1
What is the chief end of man?
Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
1 Corinthians 10:31Romans 11:36Psalm 73:25–28John 17:22, 24
Scripture proofs & commentaryReformed / Presbyterian · 1647
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Composed by the Westminster Assembly in 1647, the Shorter Catechism consists of 107 questions and answers summarizing Christian doctrine. It was designed for the instruction of children and those new to the faith, and remains one of the most influential catechisms in the Protestant tradition.
Quiz Mode2
What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
2 Timothy 3:16Ephesians 2:201 John 1:3–4Deuteronomy 12:32Isaiah 8:20
Scripture proofs & commentary3
What do the Scriptures principally teach?
The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
2 Timothy 1:13John 20:312 Timothy 3:16Micah 6:8Deuteronomy 10:12–13
Scripture proofs & commentary4
What is God?
God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
John 4:24Job 11:7–9Psalm 147:5Psalm 90:2James 1:17Malachi 3:6Exodus 3:14Psalm 104:24Romans 11:33–34Revelation 1:8Genesis 17:1Revelation 4:8Isaiah 6:3Deuteronomy 32:4Exodus 34:6–7Psalm 117:2
Scripture proofs & commentary5
Are there more Gods than one?
There is but one only, the living and true God.
Deuteronomy 6:4Jeremiah 10:10Isaiah 44:6
Scripture proofs & commentary6
How many persons are there in the Godhead?
There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
Matthew 28:192 Corinthians 13:14John 1:1John 10:30Acts 5:3–4
Scripture proofs & commentary7
What are the decrees of God?
The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
Ephesians 1:11Romans 11:36Daniel 4:35
Scripture proofs & commentary8
How doth God execute his decrees?
God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
Genesis 1:1Psalm 145:17Isaiah 28:29
Scripture proofs & commentary9
What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is, God's making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
Genesis 1:1Hebrews 11:3Genesis 1:31
Scripture proofs & commentary10
How did God create man?
God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
Genesis 1:27Colossians 3:10Ephesians 4:24Genesis 1:28
Scripture proofs & commentary11
What are God's works of providence?
God's works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
Psalm 145:17Psalm 104:24Isaiah 28:29Hebrews 1:3Psalm 103:19Matthew 10:29–30
Scripture proofs & commentary12
What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?
When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.
Galatians 3:12Genesis 2:17
Scripture proofs & commentary13
Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
Genesis 3:6–8Ecclesiastes 7:29
Scripture proofs & commentary14
What is sin?
Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
1 John 3:4James 4:17
Scripture proofs & commentary15
What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?
The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
Genesis 3:6Genesis 3:12–13
Scripture proofs & commentary16
Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression?
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.
Romans 5:121 Corinthians 15:21–22
Scripture proofs & commentary17
Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
Romans 5:12Genesis 3:16–19
Scripture proofs & commentary18
Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.
Romans 5:12, 19Romans 3:10Ephesians 2:1–3James 1:14–15
Scripture proofs & commentary19
What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
Genesis 3:8, 24Ephesians 2:3Galatians 3:10Romans 6:23Matthew 25:41, 46
Scripture proofs & commentary20
Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
Ephesians 1:42 Thessalonians 2:13Romans 3:20–22Galatians 3:21–22
Scripture proofs & commentary21
Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?
The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.
1 Timothy 2:5–6John 1:14Galatians 4:4Romans 9:5Colossians 2:9Hebrews 7:24–25
Scripture proofs & commentary22
How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
Hebrews 2:14, 17Philippians 2:7Luke 1:27, 31, 35Hebrews 4:15Hebrews 7:26
Scripture proofs & commentary23
What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
Acts 3:22Deuteronomy 18:15Hebrews 5:5–6Psalm 2:6Isaiah 9:6–7
Scripture proofs & commentary24
How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
John 1:18John 15:15John 14:26
Scripture proofs & commentary25
How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.
Hebrews 9:14, 28Hebrews 2:17Romans 5:10Hebrews 7:25Romans 8:34
Scripture proofs & commentary26
How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Psalm 110:3Matthew 2:6Isaiah 33:221 Corinthians 15:25Psalm 2
Scripture proofs & commentary27
Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?
Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
Luke 2:7Galatians 4:4Isaiah 53:3Luke 22:44Matthew 27:46Philippians 2:8Galatians 3:131 Corinthians 15:3–4
Scripture proofs & commentary28
Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation?
Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
1 Corinthians 15:4Acts 1:9, 11Ephesians 1:20Acts 17:31Matthew 25:31–32
Scripture proofs & commentary29
How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
John 1:12Titus 3:5–6John 3:5–6
Scripture proofs & commentary30
How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
Ephesians 2:8Ephesians 3:171 Corinthians 1:9
Scripture proofs & commentary31
What is effectual calling?
Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:92 Thessalonians 2:13–14Acts 2:37Acts 26:18Ezekiel 36:26–27John 6:44–45Philippians 2:13
Scripture proofs & commentary32
What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.
Romans 8:30Ephesians 1:51 Corinthians 1:30
Scripture proofs & commentary33
What is justification?
Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Romans 3:24–252 Corinthians 5:21Romans 5:19Galatians 2:16Philippians 3:9
Scripture proofs & commentary34
What is adoption?
Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of, the sons of God.
1 John 3:1John 1:12Romans 8:17
Scripture proofs & commentary35
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:13Ephesians 4:23–24Romans 6:4, 6Romans 8:1
Scripture proofs & commentary36
What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
Romans 5:1–2, 5Romans 14:17Proverbs 4:182 Peter 3:181 John 5:131 Peter 1:5
Scripture proofs & commentary37
What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.
Hebrews 12:232 Corinthians 5:1, 6, 8Philippians 1:23Luke 23:431 Thessalonians 4:14Isaiah 57:2Job 19:26–27
Scripture proofs & commentary38
What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
1 Corinthians 15:43Matthew 25:23Matthew 10:321 John 3:21 Corinthians 13:121 Thessalonians 4:17–18
Scripture proofs & commentary39
What is the duty which God requireth of man?
The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.
Deuteronomy 29:29Micah 6:81 Samuel 15:22
Scripture proofs & commentary40
What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.
Romans 2:14–15Romans 10:5
Scripture proofs & commentary41
Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?
The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.
Deuteronomy 10:4Matthew 19:17–19
Scripture proofs & commentary42
What is the sum of the ten commandments?
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 neighbour as ourselves.
Matthew 22:37–40
Scripture proofs & commentary43
What is the preface to the ten commandments?
The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exodus 20:2
Scripture proofs & commentary44
What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us?
The preface to the ten commandments teacheth us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.
Luke 1:74–751 Peter 1:15–18
Scripture proofs & commentary45
Which is the first commandment?
The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:3
Scripture proofs & commentary46
What is required in the first commandment?
The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
1 Chronicles 28:9Deuteronomy 26:17Matthew 4:10Psalm 29:2
Scripture proofs & commentary47
What is forbidden in the first commandment?
The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.
Psalm 14:1Romans 1:21Psalm 81:10–11Romans 1:25–26
Scripture proofs & commentary48
What are we specially taught by these words "before me" in the first commandment?
These words "before me" in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other god.
Ezekiel 8:5–6Psalm 44:20–21
Scripture proofs & commentary49
Which is the second commandment?
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 showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:4–6
Scripture proofs & commentary50
What is required in the second commandment?
The second commandment requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his word.
Deuteronomy 32:46Matthew 28:20Acts 2:42
Scripture proofs & commentary51
What is forbidden in the second commandment?
The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word.
Deuteronomy 4:15–19Exodus 32:5, 8Deuteronomy 12:31–32
Scripture proofs & commentary52
What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?
The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God's sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he hath to his own worship.
Psalm 95:2–3, 6Psalm 45:11Exodus 34:13–14
Scripture proofs & commentary53
Which is the third commandment?
The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exodus 20:7
Scripture proofs & commentary54
What is required in the third commandment?
The third commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.
Matthew 6:9Psalm 68:4Revelation 15:3–4Malachi 1:11, 14Psalm 138:1–2Job 36:24
Scripture proofs & commentary55
What is forbidden in the third commandment?
The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.
Malachi 1:6–7, 12Malachi 2:2
Scripture proofs & commentary56
What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
1 Samuel 2:12, 17, 22, 291 Samuel 3:13Deuteronomy 28:58–59
Scripture proofs & commentary57
Which is the fourth commandment?
The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Exodus 20:8–11
Scripture proofs & commentary58
What is required in the fourth commandment?
The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself.
Deuteronomy 5:12–14Genesis 2:2–3Acts 20:71 Corinthians 16:1–2
Scripture proofs & commentary59
Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly sabbath?
From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.
Genesis 2:2–3Psalm 118:24Matthew 28:1Mark 16:2John 20:19, 26Acts 20:7Revelation 1:10
Scripture proofs & commentary60
How is the sabbath to be sanctified?
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; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.
Exodus 20:10Exodus 16:25–28Nehemiah 13:15–22Luke 4:16Acts 20:7Psalm 92:1–2Isaiah 58:13–14Matthew 12:1–13
Scripture proofs & commentary61
What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.
Ezekiel 22:26Amos 8:5Malachi 1:13Ezekiel 23:38Jeremiah 17:24, 27Isaiah 58:13
Scripture proofs & commentary62
What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.
Exodus 20:9Exodus 20:11
Scripture proofs & commentary63
Which is the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 20:12
Scripture proofs & commentary64
What is required in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Ephesians 5:21–22Ephesians 6:1, 5Romans 13:1Ephesians 6:9Romans 12:10
Scripture proofs & commentary65
What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.
Matthew 15:4–6Romans 13:8
Scripture proofs & commentary66
What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
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.
Deuteronomy 5:16Ephesians 6:2–3
Scripture proofs & commentary67
Which is the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Exodus 20:13
Scripture proofs & commentary68
What is required in the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Ephesians 5:28–291 Kings 18:4
Scripture proofs & commentary69
What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Acts 16:28Genesis 9:6Matthew 5:22
Scripture proofs & commentary70
Which is the seventh commandment?
The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14
Scripture proofs & commentary71
What is required in the seventh commandment?
The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.
1 Corinthians 7:2–3, 51 Thessalonians 4:3–5
Scripture proofs & commentary72
What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
Matthew 5:28Matthew 15:19Ephesians 5:3–4
Scripture proofs & commentary73
Which is the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15
Scripture proofs & commentary74
What is required in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Genesis 30:301 Timothy 5:8Leviticus 25:35Deuteronomy 22:1–5Ephesians 4:28
Scripture proofs & commentary75
What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.
Proverbs 21:17Proverbs 28:19Ephesians 4:282 Thessalonians 3:10
Scripture proofs & commentary76
Which is the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exodus 20:16
Scripture proofs & commentary77
What is required in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.
Zechariah 8:163 John 1:12Proverbs 14:5, 25
Scripture proofs & commentary78
What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.
1 Samuel 17:28Leviticus 19:16Psalm 15:3
Scripture proofs & commentary79
Which is the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Exodus 20:17
Scripture proofs & commentary80
What is required in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his.
Hebrews 13:51 Timothy 6:6Job 31:29Romans 12:151 Timothy 1:51 Corinthians 13:4–7
Scripture proofs & commentary81
What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
1 Kings 21:4Esther 5:131 Corinthians 10:10Galatians 5:26James 3:14, 16Romans 7:7–8Romans 13:9Deuteronomy 5:21
Scripture proofs & commentary82
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
Ecclesiastes 7:201 John 1:8, 10Galatians 5:17Genesis 6:5Genesis 8:21Romans 3:9–21James 3:2–13
Scripture proofs & commentary83
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Ezekiel 8:6, 13, 15John 19:111 John 5:16
Scripture proofs & commentary84
What doth every sin deserve?
Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
Ephesians 5:6Galatians 3:10Lamentations 3:39Matthew 25:41
Scripture proofs & commentary85
What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?
To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
Acts 20:21Mark 1:15John 3:16, 18Proverbs 2:1–5Proverbs 8:33–36Isaiah 55:3
Scripture proofs & commentary86
What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
Hebrews 10:39John 1:12Isaiah 26:3–4Philippians 3:9Galatians 2:16
Scripture proofs & commentary87
What is repentance unto life?
Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.
Acts 11:18Acts 2:37–38Joel 2:12Jeremiah 3:22Jeremiah 31:18–19Ezekiel 36:312 Corinthians 7:11Isaiah 1:16–17
Scripture proofs & commentary88
What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Matthew 28:19–20Acts 2:42, 46–47Romans 10:17Romans 1:16
Scripture proofs & commentary89
How is the word made effectual to salvation?
The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.
Nehemiah 8:81 Corinthians 14:24–25Acts 20:322 Timothy 3:15–17
Scripture proofs & commentary90
How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives.
Proverbs 8:341 Peter 2:1–2Psalm 119:18Hebrews 4:22 Thessalonians 2:10Psalm 119:11Luke 8:15James 1:25
Scripture proofs & commentary91
How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.
1 Peter 3:211 Corinthians 3:6–71 Corinthians 12:13
Scripture proofs & commentary92
What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
Genesis 17:7, 10Exodus 12Matthew 26:26–28Matthew 28:19
Scripture proofs & commentary93
Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?
The sacraments of the New Testament are, baptism, and the Lord's supper.
Matthew 28:19Matthew 26:26–28
Scripture proofs & commentary94
What is baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.
Matthew 28:19Romans 6:4Galatians 3:27
Scripture proofs & commentary95
To whom is baptism to be administered?
Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.
Acts 8:36–37Acts 2:38Acts 2:38–39Genesis 17:10Colossians 2:11–121 Corinthians 7:14
Scripture proofs & commentary96
What is the Lord's supper?
The Lord's supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal 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 11:23–261 Corinthians 10:16
Scripture proofs & commentary97
What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper?
It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.
1 Corinthians 11:28–292 Corinthians 13:51 Corinthians 11:311 Corinthians 10:16–171 Corinthians 5:7–81 Corinthians 11:28–29
Scripture proofs & commentary98
What is prayer?
Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
Psalm 62:81 John 5:14John 16:23Psalm 32:5–6Daniel 9:4Philippians 4:6
Scripture proofs & commentary99
What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?
The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord's prayer.
1 John 5:14Matthew 6:9–13Luke 11:2–4
Scripture proofs & commentary100
What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?
The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven, teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.
Romans 8:15Luke 11:13Acts 12:51 Timothy 2:1–2
Scripture proofs & commentary101
What do we pray for in the first petition?
In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name, we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known; and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.
Psalm 67:2–3Psalm 83:18Romans 11:36
Scripture proofs & commentary102
What do we pray for in the second petition?
In the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come, we pray that Satan's kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
Psalm 68:1, 18Revelation 12:10–112 Thessalonians 3:1Romans 10:1John 17:9, 20Revelation 22:20
Scripture proofs & commentary103
What do we pray for in the third petition?
In the third petition, which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.
Psalm 67Psalm 119:36Matthew 26:392 Samuel 15:25Psalm 103:20–21
Scripture proofs & commentary104
What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
In the fourth petition, which is, Give us this day our daily bread, we pray that of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.
Proverbs 30:8–9Genesis 28:201 Timothy 4:4–5
Scripture proofs & commentary105
What do we pray for in the fifth petition?
In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Psalm 51:1–2, 7, 9Daniel 9:17–19Luke 11:4Matthew 18:35
Scripture proofs & commentary106
What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
In the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.
Matthew 26:41Psalm 19:131 Corinthians 10:13Psalm 51:10, 12
Scripture proofs & commentary107
What doth the conclusion of the Lord's prayer teach us?
The conclusion of the Lord's prayer, which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen, teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him. And, in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.
Daniel 9:4, 7–9, 16–191 Chronicles 29:10–131 Corinthians 14:16Revelation 22:20–21
Scripture proofs & commentary