Charles Spurgeon’s Catechism with Scripture Proofs
Christian Commitment Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
Spurgeon’s work is of enduring value and interest because it is trusted, clear and
biblical. His catechism is no exception. In this study we present it as it appeared
with only a few cosmetic changes, but with the significant addition of the Scripture
verses corresponding to his references. While Spurgeon used the King James
Version, we use the more easily understood and widely used New King James
Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Introduction by Spurgeon
I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be
a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have
compiled this little manual from the Westminster Assembly’s and
Baptist Catechisms, for the use of my own church and congregation.
Those who use it in their families or classes must labor to explain the
sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be
understood better as years pass.
May the Lord bless my dear friends and their families evermore, is the
prayer of their loving Pastor.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Published about October 14, 1855, when Spurgeon was 21 years old. On October
14, Spurgeon preached Sermon No. 46 to several thousand who gathered to hear
him at New Park Street Chapel. When the sermon was published it contained an
announcement of this catechism. The text that morning was, “Lord, thou hast been
our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1.
Questions:
1. What is the chief end of man?
2. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify him?
3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
4. What is God?
5. Are there more Gods than one?
6. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
7. What are the decrees of God?
8. How does God execute his decrees?
9. What is the work of creation?
10. How did God create man?
11. What are God’s works of providence?
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12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the
state wherein he was created?
13. Did our parents continue in the state wherein they were created?
14. What is sin?
15. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
16. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
17. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell?
18. What is the misery of that state whereinto man fell?
19. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery?
20. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
21. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
22. What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?
23. How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
24. How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
25. How does Christ execute the office of a king?
26. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
27. Wherein consists Christ’s exaltation?
28. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
29. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
30. What is effectual calling?
31. What benefits do they who are effectually called, partake of in this life?
32. What is justification?
33. What is adoption?
34. What is sanctification?
35. What are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow
from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
36. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at their death?
37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
38. What shall be done to the wicked at their death?
39. What shall be done to the wicked at the Day of Judgment?
40. What did God reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
41. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?
42. Which is the first commandment?
43. What is required in the first commandment?
44. Which is the second commandment?
45. What is required in the second commandment?
46. What is forbidden in the second commandment?
47. Which is the third commandment?
48. What is required in the third commandment?
49. Which is the fourth commandment?
50. What is required in the fourth commandment?
51. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?
52. Which is the fifth commandment?
53. What is required in the fifth commandment?
54. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
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55. Which is the sixth commandment?
56. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
57. Which is the seventh commandment?
58. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
59. Which is the eighth commandment?
60. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
61. Which is the ninth commandment?
62. What is required in the ninth commandment?
63. Which is the tenth commandment?
64 . What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
65. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
66. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
67. What does every sin deserve?
68. How may we escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?
69. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
70. What is repentance to life?
71. What are the outward means whereby the Holy Spirit communicates
to us the benefits of redemption?
72. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
73. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to
salvation?
74. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful?
75. What is baptism?
76. To whom is Baptism to be administered?
77. Are the infants of such as are professing believers to be baptized?
78. How is Baptism rightly administered?
79. What is the duty of such as are rightly baptized?
80. What is the Lord’s Supper?
81. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?
82. What is meant by the words, “until he come,” which are used by the
apostle Paul in reference to the Lord’s Supper?
1. Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, (1 Corinthians 10:31) and to
enjoy him for ever. (Psalm 73:25, 26)
1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of
God.
Ps 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
2. Q. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify him?
A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments (Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 3:16) is the only rule to direct us how we
may glorify God and enjoy him. (1 John 1:3)
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Ephesians 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief cornerstone,
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have
fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
3. Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning
God, and what duty God requires of man. (2 Timothy 1:13; Ecclesiastes 12:13)
2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and
love which are in Christ Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His
commandments, For this is man’s all.
4. Q. What is God?
A. God is Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7) eternal, (Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy
1:17) and unchangeable (James 1:17) in his being, (Ezekiel 3:14) wisdom, power,
(Psalms 147:5) holiness, (Revelation 4:8) justice, goodness and truth. (Ezekiel
34:6,7)
John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
Job 11:7 Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the
world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,be honor and
glory forever and ever. Amen.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father
of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Ezekiel 3:14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my
spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Psalms 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within.
And they do not rest day or night, saying: “ Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is
and is to come!”
Ezekiel 34:6,7 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock
was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them. 7
‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
5. Q. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, (Deuteronomy 6:4) the living and true God. (Jeremiah
10:10)
Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His
wrath the earth will tremble, And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.
6. Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
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A. There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.
(1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19)
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy
Spirit; and these three are one.
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
7. Q. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his
own will, whereby for his own glory he has foreordained whatever comes to pass.
(Ephesians 1:11,12)
Ephesians 1:11,12 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to
the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who
first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
8. Q. How does God execute his decrees?
A. God executes his decrees in the works of creation, (Revelation 4:11) and
providence. (Daniel 4:35)
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created
all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Daniel 4:35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in
the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or
say to Him, “What have You done?”
9. Q. What is the work of creation?
A. The work of creation is God’s making all things (Genesis 1:1) of nothing, by
the Word of his power, (Hebrews 11:3) in six normal consecutive days, (Ezekiel
20:11) and all very good. (Genesis 1:31)
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the
things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Ezekiel 20:11 And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, ‘which, if a man does,
he shall live by them.’
Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the
evening and the morning were the sixth day.
10. Q. How did God create man?
A. God created man, male and female, after his own image, (Genesis 1:27) in
knowledge, righteousness, and holiness (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24) with
dominion over the creatures. (Genesis 1:28)
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male
and female He created them.
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the
image of Him who created him,
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Ephesians 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true
righteousness and holiness.
Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth
and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every
living thing that moves on the earth.”
11. Q. What are God’s works of providence?
A. God’s works of providence are his most holy, (Psalm 145:17) wise, (Isaiah
28:29) and powerful, (Hebrews 1:3) preserving and governing all his creatures, and
all their actions. (Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29)
Psalm 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.
Isaiah 28:29 This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent
in guidance.
Hebrews 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 at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the
ground apart from your Father’s will.
12. Q. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in
the state wherein he was created?
A. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him,
upon condition of perfect obedience; (Galatians 3:12) forbidding him to eat of the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. (Genesis 2:17)
Galatians 3:12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that
you eat of it you shall surely die.”
13. Q. Did our first parents continue in the state wherein they were created?
A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state
wherein they were created, by sinning against God, (Ecclesiastes 7:29) by eating
the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:6-8)
Ecclesiastes 7:29 Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought
out many schemes.”
Genesis 3:6-8 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the
eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her
husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew
that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8
And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and
Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the
garden.
14. Q. What is sin?
A. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God. (1 John
3:4)
1 John 3:4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
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15. Q. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself but for
his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in
him, and fell with him in his first transgression. (1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12)
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and
thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
16. Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
A. The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery. (Romans 5:18)
Romans 5:18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in
condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting
in justification of life.
17. Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that state whereunto man fell?
A. The sinfulness of that state whereunto man fell, consists in the guilt of
Adam’s first sin, (Romans 5:19) the want of original righteousness, (Romans 3:10)
and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin,
(Ephesians 2:1; Psalm 51:5) together with all actual transgressions which proceed
from it. (Matthew 15:19)
Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s
obedience many will be made righteous.
Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;
Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,
false witness, blasphemies.
18. Q. What is the misery of that state whereunto man fell?
A. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, (Genesis 3:8,24) are
under his wrath and curse, (Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 3:10) and so made liable to all
the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. (Romans
6:23; Matthew 25:41)
Genesis 3:8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the
day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the
trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden,
and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Ephesians 2:3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the
others.
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written,
“Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the
law, to do them.”
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Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
Matthew 25:41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into
the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’
19. Q. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery?
A. God having, out of his good pleasure from all eternity, elected some to
everlasting life, (2 Thessalonians 2:13) did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver
them out of the state of sin and misery, and to bring them into a state of salvation by
a Redeemer. (Romans 5:21)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by
the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the
Spirit and belief in the truth,
Romans 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
20. Q. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Timothy 2:5)
who being the eternal Son of God, became man, (John 1:14) and so was and
continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person for ever. (1
Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9)
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ
Jesus,
John 1:14 And the Word became 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.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in
the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in
the world, Received up in glory.
Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
21. Q. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the son of God, became man by taking to himself a true body,
(Hebrews 2:14) and a reasonable soul, (Matthew 26:38; Hebrews 4:15) being
conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary, and born of her, (Luke
1:31,35) yet without sin. (Hebrews 7:26)
Hebrews 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise
shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that
is, the devil,
Matthew 26:38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here
and watch with Me.”
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but
was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 1:31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His
name JESUS.
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will
be called the Son of God.
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Hebrews 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate
from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
22. Q. What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a prophet, (Acts 3:22) of a
priest, (Hebrews 5:6) and of a king, (Psalm 2:6) both in his state of humiliation and
exaltation.
Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet
like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.
Hebrews 5:6 As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of
Melchizedek”;
Psalm 2:6 “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”
23. Q. How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, (John 1:18) by his
Word, (John 20:31) and Spirit, (John 14:26) the will of God for our salvation.
John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the
Father, He has declared Him.
John 20:31 … but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that believing you may have life in His name.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
24. Q. How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering up himself a
sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, (Hebrews 9:28) and to reconcile us to God,
(Hebrews 2:17) and in making continual intercession for us. (Hebrews 7:25)
Hebrews 9:28 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a
merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of
the people.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through
Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
25. Q. How does Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executes the office of a king in subduing us to himself, (Psalm 110:3)
in ruling and defending us, (Matthew 2:6; 1 Corinthians 15:25) and in restraining and
conquering all his and our enemies.
Psalm 110:3 Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness,
from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.
Matthew 2:6 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.
1 Corinthians 15:25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.
26. Q. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
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A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition,
(Luke 2:7) made under the law, (Galatians 4:4) undergoing the miseries of this life,
(Isaiah 53:3) the wrath of God, (Matthew 27:46) and the cursed death of the cross;
(Philippians 2:8) in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
(Matthew 12:40)
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid
Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a
woman, born under the law,
Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And
we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will
the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
27. Q. Wherein consists Christ’s exaltation?
A. Christ’s exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day,
(1 Corinthians 15:4) in ascending up into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of
God the Father, (Mark 16:19) and in coming to judge the world at the last day. (Acts
17:31)
1 Corinthians 15:4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
Scriptures,
Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat
down at the right hand of God.
Acts 17:31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by
the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the
dead.
28. Q. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the
effectual application of it to us (John 1:12) by his Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5,6)
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to
those who believe in His name
Titus 3:5,6 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He
saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He
poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior
29. Q. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith
in us, (Ephesians 2:8) and by it uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
(Ephesians 3:17)
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the
gift of God,
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Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and
grounded in love,
30. Q. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit (2 Timothy 1:9) whereby,
convincing us of our sin and misery, (Acts 2:37) enlightening our minds in the
knowledge of Christ, (Acts 26:18) and renewing our wills, (Ezekiel 36:26) he does
persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel.
(John 6:44,45)
2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time
began,
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of
the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who
are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of
stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him
up at the last day.
John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone
who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.
31. Q. What benefits do they who are effectually called, partake of in this life?
A. They who are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification,
(Romans 8:30) adoption, (Ephesians 1:5) sanctification, and the various benefits
which in this life do either accompany, or flow from them. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He
also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ephesians 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to
the good pleasure of His will
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and
righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
32. Q. What is justification?
A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins,
(Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7) and accepts us as righteous in his sight (2
Corinthians 5:21) only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, (Romans 5:19)
and received by faith alone. (Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9)
Romans 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to
the riches of His grace
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the
righteousness of God in Him.
Romans 5:19
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s
obedience many will be made righteous.
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Galatians 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus
Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and
not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but
that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
33. Q. What is adoption?
A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, (1 John 3:1) whereby we are received
into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God. (John 1:12;
Romans 8:17)
1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called
children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to
those who believe in His name:
Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer
with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
34. Q. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God’s Spirit, (2 Thessalonians 2:13) whereby we
are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, (Ephesians 4:24) and are
enabled more and more to die to sin, and live to righteousness. (Romans 6:11)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by
the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the
Spirit and belief in the truth
Ephesians 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true
righteousness and holiness.
Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
35. Q. What are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or
flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification,
(Romans 5:1,2,5) are assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy
Spirit, (Romans 14:17) increase of grace, perseverance in it to the end. (Proverbs
4:18; 1 John 5:13; 1 Peter 1:5)
Romans 5:1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ,
2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope
of the glory of God.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the
Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and
joy in the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the
perfect day.
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you
may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the
Son of God.
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1 Peter 1:5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the
last time.
36. Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at their death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, (Hebrews
12:23) and do immediately pass into glory, (Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8;
Luke 23:43) and their bodies, being still united to Christ, (1 Thessalonians 4:14) do
rest in their graves (Isaiah 57:2) till the resurrection. (Job 19:26)
Hebrews 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven,
to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Philippians 1:23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with
Christ, which is far better.
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be
present with the Lord.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with
Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Isaiah 57:2 He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his
uprightness.
Job 19:26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God,
37. Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, (1Corinthians 15:43)
shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, (Matthew
10:32) and made perfectly blessed both in soul and body in the full enjoying of God
(1 John 3:2) to all eternity. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
1 Corinthians 15:43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in
power.
Matthew 10:32 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My
Father who is in heaven.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be,
but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
38. Q. What shall be done to the wicked at their death?
A. The souls of the wicked shall at their death be cast into the torments of hell,
(Luke 16:22-24) and their bodies lie in their graves till the resurrection, and
judgment of the great day. (Psalm 49:14)
Luke 16:22-24 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.
The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his
eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father
Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water
and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’
Psalm 49:14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; Death shall feed on them; The upright shall have
dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from
their dwelling.
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39. Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment?
A. At the day of judgment the bodies of the wicked being raised out of their
graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with
the devil and his angels for ever. (Daniel12:2; John 5:28, 29; 2 Thessalonians 1:9;
Matthew 25:41)
Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting
life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
John 5:28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear
His voice
John 5:29and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who
have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
2 Thessalonians 1:9These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the
Lord and from the glory of His power,
Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into
the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
40. Q. What did God reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
A. The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience, is the moral law,
(Deuteronomy 10:4; Matthew 19:17) which is summarized in the ten
commandments.
Deuteronomy 10:4 And He wrote on the tablets according to the first writing, the Ten
Commandments, which the LORD had spoken to you in the mountain from the midst of the fire
in the day of the assembly; and the LORD gave them to me.
Matthew 19:17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is,
God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
41. Q. What is the sum of the ten commandments?
A. The sum of the ten commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our
heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor
as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with
all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the
second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
42. Q. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
43. Q. What is required in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment requires us to know (1 Chronicles 28:9) and
acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, (Deuteronomy 26:17) and
to worship and glorify him accordingly. (Matthew 4:10)
1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a
loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the
intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will
cast you off forever.
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Deuteronomy 26:17 Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in
His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey
His voice.
Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship
the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
44. Q. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven
image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth
beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity
of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that
hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
commandments.”
45. Q. What is required in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, (Deuteronomy
32:46; Matthew 28:20) and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and
ordinances as God has appointed in his Word. (Deuteronomy 12:32)
Deuteronomy 32:46 and he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among
you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of
this law.
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Deuteronomy 12:32 “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor
take away from it.
46. Q. What is forbidden in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images,
(Deuteronomy 4:15,16) or any other way not appointed in his Word. (Colossians
2:18)
Deuteronomy 4:15 “Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke
to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire,
Deuteronomy 4:16 lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any
figure: the likeness of male or female,
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of
angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
47. Q. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, “Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in
vain.”
48. Q. What is required in the third commandment?
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A. The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s names,
(Psalm 29:2) titles, attributes, (Revelation 15:3, 4) ordinances, (Ecclesiastes 5:1)
Word, (Psalm 138:2) and works. (Job 36:24; Deuteronomy 28:58,59)
Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of
holiness.
They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and
marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the
saints!”
Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather
than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.
Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your
lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Job 36:24 “Remember to magnify His work, Of which men have sung”.
Deuteronomy 28:58 “If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this
book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD,
Deuteronomy 28:59 then the LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary
plagues—great and prolonged plagues—and serious and prolonged sicknesses.
49. Q. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of
the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor they 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.”
50. Q. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as
he has appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy
Sabbath to himself. (Leviticus 19:30; Deuteronomy 5:12)
Leviticus 19:30 ‘You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD.
Deuteronomy 5:12 ‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded
you.
51. Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?
A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such
worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days, (Leviticus 23:3)
and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship,
(Psalm 92:1,2; Isaiah 58:13,14) except so much as is taken up in the works of
necessity and mercy. (Matthew 12:11,12)
Leviticus 23:3 ‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy
convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
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Psalm 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
Psalm 92:2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,
Isaiah 58:13“ If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy
day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him,
not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words,
Isaiah 58:14 Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high
hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD
has spoken.”
Matthew 12:11Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it
falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?
Matthew 12:12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do
good on the Sabbath.”
52. Q. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
53. Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the Honor, and performing
the duties belonging to every one in their various positions and relationships as
superiors, (Ephesians 5:21,22, 6:1,5; Romans 13:1) inferiors, (Ephesians 6:9) or
equals. (Romans 12:10)
Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 6:5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh,
with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except
from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Ephesians 6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that
your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference
to one another;
54. Q. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and
prosperity - as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good - to all such
as keep this commandment. (Ephesians 6:2,3)
Ephesians 6:2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:
Ephesians 6:3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
55. Q. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, “Thou shalt not kill.”
56. Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
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A. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, (Acts 16:28)
or the life of our neighbor unjustly, (Genesis 9:6) or whatever tends to it. (Proverbs
24:11,12)
Acts 16:28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood by man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God
He made man.”
Proverbs 24:11Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the
slaughter.
Proverbs 24:12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts
consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man
according to his deeds?
57. Q. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
58. Q. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts,
(Matthew 5:28; Colossians 4:6) words, (Ephesians 5:4; 2 Timothy 2:22) and actions.
(Ephesians 5:3)
Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how
you ought to answer each one.
Ephesians 5:4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but
rather giving of thanks.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who
call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named
among you, as is fitting for saints;
59. Q. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, “Thou shalt not steal.”
60. Q. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment forbids whatever does or may unjustly
hinder our own, (1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 28:19, 21:6) or our neighbor’s wealth, or
outward estate. (Ephesians 4:28)
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household,
he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. He who tills his land will have plenty of
bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
Proverbs 21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands
what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
61. Q. Which is the ninth commandment?
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A. The ninth commandment is, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbor.”
62. Q. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth
between man and man, (Zechariah 8:16) and of our own, (1 Peter 3:16; Acts 25:10)
and our neighbor’s good name, (2 John 1:12) especially in witness-bearing.
(Proverbs 14:5,25)
Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give
judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;
1 Peter 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile
your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
Acts 25:10 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the
Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know.
2 John 1:12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I
hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
Proverbs 14:5A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies.
Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
63. Q. What is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s
house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant,
or his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.”
64. Q. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate, (1
Corinthians 10:10) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, (Galatians 5:26)
and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his. (Colossians 3:5)
1 Corinthians 10:10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the
destroyer.
Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication,
uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
65. Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in his life perfectly to keep the
commandments of God, (Ecclesiastes 7:20) but does daily break them in thought,
(Genesis 8:21) word, (James 3:8) and deed. (James 3:2)
Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.
Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, “I will
never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil
from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.
James 3:8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect
man, able also to bridle the whole body.
66. Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
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A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations, are more
heinous in the sight of God than others. (John 19:11; 1John 5:15)
John 19:11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given
you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
1 John 5:15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions
that we have asked of Him.
67. Q. What does every sin deserve?
A. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is
to come. (Ephesians 5:6; Psalm 11:6)
Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of
God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Psalm 11:6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind Shall be the
portion of their cup.
68. Q. How may we escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?
A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, we must believe in
the Lord Jesus Christ, (John 3:16) trusting alone to his blood and righteousness.
This faith is attended by repentance for the past (Acts 20:21) and leads to holiness
in the future.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Acts 20:21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ.
69. Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, (Hebrews 10:39) whereby we receive,
(John 1:12) and rest upon him alone for salvation, (Philippians 3:9) as he is set forth
in the gospel. (Isaiah 33:22)
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the
saving of the soul.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to
those who believe in His name:
Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but
that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Isaiah 33:22 (For the LORD is our Judge, The LORD is our Lawgiver, The LORD is our King; He
will save us);
70. Q. What is repentance to life?
A. Repentance to life is a saving grace, (Acts 11:18) whereby a sinner, out of a
true sense of his sins, (Acts 2:37) and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,
(Joel 2:13) does with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it to God, (Jeremiah
31:18,19) with full purpose to strive after new obedience. (Psalm 119:59)
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then
God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
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Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of
the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Joel 2:13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is
gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.
Jeremiah 31:18 “ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: ‘ You have chastised me, and I
was chastised, Like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, For You are the LORD my
God.
Jeremiah 31:19 Surely, after my turning, I repented; And after I was instructed, I struck myself on
the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’
Psalm 119:59 I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
71. Q. What are the outward means whereby the Holy Spirit communicates to us the
benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby the Holy Spirit communicates to
us the benefits of Christ’s redemption, are the Word, by which souls are begotten to
spiritual life; Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Prayer, and Meditation, by all which
believers are further edified in their most holy faith. (Acts 2:41,42; James 1:18)
Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three
thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of
bread, and in prayers.
James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of
firstfruits of His creatures.
72. Q. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
A. The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the
Word, an effectual means of convicting and converting sinners, (Psalm 19:7) and of
building them up in holiness and comfort, (1 Thessalonians 1:6) through faith to
salvation. (Romans 1:16)
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is
sure, making wise the simple;
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in
much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation
for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
73. Q. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become
effectual to salvation?
A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend
to it with diligence, (Proverbs 8:34) preparation, (1 Peter 2:1,2) and prayer, (Psalm
119:18) receive it with faith, (Hebrews 4:2) and love, (2 Thessalonians 2:10) lay it up
into our hearts, (Psalm119:11) and practice it in our lives. (James 1:25)
Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the
posts of my doors.
1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.
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Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they
heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they
did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
James 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful
hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
74. Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful?
A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue
in them, or in him who does administer them, (1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Peter 3:21) but
only by the blessing of Christ, (1 Corinthians 3:6) and the working of the Spirit in
those who by faith receive them. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives
the increase.
1 Peter 3:21There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of
the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ,
1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks,
whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
75. Q. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ,
(Matthew 28:19) to be to the person baptized a sign of his fellowship with him, in his
death, and burial, and resurrection, (Romans 6:3; Colossians 2:12) of his being
engrafted into him, (Galatians 3:27) of remission of sins, (Mark 1:4; Acts 22:16)
and of his giving up himself to God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in
newness of life. (Romans 6:4,5)
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were
baptized into His death?
Colossians 2:12buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in
the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the
remission of sins.
Acts 22:16And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling
on the name of the Lord.’
Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was
raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall
be in the likeness of His resurrection,
76. Q. To whom is Baptism to be administered?
A. Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess
repentance towards God, (Acts 2:38; Matthew 3:6; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12,36,37,
10:47,48) and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and to none other.
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Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God
and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Matthew 3:6 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said,
“See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
Acts 8:37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Acts 8:47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy
Spirit just as we have?”
Acts 8:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to
stay a few days.
77. Q. Are the infants of such as are professing to be baptized?
A. The infants of such as are professing believers are not to be baptized,
because there is neither command nor example in the Holy Scriptures for their
baptism. (Exodus 23:13; Proverbs 30:6)
Exodus 23:13 “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name
of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.
Proverbs 30:6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
78. Q. How is Baptism rightly administered?
A. Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the
whole body of the person in water, (Matthew 3:16; John 3:23) in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, according to Christ’s institution, and
the practice of the apostles, (Matthew 28:19,20) and not by sprinkling or pouring of
water, or dipping some part of the body, after the tradition of men. (John 4:1,2; Acts
8:38,39)
Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and
behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and alighting upon Him.
John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water
there. And they came and were baptized.
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
John 4:1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and
baptized more disciples than John
John 4:2(though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),
Acts 8:38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down
into the water, and he baptized him.
Acts 8:39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so
that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
79. Q. What is the duty of such as are rightly baptized?
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A. It is the duty of such as are rightly baptized, to give up themselves to some
particular and orderly Church of Jesus Christ, (Acts 2:47; Acts 9:26; 1 Peter 2:5)
that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
(Luke 1:6)
Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
those who were being saved.
Acts 9:26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all
afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer
up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and
ordinances of the Lord blameless.
80. Q. What is the Lord’s Supper?
A. The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the New Testament,
instituted by Jesus Christ; wherein, by giving and receiving bread and
wine, according to his appointment, his death is shown forth, (1 Corinthians 11:23-
26) and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by
faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual
nourishment, and growth in grace. (1 Corinthians 10:16)
1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord
Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given
thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in
remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This
cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He
comes.
1 Corinthians 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?
81. Q. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?
A. It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord’s
Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern
the Lord’s body, (1 Corinthians 11:28,29) of their faith to feed
upon him, (2 Corinthians 13:5) of their repentance, (1 Corinthians 11:31) love, (1
Corinthians 11:18-20) and new obedience, (1 Corinthians 5:8) lest coming
unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)
1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the
cup.
1 Corinthians 11:29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to
himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you
not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are
divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that
those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together
in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.
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1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice
and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 11:27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy
manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and
so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy
manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
82. Q. What is meant by the words, “until he come,” which are used by
the apostle Paul in reference to the Lord’s Supper?
A. They plainly teach us that our Lord Jesus Christ will come a
second time; which is the joy and hope of all believers. (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians
4:16)
Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same
Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go
into heaven.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of
an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.