Shorter Catechism Q. 51. What is forbidden in the second commandment? A. The second commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word. Commentary: The second commandment doesn’t forbid the making of carved images or of other art forms. After all, God told Moses at one point to … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 49. Which is the second commandment? A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything 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 … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 48. What are we specially taught by these words before me in the first commandment? A. 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. Commentary: The phrase “before me” is literally … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first commandment? A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshiping 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. Commentary: The first commandment forbids atheism There are … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 45. Which is the first commandment? A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Q. 46. What is required in the first commandment? A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 44. What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us? A. 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. Commentary: The opening words of the decalogue teach us two reasons we … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 43. What is the preface to the ten commandments? A. 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. Commentary: The Bible doesn’t refer to the Ten Commandments as … [Read more…]
Shorter Catechism Q. 42. 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. Commentary: Several years ago, Tina Turner asked … [Read more…]
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…]
