Question: What is the Lord's prayer?

Answer: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.[1]


Question: Why has Christ commanded us to address God as Our Father?

Answer: To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer that childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be basic to our prayer: God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith than our fathers would refuse us earthly things.

To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer that childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be basic to our prayer: God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith than our fathers would refuse us earthly things.[1]


Question: Why is there added, Who art in heaven?

Answer: These words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty in an earthly manner,  and to expect from His almighty power all things we need for body and soul.

These words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty in an earthly manner, [1] and to expect from His almighty power all things we need for body and soul. [2]


Question: What is the first petition?

Answer: Hallowed be Thy Name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know Thee, and sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life-- our thoughts, words, and actions-- that Thy Name is not blasphemed because of us but always honoured and praised.

Hallowed be Thy Name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know Thee,[1] and sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth.[2] Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life-- our thoughts, words, and actions-- that Thy Name is not blasphemed because of us but always honoured and praised.[3]


Question: What is the second petition?

Answer: Thy kingdom come. That is: So rule us by Thy Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to Thee. Preserve and increase Thy church. Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against Thee, and every conspiracy against Thy holy Word. Do all this until the fulness of Thy kingdom comes, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.

Thy kingdom come. That is: So rule us by Thy Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to Thee.[1] Preserve and increase Thy church.[2] Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against Thee, and every conspiracy against Thy holy Word.[3] Do all this until the fulness of Thy kingdom comes, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.[4]


Question: What is the third petition?

Answer: Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. That is: Grant that we and all men may deny our own will, and without any murmuring obey Thy will, for it alone is good. Grant also that everyone may carry out the duties of his office and calling as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. That is: Grant that we and all men may deny our own will, and without any murmuring obey Thy will, for it alone is good.[1] Grant also that everyone may carry out the duties of his office and calling[2] as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.[3]


Question: What is the fourth petition?

Answer: Give us this day our daily bread. That is: Provide us with all our bodily needs so that we may acknowledge that Thou art the only fountain of all good, and that our care and labour, and also Thy gifts, cannot do us any good without Thy blessing. Grant therefore that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures, and place it only in Thee.

Give us this day our daily bread. That is: Provide us with all our bodily needs[1] so that we may acknowledge that Thou art the only fountain of all good,[2] and that our care and labour, and also Thy gifts, cannot do us any good without Thy blessing.[3] Grant therefore that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures, and place it only in Thee.[4]


Question: What is the fifth petition?

Answer: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. That is: For the sake of Christ's blood, do not impute to us, wretched sinners; any of our transgressions, nor the evil which still clings to us, as we also find this evidence of Thy grace in us that we are fully determined wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbor.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. That is: For the sake of Christ's blood, do not impute to us, wretched sinners; any of our transgressions, nor the evil which still clings to us,[1] as we also find this evidence of Thy grace in us that we are fully determined wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbor.[2]


Question: What is the sixth petition?

Answer: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. That is: In ourselves we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment. Moreover, our sworn enemies-- the devil, the world, and our own flesh-- do not cease to attack us. Wilt Thou, therefore, uphold and strengthen us by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, so that in this spiritual war we may not go down to defeat, but always firmly resist our enemies, until we finally obtain the complete victory.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. That is: In ourselves we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment.[1] Moreover, our sworn enemies-- the devil,[2] the world,[3] and our own flesh[4]-- do not cease to attack us. Wilt Thou, therefore, uphold and strengthen us by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, so that in this spiritual war[5] we may not go down to defeat, but always firmly resist our enemies, until we finally obtain the complete victory.[6]


Question: How do you conclude your prayer?

Answer: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. That is: All this we ask of Thee because, as our King, having power over all things, Thou art both willing and able to give us all that is good, and because not we but Thy holy Name should so receive all glory for ever.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. That is: All this we ask of Thee because, as our King, having power over all things, Thou art both willing and able to give us all that is good,[1] and because not we but Thy holy Name should so receive all glory for ever.[2]


Question: What does the word Amen mean?

Answer: Amen means: It is true and certain. For God has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of Him.

Amen means: It is true and certain. For God has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of Him.[1]


Question: Who is the first and best of beings?

Answer: God is the first and best of beings.


Question: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.[1]


Question: How do we know there is a God?

Answer: The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal Him unto us for our salvation.

The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal Him unto us for our salvation.[1]


Question: What is the Word of God?

Answer: The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.[1]


Question: How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?

Answer: The Bible evidences itself to be God's Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, its power to convert sinners and to edify saints; but the Spirit of God only, bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in our hearts, is able fully to persuade us that the Bible is the Word of God.

The Bible evidences itself to be God's Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, its power to convert sinners and to edify saints; but the Spirit of God only, bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in our hearts, is able fully to persuade us that the Bible is the Word of God.[1]


Question: May all men make use of the Scriptures?

Answer: All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.

All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.[1]


Question: What do the Scriptures principally teach?

Answer: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.

The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.[1]


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.[1]


Question: Are there more gods than one?

Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.

There is but one only, the living and true God.[1]


Question: How many persons are there in the Godhead?

Answer: There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.

There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.[1]


Question: What are the decrees of God?

Answer: The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He has fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass

The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He has fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass[1]


Question: How does God execute His decrees?

Answer: God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence.

God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence.[1]


Question: What is the work of creation?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: How did God create man?

Answer: God created man male and female, after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.

God created man male and female, after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.[1]


Question: What are God's works of providence?

Answer: God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions.

God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions.[1]


Question: What special act of providence did God exercise towards man, in the estate wherein he was created?

Answer: When God had created man, He entered into a covenant of works with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.

When God had created man, He entered into a covenant of works with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.[1]


Question: Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?

Answer: Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.[1]


Question: What is sin?

Answer: Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.

Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.[1]


Question: What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?

Answer: The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.

The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.[1]


Question: Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

Answer: The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.

The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.[1]


Question: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereunto man fell?

Answer: The sinfulness of that estate whereunto 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.

The sinfulness of that estate whereunto 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.[1]


Question: What is the misery of that estate whereunto man fell?

Answer: All mankind, by their fall lost communion with God, are under His wrath and curse, and 80 made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.

All mankind, by their fall lost communion with God, are under His wrath and curse, and 80 made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.[1]


Question: Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

Answer: God, out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity, having chosen a people 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.

God, out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity, having chosen a people 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.[1]


Question: Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?

Answer: 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 continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever.

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 continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever.[1]


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

Answer: 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 Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin.

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 Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin.[1]


Question: What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?

Answer: Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His estate of humiliation and exaltation.[1]


Question: How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by this Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.

Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by this Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.[1]


Question: How does Christ execute the office of a priest?

Answer: Christ executes 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.

Christ executes 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.[1]


Question: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: Christ executes 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.

Christ executes 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.[1]


Question: Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: Wherein consists Christ's exaltation?

Answer: Christ's exaltation consists 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.

Christ's exaltation consists 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.[1]


Question: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us, by His Holy Spirit.

We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us, by His Holy Spirit.[1]


Question: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.[1]


Question: What is effectual calling?

Answer: 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 does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the Gospel.

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 does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the Gospel.[1]


Question: What benefits do they that are effectually called, partake of in this life?

Answer: They that are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.

They that are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.[1]


Question: What is justification?

Answer: Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein He pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein He pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.[1]


Question: What is adoption?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: What is sanctification?

Answer: Sanctification is a 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.

Sanctification is a 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.[1]


Question: What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

Answer: 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 Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

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 Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.[1]


Question: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

Answer: The souls of believers are at 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.

The souls of believers are at 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.[1]


Question: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection?

Answer: At the resurrection, believers become raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.

At the resurrection, believers become raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.[1]


Question: What shall be done to the wicked at death?

Answer: The souls of the wicked shall at death, be cast into the torments of hell, and their bodies lie in their graves till the resurrection and judgement of the great day.

The souls of the wicked shall at death, be cast into the torments of hell, and their bodies lie in their graves till the resurrection and judgement of the great day.[1]


Question: What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgement?

Answer: At the day of judgement, the bodies of the wicked, being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with the devil and his angels forever.

At the day of judgement, the bodies of the wicked, being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with the devil and his angels forever.[1]


Question: What is the duty which God requires of man?

Answer: The duty which God requires of man, is obedience to His revealed will.

The duty which God requires of man, is obedience to His revealed will.[1]


Question: What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

Answer: The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law.

The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law.[1]


Question: Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

Answer: The moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.

The moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.[1]


Question: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: What is the preface to the Ten Commandments?

Answer: The preface to the Ten Commandments is, "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."

The preface to the Ten Commandments is, "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."[1]


Question: What does the preface to the Ten Commandments teach us?

Answer: The preface to the Ten Commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all His commandments.

The preface to the Ten Commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all His commandments.[1]


Question: Which is the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment is, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me."

The first commandment is, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me."[1]


Question: What is required in the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify Him accordingly.

The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify Him accordingly.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment forbids the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God and our God; and the giving that worship and glory to any other, which is due unto Him alone.

The first commandment forbids the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God and our God; and the giving that worship and glory to any other, which is due unto Him alone.[1]


Question: What are we especially taught by these words, "before me," in the first commandment?

Answer: These words, "before me", in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who sees all things, takes notice of, and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God.

These words, "before me", in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who sees all things, takes notice of, and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God.[1]


Question: Which is the second commandment?

Answer: 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."

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."[1]


Question: What is required in the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances, as God has appointed in His Word.

The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances, as God has appointed in His Word.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in His Word.

The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in His Word.[1]


Question: What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The reasons annexed to the second commandment, are, God's sovereignty over us, His propriety in us, and the zeal He has for His own worship.

The reasons annexed to the second commandment, are, God's sovereignty over us, His propriety in us, and the zeal He has for His own worship.[1]


Question: Which is the third commandment?

Answer: 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."

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."[1]


Question: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.

The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of any thing whereby God makes Himself known.

The third commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of any thing whereby God makes Himself known.[1]


Question: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

Answer: The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that howsoever the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape His righteous judgment.

The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that howsoever 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]


Question: Which is the fourth commandment?

Answer: 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 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."

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 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."[1]


Question: What is required in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as He has appointed in His Word, expressly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to Himself.

The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as He has appointed in His Word, expressly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to Himself.[1]


Question: Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?

Answer: From the creation 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.

From the creation 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.[1]


Question: How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

Answer: The Sabbath is to sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days, and spending the 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.

The Sabbath is to sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days, and spending the 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.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment forbids 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 worldly employments or recreations.

The fourth commandment forbids 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 worldly employments or recreations.[1]


Question: What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: Which is the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment is, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

The fifth commandment is, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."[1]


Question: What is required in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing anything against the honor and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.

The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing anything against the honor and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.[1]


Question: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

Answer: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve God's glory and their own good), to all such as keep this commandment.

The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve God's glory and their own good), to all such as keep this commandment.[1]


Question: Which is the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill."

The sixth commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill."[1]


Question: What is required in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the life of others.

The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the life of others.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment forbids the taking away our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tends thereto.

The sixth commandment forbids the taking away our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tends thereto.[1]


Question: Which is the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment is, "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

The seventh commandment is, "Thou shalt not commit adultery."[1]


Question: What is required in the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbor's chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.

The seventh commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbor's chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.[1]


Question: Which is the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal."

The eighth commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal."[1]


Question: What is required in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment requires the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward state of ourselves and others.

The eighth commandment requires the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward state of ourselves and others.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment forbids whatsoever does or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbor's wealth or outward state.

The eighth commandment forbids whatsoever does or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbor's wealth or outward state.[1]


Question: Which is the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

The ninth commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."[1]


Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbor's good name, especially in witness bearing.

The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbor's good name, especially in witness bearing.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment forbids whatsoever is pre- judicial to truth, or injurious to our own, or our neighbor's good name.

The ninth commandment forbids whatsoever is pre- judicial to truth, or injurious to our own, or our neighbor's good name.[1]


Question: Which is the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment is, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."

The tenth commandment is, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."[1]


Question: What is required in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment requires full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbor, and all that is his.

The tenth commandment requires full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbor, and all that is his.[1]


Question: What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.

The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.[1]


Question: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

Answer: No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but daily breaks them in thought, word, and deed.

No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but daily breaks them in thought, word, and deed.[1]


Question: What then is the purpose of the law since the fall?

Answer: The purpose of the law, since, the fall, is to reveal the perfect righteousness of God, that His people may know his will for their lives and the ungodly, being convicted of their sin, may be restrained therein and brought to Christ for salvation.

The purpose of the law, since, the fall, is to reveal the perfect righteousness of God, that His people may know his will for their lives and the ungodly, being convicted of their sin, may be restrained therein and brought to Christ for salvation.[1]


Question: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

Answer: Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.[1]


Question: What does every sin deserve?

Answer: Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come.

Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come.[1]


Question: What does God require of us, that we may escape His wrath and curse, due to us for sin?

Answer: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.

To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.[1]


Question: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: What is repentance unto life?

Answer: 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, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience.

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, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience.[1]


Question: What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?

Answer: The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord's Supper and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord's Supper and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.[1]


Question: How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

Answer: The Spirit of God makes 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.

The Spirit of God makes 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.[1]


Question: How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

Answer: That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation and prayer, receive it in faith and love, lay it up in our hearts and practice it in our lives.

That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation and prayer, receive it in faith and love, lay it up in our hearts and practice it in our lives.[1]


Question: How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation?

Answer: Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them.[1]


Question: Wherein do Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from the other ordinances of God?

Answer: Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from the other ordinances of God in that they were specially instituted by Christ to represent and apply to believers the benefits of the new covenant by visible and outward signs.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from the other ordinances of God in that they were specially instituted by Christ to represent and apply to believers the benefits of the new covenant by visible and outward signs.[1]


Question: What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is an holy ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Baptism is an holy ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.[1]


Question: To whom is Baptism to be administered?

Answer: Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ; and to none other.

Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ; and to none other.[1]


Question: Are the infants of such as are professing believers to be baptized?

Answer: The infants of such as are professing believers are not to be baptized; because there is neither command nor example in the Holy Scriptures, or certain consequence from them, to baptize such.


Question: How is Baptism rightly administered?

Answer: Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.[1]


Question: What is the duty of those who are rightly baptized?

Answer: It is the duty of those who are rightly baptized to give up (join) themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

It is the duty of those who are rightly baptized to give up (join) themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.[1]


Question: What is the visible church?

Answer: The visible church is the organized society of professing believers, in all ages and places, wherein the Gospel is truly preached and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper rightly administered.

The visible church is the organized society of professing believers, in all ages and places, wherein the Gospel is truly preached and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper rightly administered.[1]


Question: What is the invisible church?

Answer: The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.

The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.[1]


Question: What is the Lord's Supper?

Answer: The Lord's Supper is a holy ordinance, 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 corporeal 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.

The Lord's Supper is a holy ordinance, 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 corporeal 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]


Question: What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

Answer: It is required of them that would worthily (that is, suitably) 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 judgment to themselves.

It is required of them that would worthily (that is, suitably) 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 judgment to themselves.[1]


Question: What is Prayer?

Answer: Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.

Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.[1]


Question: What rule has God given for our direction in prayer?

Answer: The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer, which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer.

The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer, which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer.[1]


Question: What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer: The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father, which art in heaven," teaches 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.

The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father, which art in heaven," teaches 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.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the first petition?

Answer: 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 makes Himself known, and that He would dispose all things to His own glory.

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 makes Himself known, and that He would dispose all things to His own glory.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the second petition?

Answer: 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 that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

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 that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the third petition?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

Answer: 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 the rather encouraged to ask, because by His grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.

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 the rather encouraged to ask, because by His grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

Answer: 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.

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.[1]


Question: What does the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer: The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen," teaches 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.

The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen," teaches 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.[1]


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear, love, and trust God more than anything else.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The First Commandment -- You must not have other gods. (Exodus 20:3)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not use His name to curse, swear, cast a spell, lie or deceive, but will use it to call upon Him, pray to Him, praise Him and thank Him in all times of trouble.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Second Commandment -- You must not misuse your God's name. (Exodus 20:7)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not look down on preaching or God's Word, but consider it holy, listen to it willingly, and learn it.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Third Commandment -- You must keep the Sabbath holy. (Exodus 20:8)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will neither look down on our parents or superiors nor irritate them, but will honor them, serve them, obey them, love them and value them.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Fourth Commandment -- You must honor your father and mother. [So that things will go well for you and you will live long on earth]. (Exodus 20:12)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will neither harm nor hurt our neighbor's body, but help him and care for him when he is ill.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Fifth Commandment -- You must not kill. (Exodus 20:13)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that our words and actions will be clean and decent and so that everyone will love and honor their spouses.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Sixth Commandment -- You must not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will neither take our neighbor's money or property, nor acquire it by fraud or by selling him poorly made products, but will help him improve and protect his property and career.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Seventh Commandment -- You must not steal. (Exodus 20:15)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not deceive by lying, betraying, slandering or ruining our neighbor's reputation, but will defend him, say good things about him, and see the best side of everything he does.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Eighth Commandment -- You must not tell lies about your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16 )


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not attempt to trick our neighbor out of his inheritance or house, take it by pretending to have a right to it, etc. but help him to keep & improve it.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Ninth Commandment -- You must not desire your neighbor's house. (Exodus 20:17)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not release our neighbor's cattle, take his employees from him or seduce his wife, but urge them to stay and do what they ought to do.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Tenth Commandment -- You must not desire your neighbor's wife, servant, maid, animals or anything that belongs to him. (Exodus 20:17)


Question: What does God say to us about all these commandments?

Answer: This is what He says: "I am the Lord Your God. I am a jealous God. I plague the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who hate me with their ancestor's sin. But I make whole those who love me for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:5)

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Conclusion to the Commandments


Question: What does it mean?

Answer: God threatens to punish everyone who breaks these commandments. We should be afraid of His anger because of this and not violate such commandments. But He promises grace and all good things to those who keep such commandments. Because of this, we, too, should love Him, trust Him, and willingly do what His commandments require.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Conclusion to the Commandments


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: I believe that God created me, along with all creatures. He gave to me: my body and soul, my eyes, ears and all the other parts of my body, my mind and all my senses. He preserves them as well. He gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and land, wife and children, fields, animals and all I own. Every day He abundantly provides everything I need to nourish this body and life. He protects me against all danger. he shields and defends me from all evil. He does all this because of His pure, fatherly and divine goodness and His mercy, not because I've earned it or deserved it. For all of this, I must thank Him, praise Him, serve Him and obey Him. Yes, this is true!

II. The Creed -- The First Article -- On Creation I believe in God the Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth.


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: I believe that Jesus Christ is truly God, born of the Father in eternity and also truly man, born of the Virgin Mary. He is my Lord! He redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, bought and won me from all sins, death and the authority of the Devil. It did not cost Him gold or silver, but His holy, precious blood, His innocent body--His death! Because of this, I am His very own, will live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him righteously, innocently and blessedly forever, just as He is risen from death, lives and reigns forever. Yes, this is true.


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: I believe that I cannot come to my Lord Jesus Christ by my own intelligence or power. But the Holy Spirit called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as He calls, gathers together, enlightens and makes holy the whole Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus in the one, true faith. In this Church, He generously forgives each day every sin committed by me and by every believer. On the last day, He will raise me and all the dead from the grave. He will give eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. Yes, this is true!

II. The Creed -- The Third Article -- On Becoming Holy I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the community of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and an everlasting life. Amen.


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: In this introduction, God invites us to believe that He is our real Father and we are His real children, so that we will pray with trust and complete confidence, in the same way beloved children approach their beloved Father with their requests.

III. The Our Father -- Introduction -- Our Father, Who is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:9)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Of course, God's name is holy in and of itself, but by this request, we pray that He will make it holy among us, too.

III. The Our Father -- The First Request -- May Your name be holy. (Matthew 6:9)


Question: How does this take place?

Answer: It happens when God's Word is taught clearly and purely, and when we live holy lives as God's children based upon it. Help us, Heavenly Father, to do this! But anyone who teaches and lives by something other than God's Word defiles God's name among us. Protect us from this, Heavenly Father!

III. The Our Father -- The First Request


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Truly God's Kingdom comes by itself, without our prayer. But we pray in this request that it come to us as well.

III. The Our Father -- The Second Request -- Your Kingdom come. (Matthew 6:10)


Question: How does this happen?

Answer: It happens when the Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that we believe His holy Word by His grace and live godly lives here in this age and there in eternal life.

III. The Our Father -- The Second Request


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Truly, God's good and gracious will is accomplished without our prayer. But we pray in this request that is accomplished among us as well.

III. The Our Father -- The Third Request -- May Your will be accomplished. As it is Heaven, so may it be on Earth. (Matthew 6:10)


Question: How does this happen?

Answer: It happens when God destroys and interferes with every evil will and all evil advice, which will not allow God's Kingdom to come, such as the Devil's will, the world's will and will of our bodily desires. It also happens when God strengthens us by faith and by His Word and keeps us living by them faithfully until the end of our lives. This is His will, good and full of grace.

III. The Our Father -- The Third Request


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Truly, God gives daily bread to evil people, even without our prayer. But we pray in this request that He will help us realize this and receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

III. The Our Father -- The Fourth Request -- Give us today our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11)


Question: What does "Daily bread" mean?

Answer: Everything that nourishes our body and meets its needs, such as: Food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, yard, fields, cattle, money, possessions, a devout spouse, devout children, devout employees, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors and other things like these.

III. The Our Father -- The Fourth Request


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We pray in this request that our Heavenly Father will neither pay attention to our sins nor refuse requests such as these because of our sins and because we are neither worthy nor deserve the things for which we pray. Yet He wants to give them all to us by His grace, because many times each day we sin and truly deserve only punishment. Because God does this, we will, of course, want to forgive from our hearts and willingly do good to those who sin against us.

III. The Our Father -- The Fifth Request -- And forgive our guilt, as we forgive those guilty of sinning against us. (Matthew 6:12)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: God tempts no one, of course, but we pray in this request that God will protect us and save us, so that the Devil, the world and our bodily desires will neither deceive us nor seduce us into heresy, despair or other serious shame or vice, and so that we will win and be victorious in the end, even if they attack us.

III. The Our Father -- The Sixth Request -- And lead us not into temptation. (Matthew 6:12)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We pray in this request, as a summary, that our Father in Heaven will save us from every kind of evil that threatens body, soul, property and honor. We pray that when at last our final hour has come, He will grant us a blessed death, and, in His grace, bring us to Himself from this valley of tears. Amen

III. The Our Father -- The Seventh Request -- But set us free from the Evil One. ( Matthew 6:12)


Question: What does this mean?

Answer: That I should be certain that such prayers are acceptable to the Father in Heaven and will be granted, that He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and that He promises to answer us. Amen. Amen. This means: Yes, yes it will happen this way.

III. The Our Father -- The Seventh Request


Question: What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water contained within God's command and united with God's Word.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: Where in the Word of God is this?

Answer: Where our Lord Christ spoke in the last chapter of Matthew (Matthew 28:19): "Go into all the world, teaching all heathen nations, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: What does Baptism give? What good is it?

Answer: It gives us the forgiveness of sins, redeems us from death and the Devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as God's words and promises declare.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: What are these words and promises of God?

Answer: Our Lord Christ spoke one of them in the last chapter of Mark (Mark 16:16): "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be damned."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: How can water do such great things?

Answer: Water doesn't make these things happen, of course. It is God's Word, which is with and in the water. Because, without God's Word, the water is plain water and not baptism. But with God's Word it is a Baptism, a grace-filled water of life, a bath of new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul said to Titus in the third chapter (Titus 3:5-8): "Through this bath of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, which He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that we, justified by the same grace are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: What is the meaning of such a water Baptism?

Answer: It means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, in turn, a new person daily come forth and rise from death again. He will live forever before God in righteousness and purity.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: Where is this written?

Answer: St. Paul says to the Romans in Chapter Six (Romans 6:4): "We are buried with Christ through Baptism into death, so that, in the same way Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, thus also must we walk in a new life."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Question: What is confession?

Answer: Confession has two parts: First, a person admits his sin Second, a person receives absolution or forgiveness from the confessor, as if from God Himself, without doubting it, but believing firmly that his sins are forgiven by God in Heaven through it.

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Question: Which sins should people confess?

Answer: When speaking to God, we should plead guilty to all sins, even those we don't know about, just as we do in the "Our Father," but when speaking to the confessor, only the sins we know about, which we know about and feel in our hearts.

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Question: Which are these?

Answer: Consider here your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Are you a father? A mother? A son? A daughter? A husband? A wife? A servant? Are you disobedient, unfaithful or lazy? Have you hurt anyone with your words or actions? Have you stolen, neglected your duty, let

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Question: things go or injured someone?

Answer: Please suggest to me a simple way to confess. You should speak to your confessor this way: Honorable, dear Sir: Would you please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness according to God's will. He will respond: Yes. Please go ahead. Then say: I confess in the presence of God that I am a poor sinner and guilty of every kind of sin. I specifically admit to you that I am a servant, maid, etc., but I'm afraid that I have served my master unfaithfully. >From time to time, I have not done what I was told to do. I have angered them and caused them to swear at me. I have neglected my duty and allowed damage to be done. My words and actions have been shameful. I have been angry with my peers. I have complained about my master's wife and sworn at her, etc. I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better. A master or a lady of the house should speak this way: I specifically confess to you that I have not faithfully led my children, servants or wife to God's glory. I have cursed. I have set a bad example with my obscene words and actions. I have hurt my neighbor and spoken evil things about him. I have charged him too much, cheated him and sold him badly made goods. Let him also confess any other sins against God's commandments and his place in life, etc. If a person is not burdened with sins such as these or greater sins, he should not look for other sins or invent them, because that would turn confession into torture. Instead, he should mention one or two that he knows about. For example: specifically I confess that I once cursed. Once I used inappropriate language. Once I neglected to do this or that thing, etc. Let that be enough. If you do not know of anything you have done wrong (which does not seem possible), do not say anything in specific, but receive forgiveness based upon the general confession you make to God in the presence of your confessor. After this, the Confessor will say: May God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith! Then he will ask:

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Question: Do you also believe that the forgiveness I give is God's forgiveness?

Answer: Then you will answer: Yes, dear sir. After this, he will say: May what you believe happen to you. And by the command of my Lord Jesus, I forgive your sins in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace! The confessor will know how to use additional passages to comfort and to encourage the faith of those who sorrow, are troubled or whose conscience is greatly burdened. This is only meant to be a general confession for the uneducated.

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Question: What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

Answer: It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under bread and wine for us Christians to eat and to drink, established by Christ Himself.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Question: Where is that written?

Answer: The holy apostles Matthew, Mark and Luke and St. Paul write this: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night on which He was betrayed, took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples and said: 'Take! Eat! This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me!' In the same way He also took the cup after supper, gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: 'Take and drink from it, all of you! This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you to forgive sins. This do, as often as you drink it, to remember Me!'"

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Question: What good does this eating and drinking do?

Answer: These words tell us: "Given for you" and "Shed for you to forgive sins." Namely, that the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us through these words in the sacrament. Because, where sins are forgiven, there is life and salvation as well.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Question: How can physical eating and drinking do such great things?

Answer: Of course, eating and drinking do not do these things. These words, written here, do them: "given for you" and "shed for you to forgive sins." These words, along with physical eating and drinking are the important part of the sacrament. Anyone who believes these words has what they say and what they record, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Question: Who, then, receives such a sacrament in a worthy way?

Answer: Of course, fasting and other physical preparations are excellent disciplines for the body. But anyone who believes these words, "Given for you," and "Shed for you to forgive sins," is really worthy and well prepared. But whoever doubts or does not believe these words is not worthy and is unprepared, because the words, "for you" demand a heart that fully believes.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Question: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.

Question: Is man a reasonable creature?

Answer: Yes: For there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding, Job 32:8.

Question: Has he greater capacities than the brutes?

Answer: Yes: God teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven, Job 35:11.

Question: Is man his own maker?

Answer: No: It is God that hath made us, and not we ourselves, Psalm 100:3.

Question: Is he then his own master?

Answer: No: There is a Lord over us, Psalm 12:4.

Question: Is he his own carver?

Answer: No: Should it be according to thy mind, Job 34:33.

Question: Is he his own end?

Answer: No: For none of us lives to himself, or dies to himself, Romans 14:7.

Question: Is it your business in the world to serve the flesh?

Answer: No: For we are not debtors to the flesh, that we should live after the flesh, Rom. 8:12.

Question: Is it to pursue the world?

Answer: No: For we are not of the world, John 17:16.

Question: Is your happiness bound up in the creature?

Answer: No: For all is vanity and vexation of spirit, Eccl. 1:14.

Question: Will the riches of the world make you happy?

Answer: No: For a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, Luke 12:15.

Question: Will the praise and applause of men make you happy?

Answer: No: For it is vain glory, Gal. 5:26.

Question: Will sport and pleasure make you happy?

Answer: No: For the wise man said of laughter, It is mad, and of mirth, What doth it? Eccl. 2:2.

Question: Can the gain of the world make you happy?

Answer: No, For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Matthew 16:26.

Question: Is God then your chief end?

Answer: Yes, For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, Rom. 11:36.

Question: Were you made for him?

Answer: Yes: This people have I formed for myself, Isa. 43:21.

Question: Were you redeemed for him?

Answer: Yes: Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6:19,20.

Question: Is it your chief business to glorify God?

Answer: Yes: We must glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are God's, I Cor. 6:20.

Question: Must this be ultimately designed in all our actions?

Answer: Yes: Do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10:31.

Question: Is God glorified by our praises?

Answer: Yes: He that offers praise, glorifies me, Ps. 50:23.

Question: And is he glorified by our works?

Answer: Yes: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, John 15:8.

Question: Is God your chief good?

Answer: Yes: For happy is the people whose God is the Lord, Ps. 144:15.

Question: Does all good come from him?

Answer: Yes: For with him is the fountain of life, Ps. 36:9.

Question: And is all good enjoyed in him?

Answer: Yes: The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, and of my cup, Ps. 16:5.

Question: Is it your chief happiness then to have God's favour?

Answer: Yes: For in his favour is life, Ps. 30:5.

Question: Is that the most desirable good?

Answer: Yes: For his loving kindness is better than life, Ps. 63:3.

Question: Do you desire it above any good?

Answer: Yes: Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us, Ps. 4:6,7.

Question: And should you give all diligence to make it sure?

Answer: Yes: Herein we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of the Lord, 2 Cor. 5:9.

Question: Is communion with God in grace here the best pleasure?

Answer: Yes: It is good for me to draw near to God, Ps. 73:28.

Question: Is the vision and fruition of God in glory hereafter the best portion?

Answer: Yes: For in his presence there is fulness of joy, Ps. 16:11.

Question: Will you therefore set your heart upon this chief good?

Answer: Yes: Lord, whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee; when my flesh and my heart fail, God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever, Ps. 73:25,26.


Question: What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Answer: The word of God (which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Question: Do we need a rule to direct us to our chief end?

Answer: Yes: For we all like sheep have gone astray, Isa. 53:6.

Question: Could we not find it out of ourselves?

Answer: No: For man is born like the wild ass's colt, Job 11:12.

Question: Is divine revelation necessary to religion?

Answer: Yes: For faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Rom. 10:17.

Question: Is not the light of nature suffcient without it?

Answer: No: For the world by wisdom knew not God, 1 Cor. 1:21.

Question: Has God therefore given us a revelation?

Answer: Yes: He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, Mic. 6:3.

Question: Was there revelation from the beginning?

Answer: Yes: At sundry times, and in divers manners, God spake unto the fathers, Heb. 1:1.

Question: Are the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament the word of God, and a divine revelation?

Answer: Yes: For all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim. 3:16.

Question: Were they indited by the blessed Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1:21.

Question: Were they confirmed by miracles?

Answer: Yes; God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, Heb. 2:4.

Question: Do they recommend themselves?

Answer: Yes; For the word of God is quick and powerful, Heb. 4:12.

Question: Is not the Bible then a cheat put upon the world?

Answer: No: For these are not the words of him that hath a devil, John 10:21.

Question: Was the book of the Scripture written for our use?

Answer: Yes: Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, Rom. 15:4.

Question: And is it of great use?

Answer: Yes: For it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Tim. 3:16.

Question: Are the Scriptures the great support of our religion?

Answer: Yes: For we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Eph. 2:20.

Question: Are they the standing rule of our faith and practice?

Answer: Yes: We first have recourse to the law and to the testimony. Isa. 8:20.

Question: Are they the only rule?

Answer: Yes: For other foundation can no man lay, 1 Cor. 3:11.

Question: Are they our guide?

Answer: Yes: For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, Prov. 6:23.

Question: Do they show us the way to heaven and happiness?

Answer: Yes: For in them we thing we have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Christ, John 5:39.

Question: Are the Scriptures our oracle which we must consult?

Answer: Yes: What is written in the law, how readest thou? Luke 10:26.

Question: Are they our touchstone which we must try by?

Answer: Yes: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them, Isaiah 8:20.

Question: Are they the weapons of our spiritual warfare?

Answer: Yes: Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 6:17.

Question: Is the written word a sufficient rule?

Answer: Yes: For the law of the Lord is perfect, Psalm 19:7.

Question: Is it plain?

Answer: Yes: For the word is nigh thee, Romans 10:8.

Question: Is the church's authority the rule of our faith?

Answer: No: For our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, 1 Corinthians 2:5.

Question: May we depend upon unwritten traditions?

Answer: No: For we must refuse profane and old wives' fables, 1 Timothy 4:7.

Question: Will the written word be the rule of our judgment hereafter?

Answer: Yes: For we must be judged by the law of liberty, James 2:12.

Question: Ought we therefore to be ruled by it now?

Answer: Yes: As many as walk according to this rule, peace shall be on them, Galatians 6:16.

Question: And to be comforted by it?

Answer: Yes: For through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we have hope, Romans 15:4.

Question: Are the Scriptures to be translated into vulgar tongues?

Answer: Yes: For we should hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God, Acts 2:11.

Question: And must we study them?

Answer: Yes: Search the Scriptures, John 5:39.

Question: And labour to understand them?

Answer: Yes: Understandest thou what thou readest? Acts 8:30.

Question: And must we rest satisfied with this revelation of God's will?

Answer: Yes: For if we believe not Moses and the prophets, neither would we be persuaded though one rose from the dead, Luke 16:31.

Question: Is it a great affront to God to neglect his word?

Answer: Yes: I have written unto them the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing, Hosea 8:12.

Question: Must little children get the knowledge of the Scripture?

Answer: Yes: Timothy is commended for this, that from a child he knew the Holy Scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:15.

Question: And must their parents instruct them therein?

Answer: Yes: They must teach them diligently unto their children, and talk of them, Deuteronomy 6:7.

Question: Must we all love the word of God?

Answer: Yes: O how love I thy law!

Question: And must we meditate therein?

Answer: Yes: It is my meditation all the day, Psalm 119:97.

Question: And will this be to our own advantage?

Answer: Yes: For it is able to make us wise to salvation, 2 Timothy 3:15.


Question: What do the Scriptures principally teach?

Answer: The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Question: Is it necessary that we have a faith concerning God?

Answer: Yes: For he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

Question: Can we have that faith without being taught?

Answer: No: For how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Romans 10:14.

Question: And have they not heard?

Answer: Yes: Verily their sound went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world, Romans 10:18.

Question: Is not the knowledge of God a great privilege?

Answer: Yes: For this is life eternal, to know thee the only true God, John 17:3.

Question: Is it not the best knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For the knowledge of the holy is understanding, Proverbs 9:10.

Question: Does the Scripture teach us that knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For if we receive those words, and hide those commandments with us, then shall we understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God, Proverbs 2:1, 5.

Question: Do not the works of creation prove that there is a God?

Answer: Yes: For we understand by the things that are made his eternal power and godhead, Romans 1:20.

Question: And do not the works of providence prove it?

Answer: Yes: For verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth, Psalm 58:11

Question: But do not the Scriptures tell us best what God is?

Answer: Yes: For no man hath seen God at any time, the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him, John 1:18.

Question: Are we all concerned to get the knowledge of God?

Answer: Yes: We should all know him, from the least even to the greatest, Hebrews 8:11.

Question: Must children get that knowledge?

Answer: Yes: I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father, 1 John 2:13.

Question: And must we all grow in that knowledge?

Answer: Yes: We must follow on to know the Lord, Hosea 6:3.

Question: Are we to believe what the Scripture reveals concerning God?

Answer: Yes: For these things are written that we may believe, John 20:31.

Question: And must we believe all that the Scripture reveals?

Answer: Yes: Believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets, Acts 24:14.

Question: Must we believe that which is not revealed?

Answer: No: For the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 2:11.

Question: Does God require duty of man?

Answer: Yes: For unto man He said, Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding, Job 28:28.

Question: Is it enough to believe the truth revealed, if we do not the duty that is required?

Answer: No: For faith without works is dead, James 2:26.

Question: Is it enough to do the duty required, though we do not believe the truth revealed?

Answer: No: For he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, 1 John 5:10.

Question: Does the Scripture teach us what duty God requires?

Answer: Yes: He has showed thee what the Lord thy God requires of thee, Mic. 6:8.

Question: And must we do the duty that the Scripture teaches?

Answer: Yes: We must observe to do according to all that is written therein, and not turn from it to the right hand, or to the left, Josh. 1:7.

Question: Must this obedience always accompany faith?

Answer: Yes: For they which have believed in God must be careful to maintain good works, Tit. 3:8.


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Question: Is God a Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For Christ himself has said, God is a Spirit, John 4:24.

Question: Is he a pure Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For God is light, and with him is no darkness at all, 1 John 1:5.

Question: Has he a body as we have?

Answer: No: Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as a man seeth? Job 10:4.

Question: Can he be seen with bodily eyes?

Answer: No. For he is one whom no man hath seen, or can see, 1 Tim. 6:16.

Question: Are not the angels spirits?

Answer: Yes: He maketh his angels spirits, Ps. 104:4.

Question: Are not the souls of men spirits?

Answer: Yes: For he formeth the spirit of man within him, Zech. 12:1.

Question: But is God a Spirit like unto them?

Answer: No: For he is the Father of spirits, Heb. 12:9.

Question: Is God infinite?

Answer: Yes: For we cannot by searching find out God, Job 11:7.

Question: Is he contained in any place?

Answer: No: For the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, 1 Kings 8:27.

Question: Is he everywhere present?

Answer: Yes: For whither can we go from his Spirit, or flee from his presence? Ps. 139:7.

Question: Can any hide himself in secret places that God shall not see him?

Answer: No: For do not I fill heaven and earth, saith the Lord, Jer. 23:24.

Question: Is God eternal?

Answer: Yes: From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God, Ps. 90:2.

Question: Had he beginning of days?

Answer: No: For he is the Ancient of days, Dan. 7:9.

Question: Shall there be any end of his life?

Answer: No: For he is the same, and his years have no end, Ps. 102:27.

Question: Is there with him any succession of time?

Answer: No: For his days are not as the days of man, Job 10:5.

Question: Can he die?

Answer: No: He is the only potentate, that hath immortality, 1 Tim. 6:16.

Question: Is God unchangeable?

Answer: Yes: For he is the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning, Jam. 1:17.

Question: Is there any decay of his perfections?

Answer: No: For he fainteth not, neither is weary, Isa. 40:28.

Question: Is there any alteration in his counsels?

Answer: No: For he is not a man that he should repent, 1 Sam. 15:29.

Question: Is it well for us that he is unchangeable?

Answer: Yes: I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed, Mal. 3:6.

Question: Is God infinite in his being?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, I AM THAT I AM, Exod. 3:14.

Question: Is he self-existent?

Answer: Yes: For the Father hath life in himself John 5:26.

Question: Is he the best of beings?

Answer: Yes: For who is a God like unto him? Exod. 15:11.

Question: Is he the first of causes?

Answer: Yes: For he is the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, 1 Cor. 8:6.

Question: Is he the highest of powers?

Answer: Yes: For he King of kings, and Lord of lords, 1 Tim. 6:15.

Question: Is he a God of perfect knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For his understanding is infinite, Ps. 147:5.

Question: Can any thing be hid from him?

Answer: No: For all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, Heb. 4:13.

Question: Does he know things to come?

Answer: Yes: For he declareth the end from the beginning, Isa. 46:10.

Question: Does he know our hearts?

Answer: Yes: For he understandeth our thoughts afar off; Ps. 139:2.

Question: Does he know all our actions?

Answer: Yes: For his eyes are upon the ways of man, Job 34:21.

Question: Is God infinitely wise?

Answer: Yes: For wisdom and might are his, Dan. 2:20.

Question: Are all his works wisely done?

Answer: Yes: In wisdom he hath made them all, Ps. 104:24.

Question: And particularly the work of redemption?

Answer: Yes: For it is the wisdom of God in a mystery, 1 Cor. 2:7.

Question: Can the wisdom of God's counsels be fathomed?

Answer: No: O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Rom. 11:33.

Question: Is. he a God of power?

Answer: Yes: God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God, Ps. 62:11.

Question: Is he Almighty?

Answer: Yes: He is the Lord God Almighty, Rev. 15:3.

Question: Is his power irresistible?

Answer: Yes: For none can stay his hand, Dan. 4:35.

Question: Is his sovereignty incontestable?

Answer: Yes: For he giveth not account of any of his matters, Job 33:13.

Question: Is any thing too hard for him?

Answer: No: For with God all things are possible, Matt. 19:26.

Question: Is he a God of perfect holiness?

Answer: Yes: For holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, Isa. 6:3.

Question: Is there iniquity with God?

Answer: No: He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Heb. 1:13.

Question: Is this his glory?

Answer: Yes: For he is glorious in holiness, Exod. 15:11.

Question: And must we give him the glory of it?

Answer: Yes: Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, Ps. 30:4.

Question: And must we study herein to resemble him?

Answer: Yes: Be ye holy, for I am holy, I Pet. 1:16.

Question: Is he a just and righteous Governor?

Answer: Yes: The Lord is righteous in all his ways, Ps. 145:17.

Question: Did he ever do wrong to any of' his creatures?

Answer: No: There is no unrighteousness in him, Ps. 92:15.

Question: And does justice please him?

Answer: Yes: The righteous Lord loveth righteousness, Ps. 11:7.

Question: Is he a merciful God?

Answer: Yes: He is the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, Exod. 34:6.

Question: And a good God?

Answer: Yes: Thou art good, and dost good, Ps. 119:68.

Question: Is he universally good?

Answer: Yes: For he is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works, Ps. 145:9.

Question: Is he in a special manner good to his own people?

Answer: Yes: For truly God is good to Israel, Ps 73:1.

Question: And should we acquaint ourselves with his goodness?

Answer: Yes: O taste, and see that the Lord is good, Ps. 34:8.

Question: Is he a God of truth?

Answer: Yes: The truth of the Lord endures for ever, Ps. 117:2.

Question: Will he perform all his promises?

Answer: Yes: For he is faithful that hath promised, Heb. 10:23.

Question: Is there any danger of his deceiving us?

Answer: No: It is impossible for God to lie, Heb. 6:18.

Question: Is this a complete description of God?

Answer: No: For, lo, these are but part of his ways; and how little a portion is heard of him! Job 26:14.

Question: Must we therefore always speak of God with reverence?

Answer: Yes: For behold God is great, and we know him not, Job 36:26.

Question: And must we pray to him to teach us what we shall say?

Answer: Yes: For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness, Job 37:19.


Question: Are there more gods than one?

Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.

Question: Are there many gods?

Answer: No: For though there be that are called gods, yet there is but one God, 1 Cor. 8:5, 6.

Question: Can there be any but one?

Answer: No: For he has said, I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Isa 46:9.

Question: Are you sure there is but one?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord our God is one Lord and there is none other but he, Mark 12:29, 32.

Question: Is the God whom we serve that one God?

Answer: Yes: For Jehovah he is God, Jehovah he is God, 1 Kings 18:39.

Question: Is he infinitely above all pretenders?

Answer: Yes: For he is a great King above all gods, Ps. 95:3.

Question: Is he God alone?

Answer: Yes: O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, thou art the God, even thou alone, Isa. 37:16.

Question: Are all other gods false gods?

Answer: Yes. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens, Ps. 96:5.

Question: Is our God the true God?

Answer: Yes: The Lord he is the true God, Jer. 10:10.

Question: Is he the only true God?

Answer: Yes: This is life eternal, to know the only true God John 17:3.

Question: Is he the living God?

Answer: Yes: The living God, and an everlasting King, Jer. 10:10.

Question: Is he the Sovereign Lord?

Answer: Yes: For he is God over all, blessed for evermore, Rom. 9:5.

Question: Is this one God enough?

Answer: Yes: For he is God All-Sufficient, Gen. 17:1.

Question: Is the Lord Jehovah the maker of all things?

Answer: Yes: He is the everlasting God, even the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, Isa. 40:28.

Question: Is he your Maker?

Answer: Yes: He is the Lord our Maker, Ps. 95:6.

Question: Is he the owner of all things?

Answer: Yes: For he is the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth, Gen. 14:19.

Question: Is he your rightful owner?

Answer: Yes: We are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand, Ps. 95:7.

Question: Is he the ruler of all things?

Answer: Yes: For his kingdom ruleth over all, Ps. 103:19.

Question: Is he your ruler?

Answer: Yes: O Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant, Ps. 116:16.

Question: Is he the benefactor of all the creatures?

Answer: Yes: For he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things, Acts 17:25.

Question: Is he your benefactor?

Answer: Yes: For he daily loadeth us with his benefits, Ps. 68:19.

Question: Shall he therefore be yours by your own consent?

Answer: Yes: O God, thou art my God, Ps. 63:1.