THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST CATECHISM

Question 1. What is it that everyone wants out of life?
Answer: Happiness
Scripture: “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy:” — Ecclesiastes 2:10…

Q. 2. Where is this happiness to be found?
A. In God only.
Scr. “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 144:15. See also Proverbs 16:20; Psalm 73:25; Psalm 16:11; Job 36:11

Q. 3. Why must happiness be found in God?
A. Because God created man for His own glory.
Scr. “for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” — Isaiah 43:7 See also Revelation 4:11; Romans 11:36

Q. 4. How does this prove that happiness lies only in God?
A. Because God made man so that he can’t find happiness unless he is glorifying God.
Scr. “Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Now therefore listen to Me, 0 ye children, for blessed are they that keep My ways.” — Proverbs 8:32
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” — Psalm 107:9 See also Ecclesiastes 2:26; Proverbs 19:23; Philippians 4:19

 

CHAPTER I

Q. 5. How do we know these things about God and about man?
A. Because they are revealed by God in His Word, The Bible.
Scr. “And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reqroof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” — 2 Timothy 3:15

Q. 6. Has God only revealed Himself in the Bible?
A. No, but in nature too.
Scr. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handywork.” — Psalm 19:1 See also Romans 1:19

Q. 7. Will these natural works of God give us enough knowledge for everlasting happiness?
A. No, but they are enough to leave everyone without any excuse for sin.
Scr. “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.” —  Romans 1:20

Q. 8. Then where can we find that knowledge of God which gives everlasting happiness?
A. In His Holy Word, The Bible.
Scr. “And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” — 2 Timothy 3:15

Q. 9. How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?
A. God the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, and He tells us over 2000 times that it is the Word of God.
Scr. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:21 See also Isaiah 7:3; 2 Samuel 23:2; Exodus 20:1; etc.

Q. 10. Is this the only way we may know that the Bible is the Word of God?
A. No. There are three more ways that we know it First, by its godly teaching; Second, by the fact it agrees in all its parts; and Third, the Spirit of God Himself witnesses to us within our hearts that the Bible is the Word of God.
Scr. “I hay, yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now. However when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth:” – John 16:12-13 S.. Also Luke 24:44; John 5:46; 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Q. 11. Is it all right for men to choose whether or not they are to read the Bible?
A. No, but God commands everyone to read, to hear, and to understand the Bible.
Scr. “and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:” — Deuteronomy 17:19    See also Revelation 1:3; Matthew 24:15

Q. 12. What are the two most important things the Bible teaches us?
A. The Bible teaches us to know God, and to know man.
Scr. “But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me,” — Jeremiah 9:24 “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am,” — Psalm 39:4     See also Psalm 135:5; John 6:45; I Kings 8:38

 

CHAPTER II

Q.13. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit.
Scr. “God is a Spirit,” — John 4:24

Q. 14. Are there any limits or bounds to God?
A.  No.
Scr.  “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” — Jeremiah 23:24 See also Psalm 139:7-12; 1 Kings 8:27

Q.  15. Is there either beginning or end to God?
A.  No.
Scr.  “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” — Revelation 1:8    See also Psalm 90:2; Psalm 45:6

Q. 16. Is it possible for God to change?
A. No.
Scr. “For I am the Lord, I change not.” — Ma!achi 3:6 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8     See also James 1:17

Q. 17. Does anyone know everything?
A. Yes, God knows all things.
Scr. “Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, 0 Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.” — Psalm 139:3, 4 “I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure:” —Isaiah 46:9,10

Q. 18. Who is all powerful?
A. God is all powerful
Scr.  “I am the Almighty God,” — Genesis 17:1 “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?” — Daniel 4:35

Q.  19. Who is pure and holy?
A. God is pure and holy.
Scr. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” — Habakkuk 1:13    See also Exodus 15:11; Psalm 111:9; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Samuel 2:2

Q. 20. Who is the Just One?
A. God is just.
Scr. “He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He” — Deuteronomy 32:4     See also Psalm 89:14

Q.  21. Who only is good?
A.  God only is good.
Scr.  “And Jesus said unto him, Why do you call God; for God Me good? there is none good but One, that is, God.” —. Mark 10:18 See also Psalm 145:7-9

Q.  22. Who only is true?
A.  “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” — John 17:3    See Romans 3:4; Psalm 86:15

Q.  23. Who is love?
A.  God is love.
Scr.  “He that loves not knows not is love.” — 1 John 4:8

Q.  24. Who is great in mercy.
A.  God is great in mercy.
Scr.  “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of His heritage? He retains not His anger for ever, because He delights in mercy.” — Micah 7:18    See also Psalm 136; Ephesians 2:4

Q. 25. Where does God stay?
A.  God is everywhere.
Scr.  “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24     See also Acts 17:27, 28; Psalm 139:7-12

Q.  26. Are there more gods than one?
A.  There is only one God, the living and true God.
Scr.  The Lord our God is one Lord.” — Deuteronomy 6:4 “But the Lord is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting King:” — Jeremiah 10:10    See also Isaiah 45:21

Q. 27. Why then do we hear of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
A. These are three persons in the Godhead, but they are but one God.
Scr. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;” — Matthew 28:19 “I and My Father are one. — John 10:30    See also 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2

Q. 28. Is not one of these three Persons the strongest and best?
A. No. They are the same in their being, and equal in their power and glory.
Scr. “One God, the Father, of whom are all things.” — 1 Corinthians 8:6 “By Him (Jesus Christ) were all things created,” — Collosians 1:16 “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.” — Job 33:4

 

CHAPTER III

Q. 29. Does the Bible tell us what these three Persons did before the world began?
A.  The Bible tells us about God’s election before the foundation of the world.
Scr. “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:” — Ephesians 1:4

Q. 30. When did God decide to do this?
A. God decided all things at one time, whether past, present, or things to come.
Scr. “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” — 1 Peter 1:20    See also Revelation 13:8; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Q. 31. How do we know that God decided all things at one time?
A. Because God says that He never changes, and that He is perfect.
Scr. “I am the Lord, I change not.” — Malachi 3:6 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48

Q. 32. How does this prove that God decided all things at one time?
A. Because God would have to change His mind if He decided one thing one time and something else another time. If He changed for the better, He would prove lie was no perfect God at all. If He changed for the worse, He no longer would be perfect.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”. — James 1:17    See also 1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 13:8

Q. 33. Did God then decide all things and predestinate them to come to pass according to His own purpose?
A. Yes, He ordained everything exactly as it was to be.
Scr.“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, — Ephesians 1:5 “being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will;” — Ephesians 1:11    See See also Isaiah 46:10

Q. 34. Did He, even before the foundation of the world, ordain some to eternal life?
A. Yes, His elect were chosen before the foundation of the world.
Scr. “Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which wa3 given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”    See also: Revelation 13:8; 17:8; Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:29; Acts 13:48 “As many as were ordained to eternal life believed

Q. 34. Did God also ordain some to everlasting condemnation?
A. Yes.
Scr. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to his condemnation,” — Jude 4

Q. 35. Did God foresee that some would believe, and then predestinate them to eternal life?
A. No, by no means, but God has mercy on whomsoever He will.
Scr.“So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows Mercy, and whom He will He hardens.” — Romans 9:16,18 See also Verses 11 and 13.
Q. 36. How does anYone know that he is one of God’s elect?
A. He cannot know until he is called away from the love of sin, until he has the true faith, shows that he has the Spirit of Christ.
Scr. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” — Romans 8:9    See also 1 Thesslonians 1:3, 4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Q. 37. How did God bring to pass the things He had ordained?
A. By His work of creation, and by His work of providence.
Scr. “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations; Thou hast estabilished the earth, and it abides They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants.” Psalm 119:90,91    See also Genesis 1; Isaiah 43:7

 

CHAPTER IV

Q.  38. What is the work of creation?
A.  The work of cTeation is God making all things out of nothing.
Scr.  “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 which do appear.” — Hebrews 11:3    See also Romans 4:17
39. How did God do this?
A.  By the word of His power, in six days
Scr.  “And God said, Let there be tight: and there was tight.” — Genesis 1:3 “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.” — 2 Corinthians 4:7     See also Genesis 1:31; Exodus 20:11
Q. 40. When did God create man?
A. Nearly 6000 years ago.
Q. 41. How did God make man?
A. God made man out of dust, after His own image.
Scr. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” – Genesis 2:7     See also Genesis 1:26
Q. 42. In what way was this man made after the image of God?
A. The iirst man was like God in knowledge, in holiness and in righteousness.
Scr. “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” — Ephesians 4:23,24 “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
Q. 43. What were the names of the first man and woman?
A. Adam and Eve.
Scr. “And Adam .:alled his wife’s name Eve”; — Genesis 3:20

 

CHAPTER V

Q. 44. How do we know that God’s creation is ruled by His providence?
A. The Bible tells us so, and all our experience tells us this also.
Scr. “The Lord has prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all.” — Psalm 103:19 See also Isaiah 45:7
Q. 45. Js there anything that happens to men which could be called luck, chance or fate?
A. No
Scr. “A man’s heart devises his way: but the Lord directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9    See also Isaiah 45:7,13; Proverbs 16:1, 4; 21:1.
Q. 46. After man was created, could he provide for himsclf without God’s power?
A. No, men cannot live without God, because his every breath comes from God
Scr. “and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.” — Daniel 5:23 See also Isaiah 42:5; Hebrews 1:3; Colcssians 1:17
Q. 47. Didn’t God give man power to exist of himself’?
A. No, a man consists and is upheld by God’s power every moment.
Scr. “and upholding all things by the word of His power,” — Hebrews 1:3   See also Colossians 1:17; Acts 17:25
Q. 48. Does God provide for each of His creatures by miracles?
A. No, but God has provided means by which men and animals take care of themselves.
Scr. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” — Genesis 1:28
Q. 49. Does God always provide all things equal to all men?
A. No, but God provides according to the good pleasure of His own will.
Scr. “It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” — Romans 9:12, 13     See also Romans 9:16, 13, 21; John 17:9; 2 Kings 8:1
Q. 50. Did God withhold anything from Adam?
A. No, God gave Adam everything he needed.
Scr. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed.., and every tree, etc.” — Genesis 1:28,29    See also Genesis 2:18
Q. 51. Where did Adam and Eve live?
A. In a paradise called the Garden of Eden
Scr. “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed.” — Genesis 2:8
Q. 52. Were Adam and Eve permitted to eat of every tree in the garden?
A. No, He allowed them to eat of every one but one.
Scr. “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it:” — Genesis 2:16,17
Q. 53. Why did God forbid them to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil?
A. To test whether Adam and Eve would obey Him.
Scr. “For in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.” — Genesis 2:17
Q. 54. What bait did the serpent use to cause them to eat the forbidden fruit?
A. He told them they would be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Scr. “For God knows that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened; and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:5

 

CHAPTER VI

Q.  55.  Then what kind of sin was this first sin?
A.  A sin of pride
Scr.  “And Adam was not deceived; but the woman being deceived, was in the transgression.” — 1 Timothy 2:14
56. What is sin?
A.  First, sin is to be ungodly, or unlike God; and secondly, sin is to do something differrent from the way God commanded it to be done.
Scr.  “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:8 “Whosoever commits sin trangresses also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” — 1 John 3:4 See also James 4:17; Jeremiah 2:13
Q.  57. What does Adam’s sin mean to us?
A.  In Adam all men were made sinners because he was appointed to stand for us all.
Scr.  “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:” — Romans 5:12     See also Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:22
Q.  58. How sinful are men?
A.  There is none good, no, not one.
Scr.  “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” — Romans 3:12     See also Matthew 15:19; Ecclesiastes 9:3; Jeremiah 17:9
Q.  59. Is there not a spark of good in every man?
A.  Every single one is dead to good, alive to evil.
Scr.  “And 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.” — Genesis 6:5    See also Psalm 5:9; Jeremiah 15:9; Job 15:16
Q.  60. Are not some men and women good?
A.  No, for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Scr.  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” — Romans 3:23    See also Romans 3:10, 11
Q. 61. Aren’t little babies good?
A. No, for all are conceived in sin, and are born speaking lies
Scr. “Behold I was shapen in inquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” — Psalm 51:5 “The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” — Psalm 58:3
Q. 62. Don’t some men commit worse sins than others?
A. Yes, but all men are eviL enough to commit all sins if not restrained by God.
Scr. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.”  Psalm 76:10    See also Psalm 19:3; Matthew 6:13
Q. 63. Do not God’s children do things that are good?
A. Yes, but only by the power of God working in them to do good.
Scr.  “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13    See also Romans 7:18, 2 Corinthians 3:5

 

CHAPTER VII

Q. 64. If men are such sinners, then how may any man have everlasting happiness?
A.  By believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scr.  “And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” — 1 John 5:11    See also John 5:24; 3:36; 16:3 1
Q. 65. What is the Gospel?
A. The Gospel is good news about Christ.
Scr. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved,” — 1 Corinthians 15:1, 2.    See also 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:14
Q. 66. Why is the news of the Gospel such good news?
A. Because it reveals that there is a Mediator between God and sinful men.
Scr. “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” — 1 Timothy 2:5.    See also Hebrews 9:15; 8:6

 

CHAPTER VIII

Q.  67. Why do we need a Mediator?
A.  Because all men have offended God by sin, and a pure and holy God cannot look upon sin.
Scr.  “0 mighty God, Thou hast established them for correction. Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:” — Habakkuk 1:13 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Q.  68. Who is this Mediator?
A.  The Mediator is the Son of God.
Scr.  “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” — 1 Timothy 2:5
Q.  69. What must the Mediator do?
A.  First, He must take away God’s anger toward the sinner
Scr. “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come. — 1 Thessalonians 1:10.     See also Romans 5:9
Q. 70 How does He do this?
A. By taking the sins of His people upon Himself, and suffering the punishment due to all their sins.
Scr. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21     See also Hebrews 9:15
Q. 71. What else must the Mediator do?
A. He revives in us the righteusness, holiness, and true knowledge we lost in Adam.
Scr. “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” — 1 Corinthians 1:30 .     See also Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10
Q.  72.  How can He do this?
A.  By taking man’s nature, becoming subject to the Law of God, and perfectly obeying God in thought and deed for His entire lifetime on earth.
Scr. “Wherefore in all things it behoved 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 th. people:” — Hebrews 2:17 See also Romans 5:19
Q. 73. What do we gain by this perfect obedience?
A. Righteousness, because Christ intercedes with God to credit us with His perfect righteousness.
Scr. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” — Romans 5:19     See also 2 Corinthians 5:21
Q. 74. How does He give us holiness?
A. By being perfect in every way, loving God with all His heart, mind, and soul.
Scr. “And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;” — Hebrews 5:9    See also 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 10:14
Q. 75. How does Christ give us true knowledge?
A. By making us new creatures renewed in His image, then teaching us by His Holy Spirit.
Scr. “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:” — Colossians 3:10 And they all shall be taught of God. Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes to Me.” — John 6:45
Q. 76. Was it necessary for Christ to die in order to redeem us?
A.  Yes, Someone must die for our sins because the wages of sin is death.
Scr.  “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23    See also Mark 8:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3; John 12:50
Q. 77. Did Christ die to redeem every person that ever lived?
A. No. He redeemed only God’s elect people, all those God gave to Him to redeem.
Scr. “As Thou has given Him power Over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him.” — John 17:2    See also Matthew 20:28; John 10:15, 16; John 6:39; Ephesians 1:4
Q. 78. How do we know that every one is not redeemed?
A. Because we see that all men are not delivered from the power of sin
Scr. “But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which delivered you. Being then made free from sin you became the servants of righteousness.” — Romans 6:17, 18     See also Colossians 1:13, Romans 8:2; Ephesians 2:5
Q. 79. Is it true that Christ died for our natural sins in order to give every one a chance to believe and be saved?
A. No. in no way. When Christ died He perfected forever those that would be saved.
Scr. “For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14 “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” — Hebrews 7:25
Q. 80. In what three offices does Christ the Mediator act for His people?
A. In the offices of Prophet, Priest and King.
Scr.    See John 1:18; Hebrews 7:25; Philippians 3:21
Q. 81. In what way was Christ a prophet?
A. In revealing the eternal will of God for our salvation, by giving us the Bible.
Scr. “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him”. — John 1:18   See also Matthew 11:27; John 6:45
Q. 82. In what way did Christ act as a priest?
A. In offering up Himself as a sacrifice to satisfy the justice of God, and in continuing to make intercession for His people.
Scr.  “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever Iiveth to make intercession for them” “For by one offering He has perfected for ever them that are
sanctified.” — Hebrews 7:25 and 10:14    See also Colossians 1:21, 22
Q. 83. In what way did Christ act as king?
A. In bringing His people into obedience to Him, in ruling over them, in defending them, and in conquering all of their enemies for them.
Scr. “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.” — Philippians 3:21 See also 1 Corinthians 15:24; John 6:33; Isaiah 9:7

 

CHAPTER IX

Q. 84. When God chose His elect, did lie make it necessary for all others to choose evil?
A. No, in no way, but every person is perfectly free to choose what he wants to do.
Scr. “God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” — Ecclesiastes 7:29    See also Deuteronomy 30:19; James 1:14; Romans 8:7-8
Q. 85. Doesnt every one really want to choose good?
A. No, only the power of the Holy Spirit can make men want to choose good.
Scr. “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,” – John 15:16    See also Verse 19; Ephesians 1:4; Romans 3:11; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:3
Q. 86. Has this always been true of man?
A. No. Adam was able to choose both good and evil.
Scr. “And when the woman saw the that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasent 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.” — Genesis 3:6
Q. 87. Why did Adam choose evil instead of good?
A. Because Adam was not satisfied to choose only good, he wanted to be as God, knowing both good and evil.
Scr. “For God doth know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as God, knowing good and evil”. — Genesis 3:5
Q. 88. Why aren’t all men still able to choose both good and evil?
A. Because all men fell when Adam fell, and their nature became sinful.
Scr. “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” — Ephesians 2:3    See also 1 Corinthians 15:22
Q. 89. Does having a sinful nature make men always choose evil?
A. Yes, because to choose good is to choose God, and sinful men do not desire God.
Scr. “For He (Christ) shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground: He has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and relected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not “ — Isaiah 53:2,3   See also Job 21:14; 15:16; Proverbs 21:10; Genesis 6:5
Q. 90. How can God’s children, while still sinners, choose good?
A. When God makes the sinner a new man, sin can no longer hold him in his evil ways, but God works in him both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure.
Scr. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13    See also Romans 7:24, 25; 6:14; 1 Corinthians 12:6
Q. 91. When is man’s will made perfectly free from sin again?
A. Only in the state of Glory, when he shall be with the Lord Jesus, and shall be like Him.
Scr. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see Him as He is.” — 1 John 3:2    See also Colossians 3:4; Philippians 3:21

 

CHAPTER X

Q. 92. How does God call His chosen people out of sin?
A. By the Gospel
Scr. “Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 1:23, 24; Romans 10:14, 15
Q. 93. Then why does not everyone who hears the Gospel believe it?
A. Because to some the Gospel is foolishness, to others it is offensive, and it is only God’s people who receive it as the power of God unto salvation.
Scr. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”    See verses 22, 23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:16; 10:16
Q. 94. Does every one of God’s elect respond to the call of the Gospel?
A. Yes, at the appointed time the Holy Spirit takes away their evil hearts of unbelief and gives them a heart to know Him, working in them mightily to believe in Christ.
Scr. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26    See also Hebrews 3:12; Ephesians 1: 10, 19; Hebrews 8:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:8
Q. 95. Does this irresistible call come to those men who are naturally better than others?
A. No, the Holy Spirit often chooses the weak and worthless among men.
Scr. “For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” — 1 Corinthians 1:26,27     See also 2 Timothy 1:9
Q. 96. Do those not elected never hear the call of the Gospel?
A. Untold millions have died without hearing the Gospel, but many have heard the call of the Gospel who were never saved.
Scr. “For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but th, word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” — Hebrews 4:2    See also Romans 10:16; John 10:26; Acts 28:14; John 12:39, 40
Q. 97. What happens to those who hear the call of the Gospel and do not heed it?
A. They are hardened in their sins, God giving them up to their own lusts.
Scr. “But if the Gospel be hid, it is hid 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.” — 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4    See also 2 Thessatonians 1:8

 

CHAPTER Xl

Q. 98. What immediately follows when we believe the Gospel?
A. Justification
Scr. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law — Romans 3:28 See also Romans 5:1
Q. 99. What does it mean to be justified?
A. To be justified is to be counted just, or righteous, before God.
Scr. “To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus.” — Romans 3:26
Q. 100. How can sinful men be counted just before God?
A. Only when he appears before God in the rigteousness of Christ
Scr. “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith :“ — Philippians 3:9    See also Roman5 3:25; 5:17
Q. 101. Is this righteousn~55 of Christ poured into the saints so that they become Personally righteous before God?
A. No, for if they were Personally righteous they would not live by faith.
Scr. “The just shall live by faith.” — Galatians 3:11     See also Philippians 3:9; Galatians 5:5; Romans 4:5-8
Q. 102. Then how can a man ever be Clothed with the righteousne55 of Christ?
A. Christ Jesus took our nature that He might live and die for His people, and be able to present them before God clothed in His righteusness
Scr. “And again, Behold I and the children which God has given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. — Hebrews 2:13, 14    See also vers 17; Rornans 4:25; 1 Peter 2:24
Q. 103. How does God justify the elect by the righteousness of Christ?
A. By crediting them with the righteousnc55 of Christ’s life while Lie was on earth.
Scr.“For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 See also Romans 4:22-25; 8:1, 2, 4; 5:21
Q. 104. When is a man actually justified?
A. Immediately when he has believed in Christ.
Scr. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:” — Luke 18:14
Q. 105. What is the instrument by which we receive justification?
A. Faith
Scr.“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law Romans 3:28
Q. 106. If a man is once justified before God, can he ever be counted unrighteous again?
A. No, because God accepts the righteousness of Christ for ever.
Scr. “Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” — Romans 8:30    See also verses 33, 34
Q. 107. Can a man justify his sin because he is eternally justified before God.
A. No, in no way, but he must humble himself, confess his sin, repent, and renew his faith.
Scr. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all urighteousness If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His ward is not in us.” — 1 John 1:8-10    See also Romans 6:1, 2; Psalm 32:5

 

CHAPTER XII

Q. 108. Why is it said that God adopts those who are justified through faith?
A. Because we are not naturally the sons of God, and if we are to have the privilege of being sons, we must be adopted.
Scr. “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abbe, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the
children of God.” — Romans 8:15, 16    See also Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:5; John 1:12

 

CHAPTER XIII

Q.  109.  What is sanctification?
A.  To be sanctified is to be set apart unto God.
Scr.  “Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” — Hebrews 12:12    See also Hebrews 2:11; Ephesians 5:26; John 17:17
Q.  110.  Who does this sanctifying work?
A.  The Holy Spirit
Scr.  “And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spint of our God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:11    See also Hebrews 10:14; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 3:18
Q.  111. How does He sanctify the elect?
A.  By revealing to them the meaning and worth of the death of Christ, then working in them a desire to be like Him.
Scr.“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17, 18     See also 1 Corinthians 2:8-10; John 16:13, 14
Q.  112. In what way do they become like Christ?
A.  By living for God’s glory, by humbly obeying His word, by hating sin, and by rejoicing in God at all times.
Scr. “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gayest Me to do.” — John 17:4    See also verses 19,23; John 8:29; Habakkuk 1:13
Q.  113.  May a man be perfectly holy in this life?
A.  No, but there is a continual battle between the flesh and the Spirit.
Scr. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would” — Galatians 5:17 See also 1 John 1:9; Romans 7:23-25
Q. 114. Does the flesh hold the upper hand over the Spirit?
A.  No, the Spirit that dwells in us rules over the flesh.
Scr.  “For sin shall not have dominion over you:” — Romans 6:14 “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” — Romans 6:23     See also Romans 8:11-14;

 

CHAPTER XIV

Q.  115.  What grace is it that overcomes the world.
A.  Faith overcomes world.
Scr.  “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” — 1 John 5:4
Q.  116.  Do all kinds of faith overcome the world?
A.  No, but only saving faith overcomes the world.
Scr.  “Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God”. — 1 John 5:5
Q.  117.  What are two other kinds of faith?
A.  Historical faith and temporary faith.
Scr.  Historical faith — “Then Simon himself believed also… And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,… But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee… Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God… For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” — Acts 8:13, 18-23
Temporary faith — “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that hears the word, and anon with joy receives it; yet he has not root in himself, but endures for a while:” — Matthew 13:20,21
Q.118. What is historical faith?
A. Those who believe the history about Jesus Christ being the Saviour, but who do not trust in Him to save them from their sins.
Scr. “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him — John 6:66    See also Acts 8:13; 2 Timothy 3:10
Q.119. What is temporary faith?
A. Those who for a short time take joy in certain portions of the Word of God, believing certain promises belong to them.
Scr. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” 2 Peter 2:20
Q.120. Where does temporary faith fall short of saving faith?
A. Temporary believers have not the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them.
Scr. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” — Romans 8:9   See also Hebrews 6:4-9
Q.  121.  What is true faith?
A.  True saving faith is the work of the Holy Spirit in the elect to cause them to believe
the good news of the Gospel
Scr.  “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward, who believe according to to the working of His mighty power,” — Ephesians 1:19     See also Ephesians 2:5; Philippians 1:29; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Q.  122.  Does true faith believe the Gospel?
A.  Yes, and all the rest of the Word of God too.
Scr. “But this I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets.” — Acts 24:14
Q.  123. What are those things which saving faith most readily receives?
A. Christ’s work of redemption, the forgiveness of sins, justification by faith, and everlasting life through Christ.
Scr. “That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” — Romans 10:9    See also Acts 13:38, 39; Acts 26:18; Galatians 3:1
Q.  124. What happens when a believer’s faith is weak?
A.  Christ prays for him that his faith fail not, intercedes for him, and brings him finally to believe the truth.
Scr. “But I have prayed for you that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brethren.” — Luke 22:32    See also Ephesians 6:16
Q.  125. Are there any more kinds of faith mentioned in the Bible?
A. Yes, there was a faith which believed that Christ would perform miracles for it.
Scr. “and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountais and have not charity, I am nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:2    See also Matthews 7:22; Acts 14:9
Q.  126. Did any unbeliever have this faith?
A. Yes, Judas even worked miracles by this faith.
Scr. “And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave then power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” Matthew 10:1    See verse 4
Q.  127. What other grace goes hand in hand with faith?
A. Repentance
Scr. “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Acts 20:21    See also 2 Corinthians 7:10
Q.  128. Does repentance come from man or from God?
A.  Repentance, like all other good gifts, comes only from God.
Scr. “In meekness instructing those that oppose that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth — 2 Timothy 2:25
Q.  129.  What is the first sign of true repentance?
A.  Inward and true sorrow for our sins
Scr.  “For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.” — 2 Corinthians 7:10
Q.  130.  What is the second sign of true repentance?
A.  Hatred of our sins because they offend the. God we love
Scr.  “Then shall you remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall hate yourself in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.” — Ezekiel 36:31
Q.  131.  What is the third sign of true repentance?
A.  A strong purpose to turn away from our sins
Scr.  “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” — Ezekiel 18:30    See also Isaiah 55:7
Q.  132.  What is the fourth sign of true repentance?
A.  To turn to God, to ask Him to forgive us, and to work mightily in us to please Him from that time forward.
Scr.  “I will go and return to My place until they acknowledge their offence and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.” — Hosea 5:15    See also Isaiah 55:7; Job 22:23; Joel 2:13
Q.133. Do we repent only at the time of our conversion?
A. No, but repentance continues through all our lives
Scr. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against you because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of its place, except you repent.” — Revelation 2:4,5    See Corinthians 7:9, 10
Q.134. Can a man who truly repents ever be condemned?
A. No, never, because true repentance goes hand in hand with true saving faith.
Scr. “And if any sin, we have an advocate wth the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins:” — 1 John 2:1, 2     See Luke 22:32

 

CHAPTER XVI

Q. 135. What are good works?
A. Good works are those works which are commanded by God
Scr. “Now the God of peace.., make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.” — Hebrews 13:20, 21 See also Micah 6:8; 2 Timothy 3:16,17 Who may do good works?  Only new creatures in Christ Jesus can do true good works.
Q. 136. Who may do good works?
A. Only new creatures in Christ Jesus can do true good works.
Scr. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 See also Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:9, 10; Psalm 51:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:7, 8; Romans 14:23 Why cannot others do good works?
Q. 137. Why cannot others do good works?
A. Because whatsoever is not of faith is sin
Scr. “And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” — Romans 14:23
Q. 138. Are there not many good works done among men, works of charity and works of sympathy?
A. No work is good unless it is done for the purpose of pleasing God.
Scr. “Unto the pure all things are pure: but to them that are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” — Titus 1:15, 16 See also 1 Corinthians 10:31
Q. 139. Is it not a good work to love and to help our neighbor?
A. It is good for your neighbor if you love and help him, but it is not a good work for you unless your motive is to glorify God.
Scr. “whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 See also Matthew 7:18; Romans 8:7, 8
Q. 140. Do the saints of God do good works by their own will and might?
A. No, but good works are worked in us by God the Holy Spirit
Scr. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ;” — Hebrews 13:20, 21
Q. 141. Do the good works of the saints ever deserve a reward from God?
A. No, but after we have done all, we are still unprofitable servants.
Scr. “So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” — Luke 17:10

 

CHAPTER XVII

Q. 142. Do the children of God always endure to the end?
A. Yes
Scr.”Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” — Philippians 1:6     See also Romans 5:9, 10; Romans 9:11, 16; John 10:28, 29
Q. 143. Do they live by their good works?
A. No, just men always live by faith
Scr – “the just shall live by faith” — Romans 1:18 See also Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38
Q. 144. Do the saints endure to the end because of their faith?
A. No, they live by their faith, but not because of their faith.
Scr. “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” — 1 Peter 1:5 See also Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:8

 

CHAPTER XVIII

Q. 145. Can the saints of God feel assured of their final salvation?
A. Yes, they may be sure of their calling and election if they keep God’s commandments.
Scr. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall.” — 2 Peter 1:10 See also 1 John 2:3; Hebrews 6:17, 18; Romans 8:16, 33
Q. 146. How does the keeping of God’s commandments assure us that we already have everlasting life?
A. Because no one can keep the commandments of God except the Spirit of Christ be in him.
Scr. “Wherefore I give you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:3    See also 1 John 3:24; Romans 8:9-13
Q. 147. Does the Spirit of Christ never permit a child of God to lose his assurance?
A. Yes, sometimes believers fall into sin which wounds their consciences and grieves the Holy Spirit.
Scr. “Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not thy holy Spirit from me:” — Psalm 51:11    See also Luke 22:62; Ephesians 4:30; Psalm 77:7, 116:11
Q. 148. When does a sinning saint receive the Spirit’s assurance of his salvation?
A. When he repents, turning from his sins, and exercises faith toward God
Scr. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise.” — Psalm 51:17    See also Isaiah 57:15-18

 

CHAPTER XIX

Q. 149. Has God always had laws which were binding on all men?
A. Yes, Adam had the law of God written in his heart.
Scr. “Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another. — Romans 2:15    See also Genesis 1:17; Romans 5:13, 14; 10:5; Psalm 40:8
Q. 150. Has this same law ever since continued to be the rule of righteousness?
A. Yes
Scr. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” — Matthew 5:17    See also Romans 2:14, 15
Q. 151. When were the laws of God summarized and written down for us?
A. When God wrote the Ten Commandments on stone at Mount Sinai
Scr. “And He gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” — Exodus 31:18
Q. 152. Are all men bound to obey the Ten Commandments?
A. Yes, God never changed the moral duty of men, they always were commanded do love Him supremely, and their neighbor as themselves.
Scr. “Brethren I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning.” — 1 John 2:7
Q. 153. Will all men be measured against the law of God at the Judgement Day?
A. Yes.
Scr. “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” — James 2:12 See also Hebrews 12:23-26; John 12:48
Q. 154. Why did Jesus Christ keep the Ten Commandments?
A. Because they expressed the will of His Father.
Scr. “I delight to Thy will, 0 My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.”- Psalm 40:8 See also Hebrews 10:7; John 6:38; Matthew 5:17
Q. 155. Do believers keep the Ten Commandments as a way of life?
A. No, but because thy are the expressed will of God.
Scr. “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” — 1 John 3:22 See also 1 John 2:4, 5; 3:11 Margin
Q. 156. What is the usefulness of the Ten Commandments to believers?
A. It gives them a square and a rule by which they may judge their faithfulness to God.
Scr. “He that saith I know Him and keeps not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.” — 1 John 2:4 See also Romans 7:22; James 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
Q. 157. Is the law of God contrary to the Gospel?
A. No, but the Gospel is the answer to the condemnation of the law.
Scr. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” — Romans 3:31

 

CHAPTER XX

Q. 158. How long have men had the Gospel preached to them?
A. The Gospel was revealed immediately after the fall of man.
Scr. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” — Genesis 3:15
Q 159. How is the Gospel revealed outwardly
A. By the word of God.
Scr. “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heithen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying. In you shall all nations be blessed.” – Gallatians 3:8 See also Romans 1:17;16:25
Q. 160. Is the outward preaching of the Gospel the only power unto salvation?
A. No, but the Holy Spirit must work within man giving him a spiritual heart so that he will receive the Gospel.
Scr. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” — Ezekiel 36:26, 27 See also Psalm 110:3; Jeremiah 31:33

CHAPTER XXI

Q. 161. When Christ delivers a man from the condemnation of the Law does he make him free to do as he pleases from that time on?
A. No, but He makes him free from the guilt of sin, and the curse of the Law.
Scr.”For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” — Romans 8:2 “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” — Romans 7:21 “Far I know that in me (that is, in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” — Romans 7:18
Q. 162. Does Christ deliver the new man from the dominion of sin?
A. Yes
Scr. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.” — Romans 6:14
Q. 163. Does Christ deliver us from other things also?
A. Yes, He delivers us from the fear of Satan, from despair, and from the sting of death.
Scr. “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, etc.” — Acts 26:18 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 See also 1 Corinthians 15:55

 

CHAPTER XXII

Q. 164. May a man worship God according to his own light?
A. No, but God has strictly set down the way that He is to be worshipped.
Scr. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” — Deuteronomy 12:32 See also Proverbs 30:6; John 4:24
Q. 165. Is any sort of religious honor to be given to anyone besides God?
A. No, Only God the Father, the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are worthy of any form of worship or religious honor.
Scr. “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” – Matthew 4:10 See also John 6:23; Matthew 28:19; Luke 4:8
Q. 166. How is prayer to be offered to God?
A. Only in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the help of the Holy Spirit
Scr. “And whatsoever you shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” — John 14:13 See also Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15
Q. 167. Are all men still supposed to keep one day of rest out of seven?
A. Yes
Scr. “There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.” — Hebrews 4:9
Q. 168. Which day is now set aside for the worship of God?
A. The first day of the week, Sunday.
Scr. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” — 1 Corinthians 16:2
Q. 169. Why was the day of rest changed from Saturday unto Sunday?
A. The seventh day sabbath was to commemorate the first creation. A change was made because our present day of rest is to commemorate the new creation by Christ Jesus.
Scr. “There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, He also has ceased from His own works, as God did from His.” — Hebrews 4:9, 10
Q. 170. How may men keep the Sabbath day holy unto God?
A. By turning their feet away from doing their own ways, from finding their own pleasure, from speaking their own words, and instead delighting themselves in God.
Scr. “If you turn away your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your pleasure, speaking your own words: Then shall you delight yourselves in the Lord;” — Isaiah 58:13, 14
Q. 171. What works may be performed on the Sabbath day?
A. Only those works which have to do with mercy, worship, and sustaining of life
Scr. “Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.” – Matthew 12:12 See Exodus 20:8

 

CHAPTER XXIII

Q. 172. Is it still lawful to offer vows unto God?
A. Yes.
Scr. “Offer unro God thanksgiving; and pay your vows unto the most High:” — Psalm 50:14

 

CHAPTER XXIV

Q. 173. How do the rulers of this world obtain their power?
A. God, the Supreme Ruler and King of this world, has ordained that they shall be our rulers.
Scr. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” — Romans 13:1 See also 1 Timothy 2:2
Q. 174. Should the children of God give obedience to the rulers of this world?
A.  Yes, they are God’s servants for our good.
Scr. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.” — Romans 13:1

 

CHAPTER XXV

Q. 175. When is marriage lawful before God?
A. When the marriage is between one man and one woman, neither having any other legal living husband or wife.
Scr. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24 See also Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:5, 6
Q. 176. How should a man and woman look upon their marriage.
A. They should look upon themselves as one flesh, never to be parted until death.
Scr. “For the woman which has an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives;” — Romans 7:1 See also Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6
Q. 177. Is there no lawful end to a marriage?
A. Yes, besides death, marriage may be ended in cases of adultery.
Scr. “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery:” — Matthew 19:9
Q. 178. In what way are believers bound in regards to marrying?
A. Believers may only marry those who are already proven to be God’s children.
Scr. “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 7:39

 

CHAPTER XXVI

Q. 179. What is a church?
A. A church is a body of baptized believers.
Scr. “Then they that glady received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” — Acts 2:41, 47 See also Acts 5:14
Q. 180. Must a church have a church building?
A. No, but they need only a place to meet for worship and fellowship.
Scr. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.” — Acts 2:46 See also Hebrew 10:25; 1 Corinthians 11:20
Q. 181. Do churches have any power over the
A. Yes, they are given the power to police their membership by putting out those who do not walk according to the word of God.
Scr. “Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” — 1 Corinthians 5:13
Q. 182. Who is the main officer in the church?
A. God has appointed the pastor of the church chief officer in the church. They are often called bishops or elders in the New Testament.
Scr. “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.” — 1 Timothy 3:1
Q. 183. What other officers of the churches are mentioned in the New Testament?
A. Only deacons.
Scr. “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;” — 1 Timothy 3:9
Q. 184. Who commissions a preacher to be a minister of Christ?
A. Only Christ Jesus Himself.
Scr. “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;” — 1 Timothy 1:12 See also 2:7; Ephesians 3:7
Q. 185. Are preachers then not to be ordained by the churches?
A. The ordination of the church is recognition that Christ has called out this man to preach the Gospel.
Scr. “ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” — Titus 1:5
Q. 186. What is the chief purpose of the churches?
A. The chief business of the churches is to glorify God
Scr. “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” — Ephesians 3:31
Q. 187. What is the chief duty of pastors?
A. The chief duty of pastors is to feed the members of the church.
Scr. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.” — Acts 20:28 See also John 21:15-17

 

CHAPTER XXVII

Q. 188. Are the saints of God commanded to live together in close harmony?
A. Yes, they are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, as well as serving their fellow saints
Scr. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembIing of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24, 25 See also Hebrews 3:12, 13; Acts 12:29, 30

 

CHAPTER XXVIII

Q. 189. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is an ordinance of Christ.
Scr. “Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you.” — 1 Corinthians 11:2 with Matthew 28:19

 

CHAPTER XXIX

Q. 190. Why did Christ ordain baptism for believers?
A. For a sign of fellowship with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection unto newness of life.
Scr. “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised Him from the dead.” — Colossians 2:12 See Also Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:2-5
Q. 191. Whomaybebaptized?
A. Those who actually profess repentance toward God, faith in Christ Jesus, and obedience to Him.
Scr. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit… Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:” — Acts 2:38- 41
Q. 192. How are believers to be baptized?
A. They are to be baptized in the water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Scr. “And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: — Mark 1:10 See also John 3:23; Matthew 28:19
Q. 193. What is the mode of baptism?
A. Immersion, or dipping of the person wholly under water.
Scr. “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:” — Matthew 3:16

 

CHAPTER XXX

Q. 194. What is the Lord’s Supper?
A. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of the sacrifice of Christ.
Scr. “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. — 1 Corinthians 11:24
Q. 195. What are the benefits of the Lord’s Supper to believers?
A. They are confirmed in their faith, they are spiritually fed, they are reminded of the debt they owe unto Christ, and they are rededicated to His service and worship.
Scr. “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” — 1 Corinthians 10:16 See also John 6:53-57
Q. 196. What are the elements used in the Lord’s Supper?
A. Bread and wine.
Scr.”Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying Drink ye all of it;” — Matthew 26:26, 27, 29 See also 1 Corinthians 11:23
Q. 197. What do the elements of bread and wine signify?
A. They signify the body and blood of Christ.
Scr. “Take, eat: this is My body,… This cup is the new testament in My blood:” — 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25
Q. 198. Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper?
A. Those who can spiritually receive and feed upon Christ crucified.
Scr. “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 11:27
Q. 199. Can ungodly persons partake of the Lord’s Supper?
A. Not lawfully, for they are unworthy of the Lord’s table, and cannot feed upon Him spiritually.
Scr. “For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” — 1 Corinthians 11:29

 

CHAPTER XXXI

Q. 200. What happens to men when they die?
A. Their bodies return to the dust, but their souls do not die.
Scr. “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7 See also Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:20, 21
Q. 201. Where do the souls of the righteous go?
A. They go to be with Christ.
Scr. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto you, Today you shall be with Me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 See also John 17:24; Luke 16:22
Q. 202. Where do the souls of the wicked go?
A. They go to the place of torment and utter darkness.
Scr. “For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” — Luke 16:28
Q. 203. What happens on the Resurrection Day?
A. The righteous receive bodies like the body of Christ Jesus, and become like Him.
Scr. “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” — 1 Corinthians 15:44 See also Philippians 3:21
Q. 204. What happens to the wicked on Resurrection Day?
A. The wicked are raised in their own bodies.
Scr. “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” — Luke 16:24 See also Revelation 20:12-14
Q. 205. Who shall stand before Christ to be judged on Judgment Day?
A. All men, both good and bad.
Scr. “As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shalt bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” — Romans 14:11, 12
Q. 206. Who shall be the Righteous Judge?
A. Christ Jesus shall be the Judge.
Scr. “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” — Romans 14:10
Q. 207. By what shall all men be judged?
A. They shall be judged by the word of God.
Scr. “He that rejects Me, and receives not My words, has one that judges him: th. Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” — John 12:48
Q. 208. What shall be measured against the word of God.
A. Their thoughts, their words, and their deeds.
Scr. “And 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 continualy.” — Genesis 6:5 See also Matthew 15:19; Matthew 12:37
Q. 209. What shall be the judgment of God upon the righteous?
A. They shall be judged as having the righteousness of Christ Jesus.
Scr. “That He might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” — Ephesians 5:27
Q. 210. What shall they then receive?
A. They shall receive the fulness of joy which is in His presence.
Scr. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” — Psalm 16:10
Q. 211. What shall be the judgment of the wicked?
A. They shall be cast into the Lake of Fire to be punished with everlasting destruction and eternal torment.
Scr. “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb:” — Revelation 14:10 See also verse 11; Revelation 20:12-14
Q. 212. When shall be the day of the coming of the Lord?
A. No man knows, but all men are commanded to watch and pray, and to be forever prepared to say, Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly
Scr. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:2 See also Luke 12:40, 46; Revelation 22:20