Introduction

The Westminster Shorter Catechism was drawn up in 1646 and 1647 by the Assembly of Westminster Divines. Over a period of five years, the assembly also produced the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Larger Catechism.

Question 1

What is the chief end of man?

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, (1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 11:36) and to enjoy him for ever. (Psalm 73:25-28)

Question 2

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, (2 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 2:20) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. (1 John 1:3-4)

Question 3

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 1:13, 2 Timothy 3:16)

What man is to believe concerning God

Question 4

What is God?

God is a Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7-9) eternal, (Psalm 90:2) and unchangeable, (James 1:17) in his being, (Exodus 3:14) wisdom, (Psalm 147:5) power, (Revelation 4:8) holiness, (Revelation 15:4) justice, goodness, and truth. (Exodus 34:6-7)

Question 5

Are there more Gods than one?

There is but One only, the living and true God. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Jeremiah 10:10)

Question 6

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. (1 John 5:7, Matthew 28:19)

Question 7

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 1:4,11, Romans 9:22-23)

Question 8

How doth God execute his decrees?

God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

Question 9

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, Hebrews 11:3)

Question 10

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 1:26-28, Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:24)

Question 11

What are God’s works of providence?

God’s works of providence are, his most holy, (Psalm 145:17) wise, (Psalm 104:24, Isaiah 28:29) and powerful preserving, (Hebrews 1:3) and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. (Psalm 103:19, Matthew 10:29-31)

Question 12

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 3:12, Genesis 2:17)

Question 13

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 3:6-8,13, Ecclesiastes 7:29)

Question 14

What is sin?

Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God. (1 John 3:4)

Question 15

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 thy were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:6)

Question 16

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. (Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22)

Question 17

Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery. (Romans 5:12)

Question 18

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 5:12,19, Romans 5:10-20, Ephesians 2:1-3, James 1:14-15, Matthew 15:19)

Question 19

What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, (Genesis 3:8,10,24) are under his wrath and curse, (Ephesians 2:2-3, Galatians 3:10) and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. (Lamentations 3:39, Romans 6:23, Matthew 25:41,46)

Question 20

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, (Ephesians 1:4) 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. (Romans 3:20-22, Galatians 3:21-22)

Question 21

Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Timothy 2:5-6) who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, (John 1:14, Galatians 4:4) and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever. (Romans 9:5, Luke 1:35, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 7:24-25)

Question 22

How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, (Hebrews 2:14,16, Hebrews 10:5) and a reasonable soul, (Matthew 26:38) being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, (Luke 1:27,31,35,42, Galatians 4:4) yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26)

Question 23

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 3:21-22, Hebrews 12:25, 2 Corinthians 13:3, Hebrews 5:5-7, Hebrews 7:25, Psalm 2:6, Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 21:5, Psalm 2:8-11)

Question 24

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 1:18, 1 Peter 1:10-12, John 15:15, John 20:31)

Question 25

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, (Hebrews 9:14,28) and reconcile us to God; (Hebrews 2:17) and in making continual intercession for us. (Hebrews 7:24-25)

Question 26

How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, (Acts 15:14-16) in ruling, (Isaiah 32:22) and defending us, (Isaiah 32:1-2) and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. (1 Corinthians 15:25, Psalm 110)

Question 27

Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?

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, (Hebrews 12:2-3, Isaiah 53:2-3) the wrath of God, (Luke 22:44, Matthew 27:46) and the cursed death of the cross, (Philippians 2:8) in being buried, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and continuing under the power of death for a time. (Acts 2:24-27, 31)

Question 28

Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?

Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, (1 Corinthians 15:4) in ascending up into heaven, (Mark 16:19) in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, (Ephesians 1:20) and in coming to judge the world at the last day. (Acts 1:11, Acts 17:31)

Question 29

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, (John 1:11-12) by his Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5-6)

Question 30

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, (Ephesians 1:13-14, John 6:37-39, Ephesians 2:8) and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. (Ephesians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 1:9)

Question 31

What is effectual calling?

Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, (2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) 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 36:26-27) he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. (John 6:44-45, Philippians 2:13)

Question 32

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, (Romans 8:30) adoption, (Ephesians 1:5) and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them. (1 Corinthians 1:26,30)

Question 33

What is justification?

Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, (Romans 3:24-25, Romans 4:6-8) and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, (2 Corinthians 5:19,21) only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, (Romans 5:17-19) and received by faith alone. (Galatians 2:16, Philippians 3:9)

Question 34

What is adoption?

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)

Question 35

What is sanctification?

Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, (2 Thessalonians 2:13) whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, (Ephesians 4:23-24) and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. (Romans 6:4,6, Romans 8:1)

Question 36

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, (Romans 5:1-2,5) joy in the Holy Ghost, (Romans 14:17) increase of grace, (Proverbs 4:18) and perseverance therein to the end. (1 John 5:13, 1 Peter 1:5)

Question 37

What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, (Hebrews 12:23) and do immediately pass into glory; (2 Corinthians 5:1,6,8, Philippians 1:23, 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 19:26-27)

Question 38

What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, (1 Corinthians 15:43) shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, (Matthew 25:23, Matthew 10:32) and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God, (1 John 3:2, 1 Corinthians 13:12) to all eternity. (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)

What duty God requires of man

Question 39

What is the duty which God requireth of man?

The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will. (Micah 6:8, 1 Samuel 15:22)

Question 40

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 2:14-15, Romans 10:5)

Question 41

Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments. (Deuteronomy 10:4, Matthew 19:17)

Question 42

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)

Question 43

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)

Question 44

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 1:74-75, 1 Peter 1:15-18)

Question 45

Which is the first commandment?

The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)

Question 46

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; (1 Chronicles 28:9, Deuteronomy 26:17) and to worship and glorify him accordingly. (Matthew 4:10, Psalm 29:2)

Question 47

What is forbidden in the first commandment?

The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, (Psalm 14:1) or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, (Romans 1:21) and our God; (Psalm 81:10-11) and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone. (Romans 1:25-26)

Question 48

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 8:5-6, Psalm 44:20-21)

Question 49

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 thy self 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)

Question 50

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 32:46, Matthew 28:20, Acts 2:42)

Question 51

What is forbidden in the second commandment?

The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, (Deuteronomy 4:15-19, Exodus 32:5,8) or any other way not appointed in his Word. (Deuteronomy 12:31-32)

Question 52

What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?

The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God’s sovereignty over us, (Psalm 95:2-3) his propriety in us, (Psalm 45:11) and the zeal he hath to his own worship. (Exodus 34:13-14)

Question 53

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)

Question 54

What is required in the third commandment?

The third commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God’s names, (Matthew 6:9, Deuteronomy 28:58) titles, (Psalm 68:4) attributes, (Revelation 15:3-4) ordinances, (Mal. 1:11,14) Word, (Psalm 138:1-2) and works. (Job 36:24)

Question 55

What is forbidden in the third commandment?

The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning and abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known. (Mal. 1:6-7,12, Mal. 2:2, Mal. 3:14)

Question 56

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 2:12,17,22,29, 1 Samuel 3:13, Deuteronomy 28:58-59)

Question 57

Which is the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment is, Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:8-11)

Question 58

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 5:12-14)

Question 59

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 2:2-3, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Acts 20:7)

Question 60

How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, (Exodus 20:8,10, Exodus 16:25-28) even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; (Nehemiah 13:15-19) and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship, (Luke 4:16, Acts 20:7, Psalm 92, Isaiah 66:23) except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy. (Matthew 12:1-31)

Question 61

What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, (Amos 8:5, Malachi 1:13) and the profaning the day by idleness, (Acts 20:7,9) or doing that which is in itself sinful, (Ezekiel 23:38) or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations. (Jeremiah 17:24-26, Isaiah 58:13)

Question 62

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, (Exodus 20:9) his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath-day. (Exodus 20:11)

Question 63

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)

Question 64

What is required in the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, (Ephesians 5:21) inferiors, (1 Peter 2:17) or equals. (Romans 12:10)

Question 65

What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honor and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations. (Matthew 15:4-6, Ezekiel 34:2-4, Romans 13:8)

Question 66

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 5:16, Ephesians 6:2-3)

Question 67

Which is the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13)

Question 68

What is required in the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, (Ephesians 5:28-29) and the life of others. (1 Kings 18:4)

Question 69

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 16:28, Genesis 9:6)

Question 70

Which is the seventh commandment?

The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)

Question 71

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 behavior. (1 Corinthians 7:2-3,5,34,36, Colossians 4:6, 1 Peter 3:2)

Question 72

What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions. (Matthew 15:19, Matthew 5:28, Ephesians 5:3-4)

Question 73

Which is the eighth commandment?

The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. (Exodus 20:15)

Question 74

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 30:30, 1 Timothy 5:8, Leviticus 25:35, Deuteronomy 22:1-5, Exodus 23:4-5, Genesis 47:14,20)

Question 75

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 21:17, Proverbs 23:20-21, Proverbs 28:19, Ephesians 4:28)

Question 76

Which is the ninth commandment?

The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Exodus 20:16)

Question 77

What is required in the ninth commandment?

The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, (Zech. 8:16) and of our own and our neighbour’s good name, (3 John 12) especially in witness-bearing. (Proverbs 14:5,25)

Question 78

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 17:28, Leviticus 19:16, Psalm 15:3)

Question 79

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 man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Exodus 20:17)

Question 80

What is required in the tenth commandment?

The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, (Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6) with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his. (Job 31:29, Romans 12:15, 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Question 81

What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, (1 Kings 21:4, Esther 5:13, 1 Corinthians 10:10) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, (Galatians 5:26, James 3:14,16) and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his. (Romans 7:7-8, Romans 13:9, Deuteronomy 5:21)

Question 82

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, (Eccles. 7:20, 1 John 1:8,10, Galatians 5:17) but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed. (Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, Romans 3:9-21, James 3:2-13)

Question 83

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 8:6,13,15, 1 John 5:16, Psalm 78:17,32,56)

Question 84

What doth every sin deserve?

Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. (Ephesians 5:6, Galatians 3:10, Lamentations 3:39, Matthew 25:41)

Question 85

What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and cursedue 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, (Acts 20:21) with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. (Proverbs 2:1-5, Proverbs 8:33-36, Isaiah 55:3)

Question 86

What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, (Hebrews 10:39) whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel. (John 1:12, Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 3:9, Galatians 2:16)

Question 87

What is repentance unto life?

Repentance unto life is a saving grace, (Acts 11:18) whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, (Acts 2:37-38) and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, (Joel 2:12, Jeremiah 3:22) doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, (Jeremiah 31:18-19, Ezekiel 36:31) with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience. (2 Corinthians 7:11, Isaiah 1:16-17)

Question 88

What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to usthe 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 28:19-20, Acts 2:42,46-47)

Question 89

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 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, Acts 26:18, Psalm 19:8, Acts 20:32, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Romans 10:13-17, Romans 1:16)

Question 90

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, (Proverbs 8:34) preparation, (1 Peter 2:1-2) and prayer; (Psalm 119:18) receive it with faith and love, (Hebrews 4:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:10) lay it up in our hearts, (Psalm 119:11) and practice it in our lives. (Luke 8:15, James 1:25)

Question 91

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, (1 Peter 3:21, Matthew 3:11, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7) and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Question 92

What is a sacrament?

A sacrament is an 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 17:7,10, Exodus 12, 1 Corinthians 11:23,26)

Question 93

Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, (Matthew 28:19) and the Lord’s supper. (Matthew 26:26-28)

Question 94

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, (Matthew 28:19) 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. (Romans 6:4, Galatians 3:27)

Question 95

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; (Acts 8:36-38, Acts 2:38) but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized. (Acts 2:38-39, Genesis 17:10, Colossians 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 7:14)

Question 96

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 11:23-26)

Question 97

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, (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 10:16-17) and new obedience; (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)

Question 98

What is prayer?

Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, (Psalm 62:8) for things agreeable to his will, (1 John 5:14) in the name of Christ, (John 16:23) with confession of our sins, (Psalm 32:5-6, Daniel 9:4) and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies. (Philippians 4:6)

Question 99

What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; (1 John 5:14) but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord’s prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4)

Question 100

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, (Matthew 6:9)) teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; (Romans 8:15, Luke 11:13) and that we should pray with and for others. (Acts 12:5, 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Question 101

What do we pray for in the first petition?

In the first petition, (which is, Hallowed be thy name, (Matthew 6:9)) we pray, That God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known; (Psalm 67:2-3) and that he would dispose all things to his own glory. (Psalm 83)

Question 102

What do we pray for in the second petition?

In the second petition, (which is, Thy kingdom come, (Matthew 6:10)) we pray, That Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; (Psalm 68:1,18) and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, (Revelation 12:10-11) ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; (2 Thessalonians 3:1, Romans 10:1, John 17:9,20) and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened. (Revelation 22:20)

Question 103

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, (Matthew 6:10)) we pray, That God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, (Psalm 67, Psalm 119:36, Matthew 26:39, 2 Samuel 15:25, Job 1:21) as the angels do in heaven. (Psalm 103:20-21)

Question 104

What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

In the fourth petition, (which is, Give us this day our daily bread, (Matthew 6:11)) 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 30:8-9, Genesis 28:20, 1 Timothy 4:4-5)

Question 105

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, (Matthew 6:12)) we pray, That God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins; (Psalm 51:1-2,7,9, Daniel 9:17-19) which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others. (Luke 11:4, Matthew 18:35)

Question 106

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, (Matthew 6:13)) we pray, That god would either keep us from being tempted to sin, (Matthew 26:41) or support and deliver us when we are tempted. (2 Corinthians 12:7-8)

Question 107

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. (Matthew 6:13)) teacheth us, to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, (Daniel 9:4,7-9,16-19) and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13) And, in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen. (1 Corinthians 14:16, Revelation 22:20-21)

Westminster Shorter Catechism: Public Domain