Shorter Catechism Q. 41. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended? A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments. Commentary: The Catechism teaches that the Ten Commandments are moral law. Although there are some ceremonial or typological aspects within it (e.g., the promise of long life in the land), they are substantially … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience? A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law. Commentary: A law is a command that directs us, that is, it tells us what to do. It also binds … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man? A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will. Commentary: The catechism may be divided into two broad sections. The first section (questions 4-38) deals with what we are to believe, and the second one (questions 39-107) … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? A. 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. Commentary: One benefit that believers will receive … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death? A. 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. Commentary: One of the benefits that believers … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption and sanctification? A. 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 … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 35. What is sanctification? A. 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. Commentary: Another benefit of our union and communion with Christ that we receive … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 34. What is adoption? A. 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. Commentary: One of the benefits of our union and communion with Christ that we receive in this life is adoption. … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 33. What is justification? A. 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. Commentary: One of the benefits we receive in union and communion with … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life? A. 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. Commentary: Once we are united to Christ by … [Read more…]