The Westminster Standards
One hundred and seven questions and answers, written to be learned by heart and taught in the home and in the church.
Shorter Catechism · Question 1
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.
Scripture proofsPsalms 86:9; Isaiah 60:21; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11; Psalms 16:5–11; Psalms 144:15; Isaiah 12:2; Luke 2:10; Philippians 4:4; Revelation 21:3–4
Shorter Catechism · Question 2
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.
Scripture proofsMatthew 19:4–5; Genesis 2:24; Luke 24:27,44; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Peter 3:2,15–16; Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalms 19:7–11; Isaiah 8:20; John 15:11; John 20:30–31; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:15–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 3
The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
Scripture proofsGenesis 1:1; John 5:39; John 20:31; Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 10:12–13; Joshua 1:8; Psalms 119:105; Micah 6:8; 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 4
God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 4:15–19; Luke 24:39; John 1:18; John 4:24; Acts 17:29; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 139:7–10; Psalms 145:3; Psalms 147:5; Jeremiah 23:24; Romans 11:33–36; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:12,24–27; Revelation 1:4,8; Psalms 33:11; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 1:12; Hebrews 6:17–18; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17; Exodus 3:14; Psalms 115:2–3; 1 Timothy 1:17; Psalms 104:24; Romans 11:33–34; Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20; Genesis 17:1; Psalms 62:11; Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26; Revelation 1:8; Habakkuk 1:13; 1 Peter 1:15–16; 1 John 3:3,5; Revelation 15:4; Genesis 18:25; Exodus 34:6–7; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 96:13; Romans 3:5,26; Psalms 103:5; Psalms 107:8; Matthew 19:17; Exodus 34:6; Psalms 86:15; Psalms 117:2; Hebrews 6:18
Shorter Catechism · Question 5
There is but one only, the living and true God.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:21–22; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6; Jeremiah 10:10; John 17:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:20
Shorter Catechism · Question 6
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.
Scripture proofsMatthew 3:16–17; Matthew 28:19; Psalms 45:6; John 1:1; John 17:5; Acts 5:3–4; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Jude 24–25
Shorter Catechism · Question 7
The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, hereby, for his own glory, he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass.
Scripture proofsPsalms 33:11; Isaiah 14:24; Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:11–12
Shorter Catechism · Question 8
God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
Scripture proofsPsalms 148:8; Isaiah 40:26; Daniel 4:35; Acts 4:24–28
Shorter Catechism · Question 9
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.
Scripture proofsGenesis 1:1; Psalms 33:6,9; Hebrews 11:3; Genesis 1:31
Shorter Catechism · Question 10
God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
Scripture proofsGenesis 1:27; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; Genesis 1:28; Psalms 8
Shorter Catechism · Question 11
God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
Scripture proofsPsalms 145:17; Psalms 104:24; Hebrews 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6; Ephesians 1:19–22; Psalms 36:6; Proverbs 16:33; Matthew 10:30
Shorter Catechism · Question 12
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.
Scripture proofsGenesis 2:16–17; James 2:10
Shorter Catechism · Question 13
Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
Scripture proofsGenesis 3:6–8,13; 2 Corinthians 11:3
Shorter Catechism · Question 14
Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
Scripture proofsLeviticus 5:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 15
The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
Scripture proofsGenesis 3:6
Shorter Catechism · Question 16
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.
Scripture proofsGenesis 2:16–17; James 2:10; Romans 5:12–21; 1 Corinthians 15:22
Shorter Catechism · Question 17
The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
Scripture proofsGenesis 3:16–19,23
Shorter Catechism · Question 18
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.
Scripture proofsRomans 5:12,19; Romans 3:10; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; Psalms 51:5; John 3:6; Romans 3:18; Romans 8:7–8; Ephesians 2:3; Genesis 6:5; Psalms 53:1–3; Matthew 15:19; Romans 3:10–18,23
Shorter Catechism · Question 19
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 for ever.
Scripture proofsGenesis 3:8,24; John 8:34,42,44; Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18; John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:3; Ephesians 5:6; Galatians 3:10; Revelation 22:3; Genesis 3:16–19; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41,46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 14:9–11
Shorter Catechism · Question 20
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.
Scripture proofsActs 13:48; Ephesians 1:4–5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 17:7; Exodus 19:5–6; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:15
Shorter Catechism · Question 21
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, for ever.
Scripture proofsJohn 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Psalms 2:7; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; John 1:18; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 7:24–25
Shorter Catechism · Question 22
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.
Scripture proofsPhilippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14,17; Luke 1:27,31,35; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 3:5
Shorter Catechism · Question 23
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.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 18:18; Acts 2:33; Hebrews 4:14–15; Hebrews 5:5–6; Isaiah 9:6–7; Luke 1:32–33; John 18:37; 1 Corinthians 15:25
Shorter Catechism · Question 24
Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
Scripture proofsLuke 4:18–19,21; Acts 1:1–2; Hebrews 2:3; John 15:26–27; John 4:41–42; John 20:30–31
Shorter Catechism · Question 25
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.
Scripture proofsIsaiah 53; Acts 8:32–35; Hebrews 9:26–28; Hebrews 10:12; Romans 5:10–11; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Colossians 1:21–22; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24
Shorter Catechism · Question 26
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.
Scripture proofsPsalms 110:3; Matthew 28:18–20; John 17:2; Colossians 1:13; Psalms 2:6–9; Psalms 110:1–2; Matthew 12:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24–26; Colossians 2:15
Shorter Catechism · Question 27
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.
Scripture proofsLuke 2:7; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 4:4; Isaiah 53:3; Luke 9:58; John 4:6; John 11:35; Hebrews 2:18; Psalms 22:1; Matthew 27:46; Isaiah 53:10; 1 John 2:2; Galatians 3:13; Philippians 2:8; Matthew 12:40; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Shorter Catechism · Question 28
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.
Scripture proofs1 Corinthians 15:4; Psalms 68:18; Acts 1:11; Ephesians 4:8; Psalms 110:1; Acts 2:33–34; Matthew 16:27; Acts 17:31
Shorter Catechism · Question 29
We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
Scripture proofsTitus 3:4–7
Shorter Catechism · Question 30
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.
Scripture proofsRomans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 2:12–16; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 1:29; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Ephesians 3:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 31
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.
Scripture proofsActs 26:18; 1 Corinthians 2:10,12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 1:17–18; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:26–27; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; John 6:44–45; Acts 16:14; Isaiah 45:22; Matthew 11:28–30; Revelation 22:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 32
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.
Scripture proofsRomans 8:30
Shorter Catechism · Question 33
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.
Scripture proofsRomans 3:24; Romans 4:6–8; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4:6,11; Romans 5:19; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9
Shorter Catechism · Question 34
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.
Scripture proofs1 John 3:1; John 1:12; Romans 8:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 35
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.
Scripture proofsEzekiel 36:27; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:23–24; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Ezekiel 36:25–27; Romans 6:4,6,12–14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 2:24
Shorter Catechism · Question 36
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.
Scripture proofsRomans 5:5; Romans 5:1; Romans 14:17; 2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5
Shorter Catechism · Question 37
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.
Scripture proofsHebrews 12:23; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:6,8; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28–29; Acts 24:15
Shorter Catechism · Question 38
At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgement, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
Scripture proofs1 Corinthians 15:42–43; Matthew 25:33–34,46; Romans 8:29; Psalms 16:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 39
The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to His revealed will.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 29:29; Micah 6:8; 1 John 5:2–3
Shorter Catechism · Question 40
The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the Moral Law.
Scripture proofsRomans 2:14–15; Romans 10:5
Shorter Catechism · Question 41
The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 4:13; Matthew 19:17–19
Shorter Catechism · Question 42
The sum of the Ten Commandments is, “to love the Lord our God” with all our heart, all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.
Scripture proofsMatthew 22:37–40
Shorter Catechism · Question 43
The preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house OF SLAVERY.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 5:6
Shorter Catechism · Question 44
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.
Scripture proofsLuke 1:74–75; 1 Peter 1:14–19
Shorter Catechism · Question 45
The First Commandment is, “thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7
Shorter Catechism · Question 46
The First Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify Him accordingly.
Scripture proofs1 Chronicles 28:9; Isaiah 45:20–25
Shorter Catechism · Question 47
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.
Scripture proofsPsalms 14:1; Romans 1:20–21; Psalms 81:10–11; Ezekiel 8:16–18; Romans 1:25
Shorter Catechism · Question 48
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.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 30:17–18; Psalms 44:20–21; Ezekiel 8:12
Shorter Catechism · Question 49
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.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:4–6; Deuteronomy 5:8–10
Shorter Catechism · Question 50
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.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 12:32; Matthew 28:20
Shorter Catechism · Question 51
The Second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in His Word.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 4:15–19; Romans 1:22–23; Leviticus 10:1–2
Shorter Catechism · Question 52
The reasoned annexed to the Second Commandment are, God’s sovereignty over us, and the zeal He hath to His own worship.
Scripture proofsPsalms 95:2–3,6–7; Psalms 96:9–10; Exodus 19:5; Psalms 45:11; Isaiah 54:5; Exodus 34:14; 1 Corinthians 10:22
Shorter Catechism · Question 53
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.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11
Shorter Catechism · Question 54
The Third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 10:20; Psalms 29:2; Matthew 6:9; 1 Chronicles 29:10–13; Revelation 15:3–4; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:27–28; Psalms 138:2; Revelation 22:18–19; Psalms 107:21–22; Revelation 4:11
Shorter Catechism · Question 55
The Third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing [of] anything whereby God maketh Himself known.
Scripture proofsLeviticus 19:12; Matthew 5:33–37; James 5:12
Shorter Catechism · Question 56
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 judgement.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 28:58–59; 1 Samuel 3:13; 1 Samuel 4:11
Shorter Catechism · Question 57
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 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.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:12–15
Shorter Catechism · Question 58
The Fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as He appointed in His Word; expressly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to Himself.
Scripture proofsExodus 31:13,16–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 59
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.
Scripture proofsGenesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:11; Mark 2:27–28; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10
Shorter Catechism · Question 60
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.
Scripture proofsExodus 20:10; Nehemiah 13:15–22; Isaiah 58:13–14; Exodus 20:8; Leviticus 23:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; Matthew 12:1–13
Shorter Catechism · Question 61
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.
Scripture proofsNehemiah 13:15–22; Isaiah 58:13–14; Amos 8:4–6
Shorter Catechism · Question 62
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.
Scripture proofsExodus 20:9; Exodus 31:15; Leviticus 23:3; Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:11; Exodus 31:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 63
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.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16
Shorter Catechism · Question 64
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.
Scripture proofsRomans 13:1,7; Ephesians 5:21–22,24; Ephesians 6:1,4–5,9; 1 Peter 2:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 65
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.
Scripture proofsMatthew 15:4–6; Romans 13:8
Shorter Catechism · Question 66
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.
Scripture proofsExodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:2–3
Shorter Catechism · Question 67
The Sixth Commandment is, “thou shalt not kill.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17
Shorter Catechism · Question 68
The Sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Scripture proofsEphesians 5:28–29
Shorter Catechism · Question 69
The Sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Scripture proofsGenesis 9:6; Matthew 5:22; 1 John 3:15
Shorter Catechism · Question 70
The Seventh Commandment is, “thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18
Shorter Catechism · Question 71
The Seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chasity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.
Scripture proofs1 Corinthians 7:2–3,5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5
Shorter Catechism · Question 72
The Seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
Scripture proofsMatthew 5:28; Ephesians 5:3–4
Shorter Catechism · Question 73
The Eighth Commandment is, “thou shalt not steal.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19
Shorter Catechism · Question 74
The Eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Scripture proofsLeviticus 25:35; Ephesians 4:28; Philippians 2:4
Shorter Catechism · Question 75
The Eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour’s wealth or outward estate.
Scripture proofsProverbs 28:19
Shorter Catechism · Question 76
The Ninth Commandment is, “thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20
Shorter Catechism · Question 77
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.
Scripture proofsZechariah 8:16; Acts 25:10; 3 John 12; Proverbs 14:5,25
Shorter Catechism · Question 78
The Ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudical to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour’s good name.
Scripture proofsLeviticus 19:16; Psalms 15:3; Proverbs 6:16–19; Luke 3:14
Shorter Catechism · Question 79
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.”
Scripture proofsExodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21
Shorter Catechism · Question 80
The Tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all this is his.
Scripture proofsPsalms 34:1; Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5; Luke 15:6,9,11–32; Romans 12:15; Philippians 2:4
Shorter Catechism · Question 81
The Tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.
Scripture proofs1 Corinthians 10:10; James 3:14–16; Galatians 5:26
Shorter Catechism · Question 82
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.
Scripture proofsGenesis 8:21; Romans 3:9
Shorter Catechism · Question 83
Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Scripture proofsEzekiel 8:6,13,15; Matthew 11:20–24; John 19:11
Shorter Catechism · Question 84
Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
Scripture proofsMatthew 25:41; Galatians 3:10; Ephesians 5:6
Shorter Catechism · Question 85
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.
Scripture proofsMark 1:15; Acts 20:21; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:24–25; Colossians 3:16
Shorter Catechism · Question 86
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.
Scripture proofsEphesians 2:8–9; Romans 4:16; John 20:30–31; Galatians 2:15–16; Philippians 3:3–11
Shorter Catechism · Question 87
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.
Scripture proofsActs 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25; Psalms 51:1–4; Joel 2:13; Luke 15:7,10; Acts 2:37; Jeremiah 31:18–19; Luke 1:16–17; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 119:57–64; Matthew 3:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Shorter Catechism · Question 88
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.
Scripture proofsMatthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:41–42
Shorter Catechism · Question 89
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.
Scripture proofsNehemiah 8:8–9; Acts 20:32; Romans 10:14–17; 2 Timothy 3:15–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 90
The 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.
Scripture proofsDeuteronomy 6:16; Psalms 119:18; 1 Peter 2:1–2; Psalms 119:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Hebrews 4:2; James 1:22–25
Shorter Catechism · Question 91
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.
Scripture proofs1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 1:12–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 92
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.
Scripture proofsMatthew 28:19; Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–25; Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 93
The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord’s supper.
Scripture proofsMatthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Shorter Catechism · Question 94
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.
Scripture proofsMatthew 28:19; Acts 2:38–42
Shorter Catechism · Question 95
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.
Scripture proofsActs 2:41; Acts 8:12,36,38; Acts 18:8; Genesis 17:7,9–11; Acts 2:38–39; Acts 16:32–33; Colossians 2:11–12
Shorter Catechism · Question 96
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 worth 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.
Scripture proofsLuke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17
Shorter Catechism · Question 97
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 judgement to themselves.
Scripture proofs1 Corinthians 11:27–32
Shorter Catechism · Question 98
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 acknowledgement of his mercies.
Scripture proofsPsalms 10:17; Psalms 62:8; Matthew 7:7–8; 1 John 5:14; John 16:23–24; Psalms 32:5–6; Daniel 9:4–19; 1 John 1:9; Psalms 103:1–5; Psalms 136; Philippians 4:6
Shorter Catechism · Question 99
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.
Scripture proofs1 John 5:14; Matthew 6:9–13
Shorter Catechism · Question 100
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.
Scripture proofsPsalms 95:6; Ephesians 3:12; Matthew 7:9–11; Luke 11:11–13; Romans 8:15; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1–2
Shorter Catechism · Question 101
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.
Scripture proofsPsalms 67:1–3; Psalms 99:3; Psalms 100:3–4; Romans 11:33–36; Revelation 4:11
Shorter Catechism · Question 102
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 the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
Scripture proofsMatthew 12:25–28; Romans 16:20; 1 John 3:8; Psalms 72:8–11; Matthew 24:14; 1 Corinthians 15:24–25; Psalms 119:5; Luke 22:32; 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5; Revelation 22:20
Shorter Catechism · Question 103
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.
Scripture proofsPsalms 19:14; Psalms 119; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20–21; Psalms 103:20–21; Hebrews 1:14
Shorter Catechism · Question 104
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.
Scripture proofsProverbs 30:8–9; Matthew 6:31–34; Philippians 4:11,19; 1 Timothy 6:6–8
Shorter Catechism · Question 105
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 able to be rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Scripture proofsPsalms 51:1–2,7,9; Daniel 9:17–19; 1 John 1:7; Matthew 18:21–35; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
Shorter Catechism · Question 106
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.
Scripture proofsPsalms 19:13; Matthew 26:41; John 17:15; Luke 22:31–32; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:7–9; Hebrews 2:18
Shorter Catechism · Question 107
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.
Scripture proofsDaniel 9:4,7–9,16–19; Luke 18:1,7–8; 1 Chronicles 29:10–13; 1 Corinthians 14:16; Revelation 22:20
What We Believe
The Catechisms and the Confession are the Church’s summary of what Scripture teaches.
