Does God rule also in and over the
sinful actions of wicked men?
A. Yea, he willingly (according to his
determinate counsel) suffereth them to be,
for the manifestation of his glory, and by
them effecteth his own righteous ends.
2
Samuel 12:11, 16:10; 1 Kings 11:31, 22:22;
Job 1:21; Proverbs 22:14; Isaiah 10:6, 7;
Ezekiel 21:19-21; Amos 7:17; Acts 4:27,
28; Romans 1:24, 9:22; 1 Peter 2:8;
Revelation 17:17.
CHAPTER 7 OF THE LAW OF GOD. Q. 1. Which is the law that God gave man at
first to fulfill?
A. The same which was afterwards written
with the finger of God in two tables of
stone Mount Horeb, called the Ten
Commandments.
Romans 2:14, 15.
Q. 2. Is the observation of this law still
required of us?
A. Yes, to the uttermost tittle. Matthew
5:17; 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:31; James 2:8-10; Galatians 3.
Q. 3. Are we able of ourselves to perform
it?
A. No, in no wise; the law is spiritual,
but we are carnal.
1 Kings 8:46; Genesis
6:5; John 15:5; Romans 7:14, 8:7; 1 John
1:8. Q. 4. Did, then, God give a law which could
not be kept?
A. No; when God gave it, we had power to
keep it; which since we have lost in Adam.
Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 4:19; Romans
5:12. Q. 5. Whereto, then, does the law now serve?
A. For two general ends; first, to be a
rule of our duty, or to discover to us the John Owen
p. 11
obedience of God required; secondly, lets
drive us unto Christ.
Psalm 19:7-11; 1
Timothy 1:8, 9. Galatians 3:24. Q. 6. How does the law drive us unto Christ?
A. Divers ways; as, first, by laying open
unto us the utter disability of our nature
to do any good; secondly, by charging the
wrath and curse of God, due to sin, upon
the conscience; thirdly, by bringing the
whole soul under bondage to sin, death,
Satan, and hell — so making us long and
seek for a Savior.
Romans 7:7-9;
Galatians 3:19. Romans 3:19, 20, 4:15,5:20; Galatians 3:10. Galatians 3:22;
Hebrews 2:15. CHAPTER 8: OF THE STATE OF CORRUPTED NATURE. Q. 1. How came this weakness and disability
upon us?
A. By the sin and shameful fall of our
first parents.
Romans 5:12, 14.
Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us, their
posterity?
A. Divers ways; first, in that we were all
guilty of the same breach of covenant with
Adam, being all in him; secondly, our
souls with his were deprived of that
holiness, innocence, and righteousness
wherein they were at first created;
thirdly, pollution and defilement of
nature came upon us; with, fourthly, an
extreme disability of doing any thing that
is wellpleasing unto God; by all which we
are made obnoxious to the curse.
John
3:36; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3. Genesis
3:10; Ephesians 4:23, 24; Colossians
3:10. Job 14:4; Psalm 51:7; John 3:6;
Romans 3:13. Genesis 6:5; Ephesians 2:1;
Jeremiah 6:16, 13:23; Romans 8:7. Genesis
3:17; Galatians 3:10.
Q. 3. Wherein does the curse of God consist?
A. In divers things; first, in the guilt of
death, temporal and eternal; secondly, the
loss of the grace and favor of God;
thirdly, guilt and horror of conscience,
despair and anguish here; with, fourthly,
eternal damnation hereafter.
Genesis 2:17;
Romans 1:18, 5:12, 17; Ephesians 2:3.
Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 16:3-5; Ephesians
2:13. Genesis 3:10; Isaiah 48:22; Romans
3:9, 19, Galatians 3:22. Genesis 3:10,
13; John 3:36.
Q. 4. Are all men born in this estate?
A. Every one without exception.
Psalm
51:5; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:9-12;
Ephesians 2:3. Q. 5. And do they continue therein?
A. Of themselves they cannot otherwise do,
Being able neither to know, nor will, nor
do any thing that is spiritually good and
p. 12 pleasing unto God.
Acts 8:31, 16:14; 1
Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:8; John
1:5. Jeremiah 6:16, 13:23; Luke 4:18;
Romans 6:16, 8:7. John 6:44; 2
Corinthians 3:5. Q. 6. Have they, then, no way of themselves
to escape the curse and wrath of God?
A. None at all; they can neither satisfy
his justice, nor fulfill his law.
CHAPTER 9: OF THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST.
Q. 1. Shall all mankind, then, everlastingly
perish?
A. No; God, of his free grace, has prepared
a way to redeem and save his elect.
John
3:16; Isaiah 53:6. Q. 2. What way was this?
A. By sending his own Son Jesus Christ in
the likeness of sinful flesh, condemning
sin sinful flesh, condemning sin.
Romans
8:3. Q. 3. Who is this you call his own Son?
A. The second person of the Trinity,
coeternal and of the one Deity with his
Father.
John 1:14; Romans 1:3; Galatians
4:4; 1 John 1:1. Q. 4. How did God send him?
A. By causing him to be made flesh of a
pure virgin, and to dwell among us, that
he might be obedient unto death, the death
of the cross.
Isaiah 50:6; John 1:14;
Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:8; 1 Timothy
3:16. CHAPTER 10: OF THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST. Q. 1. What does the Scripture teach us of
Jesus Christ?
A. Chiefly two things first, his person, or
what he is in himself; secondly, his
offices, or what he is unto us.
Q. 2. What does it teach of his person?
A. That he is truly God, and perfect man,
partaker of the natures of God and man in
one person, between whom he is a Mediator.
John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14, 15; Ephesians
4:5; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 1:1.
Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truly
God?
A. Divers ways; first, by places of
Scripture, speaking of the great God
Jehovah in the Old Testament, applied to
our Savior in the New; as,
Numb. 21:5, 6,
in 1 Corinthians 10:9; Psalm 102:25-27,
in Hebrews 1:10; Isaiah 6:2-4, in John
p. 13 12:40 ,41; Isaiah 8:13,14, in Luke 2:34,
Romans 9:33; Isaiah 40:3, 4, in John
1:23; Isaiah 45:22, 23, in Romans 14:11,
Philippians 2:10, 11; Malachi 3:1, in
Matthew 11:10.
Secondly, By the works of the Deity
ascribed unto him; as, first, of creation,
John 1:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2;
secondly, of preservation in providence,
Hebrews 1:3; John 5:17; thirdly, miracles.
Thirdly, By the essential attributes of God
being ascribed unto him; as, first,
immensity, Matthew 28:20; John 14:23;
Ephesians 3:17;
secondly, eternity, John
1:1; Revelation 1:11; Micah 5:2; thirdly,
immutability, Hebrews 1:11, 12; fourthly,
omniscience, John 21:17; Revelation 2:2 3;
fifthly, majesty and glory equal to his
Father, John 5:23; Revelation 5:13;
Philippians 1:2, 2:6, 9, 10.
Fourthly, By the names given unto him; as,
first, of God expressly John 1:1, 20:28;
Acts 20:28; Romans 9:5; Philippians 2:6;
Hebrews 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:16; secondly, of
the Son of God, John 1:18; Romans 8:3,
etc. Q. 4. Was it necessary that our Redeemer
should be God?
A. Yes; that he might be able to save to
the uttermost, and to satisfy the wrath of
his Father, which no creature could
perform.
Isaiah 43:25, 53:6; Daniel 9:17,
19. Q. 5. How prove you that he was a perfect
man?
A. First, By the prophecies that went
before, that so he should be. Secondly, By
the relation of their accomplishment.
Thirdly, By the Scriptures assigning to
him those things which are required to a
perfect man; as, first, a body, secondly,
a soul, and therein, first, a will,
secondly, affections, thirdly, endowments,
Fourthly, General infirmities of nature.
Genesis 2:15, 18:18. Matthew 1:1; Romans
1:4; Galatians 4:4. Luke 24:39; Hebrews
2:17, 10:5; 1 John 1:1; Matthew 26:38;
Mark 14:34; Matthew 26:39; Mark 3:5; Luke
10:21; Luke 2:52. Matthew 4:2; John 4:6;
Hebrews 2:18.
Q. 6. Wherefore was our Redeemer to be man?
A. That the nature which had offended might
suffer, and make satisfaction, and so he
might be every way a fit and sufficient
Savior for men.
Hebrews 2:10-17.
CHAPTER 11: OF THE OFFICES OF CHRIST; AND, FIRST, OF
HIS KINGLY. Q. 1. How many are the offices of Jesus
Christ? p. 14 A. Three; first, of a King; secondly, of
Priest; thirdly, of Prophet.
Psalm 2:6.
Psalm 110:4. Deuteronomy 18:15.
Q. 2. Hath he these offices peculiar by
nature?
A. No; he only received them for offended
might suffer, and make satisfaction, and
so he might be every way a fit and
sufficient Savior for men. until the work
of redemption be perfected.
Psalm 110:1;
Acts 2:36, 10:42; 1 Corinthians 11:3,
15:27, 28; Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 3:2,
6, 2:7-9.
Q. 3. Wherein does the kingly office of
Christ consist?
A. In a two-fold power; first, his power of
ruling in and over his church; secondly,
his power of subduing his enemies.
Psalm
110:3-7.
Q. 4. What is his ruling power in and over
his people?
A. That supreme authority which, Christ’s
subjects are all for their everlasting
good, born rebels, and are he useth
towards them, stubborn, until he make them
whereof in general there be obedient by
his Word and two acts; spirit. first,
internal and spiritual, in converting
their souls unto him, making them unto
himself a willing, obedient, persevering
people; secondly, eternal and
ecclesiastical, in giving perfect laws and
rules for their government, as gathered
into holy societies under him.
Isaiah
53:12, 59:20, 21; Hebrews 8:10-12; Isaiah
61:1, 2; John 1:16, 12:32; Mark 1:15;
Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.
Matthew 16:19; 1 Corinthians 12:28;
Ephesians 4:8-14; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17;
Revelation 22:18, 19.
Q. 5. How many are the acts of his kingly
power towards his enemies?
A. Two also first, internal, by the mighty
working of his Word, and the spirit of
bondage upon their hearts, convincing,
amazing, terrifying their consciences,
hardening their spirits for ruin;
Secondly, external, in judgements and
vengeance, which ofttimes he beginneth in
this life, and will continue unto
eternity.
Psalm 110; John 6:46, 8:59;
9:41; 12:40; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; 1
Corinthians 5:6; 1 Timothy 1:20. Mark
16:16; Luke 19:27; Acts 13:11; Revelation
17:14. CHAPTER 12: OF CHRIST’S PRIESTLY OFFICE.
Q. 1. By what means did Jesus Christ
undertake the office of an eternal priest?
A. By the decree, ordination, and will of
God his Father, whereunto he yielded
voluntary obedience; so that concerning
p. 15 this there was a compact and covenant
between them.
Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5,
6; 7:17,18. Isaiah 50:4-6; Hebrews 10:5-
10. Psalm 2:7, 8; Isaiah 53:8, 10-12;
Philippians 2:7, 9; Hebrews 12:2; John
17:2, 4. Q. 2. Wherein does his execration of this
office consist?
A. In bringing his people unto God.
Hebrews 2:10, 4:16, 7:25.
Q. 3. What are the parts of it?
A. First, oblation; secondly, intercession.
Hebrews 9:14. Hebrews 7:25. Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ?
A. The offering up of himself secondly,
intercession. an holy propitiatory
sacrifice for the sins of all the elect
throughout the world; as also, the
presentation of himself for us in heaven,
sprinkled with the blood of the covenant.
Isaiah 53:10,12; John 3:16, 11:51, 17:19;
Hebrews 9:13, 14. Hebrews 9:24. Q. 5. Whereby does this oblation do good
unto us?
A. Divers ways; first, in that it satisfied
the justice of God; secondly, it redeemed
us from the power of sin, death, and hell;
thirdly, it ratified the new covenant of
grace; fourthly, it procured for us grace
here, and glory hereafter; by all which
means the peace and reconciliation between
God and us is wrought.
Ephesians 2:14, 15.
Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfy
God’s justice for our sin? A. In that for us he underwent the
punishment due to our sin.
Isaiah 53:4-6;
John 10:11; Romans 3:25, 26, 4:25; 1
Corinthians15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21;
Ephesians 5:2; 1 Peter 2:24.
Q. 7. What was that punishment?
A. The wrath of God, the curse of the law,
the pains of hell, due to sinners, in body
and soul.
Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy
27:15-26; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:12;
Ephesians 2:3; John 3:36; Hebrews 2:14.
Q. 8. Did Christ undergo all these?
A. Yes; in respect of the greatness and
extremity, not the eternity and
continuance of those pains; for it was
impossible he should be holden of death. Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:33, 34; 15:34;
Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians
1:20; Hebrews 5:7; Psalm 18:5.
Q. 9. How could the punishment of one
satisfy for the offense of all?
p. 16 A. In that he was not a mere man only, but
God also, of infinitely more value than
all those who had offended.
Romans 5:9;
Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 3:18. Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem
from death and hell?
A. First, by paying a ransom to God, the
judge and lawgiver, who had condemned us;
secondly, by overcoming and spoiling
Satan, death, and the powers of hell, that
detained us captives.
Matthew 20:28; John
6:51; Mark 10:45; Romans 3:25; 1
Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 3:13;
Ephesians 1:7; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews
10:9. John 5:24; Colossians 2:13-15; 1
Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter
1:18, 19. Q. 11. What was the ransom that Christ paid
for us?
A. His own precious blood.
Acts 20:28; 1
Peter 1:19.
Q. 12. How was the new covenant ratified in
his blood?
A. By being accompanied with his death; for
that, as all other testaments, was to be
ratified by the death of the testator.
Genesis 22:18; Hebrews 9:16, 8:10-12.
Q. 13. What is this new covenant?
A. The gracious, free, immutable promise of
God, made unto all his elect fallen in
Adam, to give them Jesus Christ, and in
him mercy, pardon, grace, and glory, with
a re-stipulation of faith from them unto
this promise, and new obedience.
Genesis
3:15; Jeremiah 31:31-34, 32:40; Hebrews
8:10-12. Galatians 3:8, 16; Genesis 12:3.
Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3, 4. Mark
16:16; John 1:12, 10:27, 28.
Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us grace,
faith, and glory?
A. By the way of purchase and merit; for
the death of Christ deservedly procured of
God that he should bless us with all
spiritual blessings needful for our coming
unto him.
Isaiah 53:11, 12; John 17:2;
Acts 20:28; Romans 5:17, 18; Ephesians
2:15, 16, 1:4; Philippians 1:29; Titus
2:14; Revelation 1:5, 6.
Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ?
A. His continual soliciting of God on our
behalf, begun here in fervent prayers,
continued in heaven by appearing as our
advocate at the throne of grace.
Psalm
2:8; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24,
10:19-21; 1 John 2:1, 2; John 17. in
heaven by appearing as our advocate at the
throne of grace. CHAPTER 13: OF CHRIST’S PROPHETICAL OFFICE.
p. 17 Q. 1. Wherein does the prophetical office of
Christ consist?
A. In his embassage from God to man,
revealing from the bosom of his Father the
whole mystery of godliness, the way and
truth whereby we must come unto God.
Matthew 5; John 1:18, 3:32, 9, 14, 14:5,
6, 17:8, 18:37.
Q. 2. Mow does he exercise this office
towards us?
A. By making known the whole
instrumentally, by the Word a saving and
spiritual manner. Deuteronomy 18:18;
Isaiah 42:6; Hebrews 3:1. Q. 3. By what means does he perform all
this?
A. Divers; as, first, internally and of
humiliation or abasement; secondly, of
exaltation or glory. writing his law in
our hearts; secondly, outwardly and
instrumentally, by the Word preached.
Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1
Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 8:10. John
20:31; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians
4:8-13; 2 Peter 1:21.
CHAPTER 14: OF THE TWO-FOLD ESTATE OF CHRIST.
Q. 1. In what estate or condition does
Christ exercise these offices?
A. In a two-fold estate; first, of
humiliation or abasement; secondly, of
exaltation or glory. Philippians 2:8-10.
Q. 2. Wherein consisteth the state of
Christ’s humiliation?
A. In three things; first, in his
incarnation, or being born of woman;
secondly, this obedience, or fulfilling
the whole law, moral and ceremonial;
thirdly, in his passion, or enduring all
sorts of miseries, even death itself.
Luke
1:35; John 1:14; Romans 1:3; Galatians
4:4; Hebrews 2:9, 14. Matthew 3:15, 5:17;
Luke 2:21; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21;
1 Peter 1:19; 1 John 3:5. Isaiah 53:6;
Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:21.
Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation?
A. In, first, his resurrection; secondly,
ascension; thirdly, sitting at the right
hand of God; — by all which he was
declared to be the Son of God with power.
Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:4, 6:4; Ephesians
4:9; Philippians 2:9, 10; 1 Timothy 3:16.
CHAPTER 15: OF THE PERSONS TO WHOM THE BENEFITS
OF CHRIST’S OFFICES DO BELONG. Q. 1. Unto whom do the saving benefits of
what Christ performeth, in the execution
of his offices, belong?
p. 18 A. Only to his elect.
John 17:9; Isaiah
63:9; Hebrews 3:6, 10:21.
Q. 2. Died he for no other?
A. None, in respect of his Father’s eternal
purpose, and his own intention of removing
wrath from them, and procuring grace and
glory for them.
Acts 20:28; Matthew
20:28, 26:28; Hebrews 9:28; John 11:51,
52; Isaiah 53:12; John 3:16, 10:11-13,15;
Ephesians 5:25; Romans 8:32, 34; Galatians
3:13; John 6:37, 39; Romans 4:25; 2
Corinthians 5:19, 20. Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom
Christ died not?
A. Everlasting torments for their sins;
their portion in their own place.
Mark
16:16; John 3:36; Matthew 25:41; Acts
1:25. Q. 4. For whom does he make intercession?
A. Only for those who from eternity were
given him by his Father.
John 17; Hebrews
7:24, 25.
CHAPTER 16: OF THE CHURCH.
Q. 1. How are the elect called, in respect
of their obedience unto Christ, and union
with him?
A. His church.
Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:32.
Q. 2. What is the church of Christ?
A. The whole company of God’s elect, called
elect, called by the Word and Spirit, out
of their natural condition, to the dignity
of his children, and united unto Christ
their head, by faith, in the bond of the
Spirit.
Acts 2:47; 1 Timothy 5:21;
Hebrews 12:22-24. Romans 1:5, 6, 9:11,24;
1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Timothy 1:9. Acts
16:14; John 3:8; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1
Peter 1:23; Hebrews 8:10. Ephesians 2:11-13; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 2:14, 15; 1
Peter 2:9. John 17:21; Ephesians 2:18-22.
Q. 3. Is this whole church always in the
same state?
A. No; one part of it is militant, the
other triumphant. Q. 4. What is the church militant?
A. That portion of God’s elect which, in
their generation, cleaveth unto Christ by
faith, and fighteth against the world,
flesh, and devil.
Ephesians 6:11, 12;
Hebrews 11:13, 14, 12:1, 4.
Q. 5. What is the church triumphant?
p. 19 A. That portion of God’s people who, having
fought their fight and kept the faith, are
now in heaven, resting from their labors.
Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 3:21, 14:13. Q. 6. Are not the church of the Jews before
the birth of Christ, and the church of the
Christians since, two churches?
A. No; essentially they are but one,
differing only in some outward
administrations. Ephesians 2:11-16; 1
Corinthians 10:3; Galatians 4:26, 27;
Hebrews 11:16, 26, 40. Q. 7. Can this church be wholly overthrown
on the earth?
A. No; unless the decree of God may be
changed, and the promise of Christ fail.
Matthew 16:18, 28:20; John 14:16; John 17;
1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:19.
CHAPTER 17: OF FAITH. Q. 1. By what means do we become actual
members of this church of God?
A. By a lively justifying faith, of his
Father the whole mystery of godliness, the
way and truth whereby we must come unto
God. Christ, the head thereof.
Acts 2:47,
13:48; Hebrews 11:6, 12:22,23, 4:2;
Romans 5:1,2; Ephesians 2:13,14. Q. 2. What is a justifying faith?
A. A gracious resting upon the free
promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy,
with a firm persuasion of heart that God
is a reconciled Father unto us in the Son
of his love.
1 Timothy 1:16; Job 13:15,
9:25; Romans 4:5. Hebrews 4:16; Romans
8:38,39; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians
5:20,21. Q. 3. Have all this faith?
A. None but the elect of God.
Titus 1:1;
John 10:26; Matthew 13:11; Acts 13:48;
Romans 8:30. Q. 4. Do not, then, others believe that make
profession?
A. Yes; with, first, historical faith, or a
persuasion that the things written in the
Word are true; secondly, temporary faith,
which has some joy of the affections, upon
unspiritual grounds, in the things
believed.
James 2:19. Matthew 13:20; Mark
6:20; John 2:23,24; Acts 8:13.
CHAPTER 18: OF OUR VOCATION, OR GOD’S CALLING US. Q. 1. How come we to have this saving faith?
A. It is freely bestowed upon us and
wrought in us by the Spirit of God, in our
vocation or calling.
John 6:29,44;
p
20 Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 1:29; 2
Thessalonians 1:11. Q. 2. What is our vocation, or this calling
of God?
A. The free, gracious act of Almighty God,
whereby in Jesus Christ he calleth and
translateth us from the state of nature,
sin, wrath, and corruption, into the state
of grace and union with Christ, by the
mighty, effectual working of his preaching
of the Word. Colossians 1:12,13; 2
Timothy 1:9; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel
36:26; Matthew 11:25, 26; John 1:13, 3:3,
8; Ephesians 1:19; Colossians 2:12; 1
Corinthians 4:7; James 1:18; 2 Peter
2:20; Acts 16:14. Q. 3. What do we ourselves perform in this
change, or work of our conversion?
A. Nothing at all, being merely church are
outwardly called by the Word, none
effectually but the elect. church are
outwardly called by the Word, none
effectually but the elect. in ourselves we
have no ability to any thing that is
spiritually good.
Matthew 7:18, 10:20
John 1:13, 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:3, 2:5;
2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 2:1, 8;
Romans 8:26; Philippians 1:6.
Q. 4. Does God thus call all and every one?
A. All within the pale of the church are
outwardly called by the Word, none
effectually but the elect.
Matthew 22:14;
Romans 8:30. CHAPTER 19: OF JUSTIFICATION. Q. 1. Are we accounted righteous and saved
for our faith, when we are thus freely
called?
A. No, but merely by the imputation of the
righteousness of Christ apprehended and
applied by faith; for which alone the Lord
accepts us as holy and righteous.
Isaiah
43:25; Romans 3:23-26, 4:5.
Q. 2. What, then, is our justification or
righteousness before God?
A. The gracious, free act of imputation of
the righteousness of Christ apprehended
and applied by faith; for which alone the
Lord accepts us as holy and righteous.
righteousness of Christ to a believing
sinner, and for that speaking peace unto
his conscience, in the pardon of his sin,
pronouncing him to be just and accepted
before him.
Genesis 15:6; Acts 13:38, 39;
Luke 18:14; Romans 3:24, 26, 28, 4:4-8;
Galatians 2:16. Q. 3. Are we not, then, righteous before God
by our own works?
p. 21 A. No; for of themselves they can neither
satisfy his justice, fulfill his law, nor
endure his trial.
Psalm 130:3,4, 143:2;
Isaiah 64:6; Luke 17:10. CHAPTER 20: OF SANCTIFICATION. Q. 1. Is there nothing, then, required of us
but faith only?
A. Yes; repentance, and holiness or new
obedience.
Acts 20:21; Matthew 3:2; Luke
13:3. 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Thessalonians
4:7; Hebrews 12:14. Q. 2. What is repentance?
A. Godly sorrow for every known sin
committed against God, with a firm purpose
of heart to cleave unto him for the to
cleave unto him for the quickening of all
graces, to walk before him in newness of
life.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Acts 2:37;
Psalm 51:17. Psalm 34:14; Isaiah 1:16,
17; Ezekiel 18:27, 28; Acts 14:15.
Ephesians 4:21-24; Romans 6:12, 13, 18,
19, 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians
6:15.
Q. 3. Can we do this of ourselves?
A. No; it is a special gift and grace of
God, which he bestoweth on whom he
pleaseth
Leviticus 20:8; Deuteronomy
30:6; Ezekiel 11:19,20; 2 Timothy 2:25;
Acts 11:18.
Q. 4. Wherein does the being of true
repentance consist, without which it is
not acceptable?
A. In its performance according to the
Gospel rule, with faith and assured hope
of divine mercy.
Psalm 51; 1 John 2:1,2;
2 Corinthians 7:10,11; Acts 2:38; Matthew
26:75. Q. 5. What is that holiness which is
required of us?
A. That universal, sincere obedience to the
whole will of God, in our hearts, minds,
wills, and actions, whereby we are in some
measure made conformable to Christ, our
head.
Psalm 119:9; 1 Samuel 15:22; John
14:15; Romans 6:19; Hebrews 12:14; Titus
2:12; 2 Peter 1:5-7; Isaiah 1:16,17. 1
Chronicles 28:9; Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew
22:37. Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 11:1;
Ephesians 2:21; Colossians 3:1-3; 2
Timothy 2:11, 12. Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us
perfect?
A. Yes, in respect of all the parts of it,
but not in respect of the degrees wherein
God requires it.
2 Kings 20:3; Job 1:1;
Matthew 5:48; Luke 1:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1;
Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12. Isaiah 64:6;
Psalm 130:3; Exodus 28:38; Philippians
3:12. p. 22 Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience
which falls so short of what he requireth?
A. Yes, from them whose persons he
accepteth and justifieth freely in Jesus
Christ
Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18;
Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:22; Ephesians
1:6. Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness?
A. Internal, in the quickening of all
graces, purging act of all graces, purging
act frequent prayers, alms, and all manner
of righteousness.
Hebrews 9:14; Ephesians
3:16, 17; Romans 2:29, 6:12. Matthew
5:20; Romans 8:1,2; Ephesians 4:22, 23;
Titus 2:12.
Q. 9. May not others perform these duties
acceptably, as well as those that believe?
A. No; all their performances in this kind
are but abominable sins before the Lord. Proverbs 15:8; John 9:31; Titus 1:15;
Hebrews 11:6.
CHAPTER 21: OF THE PRIVILEGES OF BELIEVERS. Q. 1. What are the privileges of those that
thus believe and repent?
A First, union with Christ; secondly,
adoption of children; thirdly, Christian
liberty; fourthly, a spiritual, holy right
to the seals of the new covenant; fifthly,
communion with all saints; sixthly,
resurrection of the body unto life
eternal. Q. 2. What is our union with Christ?
A. An holy, spiritual conjunction unto him,
as our head, husband, and foundation,
whereby we are made partakers of the same
Spirit with him, and derive all good
things from him.
1 Corinthians 12:12;
John 15:1, 2, 5-7, 17:23. Ephesians 4:15,
5:23; Colossians 1:18. 2 Corinthians
11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 21:9.
Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter
2:4-7. Romans 8:9, 11; Galatians 4:6;
Philippians 1:19. John 1:12, 16;
Ephesians 1:3. Q. 3. What is our adoption?
A. Our gracious reception into the family
of God, as his children, and coheirs with
Christ.
John 1:12; Romans 8:15, 17;
Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5.
Q. 4. How come we to know this?
A. By the especial working of the Holy
Spirit in our hearts, sealing unto us the
promises of God, and raising up our souls
to an assured expectation of the promised
inheritance. Romans 8:15, 17; Ephesians
4:30; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:19,23; Titus
2:13. p. 23
Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty?
A. An holy and spiritual freedom from the
slavery of sin, the bondage of death and
hell, the curse of the law, Jewish
ceremonies, and thraldom of conscience,
purchased for us by Jesus Christ, and
revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:1. John 8:32, 34, 36; Romans
6:17, 18; Isaiah 61:1; 1 John 1:7; 2
Corinthians 5:21. Romans 8:15; Hebrews
2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57. Galatians
3:13; Ephesians 2:15, 16; Galatians 4:5;
Romans 8:1. Acts 15:10,11; Galatians
3,4,5. 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians
7:23; 1 Peter 2:16. 1 Corinthians 2:12.
Q. 6. Are we, then, wholly freed from the
moral law?
A. Yes, as a covenant, or as it has any
thing in it bringing into bondage, — as
the curse, power, dominion, and rigid
exaction of obedience; but not as it is a
rule of life and holiness.
Jeremiah 31:31-33; Romans 7:1-3, 6:14; Galatians
3:19,24; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:18.
Matthew 5:17; Romans 3:31, 7:13, 22, 25.
Q. 7. Are we not freed by Christ from the
magistrate’s power and human authority?
A. No; being ordained of God, and
commanding for him, we owe them act lawful
obedience. Romans 13:1-4; 1 Timothy
2:1,2; 1 Peter 2:13-15. CHAPTER 22: OF THE SACRAMENTS OF THE NEW
COVENANT IN PARTICULAR, A HOLY RIGHT WHEREUNTO
IS THE FOURTH PRIVILEGE OF BELIEVERS. Q. 1. What are the seals of the New
Testament?
A. Sacraments instituted of Christ to be
visible seats and pledges, whereby God in
him confirmeth the promises of the
covenant to all believers, restipulating
of them growth in faith and obedience.
Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38, 22:16;
Romans 4:11 1 Corinthians 10:2-4, 11:26-29.
Q. 2. How does God by these sacraments
bestow grace upon us?
A. Not by any real essential conveying of
spiritual grace by corporeal means, but by
the way of promise, obsignation, and
covenant, confirming the grace wrought in
us by the Word and Spirit.
Hebrews 4:2; 1
Corinthians 10; Romans 4:11, 1:17; Mark
16:16; Ephesians 5:26. confirming the
grace wrought in us by the Word and
Spirit.
Q. 3. How do our sacraments differ from the
sacraments of the Jews?
A. Accidentally only, in things concerning
the outward matter and form, as their
number, quality, clearness of
signification, and the like, — not
p.
24 essentially, in the things signified, or
grace confirmed.
1 Corinthians 10:1,2, 3,
etc.; John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 5:7;
Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11.
CHAPTER 23: OF BAPTISM. Q. 1. Which are these sacraments?
A. Baptism and the Lord’s supper.
Q. 2. What is baptism?
A. An holy action, appointed of Christ,
whereby being sprinkled with water in the
name of the whole Trinity, by a lawful
minister of the church, we are admitted
into the family of God, and have the
benefits of the blood of Christ confirmed
unto us.
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16.
Acts 2:41, 8:37. Acts 2:38,39; John 3:5;
Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13.
Q. 3. To whom does this sacrament belong?
A. Unto all to whom the promise of the
covenant is made; that is, to believers,
and to their seed.
Acts 2:39; Genesis
17:11,12; Acts 16:15; Romans 4:10,11; 1
Corinthians 7:14. Q. 4. How can baptism seal the pardon of all
sins to us, all our personal sins
following it?
A. Inasmuch as it is a seal of that promise
which gives pardon of all to believers. Acts 2:39; Romans 4:11, 12.
CHAPTER 24: OF THE LORD’S SUPPER. Q. 1. What is the Lord’s supper?
A. An holy action instituted and appointed
by Christ, to set forth his death, and
communicate unto us spiritually his body
and blood by faith, being represented by
bread and wine, blessed by his word, and
prayer, broken, poured out, and received
of believers.
Matthew 26:26-28; Luke
22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. Luke
22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:25, 26. Mark
14:22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25; John
6:63. 1 Corinthians 11:23, 25. 1
Corinthians 11:24; Matthew 26:26. Matthew
26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19. Q. 2. When did Christ appoint this
sacraments?
A. On the night wherein he was betrayed to
suffer. 1 Corinthians 11:23.
Q. 3. Whence is the right lose of it to be
learned?
A. From the word, practice, and actions of
our Savior, at its institution. p. 25 Q. 4. What were the actions of our Savior to
be imitated by us?
A. First, blessing the elements by prayer;
secondly, breaking the bread, and pouring
out the wine; thirdly, distributing them
to the receivers, sitting in a tablegesture.
Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke
22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24.
Q. 5. What were the words of Christ?
A. First, of command, — “ Take, eat;”
secondly, of promise, — “ This is my
body;” thirdly, of institution for
perpetual use, — “ This do,” etc.
1
Corinthians 11:24-26.
Q. 6. Who are to be receivers of this
sacrament?
A. Those only have a true right to the
signs who by faith in have an holy
interest in Christ, the thing signified.
1
Corinthians 11:27-29; John 6:63.
Q. 7. Do the elements remain bread and wine
still, after the blessing of them?
A. Yes; all the spiritual change is wrought
by the faith of the receiver, not the
words of the giver: to them that believe,
they are the body and blood of Christ.
John 6:63; 1 Corinthians 10:4, 11:29.
CHAPTER 25: OF THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS, THE FIFTH
PRIVILEGE OF BELIEVERS. Q. 1. What is the communion of saints?
A. An holy conjunction between all God’s
people, wrought by their participation of
the same Spirit, whereby we are all made
members of that one body whereof Christ is
head.
Song of Solomon 6:9; Jeremiah
32:39; John 17:22; 1 Corinthians 12:12;
Ephesians 4:3-6, 13; 1 John 1:3, 6, 7.
Q. 2. Of what sort is this union?
A. First, spiritual and internal, in the
enjoyment of the same Spirit and graces,
— which is the union of the Hebrews
church catholic; secondly, external and
ecclesiastical, in the same outward
ordinances, — which is the union of
particular congregations.
1 Corinthians
12:12,13; Ephesians 2:16, 19-22; 1
Corinthians 10:17; John 17:11, 21, 22;
John 10:16; 1:11. 1 Corinthians 1:10,11;
Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27,28;
Ephesians 4:11-13; Philippians 2:2;
Colossians 3:15; 1 Peter 3:8.
CHAPTER 26: OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES.
Q. 1. What are particular churches?
A. Peculiar assemblies of professors in one
place, under officers of Christ’s
institution, enjoying the ordinances of
p. 26 God, and leading lives be seeming their
holy calling.
Acts 11:26; 1 Corinthians
4:17, 11:22; 2 Corinthians 1:1. Acts
20:17,28, 14:23; 2 Corinthians 8:23;
Hebrews13:17. 1 Corinthians 3:6;
Revelation 2:1-3. 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 6,
11; Galatians 6:16; Philippians 3:17; 1
Thessalonians 2:12.
Q. 2. What are the ordinary officers of such
churches?
A. First, pastors or doctors, to teach and
exhort; secondly, elders, to assist in
rule and government; thirdly, deacons, to
provide for the poor.
Romans 12:7, 8;
Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28.
Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17. Acts 6:2, 3.
Q. 3. What is required of these officers,
especially the chiefest, or ministers?
A. That they be faithful in the ministry
committed unto them; sedulous in
dispensing the Word; watching for the good
of the souls committed to them; going
before them in an example of all godliness
and holiness of life.
1 Corinthians 4:2;
Acts 20:18-20. 2 Timothy 2:15, 4:1-5.
Titus 1:13; 1 Timothy 4:15, 16. Titus
2:7; 1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 5:16; Acts
24:16. Q. 4. What is required in the people unto
them?
A. Obedience to their message and ministry;
honor and love to their persons;
maintenance to them and their families. 2
Corinthians 5:20; Romans 6:17; Hebrews
13:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Romans
16:19; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. 1
Corinthians 4:1; Galatians 4:14; 1
Timothy 5:17,18. Luke 10:7; James 5:4; 1
Timothy 5:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 9:9-13. CHAPTER 27: OF THE LAST PRIVILEGE OF BELIEVERS, BEING
THE DOOR OF ENTRANCE INTO GLORY.
Q. 1. What is the resurrection of the flesh?
A. An act of the mighty power of God’s Holy
Spirit, applying unto us the virtue of
Christ’s resurrection, etc.; whereby, at
the last day, he will raise our whole
bodies from the dust, to be united again
unto our souls in everlasting happiness.
Job 19:25-27; Psalm 16:9-11; Isaiah
26:19; Ezekiel 37:2,3; Daniel 12:2; 1
Corinthians 15:16, Revelation 20:12, 13.
Q. 2. What is the end of this whole
dispensation?
A. The glory of God in our eternal
salvation. p. 27 To Him be all glory and honor for
evermore! Amen. |
