Question: {420} What is Heaven?

Answer: Heaven is the state of everlasting life in which we see God face to face, are made like unto Him in glory, and enjoy eternal happiness.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH.: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.


Question: In what does the happiness in heaven consist?

Answer: The happiness in heaven consists in seeing the beauty of God, in knowing Him as He is, and in having every desire fully satisfied.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH.: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.


Question: What does St. Paul say of heaven?

Answer: St. Paul says of heaven, "That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I. Cor. ii., 9.)

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH.: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.


Question: Are the rewards in heaven and the punishments in hell the same for all who enter into either of these states?

Answer: The rewards of heaven and the punishments in hell are not the same for all who enter into either of these states, because each one's reward or punishment is in proportion to the amount of good or evil he has done in this world. But as heaven and hell are everlasting, each one will enjoy his reward or suffer his punishment forever.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH.: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.


Question: {421} What words should we bear always in mind?

Answer: We should bear always in mind these words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: "What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul, or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then will He render to every man according to his works."

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH.: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.


Question: Name some of the more essential religious truths we must know and believe.

Answer: Some of the more essential religious truths we must know and believe are:

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH.: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.


Question: Who made you?

Answer: God.


Question: What else did God make?

Answer: God made all things.


Question: Why did God make you and all things?

Answer: For his own glory.


Question: How can you glorify God?

Answer: By loving him and doing what he commands.


Question: Why ought you to glorify God?

Answer: Because he made me and takes care of me.


Question: Are there more gods than one?

Answer: There is only one God.


Question: In how many persons does this one God exist?

Answer: In three persons.


Question: What are they?

Answer: The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, and has not a body like men.


Question: Where is God?

Answer: God is everywhere.


Question: Can you see God?

Answer: No; I cannot see God, but he always sees me.


Question: Does God know all things?

Answer: Yes; nothing can be hid from God.


Question: Can God do all things?

Answer: Yes; God can do all his holy will.


Question: Where do you learn how to love and obey God?

Answer: In the Bible alone.


Question: Who wrote the Bible?

Answer: Holy men who were taught by the Holy Ghost.


Question: Who were our first parents?

Answer: Adam and Eve.


Question: Of what were our first parents made?

Answer: God made the body of Adam out of the ground, and formed Eve from the body of Adam.


Question: What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies?

Answer: He gave them souls that could never die.


Question: Have you a soul as well as a body?

Answer: Yes; I have a soul that can never die.


Question: How do you know that you have a soul?

Answer: Because I can think about God and the world to come.


Question: In what condition did God make Adam and Eve?

Answer: He made them holy and happy.


Question: What is a covenant?

Answer: An agreement between two or more persons.


Question: What covenant did God make with Adam?

Answer: The covenant of works.


Question: What was Adam bound to do by the covenant of works?

Answer: To obey God perfectly.


Question: What did God promise in the covenant of works?

Answer: To reward Adam with life if he obeyed him.


Question: What did God threaten in the covenant of works?

Answer: To punish Adam with death if he disobeyed.


Question: Did Adam keep the covenant of works?

Answer: No; he sinned against God.


Question: What is sin?

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


Question: What is meant by want of conformity?

Answer: Not being or doing what God requires.


Question: What is meant by transgression?

Answer: Doing what God forbids.


Question: What was the sin of our first parents?

Answer: Eating the forbidden fruit.


Question: Who tempted them to this sin?

Answer: The devil tempted Eve, and she gave the fruit to Adam.


Question: What befell our first parents when they had sinned?

Answer: Instead of being holy and happy, they became sinful and miserable.


Question: Did Adam act for himself alone in the covenant of works?

Answer: No; he represented all his posterity.


Question: What effect had the sin of Adam on all mankind?

Answer: All mankind are born in a state of sin and misery.


Question: What is that sinful nature which we inherit from Adam called?

Answer: Original sin.


Question: What does every sin deserve?

Answer: The wrath and curse of God.


Question: Can any one go to heaven with this sinful nature?

Answer: No, our hearts must be changed before we can be fit for heaven.


Question: What is a change of heart called?

Answer: Regeneration.


Question: Who can change a sinner's heart?

Answer: The Holy Spirit alone.


Question: Can any one be saved through the covenant of works?

Answer: None can be saved through the covenant of works.


Question: Why can none be saved through the covenant of works?

Answer: Because all have broken it, and are condemned by it.


Question: With whom did God the Father make the covenant of grace?

Answer: With Christ, his eternal Son.


Question: Whom did Christ represent in the covenant of grace?

Answer: His elect people.


Question: What did Christ undertake in the covenant of grace?

Answer: To keep the whole law for his people, and to suffer the punishment due to their sins.


Question: Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever commit the least sin?

Answer: No; he was holy, harmless and undefiled.


Question: How could the Son of God suffer?

Answer: Christ, the Son of God, became man that he might obey and suffer in our nature.


Question: What is meant by the Atonement?

Answer: Christ's satisfying divine justice, by his sufferings and death, in the place of sinners.


Question: What did God the Father undertake in the covenant of grace?

Answer: To justify and sanctify those for whom Christ should die.


Question: What is justification?

Answer: It is God's forgiving sinners, and treating them as if they had never sinned.


Question: What is sanctification?

Answer: It is God's making sinners holy in heart and conduct.


Question: For whom did Christ obey and suffer?

Answer: For those whom the Father had given him.


Question: What kind of life did Christ live on earth?

Answer: A life of poverty and suffering.


Question: What kind of death did Christ die?

Answer: The painful and shameful death of the cross.


Question: Who will be saved?

Answer: Only those who repent of sin, believe in Christ and lead holy lives.


Question: What is it to repent?

Answer: To be sorry for sin, and to hate and forsake it because it is displeasing to God.


Question: What is it to believe or have faith in Christ?

Answer: To trust in Christ alone for salvation.


Question: Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power?

Answer: No; I can do nothing good without the help of God's Holy Spirit.


Question: How can you get the help of the Holy Spirit?

Answer: God has told us that we must pray to him for the Holy Spirit.


Question: How long ago is it since Christ died?

Answer: More than eighteen hundred years.


Question: How were pious persons saved before the coming of Christ if

Answer: By believing in a Saviour to come.


Question: How did they show their faith?

Answer: By offering sacrifices on God's altar.


Question: What did these sacrifices represent?

Answer: Christ, the Lamb of God, who was to die for sinners.


Question: What offices has Christ?

Answer: Christ has three offices.


Question: What are they?

Answer: The offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king.


Question: How is Christ a prophet?

Answer: Because he teaches us the will of God.


Question: How is Christ a priest?

Answer: Because he died for our sins and pleads with God for us.


Question: How is Christ a king?

Answer: Because he rules over us and defends us.


Question: Why do you need Christ as a prophet?

Answer: Because I am ignorant.


Question: Why do you need Christ as a priest?

Answer: Because I am guilty.


Question: Why do you need Christ as a king?

Answer: Because I am weak and helpless.


Question: How many commandments did God give on Mount Sinai?

Answer: Ten commandments.


Question: What are the ten commandments sometimes called?

Answer: The Decalogue.


Question: What do the first four commandments teach?

Answer: Our duty to God.


Question: What do the last six commandments teach?

Answer: Our duty to our fellow-men.


Question: What is the sum of the ten commandments?

Answer: To love God with all my heart, and my neighbor as myself.


Question: Who is your neighbor?

Answer: All my fellow-men are my neighbors.


Question: Is God pleased with those who love and obey him?

Answer: Yes; he says, 'I love them that love me.'


Question: Is God displeased with those who do not love and obey him?

Answer: Yes; 'God is angry with the wicked every day.'


Question: What is the first commandment?

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


Question: What does the first commandment teach us?

Answer: To worship God alone.


Question: What 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.


Question: What does the second commandment teach us?

Answer: To worship God in a proper manner, and to avoid idolatry.


Question: What 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.


Question: What does the third commandment teach us?

Answer: To reverence God's name, word, and works.


Question: What 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 man-servant, 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 on the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.


Question: What does the fourth commandment teach us?

Answer: To keep the Sabbath holy.


Question: What day of the week is the Christian Sabbath?

Answer: The first day of the week, called the Lord's day.


Question: Why is it called the Lord's day?

Answer: Because on that day Christ rose from the dead.


Question: How should the Sabbath be spent?

Answer: In prayer and praise, in hearing and reading God's word, and in doing good to our fellow-men.


Question: What 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.


Question: What does the fifth commandment teach us?

Answer: To love and obey our parents and teachers.


Question: What is the sixth commandment?

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


Question: What does the sixth commandment teach us?

Answer: To avoid angry passions.


Question: What is the seventh commandment?

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


Question: What does the seventh commandment teach us?

Answer: To be pure in heart, language, and conduct.


Question: What is the eighth commandment?

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


Question: What does the eighth commandment teach us?

Answer: To be honest and industrious.


Question: What is the ninth commandment?

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


Question: What does the ninth commandment teach us?

Answer: To tell the truth.


Question: What 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 any thing that is thy neighbor's.


Question: What does the tenth commandment teach us?

Answer: To be content with our lot.


Question: Can any man keep these ten commandments perfectly?

Answer: No mere man, since the fall of Adam, ever did or can keep the ten commandments perfectly.


Question: Of what use are the ten commandments to us?

Answer: They teach us our duty, and show our need of a Saviour.


Question: What is prayer?

Answer: Prayer is asking God for things which he has promised to give.


Question: In whose name should we pray?

Answer: Only in the name of Christ.


Question: What has Christ given us to teach us how to pray?

Answer: The Lord's Prayer.


Question: Repeat the Lord's Prayer.

Answer: OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD; AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS; AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER. AMEN.


Question: How many petitions are there in the Lord's Prayer?

Answer: Six.


Question: What is the first petition?

Answer: 'Hallowed be thy name.'


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

Answer: That God's name may be honored by us and all men.


Question: What is the second petition?

Answer: 'Thy kingdom come.'


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

Answer: That the gospel may be preached in all the world, and believed and obeyed by us and all men.


Question: What is the third petition?

Answer: 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.'


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

Answer: That men on earth may serve God as the angels do in heaven.


Question: What is the fourth petition?

Answer: 'Give us this day our daily bread.'


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

Answer: That God would give us all things needful for our bodies and souls.


Question: What is the fifth petition?

Answer: 'And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.'


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

Answer: That God would pardon our sins for Christ's sake, and enable us to forgive those who have injured us.


Question: What is the sixth petition?

Answer: 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'


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

Answer: That God would keep us from sin.


Question: How many sacraments are there?

Answer: Two.


Question: What are they?

Answer: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.


Question: Who appointed these sacraments?

Answer: The Lord Jesus Christ.


Question: Why did Christ appoint these sacraments?

Answer: To distinguish his disciples from the world, and to comfort and strengthen them.


Question: What sign is used in baptism?

Answer: The washing with water.


Question: What does this signify?

Answer: That we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ.


Question: In whose name are we baptized?

Answer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.


Question: Who are to be baptized?

Answer: Believers and their children.


Question: Why should infants be baptized?

Answer: Because they have a sinful nature and need a Saviour.


Question: Does Christ care for little children?

Answer: Yes; for he says, SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME, AND FORBID THEM NOT, FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.


Question: To what does your baptism bind you?

Answer: To be a true follower of Christ.


Question: What is the Lord's Supper?

Answer: The eating of bread and drinking of wine in remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ.


Question: What does the bread represent?

Answer: The body of Christ, broken for our sins.


Question: What does the wine represent?

Answer: The blood of Christ, shed for our salvation.


Question: Who should partake of the Lord's Supper?

Answer: Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation, and love their fellow-men.


Question: Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?

Answer: No; he rose from the tomb on the third day after his death.


Question: Where is Christ now?

Answer: In heaven, interceding for sinners.


Question: Will he come again?

Answer: Yes; at the last day Christ will come to judge the world.


Question: What becomes of men at death?

Answer: The body returns to dust, and the soul goes into the world of spirits.


Question: Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again?

Answer: Yes; 'the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised.'


Question: What will become of the wicked in the day of judgment?

Answer: They shall be cast into hell.


Question: What is hell?

Answer: A place of dreadful and endless torment.


Question: What will become of the righteous?

Answer: They shall be taken to heaven.


Question: What is heaven?

Answer: A glorious and happy place, where the righteous shall be for ever with the LORD.


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the chief end of man?

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

Question: Seeing a chief supposes an inferior end; what is that inferior end for which man was made?

Answer: It is prudently, soberly, and mercifully, to govern, use, and dispose of other creatures in the earth, sea, and air, over which God gave man the dominion; Genesis 1:26. And God said let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. So Psalm 8:6. You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.

Question: What then is to be thought of those men, who being wholly intent upon inferior things, forget and neglect their principal end?

Answer: They are dead while they live; 1 Timothy 5:6. But she that lives in pleasure, is dead while she lives: They have their portion in this life; Psalm 17:14. From men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and their end is destruction, Philippians 3:19. Whose end is destruction.

Question: How can a man glorify God, seeing he is perfectly glorious in himself?

Answer: Man cannot glorify God by adding any new degree of glory to him; Job 35:7. If you be righteous, what give you him, but by manifesting his glory with the lips? Psalm 50:23. Whoever offers praise, glorifies me; or with the life; Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

Question: Wherein consists the enjoyment of God?

Answer: It consists, first, in the facial vision of him in Heaven. SECONDLY, in full conformity to him; 1 John 3:2. But we know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. THIRDLY, in that full satisfaction which results from both the former; Psalm 17:15. I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness.

Question: Can none enjoy him in Heaven, who do not glorify him on earth?

Answer: No adult person can scripturally expect happiness in Heaven without holiness on earth; Hebrews 12:14. And holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Romans 8:30. Whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Question: How comes the glory and enjoyment of God our chief end?

Answer: He is our Master, and rightful Owner and Benefactor; we receive our being and preservation from him, of him, and through him, and therefore to him be all things, Romans 11:36.

Question: Do all men make God their chief end?

Answer: No, they do not; some make their sensual pleasure their chief end: Philippians 3:19. Whose God is their belly: and some the world, Colossians 3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Question: What are the signs of a man's making himself his chief end?

Answer: Those make themselves their chief end, who ascribe the glory of what they have, or do, to themselves, and not to God; Daniel 4:30. The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon which I have built? Isaiah 10:18. For he says, by the strength of my hand have I done it; and by my wisdom, for I am prudent; therefore they sacrifice to their own net, and burn incense unto their drag, Habakkuk 1:16.

Question: Why are the glorifying and enjoying of God put together, as making up our chief end?

Answer: Because no man can glorify God, that takes him not for his God; and none takes him for his God, that takes him not for his supreme good; and both these being essentially included in this notion of the chief end, are therefore justly put together.

Question: What is the first truth inferred hence?

Answer: That God has dignified man above all other creatures on earth, in giving him a capacity of glorifying God here, and of enjoying him hereafter.

Question: What is the second truth inferred hence?

Answer: That the soul of man is not annihilated by death, but advanced by it; Philippians 1:21. To die is gain, verse 23. Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better.

Question: What is the third truth inferred hence?

Answer: That it is the duty and wisdom of every Christian to renounce, deny, and forsake all inferior interests and enjoyments, when they come in competition with the glory of God, and our enjoyment of him: Luke 14:33. So likewise whoever he be of you, that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple.

Question: What is the fourth inference hence?

Answer: That we are to abhor and renounce all those doctrines and practices, that debase the glory of God, and exalt and magnify the creature. Of the Scriptures as our Rule


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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: How can the Scriptures be called the word of God, seeing the things contained there were spoken and written by men?

Answer: They are truly and properly called the word of God, because they came not by the will of man; but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:21.

Question: What are the principal arguments to persuade us that the scriptures are of Divine authority and inspiration?

Answer: Three things especially convince us: FIRST, The holiness of the doctrine therein contained. SECONDLY, The awful efficacy thereof on the soul. THIRDLY, The uncontrollable miracles by which they are sealed, put it beyond all rational doubt that they are the very words of God.

Question: What is the holiness of the scriptures; and how does that prove them to be God's word?.

Answer: The holiness of the scriptures does appear in two things: FIRST, In commanding and encouraging whatever is pure, and holy; Philippians 4:8. Whatever things are pure. SECONDLY, In forbidding all unholiness, under pain of damnation; 2 Corinthians 6:9. Know you not, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God, etc. This shows that they came not from Satan, being cross to his design; nor from man, it being against his corrupt nature; and therefore from God only.

Question: What is their authority and efficacy on the soul? and how does that prove them divine?

Answer: Their authority, and efficacy on the soul, consists in three things: FIRST, In the power they have to search and discover the secrets of men; Hebrews 12:4. The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. SECONDLY, In their converting efficacy, changing and renewing the soul; Psalm 19:7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. THIRDLY, In their cheering and restoring efficacy, when the soul is cast down under any inward or outward trouble; Psalm 19:8. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. No human power can do such things as these; John 17:17. Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth.

Question: How do miracles confirm it?

Answer: Because all proper miracles are wrought only by the hand of God: John 3:2. And no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him: and so are his seal to whatever he affixes them, and it consists not with his truth, and holiness to set it to a forgery.

Question: What was the end of writing the word?

Answer: That the church to the end of the world might have a sure, known, standing-rule, to try and judge all things by, and not be left to the uncertainty of traditions; John 5:39. Search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.

Question: Does not the authority of the scriptures depend on the church, fathers, and councils?

Answer: No, the scriptures are not built on the authority of the church, but the church on them; Ephesians 2:20. And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. And as for councils and fathers, the scriptures are not to be tried by them; but they by the scriptures; Isaiah 8:20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Question: What may be fairly inferred from this proposition, that the scriptures are the word of God?

Answer: Three things may be hence inferred. FIRST, The perfection of the scriptures, which being the only rule given by God, must therefore be perfect. SECONDLY, That it is the right of common people to read them; John 5:39. Search the scriptures, Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. THIRDLY, That we owe no obedience to the injunctions of men farther than they are sufficiently warranted by the written word; Matthew 15:9. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Of Faith and Obedience


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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: Why is faith conjoined with obedience, and put before it?

Answer: Because faith is the principle from whence all obedience flows; and no man can perform any duty aright in the estate of unbelief; Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he who comes to God, must believe that he is.

Question: Can there be no saving faith where the scriptures are not known and preached?

Answer: No; for the apostle says, Romans 10:14, 15. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? And verse 17. So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Question: Are not we bound to believe what learned men teach us, as points of faith, though the things they teach be not contained in the word of God?

Answer: No; if the things they teach be not contained expressly, or by necessary consequence in the word of God, we are not obliged to believe them as points of faith; Isaiah 8:20. To the law, and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them: Galatians 1:8. Though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. And Christ has charged us, Matthew 23:10. To call no man master, for one is your master, even Christ.

Question: Are there some things in scripture more excellent than others; because it is said, the scriptures principally teach matters of faith and duty?

Answer: Every part of scripture is alike pure; Proverbs 30:5. Every word of God is pure, and of equal authority, but not of equal weight; as several pieces of gold are alike pure, and of the same stamp, but not of equal value.

Question: What may be inferred hence for use?

Answer: FIRST, Hence it is our duty to examine what we hear, by the word; and not receive any doctrine because men confidently affirm it, but because the scriptures require it; Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so. SECONDLY, That the Christian religion is not notional, but practical; and that impractical faith saves no man; James 2:20. Faith without works is dead. God is a Spirit


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is God?

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

Question: Can the nature of God be defined, so as men may express properly and strictly what God is?

Answer: No; Job 11:7. Can you by searching find out God? can you find out the Almighty unto perfection? We do then conceive most rightly of God, when we acknowledge him to be inconceivable; and therefore, one being asked the question, what God is? answered rightly; If I fully knew that, I should be a God myself; for God only knows his own essence.

Question: How many ways are there by which men may know and describe the nature of God, though still with imperfect knowledge?

Answer: There are two ways of knowing God in this life. FIRST, By way of affirmation; affirming that of God by way of eminence, which is excellent in the creature; as when we affirm him to be wise, good, merciful, etc. SECONDLY, By way of negation, when we remove from God, in our conceptions, all that is imperfect in the creature; so we say, God is immense, infinite, immutable; and in this sense we also call him a Spirit, that is he is not a gross corporeal substance.

Question: How many sorts of spirits are there? and of which sort is God?

Answer: There be two sorts of spirits, created and finite, as angels and the souls of men are. SECONDLY, Uncreated, and infinite; and such a Spirit God only is, infinitely above all other spirits.

Question: If God be a Spirit, in what sense are we to understand all those scriptures which speak of the eyes of the Lord, the ears and hands of God?

Answer: We are to understand them as expressions of God, in condescension to the weakness of our understanding; even as the glory of Heaven is expressed to us in scripture by a city, and the royal feast. These shadows are useful to us while we are in the body; but we shall know him in Heaven after a more perfect manner.

Question: What may be inferred from the spiritual nature of God?

Answer: Hence learn, that it is both sinful and dangerous to frame an image or picture of God. Who can make an image of his soul, which yet is not so perfect a spirit as God is? And as it is sinful to attempt it, so it is impossible to do it; Deuteronomy 4:15, 16. Take you therefore good heed unto yourselves; for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spoke to you in Horeb, out of the midst of the fire; lest you corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, etc.

Question: What else may be inferred from thence?

Answer: That our souls are the most noble and excellent part of us, which most resembles God; and therefore our chief regard and care should be for them, whatever becomes of the vile body; Matthew 16:26. For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Question: What further truth may be inferred hence?

Answer: That men should beware of spiritual sins, as well as of gross and outward sins; for there is a faithfulness of the spirit, as well as of the flesh; 2 Corinthians 7:1. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit; and as God sees them, so he greatly abhors them, as sins that defile the noblest part of man, on which he stamped his own image.

Question: What also may be inferred from hence?

Answer: Hence we learn, that spiritual worship is most agreeable to his nature and will; and the more spiritual it is, the more acceptable it will be to him; John 4:24. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Externals in worship are of little regard with God; as places, habits, gestures, etc. Apply this, FIRST, To superstitious men, Isaiah 66:1, 2, 3. SECONDLY, To children, that say a prayer, but mind not to whom, nor what they say, Of God's Infinity


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: ARE there more gods than one?

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

Question: How does it appear that there is but one God?

Answer: It is evident from scripture there is but one God; Deuteronomy 6:4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. Jeremiah 10:10 but the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: and as scripture reveals no more, so reason will allow no more.

Question: Why will reason allow no more but one God?

Answer: Because God is the first being; Revelation 1:11. Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; and there can be but one first being, and God is the most perfect and excellent being; Psalm 71:19. Your righteousness, also, O God, is very high, who has done great things: O God, who is like unto you? And there can be but one most perfect and excellent being.

Question: But does not the scriptures say, in 1 Corinthians 8:5 that there are gods many, and lords many?

Answer: Yes; there are many in title, and many in opinion, but one only in truth; Jeremiah 10:10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting King.

Question: why is he called the true God?

Answer: To distinguish him from the idols and false gods of the heathens; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. How you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God. Acts 14:15. We preach unto you, that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made Heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.

Question: Why is he called the living God?

Answer: Because all life, natural, spiritual, and eternal, is in him, and from him only. FIRST, Natural life; Acts 17:28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being. SECONDLY, Spiritual life; Ephesians 2:1. You has he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. THIRDLY, Eternal life in glory; Colossians 3:4. When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: If but one God, then all his children should be of one heart, having one and the same Father; Ephesians 4:5, 6. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: That it is idolatry to perform worship to any other but God only; Psalm 86:9, 10. All nations whom you have made, shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name, for you are great, and do wondrous things, you are God alone.

Question: What is the third inference from it?

Answer: That our supreme love is due to God only, and it is very sinful to place it in any other; Deuteronomy 6:4, 5. Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

Question: What is the fourth inference from God's unity?

Answer: That God only must have the reliance and dependence of our souls; Jeremiah 17:5, 7. Thus says the Lord, cursed be the man that trusts in man, that makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord. Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

Question: What is the last inference from it?

Answer: That we have great cause to be thankful for the gospel, which discovers the only true God to us; and that we are not as the heathens, worshiping many and false gods; 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6. For though there be that are called gods, whether in Heaven or in earth, as there be gods many, and lords many; but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Of three Persons in the Godhead


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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 substance, equal in power and glory.

Question: What mean you by the word, godhead?

Answer: It is the nature, essence, or being of God, as the apostle speaks, Acts 17:29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by are, and man's device.

Question: what is a person in the godhead?

Answer: It is the godhead distinguished by personal properties; each person having his distinct personal properties; Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, upholding all things by the word of his power.

Question: How does it appear there are three persons, and no more?

Answer: FIRST, From Christ's baptism; Matthew 3:16, 17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up immediately out of the water, and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending, like a dove, and lighting upon him; and lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.

Question: How else in the second place, does it appear?

Answer: From the institution of our baptism; Matthew 28:19 Go you, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Question: What is the third proof from scripture?

Answer: From the apostolical blessing; 2 Corinthians 13:14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the holy Spirit, be with you all, Amen: Where the three distinct blessings are wished from the three divine persons in the godhead, grace from Christ, love from the Father, and communion with the Spirit.

Question: What farther evidence is there of it in scripture?

Answer: From plain positive assertions of the scripture, asserting, FIRST, A trinity of persons SECONDLY, A unity of essence? 1 John 5:7. For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one.

Question: What is the first instruction from the trinity?

Answer: That the doctrine of the gospel concerning Christ, is fully confirmed and ratified by three witnesses from Heaven, who are above all exceptions; 1 John 5:7. For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit.

Question: What is the second instruction from the trinity?

Answer: Hence we learn the true order and manner of worshiping God, in the Son; John 16:23. Whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, he shall give it you. And by the Spirit; Ephesians 6:18 Praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

Question: What is the third instruction from the trinity?

Answer: That the covenant of grace conveys a rich portion to believers in making over all three persons to them; Jeremiah 31:33. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my law into their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Question: What is the fourth instruction from the trinity?

Answer: That as it is the duty of all the saints to give distinct glory to the three persons in the Godhead; so it will be a special part of their blessedness in Heaven, to contemplate the distinct benefits received from them all; Revelation 1:5. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth; unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Of God's decrees


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT are the decrees of God?

Answer: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the council of his will, whereby for his own glory he has fore-ordained whatever comes to pass.

Question: What things are decreed of God?

Answer: All things whatever come to pass, even the smallest; Ephesians 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will.

Question: What is the end of God's decrees?

Answer: The glory of his own name; Ephesians 1:11, 12. Who works all things according to the counsel of his own will, that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Question: But there are some evil things done in the world; Do they fall under God's decree?

Answer: Though God does neither approve them, nor necessitate men to commit them, yet he does permit and allow them to be done, and will turn them to his own glory; Acts 4:27, 28. For of a truth, against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel are gathered together, for to do whatever your hand and your counsel determined before to be done.

Question: Who are the objects of God's special decrees?

Answer: Angels and men are the objects of God's special decrees; 1 Timothy 5:21. I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things, etc. Romans 8:33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?

Question: What is the first property of God's decrees?

Answer: That they are most wise acts of God, laid in the depth of wisdom and counsel; Romans 11:33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways are past finding out!

Question: What is the second property of God's decrees?

Answer: The decrees of God are most free, all flowing from the mere pleasure of his will; Romans 9:18. Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.

Question: What is the third property of God's decrees?

Answer: They are most firm and stable; 2 Timothy 2:19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure; having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his; Zechariah 6:1.

Question: What is the fourth property of God's decrees?

Answer: They are eternal, and before all time; Acts 15:18. Known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world.

Question: What is the fifth property of God's decrees?

Answer: They are most pure, and altogether unspotted of sin; 1 John 1:5. This is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Question: What is the first instruction from God's decrees?

Answer: That we ought to ascribe nothing to chance, but to the appointment or providence of God; Proverbs 16:33. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

Question: What is the second instruction from God's decrees?

Answer: That God's hand is to be acknowledged in the greatest afflictions that befall us; 2 Samuel 16:11. And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, behold my son, which came forth of my affections, seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him.

Question: What is the last instruction from God's decrees?

Answer: That we ought to be thankful to God for all the good, and patient under all the evils that befall us; Job 2:10. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: HOW does God execute his decrees?

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


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT are the works 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.

Question: What is it to create?

Answer: To create, is to give a being to that which had no being; or to bring something out of nothing; Hebrews 11:3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God; so that things which are seen were not made of things that do appear.

Question: How did God create the world?

Answer: By his infinite power, executed in his word of command; Psalm 33:6, 9. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth; for he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Question: What attributes of God shine forth in the creation?

Answer: The wisdom of God shines forth gloriously, not only in their formation, but dependence one upon another; Psalm 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all. The earth is full of your riches.

Question: What may we learn from the creation?

Answer: That God perfectly knows all that is in the creature, be it never so secret; Psalm 94:8, 9. Understand, O you brutish among the people; and you fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, shall he not hear: He who formed the eye, shall he not see?

Question: What is the second instruction from the creation?

Answer: That God is the rightful owner of us all, and may do what he will with us? Romans 9:20. Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God! shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why have you made me thus? Has not the potter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor?

Question: What is the third instruction from the creation?

Answer: That God only is the proper object of worship; Jeremiah 10:11. Thus shall he say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens, and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

Question: What is the fourth instruction from hence?

Answer: That Christians should not fear the power of creatures, since they derive their being and power from God; Isaiah 54:16, 17. Behold, I have created the smith that blows the coals in the fire, that brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy; no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.

Question: What is the fifth instruction from hence?

Answer: That Atheism is a sin against natural light and reason; Romans 1:20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and godhead; so that they are without excuse.

Question: What is the sixth instruction from hence?

Answer: That God's glory is the end of all being; Colossians 1:16. For by him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him.

Question: What is the seventh instruction from hence?

Answer: That there is an unnatural rebellion in sin, smiting at him that made and preserves our being; Isaiah 1:6. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Question: What is the eighth instruction from hence?

Answer: That God can in a moment revive and save the church when at the lowest ebb; Isaiah 65:18. Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Question: What is the last instruction from hence?

Answer: That it is easy with God to revive a dejected soul; Isaiah 57:19. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, says the Lord; and I will heal him, Of Man's Creation


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: HOW did God create man?

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

Question: How did God create man?

Answer: God created man in his own image; Genesis 1:27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them.

Question: What is meant by the image of God?

Answer: Not a resemblance of God in any bodily shape or figure, but in holiness; Ephesians 4:24. And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Question: In what graces did man resemble God?

Answer: In such a knowledge of God himself, and the creatures, which made him happy; Colossians 3:10, And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him.

Question: In what other graces did this image consist?

Answer: In righteousness as well as holiness; Ephesians 4:24. And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: The deplorable misery of the fall; Romans 5:12. Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

Question: What is the second instruction from hence?

Answer: The beauty of holiness, which is the image of God, and the excellency of man; Psalm 16:3. But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Question: What is the third instruction from hence?

Answer: We have infinite cause to bless God for Christ, who repairs this lost image in his people; Ephesians 4:23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Question: What is the fourth instruction from hence?

Answer: That the despisers of holiness are the despisers of God; for holiness is God's image.

Question: What is the fifth instruction from hence?

Answer: The excellency of sanctification, which defaces the image of Satan, and draws the image of God upon the soul of man. Of Divine Providence


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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.

Question: How does it appear that there is a Divine Providence?

Answer: It appears by plain scripture testimonies. Hebrews 1:3. Upholding all things by the word of his power. Colossians 1:17. By him all things consist. Luke. 12:6, 7. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God; but even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Question: How else is providence evinced?

Answer: By scripture emblems; as Jacob's ladder, Genesis 28:12, 13. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to Heaven; behold the angels of God ascended and descended on it: And Ezekiel's wheels, Ezekiel 1:20. Wherever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go, and the wheels were lifted up over against them, for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Question: What farther scripture evidence is there?

Answer: The sure accomplishment of scripture predictions; as Israel's captivity, and deliverance from Egypt and Babylon; Christ's incarnation; the rise and ruin of the four monarchies; Daniel 2:31. You, O king, saw, and behold a great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before you, and the form thereof was terrible. Daniel 7:3. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from the other.

Question: What is its first act about the creatures?

Answer: It sustains, preserves, provides for them; Psalm 145:15, 16. The eyes of all wait upon you, and you give them their meat in due season; you open your hand, and satisfied the desire of every living thing, and defend them from danger. Psalm 36:6. Your righteousness is like the great mountains, your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, you preserve man and beast.

Question: What is the second act of providence about the creatures?

Answer: It rules and governs the creatures and their actions; Psalm 66:7. He rules by his power forever, his eyes behold the nations; let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

Question: How manifold is Divine Providence?

Answer: It is common and general over all, or special and peculiar to some men; 1 Timothy 4:10. Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe.

Question: How is providence exercised about sinful actions?

Answer: In permitting them; Acts 4:16. In restraining them; Psalm 76:10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise you, and the remainder of wrath shall you restrain. And over-ruling them to good; Genesis 50:20. But as for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Question: What are the properties of providence?

Answer: It is (1.) Holy; Psalm 145:17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (2.) Wise; Psalm 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are all your works! in wisdom have you made them all. (3.) Powerful? Daniel 4:35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing, and he does according to his will, in the armies of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What do you?

Question: What is the first instruction from it?

Answer: That God's people are safe amidst all their enemies and dangers; 2 Chronicles 16:9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose hearts are perfect toward him.

Question: What is the second instruction from it.

Answer: That prayer is the best expedient to prosperity and success of our lawful affairs; Psalm 145:18. The Lord is near unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Question: What is the third instruction from it?

Answer: That God's people should rest quietly in the care of his providence for them in all their straits; Matthew 6:26. Behold the birds of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet our heavenly Father feeds them: are not you much better than they?

Question: What is the last instruction from it?

Answer: That it is no small privilege to be adopted children of God, and the members of Christ; for all is ordered for their eternal good; Ephesians 1:22, 23. And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all. Of the Covenant of Works


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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

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

Question: What was God's covenant with Adam before the fall?

Answer: It was to give life and happiness upon condition of perfect personal obedience; Galatians 3:12. The law is not of faith; but the man that does them shall live in them.

Question: Was this covenant made only with Adam, or with him and his posterity?

Answer: It was made with him, and all his natural posterity, descending in the ordinary way of generation from him; Romans 5:12. Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Verse 14 and 18. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come: Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Question: Was Adam able to perform the obedience required of him in this covenant?

Answer: Yes; for he was made upright; Ecclesiastes 7:29. God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Question: Had this covenant any Mediator?

Answer: No; he neither had, nor needed any Mediator for satisfaction, because no sin was in him; nor intercession, for he wanted nothing.

Question: Did this covenant admit of no repentance, nor accept any shorter endeavors?

Answer: No, it did not; but sentences and curses the transgressors of it, for the least breach; Galatians 3:10. Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Question: How was this threatening fulfilled, of dying the day he eat, seeing he lived 930 years?

Answer: He died spiritually that day: and though the sentence on his body was respited in order to posterity, yet then his body received the death's wound, of which afterward he died.

Question: What is the first inference from Adam's covenant?

Answer: Miserable are all they that grow on the natural root of the first Adam: Galatians 4:21, 22. Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond-maid, the other by a free-woman.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That God is just in all the punishments and miseries that come upon man; yes, infants that never sinned after his similitude; Romans 5:14. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: The glorious privilege of believers who are under a better covenant, established upon better promises; Hebrews 8:6. But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant, which is established upon better promises.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That we should pity the unregenerate, especially our own among them; and labor to plant them in the second Adam. Of the Fall of Man


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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.

Question: How does it appear that man is fallen?

Answer: By the scripture history: An account of it is in Genesis 3:6, 7. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons? and they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, among the trees of the garden. And the sad experience we all have of it in ourselves; Romans 5:12. Therefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

Question: How could man fall, since he was made upright?

Answer: Though he was upright, yet his will was mutable; and by abusing that liberty, he fell; Ecclesiastes 7:29. Lo, this only have I found, that God has made man upright, but they have sought out-many inventions.

Question: How did God leave him to abuse the freedom of his will?

Answer: Not by inclining him to abuse it; but by withholding that further grace which he was no way obliged to continue to him.

Question: Did the will of man lose its liberty to good by the Fall?

Answer: Yes, it did, and is so wounded, that it cannot, without your preventing and regenerating grace, put forth one spiritual and saving act; Ephesians 2:8, 9, 10. For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, least any man should boast; for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, etc.

Question: What was the aggravation of Adam's sin?

Answer: It was aggravated in his being a public innocent person, so newly placed in a state of happiness and liberty.

Question: What is the first inference from the fall?

Answer: That the best creature left to himself, cannot be long safe; as the angels, and Adam; Psalm 49:12. Nevertheless, man being in honor abides not; he is like the beasts that perish.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That since man could not be his own keeper, he can be much less his own Savior; 2 Corinthians 3:5. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That it is impossible for the covenant of works to justify any one; Romans 3:20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; Romans 8:3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh; God sending his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: What cause have we to bless God for Christ, who recovered us when the fall left us helpless? Romans 5:6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Of Sin


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is sin?

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

Question: What is meant by the law?

Answer: The commands and rules flowing from God's sovereignty, whereby his will is manifested, and the creature bound to obedience.

Question: Where is this law written?

Answer: It is written either in the heart; Romans 2:25. Which shows the work of the law written in their hearts, (which we call the law; of nature;) or in the Bible, which we call the written moral law.

Question: What conformity is due to the law of God?

Answer: A twofold conformity is due to it: FIRST, Internal, in our hearts. SECONDLY, External, in our lives; and the want of either is sin; 1 John 3:4. Whoever commits sin, transgresses also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.

Question: How does it appear that the want of internal conformity is sin?

Answer: Because the law requires it; Mark 12:30. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength; for this is the first Commandment: And condemns the want of it? Romans 7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! nay, I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust except the law had said, You shall not covet.

Question: Is nothing a sin but what is against God's law?

Answer: No, nothing can be a sin but what God has either expressly, or by consequence, forbidden in his word.

Question: Wherein lies the evil of transgressing God's law?

Answer: The evil of sin principally lies in the offence and wrong done to God, whose sovereignty it labors to shake off, and despises his will; Psalm 51:4. Against you, you only have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight.

Question: What further evil is in sin?

Answer: It highly wrongs the sinner's soul by defacing, defiling, and damning it; Proverbs 8:36. But he who sins against me, wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me, love death.

Question: Wherein is the evil of sin manifested?

Answer: It is manifested in the death of Christ, the terrors of conscience, and torments of Hell.

Question: What course must the sinner take to recover himself out of his misery?

Answer: Repentance towards God, faith towards Christ, and both evidenced by new obedience; Acts 20:21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

Question: What may we infer from hence?

Answer: That we have infinite cause to bless God for Christ's satisfaction of the law for our sins. Of the Tree of Knowledge


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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.

Question: Why was this tree called the tree of knowledge?

Answer: Not from any natural efficacy it had to give knowledge, but the knowledge he should have by eating, or not eating, was experimental knowledge, that is Knowledge to his sorrow.

Question: Why did God forbid him this tree?

Answer: FIRST, For the discovery of his dominion over man. SECONDLY, For the trial of his subjection and obedience. THIRDLY, For the aggravation of his sin, if he should eat.

Question: What evil was there in eating of it?

Answer: There was a twofold evil, the evil of sin, and the evil of punishment, both very great.

Question: What was the evil of sin?

Answer: A threefold evil of sin. FIRST, Against God, called disobedience; Romans 5:19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners. SECONDLY, Against himself, soul, body, and estate. THIRDLY, Against his posterity; Romans 5:12. Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

Question: What was the evil of punishment?

Answer: FIRST, Loss of God's image. SECONDLY, Horror of conscience. THIRDLY, Sorrow on the female gender. FOURTHLY, Curse on the creature. FIFTHLY, Expulsion from paradise. SIXTHLY, Death both of body and soul.

Question: What is the first instruction from it?

Answer: To take heed of small beginnings of temptations, and to resist it in the first motions; James 3:5. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindles.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: Not to hold a parley with the tempter; see 2 Corinthians 11:3. But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve, through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That Satan's policy lies much in the choice of his tempting instruments; as Eve and Peter, etc.

Question: What is the fourth inference?

Answer: A necessity of keeping strong guards on our senses; Isaiah 33:15. That stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil, he shall dwell on high, his place of defense shall be the munition of rocks.

Question: What is the fifth inference?

Answer: That covenant-breaking is a heinous sin, which God will punish; Hosea 8:1. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the Lord, because they have transgressed my covenant, and transgressed against my laws.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That the corruption of our nature is much seen in desiring forbidden things; Romans 7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid; Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, You shall not covet. Of the Fall of Adam, and ours in him


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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.

Question: Did no man ever escape the sin of Adam?

Answer: Yes, the man Christ Jesus did, and he only; Hebrews 7:26. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefined, separate from sinners.

Question: Why was not Christ tainted with it?

Answer: Because he came into the world in an extraordinary way; Matthew 1:18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Question: How does it appear all others are tainted with it?

Answer: It appears by scripture testimony, Romans 5:12. Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned; and experience of the best men, Romans 7:21. I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Question: How came all men to fall with Adam?

Answer: Because all were included in Adam's covenant, as a man's covenant includes his children before they be born, or the treason of the father affects his posterity.

Question: What infer you from hence?

Answer: The stupendous wisdom of God in sending Christ in our nature, and yet without the sin and taint of it; 1 Corinthians 1:24. Christ the wisdom of God.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: Hence we learn the admirable love of Christ in taking our nature, with all the sinless infirmities thereof; Romans 8:3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak, through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: The necessity of our union with Christ, in order to our participation of his righteousness and redemption; 1 Corinthians 15:22. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Question: What is the fourth inference?

Answer: Hence we learn the malignant and mortal nature of sin, inasmuch as one sin defiled and destroyed a whole world.

Question: What is the fifth inference?

Answer: That though all be not equally sensible of their need, yet one sinner needs Christ as much as another.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That no man has any cause or reason to boast of the goodness, of his nature, since the best were by nature under the same sin and misery as the worst; Ephesians 2:3. Among whom also, we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. Of Original Sin


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: INTO what estate did the fall bring mankind?

Answer: The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery.


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHEREIN consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

Answer: The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin, together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

Question: How many sorts of sins are all men under?

Answer: All men are guilty before God of two sorts of sin; of original, and of actual; Psalm 51:5. Behold I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Ecclesiastes 7:20. For there is not a just man upon earth, that does good, and sins not.

Question: How can we be guilty of Adam's first sin?

Answer: We are guilty of it, because Adam sinned not only as a single, but also as a public person, and representative of all mankind: Romans 5:15, 16, 17. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift: for if through the offence of one many be dead; much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, has abounded unto many: And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift; for the judgment was by one to condemnation.

Question: How else came we under his guilt?

Answer: We are guilty of his sin by generation; for we were in his loins, as treason stains the blood of the posterity, or parents leprosy the children: Psalm. 51:5. Behold, I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Question: Wherein does it consist?

Answer: It consists in two things. FIRST, In our aversion and enmity to that which is good; Romans 7:18. In me, that is, in my flesh, there dwells no good thing, SECONDLY, In proneness to that which is evil; Romans 7:14. But I am carnal, sold under sin.

Question: Is this corruption of nature in all men?

Answer: Yes; in all mere men, and women, none exempted; Rom 3:10 and 23. As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Question: In what part of our nature does this sin abide?

Answer: It abides in the whole man, in every part of man, both soul and body; Genesis 6:5. God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Question: How is the body infected by it?

Answer: In the readiness of the bodily members to further sin, and its temptations in the soul; Romans 3:13, 14, 15. Their throat is an open sepulcher, with their tongues they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, their feet are swift to shed blood.

Question: What learn we from original sin!

Answer: To bear patiently the miseries we see on our children, and their death also without murmuring; Romans 5:14. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: It teaches us humility, and should be matter of confession and humiliation, when we sin actually; Psalm 51:5. Behold I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: It should provoke parents to use their utmost diligence for the conversion of their children who draw sin from them.

Question: What is the last instruction?

Answer: It teaches us the necessity of regeneration, and should provoke us greatly to desire it. Of Man's Misery


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

Answer: All mankind by their Jail lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse; and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of Hell forever.

Question: What communion had God with man before the fall?

Answer: Man that enjoyed the gracious presence and favor of God with him, which was better than life.

Question: How does it appear this was lost by the fall?

Answer: It appears by scripture-testimony, that Adam lost it as to himself; Genesis 3:8. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, among the trees of the garden. And we in him; Ephesians 2:12. At that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

Question: Was this the only misery that came by the fall?

Answer: No; man did not only lose communion with God, but fell under his wrath and curse; Ephesians 2:3. And were by nature children of wrath, even as others.

Question: Does the wrath and curse of God then lie on all men?

Answer: It lies on all the unregenerate in the world; Galatians 3:10. Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them: But believers are delivered from it by Christ; 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Question: How are the miseries of man by the fall divided?

Answer: They are divided into the miseries of this world, and of the World to come.

Question: What are the miseries that come on them in this world?

Answer: The miseries of life, as sickness, pain, poverty on the body; fear, trouble, sorrow on the mind, and at last death itself; Romans 6 ult. The wages of sin is death.

Question: What are the miseries after this life?

Answer: The pains and torments of Hell forever; Psalm 9:17. The wicked shall be turned into Hell.

Question: What are the torments of Hell?

Answer: Pain of loss and pain of sense; Matthew 25:41. Depart from me, you cursed into everlasting fire.

Question: What learn you from hence?

Answer: The woeful state of the unconverted; miserable here, and miserable to eternity.

Question: What else learn we hence?

Answer: The great salvation believers have by Christ from all this misery; Hebrews 2:3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. Of the Salvation of God's Elect, and of the Covenant of Grace


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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

Answer: God having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery; and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.

Question: Are some persons chosen to salvation, and others left?

Answer: Yes: God has chosen some to salvation, and passed by others; as the Scriptures speak; See Romans 8:30. Moreover whom he did predestine, them he also called. And Jude 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, etc.

Question: Did God chose some, because he foresaw they would be better than others;

Answer: No: God's choice was not on foreseen works, but merely of his grace, and good pleasure of his will; Ephesians 1:5, 6. Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace.

Question: Is this election of God made in time, and that according as men use their free-will, or from eternity?

Answer: Election is an eternal act of God before the world was, and depends not on man's using his free-will; as appears from Ephesians 1:4, According as he has chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love.

Question: Shall all that are elected be called and saved?

Answer: Yes, the scripture is full and plain for it; Acts 13:48. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Romans 8:30. Moreover, whom he did predestine, them he also called, etc.

Question: By whom are the elect saved?

Answer: By Christ, the only Redeemer; Titus 3:4, 5, 6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Question: Is there no other way of salvation but by Christ?

Answer: No; no other way is revealed in scripture; Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Question: What learn you from God's election?

Answer: What cause we have to admire free-grace in our choice, who were no better than others; Ephesians 2:3. And were by nature children of wrath even as others.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: It teaches us humility; we made not ourselves to differ, but the free-grace of God made the difference; 1 Corinthians 4:7. For who makes you to differ from another?

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: It teaches us diligence to make our election sure to ourselves, by our calling; 2 Peter 1:10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.

Question: What is the fourth instruction?

Answer: It is matter of comfort to God's elect, amidst all dangers in the world; 2. Timothy 2:19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. Of the Covenant of Grace


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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

Question: What does the name Redeemer signify?

Answer: It signifies one that frees another out of captivity and bondage, as Christ did us; Matthew 20:28. And to give his life a ransom for many.

Question: What was the misery from which Christ delivered us?

Answer: A twofold misery, namely, Sin and Hell. FIRST, Sin; Matthew 1:21. You shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins. SECONDLY, Hell; 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.

Question: How did Christ deliver us from this misery?

Answer: FIRST, by price. SECONDLY, By power. By price; 1 Peter 1:18, 19. You are not redeemed with silver and gold from your vain conversation, received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot. By power; Colossians 1:13. Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.

Question: When was the redemption wrought by Christ?

Answer: It was decreed from eternity; it was actually wrought on the cross; Colossians 1:20. And (having made peace through the blood of his cross) by him to reconcile all things unto himself, by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in Heaven.

Question: How then could they be redeemed that died before?

Answer: Though Christ's blood was actually shed after the Old Testament believers died: yet the virtue of Christ's death extends to them, as well as us; Hebrews 11:39, 40. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better things for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Question: Why would not God deliver us without such a Redeemer?

Answer: Because it was not so much for the honor of his justice; Romans 3:25, 26. Whom God has set forth to be a atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time, his righteousness, that he might be just and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: That all that are out of Christ are in a miserable bondage and captivity; John 8:36. If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: Hence see the heinous nature of sin, which required such a price to satisfy for it; 1 Peter 1:18, 19. We were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot.

Question: What is the third instruction from hence?

Answer: The wonderful love of Christ in redeeming us at such a rate; Revelation 1:5. Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

Question: What is the last instruction?

Answer: This strongly obliges us to a universal holiness; 1 Corinthians 6:20. For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Of Christ's Incarnation


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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.

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

Answer: The Lord Jesus Christ is their only Redeemer, and there is no other Redeemer besides him; Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Question: How is he the Son of God, or can be, as no other is so?

Answer: He is the Son of God by nature, from all eternity, and so no angel or saint is; Hebrews 1:5. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, You are my Son, this day have I begotten you?

Question: Why was it necessary he should become man?

Answer: That he might be capable to suffer death in our room; Hebrews 2:15, 16, 17. For truly he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham; wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Question: Why must the Redeemer be God as well as man?

Answer: Because the blood of a mere man could not satisfy and redeem us; Acts 20:28. Feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

Question: Do these two natures make two persons?

Answer: No, the human nature is united to the second person, and exists in union with it; John 1:14. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Question: Was the union only for a time?

Answer: No, it continues and abides forever; Hebrews 7:24. But this man, because he continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: Hence we learn the transcendent love of God to poor sinners; John 3:16. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: Hence we learn the matchless love of Christ, that he should stoop to such a condition for us; 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be made rich.

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: That the greatest sins are capable of remission to believers; John 1:29. Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.

Question: What is the fourth instruction?

Answer: That those that be in Christ need not fear the denial or want of any other mercy; Romans 8:32. He who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Question: What is the fifth instruction;

Answer: Hence we learn how impious it is to ascribe any part of the glory of redemption to any other besides Christ.

Question: What is the sixth instruction;

Answer: This teaches us the miserable condition of all that are out of Christ, and the necessity of their damnation, he being the only Redeemer. Of the Manner of Christ's Incarnation


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?

Answer: Christ, as our Redeemer, does execute the office of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Question: What are the states and conditions of our Redeemer?

Answer: Christ's states are twofold; namely, his state of humiliation, and his state of exaltation; Philippians 2:8, 9. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross: Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name.

Question: How many offices belong to Christ in these states?

Answer: Christ has a threefold office; namely, of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king.

Question: Why does Christ take all these three offices?

Answer: Because they are all necessary for our salvation, and we have the benefit of them all; 1 Corinthians 1:30. Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Question: Can no man take Christ in one office, and not in another?

Answer: No; whoever will have the benefit of any one, must receive him in all; Acts 5:31. Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince, and a Savior, for to give repentance unto Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Question: What respect have the offices of Christ to the promises?

Answer: The promises flow out of them as out of their fountain; 2 Corinthians 1:20. For all the promises of God in him, are yes, and in him, Amen.

Question: What promises flow out of the prophetic office?

Answer: All promises of illumination, guidance, and direction flow out of Christ's prophetic office?

Question: What promises flow out of the priestly office?

Answer: All the promises of a pardon and peace flow out of it.

Question: What promises flow out of the kingly office?

Answer: All the promises of defense, protection, and deliverances.

Question: What is the first instruction?

Answer: Hence we learn the completeness of Christ for all the wants of his people; Colossians 2:10. And you are complete in him.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: Hence we learn the folly and misery of all those hypocrites that close partially with Christ.

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: Hence we learn the singular dignity of the Lord Jesus: None ever having had all those offices but Christ.

Question: What is the last instruction?

Answer: That faith is a considerate act; and requires much deliberation. Of Christ's Prophetic Office


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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

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

Question: What does Christ's prophetic office imply?

Answer: It implies man's natural blindness and ignorance; 1 Corinthians 2:14. But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Question: What else does it imply?

Answer: That Christ is the original and fountain of all that light which guides us to salvation; 2 Corinthians 4:6, 7. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Question: How does Christ teach men the will of God?

Answer: He does it by external revelation of it; Acts 3:22. For Moses truly said to the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall you hear, in all things, whatever he shall say unto you. And by internal illumination; Luke 24:45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scripture.

Question: What need then of man's ministry?

Answer: Very much; for Christ has instituted ministers as instruments, by whom he will teach us; Ephesians 4:11, 12. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists and some pastors, and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Acts 26:18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins.

Question: Can no man savingly know the will of God without the teachings of Christ?

Answer: No; though common knowledge may be obtained in a natural way, yet not saving; Matthew 11:25. At that time Jesus answered, and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord, of Heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes.

Question: How appears it that Christ is appointed to this offiice?

Answer: We have the written word for it; Acts 3:22. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall you hear in all things, whatever he shall say unto you.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: None need be discouraged at their natural weakness, if Christ be their teacher; Matthew 11:25. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes. Psalm. 19:7. The testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: That it is a dreadful judgment to be spiritually blinded under the gospel; 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4. But if our gospel be hiden, it is hidden to them that are lost; in whom the God of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: That prayer is the best expedient to obtain saving knowledge; James 1:5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.

Question: What is the last instruction?

Answer: Learn hence the transcendent excellency of the knowledge of Christ above all other knowledge; Philippians 3:8. Yes, doubtless, I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. Of Christ's Priesthood


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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.

Question: What is the priesthood of Christ in general?

Answer: It is his expiation of our sins by the sacrifice of himself, and obtaining God's favor for us; Colossians 1:20. And (having made peace through the blood of his cross) by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in Heaven.

Question: What are the parts of Christ's priestly office?

Answer: It has two parts. FIRST, Oblation, or offering of himself; Hebrews 9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your consciences from dead works, to serve the living God? SECONDLY, Intercession for us; Hebrews 7:25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.

Question: What is the end of Christ's oblation?

Answer: The end of it, as to God, was to satisfy his incensed justice; Romans 3:25. Whom God has set forth to be a atoning sacrifice , through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. And as to men, to put away their sins; Hebrews 9:26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but how once in the end of the world, has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Question: What is the first difference between Christ and other priests?

Answer: Other priests offered the blood of beasts; Christ his own blood; Hebrews 9:12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Question: What is the second difference?

Answer: They offered many sacrifices; Christ perfected all by one offering, Hebrews 10:14. For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified.

Question: What was the sacrifice Christ offered to God?

Answer: His body; Hebrews 10:10. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And his soul; Isaiah 53:10. When you shall make his soul an offering for sin.

Question: Whence is the efficacy of this sacrifice?

Answer: From the divine Person to whom that soul and body was united; Acts 15:28. Feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That believers are discharged by Christ from all their sins and debts; Acts 13:39. And by him, all that believe are justified from all things.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an absolute God; Luke 23:31. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That it is impossible for man to satisfy God for his own sins; Psalm 130:3. If you, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That the Christian religion only settles the conscience in peace; Hebrews 9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God? Of Christ's Kingly Office