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…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 31. What is effectual calling? A. 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. Commentary: Salvation … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ? A. 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. Commentary: As noted in the commentary on WSC 29, John Calvin said that Christ’s … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 29. 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 by his Holy Spirit. Commentary: Redemption or salvation needs to be considered in two different but related ways: accomplished and applied. Redemption … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation? A. 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. Commentary: Jesus didn’t come down from heaven … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 27. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist? A. 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 … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king? A. 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. Commentary: That Jesus is a king is a point that is emphasized throughout the New … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest? A. 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. Commentary: A prophet is a person who speaks on behalf … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet? A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. Commentary: A prophet is a spokesman. He speaks on behalf of another person. In this sense, he is like … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our redeemer? A. 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. Commentary: The last two questions considered the person of Christ. This question begins to look at his work … [Read more…]