The Greater Catechism

CHAP. I. Of the Scripture.

Question 1. What is Christian Religion?

Answ. The only (a) way of knowing God aright, and (b) living to him. (a) John 14:5; John 17:3; Acts 4:12. (b) Colossians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 2:19, 20.

Q. 2. From where is it to be learned?

A. From the holy Scripture only. (Isaiah 8:20; John 5:39.)

Q. 3. What is the Scripture?

A. The books of the (a) Old, and (b) New Testament, (c) given by inspiration from God, containing all things necessary to be believed and done, that God may be worshipped and our souls saved. (a) Isaiah 8:20; Romans 3:2. (b) Revelation 22:19, 20. (c) 2 Timothy 2:16, 17; Psalm 19:7, 8; Jeremiah 7:31; John 20:31.

Q. 4. How know you them to be the word of God?

A. By the (a) testimony of God's Spirit, working faith in my heart, to close with that (b) heavenly majesty, and clear divine truth, that shineth in them. (a) Matthew 16:17; John 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 2:20; 1 John 5:6. (b) Luke 24:32; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19.

CHAP. II. Of God.

Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning God?

A. First, what he is, or his nature; secondly, what he does, or his works. (Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 44:6; Hebrews 1:1, 2, 3; Hebrews 11:6.)

Q. 2. What is God in himself?

A. An (a) eternal (b) infinite, (c) incomprehensible (d) spirit, (e) giving being to all things, and doing with them whatever he pleases. (a) Deuteronomy 33:37; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:8. (b) 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:2, 3, 4, 5, &c. (c) Exodus 32:20; 1 Timothy 6:16. (d) John 4:24. (e) Genesis 1:1; Psalm 115:3; Psalm 135:6; Isaiah 46:10; John 5:17; Hebrews 1:2.

Q. 3. Do we here know God as he is?

A. No, his glorious being is not of us, in this life, to be comprehended. (Exodus 33:23; 1 Corinthians 13:12.)

Q. 4. Whereby is God chiefly made known to us in the word?

A. First, by his (f) names, secondly, by his (g) attributes, or properties. (f) Exodus 3:14; ch. 6:3; Psalm 83:18. (g) Exodus 34:6, 7; Matthew 5:48.

Q. 5. What are the names of God?

A. Glorious titles, which he has given himself, to hold forth his excellencies to us, with some perfections, whereby he will reveal himself. (Exodus 3:14, 15; Exodus 6:3; Exodus 34:6, 7; Genesis 17:1.)

Q. 6. What are the attributes of God?

A. His infinite perfections, in being and working. (Revelation 4:8, 9, 10, 11.)

Q. 7. What are the chief attributes of his being?

A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deuteronomy 33:37; Psalm 93:2; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:11. (b) 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9. (c) Exodus 3:14. (d) Genesis 17:1; Psalm 135:4, 5. (e) John 11:7, 8, 9; Romans 11:33, 34, 35, 36. (f) Malachi 3:6; James 1:17. (g) Judges 8:19; 1 Samuel 25:34; 2 Kings 3:14; Ezekiel 14:16; Ezekiel 16:48; Matthew 16:16; Acts 24:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. (h) Daniel 11:3; Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:5, 11; James 1:18. (i) Psalm 7:2; Psalm 139:2; Psalm 147:4; Jeremiah 11:20; Hebrews 4:13.

Q. 8. What are the attributes which usually are ascribed to him in his works, or the acts of his will?

A. (k) Goodness, (l) power, (m) justice, (n) mercy, (o) holiness, (p) wisdom, and the like, which he delights to exercise towards his creatures, for the praise of his glory. (k) Psalm 119:68; Matthew 19:17. (l) Exodus 15:11; Psalm 62:10; Revelation 19:1. (m) Zephaniah 3:5; Psalm 11:7; Jeremiah 12:1; Romans 1:32. (n) Psalm 130:7; Romans 9:15; Ephesians 2:4. (o) Exodus 15:11; Joshua 24:19; Habakkuk 1:13; Revelation 4:8. (p) Romans 11:33; Romans 16:17.

CHAP. III. Of the holy Trinity.

Q. 1. Is there but one God to whom these properties do belong?

A. (a) One only, in respect of his essence and being, but one (b) in three distinct persons, of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (a) Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 19:17; Ephesians 4:5, 6. (b) Genesis 1:7; 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19.

Q. 2. What mean you by Person?

A. A distinct manner of subsistence or being, distinguished from the other persons, by its own properties. (John 5:17; Hebrews 1:3.)

Q. 3. What is the distinguishing property of the person of the Father?

A. To be of himself only, the fountain of the Godhead. (John 5:26, 27; Ephesians 1:3.)

Q. 4. What is the property of the Son?

A. To be begotten of his Father, from eternity. (Psalm 2:7; John 1:14; John 3:16.)

Q. 5. What of the Holy Ghost?

A. To proceed from the Father and the Son. (John 14:17; John 16:14; John 15:26; John 20:22.)

Q. 6. Are these three one?

A. One (a) every way, in nature, will, and essential properties, (b) distinguished only in their personal manner of subsistence. (a) John 10:30; Romans 3:30. (b) John 15:26; 1 John 5:7.

Q. 7. Can we conceive these things as they are in themselves?

A. Neither (a) we, nor yet the (b) angels of heaven, are at all able to dive into these secrets, as they are internally in God; (c) but in respect of the outward dispensation of themselves, to us, by creation, redemption, and sanctification, a knowledge may be attained of these things, saving, and heavenly. (a) 1 Timothy 6:16. (b) Isaiah 6:2, 3. (c) Colossians 1:11, 12, 13, 14.

CHAP. IV. Of the works of God, and First, of those that are internal and immanent.

Q. 1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning the works of God?

A. That they are of two sorts: first, internal in his counsel, decrees, and purposes, towards his creatures; secondly, external in his works, over and about them, to the praise of his own glory. (Acts 15:18; Proverbs 16:4.)

Q. 2. What are the decrees of God?

A. (a) Eternal, (b) unchangeable purposes of his will, concerning the being, and well-being of his creatures. (a) Micah 5:2; Ephesians 3:9; Acts 15:18. (b) Isaiah 14:24; Isaiah 46:10; Romans 9:12; 2 Timothy 2:19.

Q. 3. Concerning which of his creatures chiefly are his decrees to be considered?

A. Angels, and men, for whom other things were ordained. (1 Timothy 5:21; Jude 6.)

Q. 4. What are the decrees of God concerning men?

A. Election, and reprobation. (Romans 9:11, 12.)

Q. 5. What is the decree of election?

A. The (a) eternal, (b) free, (c) immutable purpose of God, (d) whereby in Jesus Christ, he chooses to himself, whom he pleases, out of (e) whole mankind, determining to bestow upon them, for his sake, (f) grace here, and everlasting happiness hereafter, for the praise of his glory, by the way of mercy. (a) Ephesians 1:4; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:29, 30. (b) Matthew 11:26. (c) 2 Timothy 2:19. (d) Ephesians 1:4, 5; Matthew 22:14. (e) Romans 9:18, 19, 20, 21. (f) John 6:37; John 17:6, 9, 10, 24.

Q. 6. Does anything in us, move the Lord thus to choose us from among others?

No, in no wise, we are in the same lump with others rejected, when separated by his undeserved grace (Romans 9:11, 12; Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:9).

Q. 7. What is the decree of Reprobation?

A. The eternal purpose of God, to suffer many to sin, leave them in their sin, and not giving them to Christ, to punish them for their sin (Romans 9:11, 12, 21, 22; Proverbs 16:4; Matthew 11:25, 26; 2 Peter 2:12; Jude 4).

CHAP. 5. Of the works of God that outwardly are of him.

Q. 1. What are the works of God, that outwardly respect his creatures?

A. First, of Creation; secondly, of actual providence (Psalm 33:9; Hebrews 1:2, 3).

Q. 2. What is the work of creation?

A. An act or work of God's Almighty power, whereby of nothing in six days he created Heaven, Earth, and the Sea, with all things in them contained (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Proverbs 16:4).

Q. 3. Therefore did God make man?

A. For his own glory in his service and obedience (Genesis 1:26, 27; Genesis 2:16, 17; Romans 9:23).

Q. 4. Was man able to yield the service and worship that God required of him?

A. Yes, to the uttermost, being created upright in the image of God, in purity, innocency, righteousness and holiness (Genesis 1:26; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).

Q. 5. What was the rule, whereby man was at first to be directed in his obedience?

A. The moral, or eternal law of God implanted in his nature, and written in his heart, by creation, being the tenor of the Covenant between God and him, sacramentally typified by the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15, 16, 17; Romans 2:14, 15; Ephesians 4:24).

Q. 6. Do we stand in the same Covenant still, and have we the same power to yield obedience to God?

A. No, the (a) Covenant was broken by the sin of Adam, with whom it was made, (b) our nature corrupted, (c) and all power to do good utterly lost. (a) Genesis 3:16, 17, 18; Galatians 3:10, 11, 21; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 8:13. (b) Job 14:4; Psalm 51:5. (c) Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 13:23.

CHAP. 6. Of God's actual providence.

Q. 1. What is God's actual providence?

A. The effectual working of his power, and Almighty act of his will, whereby he sustains, governs, and disposes of all things, men, and their actions, to the ends which he has ordained for them (Exodus 4:11; Job 5:10, 11, 12; Job 9:5, 6; Psalm 147:4; Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 45:6, 7; John 5:17; Acts 17:28; Hebrews 1:3).

Q. 2. How is this providence exercised towards mankind?

A. Two ways: first, (a) peculiarly towards his Church, or Elect, in their generations, for whom are all things; secondly, (b) towards all in a general manner, yet with various and divers dispensations. (a) Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8; Zechariah 2:8; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 19:2, 29; 1 Peter 5:7. (b) Genesis 9:5; Psalm 75:6, 7; Isaiah 45:6; Matthew 5:45.

Q. 3. Wherein chiefly consists the outward providence of God towards his Church?

A. In three things, first, in (a) causing all things to work together for their good; secondly, in (b) ruling and disposing of kingdoms, nations, and persons, for their benefit; thirdly, (c) in avenging them of their adversaries. (a) Matthew 6:31, 32, 33; Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 6:16; 2 Peter 1:3. (b) Psalm 105:14, 15; Isaiah 44:28; Daniel 2:44; Romans 9:17. (c) Isaiah 60:12; Zechariah 12:2, 3, 4, 5; Luke 18:7; Revelation 17:14.

Q. 4. Does God rule also in and over the sinful actions of wicked men?

A. Yes, he willingly (according to his determinate counsel) suffers them to be, for the manifestation of his glory, and by them effects his own righteous ends (2 Samuel 12:11; 2 Samuel 16:10; 1 Kings 11:31; 1 Kings 22:22; Job 1:21; Proverbs 22:14; Isaiah 10:6, 7; Ezekiel 21:19, 20, 21; Amos 7:17; Acts 4:27, 28; Romans 1:24; Romans 9:22; 1 Peter 2:8; Revelation 17:17).

Q. 5. Does the providence of God extend itself to every small thing?

A. The least grass of the field, hair of our heads, or worm of the earth, is not exempted from his knowledge and care (Job 39; Psalm 104:21; Psalm 145:15; Jonah 4:7; Matthew 6:26, 27, 28, 29; Matthew 10:29, 30).

CHAP. 7. Of the Law of God.

Q. 1. Which is the Law that God gave man at first to fulfill?

A. The same which was afterwards written with the finger of God in two tables of stone on Mount Horeb, called the ten Commandments (Romans 2:14, 15).

Q. 2. Is the observation of this Law still required of us?

A. Yes, to the uttermost tittle (Matthew 5:17; 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:31; James 2:8; Galatians 3).

Q. 3. Are we able of ourselves to perform it?

A. No, in no wise, the Law is spiritual, but we are carnal (1 Kings 8:46; Genesis 5:6; John 15:5; Romans 7:11; Romans 8:7; 1 John 1:8).

Q. 4. Did then God give a Law which could not be kept?

A. No, when God gave it, we had power to keep it, which since we have lost in Adam (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 7:29; Romans 5:12).

Q. 5. Whereto then does the Law now serve?

A. For two general ends, first, (a) to be a rule of our duty, or to discover to us the obedience of God required; secondly, (b) to drive us to Christ. (a) Psalm 119:5; 1 Timothy 1:8, 9. (b) Galatians 3:24.

Q. 6. How does the Law drive us to Christ?

A. Divers ways, as first, (a) by laying open to us the utter disability of our nature, to do any good; secondly, (b) by charging the wrath and curse of God, due to sin, upon the conscience; thirdly, (c) by bringing the whole soul under bondage to sin, death, Satan, and hell, so making us long and seek for a Savior. (a) Romans 7:7, 8, 9; Galatians 3:19. (b) Romans 3:19, 20; Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Galatians 3:10. (c) Galatians 3:22; Hebrews 2:15.

CHAP. 8. Of the state of corrupted nature.

Q. 1. How came this weakness and disability upon us?

A. By the sin, and shameful fall of our first parents (Romans 5:12, 14).

Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us their posterity?

A. Divers ways; first, (a) in that we were all guilty of the same breach of covenant with Adam, being all in him; secondly, (b) our souls with his were deprived of that holiness, innocency, and righteousness wherein they were at first created; thirdly, (c) pollution and defilement of nature came upon us, with, fourthly, (d) an extreme disability of doing any thing that is well-pleasing to God; (e) by all which, we are made obnoxious to the curse. (a) John 3:36; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3. (b) Genesis 3:10; Ephesians 4:23, 24; Colossians 3:10. (c) Job 14:4; Psalm 51:7; John 3:6; Romans 3:13. (d) Genesis 6:5; Ephesians 2:1; Jeremiah 6:16; Jeremiah 13:23; Romans 8:7. (e) Genesis 3:17; Galatians 3:10.

Q. 3. Wherein does the curse of God consist?

A. In divers things: first, (a) in the guilt of death, temporal and eternal; secondly, (b) the loss of the grace and favor of God; thirdly, (c) guilt and horror of conscience, despair and anguish here, with, fourthly, eternal damnation hereafter (a) (Genesis 2:17; Romans 1:18; 5:12, 17; Ephesians 2:3; (b) Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 16:3, 4, 5; Ephesians 2:13; (c) Genesis 3:10; Isaiah 48:22; Romans 3:9, 19; Galatians 3:22; (d) Genesis 3:10, 13; John 3:36).

Q. 4. Are all men born in this estate?

A. Every one without exception (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:9, 12; Ephesians 2:3).

Q. 5. And do they continue therein?

A. Of themselves they cannot otherwise do, being able neither to (a) know, nor (b) will, nor (c) do any thing that is spiritually good, and pleasing to God (a) (Acts 8:31; 16:14; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:8; John 1:5; (b) Jeremiah 6:16; 13:2, 3; Luke 4:18; Romans 6:16; 8:7; (c) John 6:44; 2 Corinthians 3:5).

Q. 6. Have they then no way of themselves, to escape the curse and wrath of God?

A. None at all, they can neither satisfy his justice, nor fulfill his Law.

CHAP. 9. Of the Incarnation of Christ.

Q. 1. Shall all mankind then everlastingly perish?

A. No, God of his free grace has prepared a way, to redeem and save his Elect (John 3:16; Isaiah 53:6).

Q. 2. What way was this?

A. By sending his own Son Jesus Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemning sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3).

Q. 3. Who is this you call his own Son?

A. The second person of the Trinity, co-eternal, and of the same Deity with his Father (John 1:14; Romans 1:3; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 1:1).

Q. 4. How did God send him?

A. By causing him to be made flesh of a pure Virgin, and to dwell among us, that he might be obedient to death, the death of the cross (Isaiah 50:6; John 1:14; Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:16).

CHAP. 10. Of the person of Jesus Christ.

Q. 1. What does the Scripture teach us of Jesus Christ?

A. Chiefly two things; first, his Person, or what he is in himself; secondly, his Offices, or what he is to us.

Q. 2. What does it teach of his Person?

A. That he is truly God, and perfect man, partaker of the natures of God and man in one person, between whom he is a Mediator (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14, 15; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 1:1).

Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truly God?

A. Divers ways; first, by places of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah, in the Old Testament, applied to our Savior in the New, as, Numbers 21:5, 6 in 1 Corinthians 10:9; Psalm 102:24, 25 in Hebrews 1:10; Isaiah 6:2, 3, 4 in John 12:40, 41; Isaiah 8:13, 14 in Luke 2:34; Romans 9:33; Isaiah 40:3, 4 in John 1; Isaiah 45:22, 23 in Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:8; Malachi 3:1 in Matthew 11:10.

Secondly, by the works of the Deity ascribed to him, as first, of creation (John 1:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:21); secondly, of preservation in providence (Hebrews 1:3; John 5:17); thirdly, Miracles.

Thirdly, by the essential attributes of God, being ascribed to him; as first, immensity (Matthew 28:20; John 14:23; Ephesians 3:17); secondly, eternity (John 1:1; Revelation 1:11; Micah 5:2); thirdly, immutability (Hebrews 1:11, 12); fourthly, omniscience (John 21:17; Revelation 2:23); fifthly, majesty and glory equal to his Father (John 5:23; Revelation 5:13; Philippians 1:2, 6, 9, 10).

Fourthly, by the names given to him; as first, of God expressly (John 1:1; 20:28; Acts 20:28; Romans 9:5; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:16); secondly, of the Son of God (John 1:18; Romans 8:3; etc.).

Q. 4. Was it necessary that our Redeemer should be God?

A. Yes, that he might be able to save to the uttermost, and to satisfy the wrath of his Father, which no creature could perform (Isaiah 43:25; 53:6; Daniel 9:17, 19).

Q. 5. How prove you that he was a perfect man?

A. First, by the prophecies that went before, that so he should be (Genesis 3:15; 18:18).

Secondly, by the relation of their accomplishment (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:4; Galatians 4:4).

Thirdly, by the Scriptures, assigning to him those things, which are required to a perfect man; as, first, a body (Luke 24:39; Hebrews 2:17; 10:5; 1 John 1:1); secondly, a soul (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:34); and therein, first, a will (Matthew 26:39); secondly, affections (Matthew 3:5; Luke 10:21); thirdly, endowments (Luke 2:52).

Fourthly, general infirmities of nature (Matthew 4:2; John 4:6; Hebrews 2:18).

Q. 6. Therefore was our Redeemer to be man?

A. That the nature which had offended, might suffer, and make satisfaction, and so he might be every way a fit and sufficient Savior for men (Hebrews 2:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17).

CHAP. 11. Of the Offices of Christ, and first of his Kingly.

Q. 1. How many are the Offices of Jesus Christ?

A. Three; first, of a (a) King; secondly, (b) a Priest; thirdly, a (c) Prophet (a) (Psalm 2:6; (b) Psalm 110:4; (c) Deuteronomy 18:15).

Q. Has he these Offices peculiarly by nature?

A. No, he only received them for the present dispensation, until the work of redemption be perfected (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:36; 10:42; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 15:27, 28; Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 3:2, 6; 2:7, 8, 9).

Q. 3. Wherein does the Kingly Office of Christ consist?

A. In a twofold power; first, his power of ruling in, and over his Church; secondly, his power of subduing his enemies (Psalm 110:3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Q. 4. What is his ruling power in, and over his people?

A. That supreme authority, which for their everlasting good, he uses towards them, whereof in general there be two acts; first, (a) internal and spiritual, in converting their souls to him, making them to himself, a willing, obedient, persevering people; secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical, in giving perfect laws, and rules for their government, as gathered into holy societies, under him (a) (Isaiah 53:12; 59:20, 21 with Hebrews 8:10, 11, 12; Isaiah 61:1, 2; John 1:16; 12:32; Mark 1:15; Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5; (b) Matthew 16:19; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Revelation 22:18, 19).

Q. 5. How many are the acts of his Kingly power, towards his enemies?

A. Two also, first, (a) internal, by the mighty working of his Word, and the spirit of bondage upon their hearts, convincing, amazing, terrifying their consciences, hardening their spirits for ruin; secondly, (b) external, in judgments and vengeance, which oftentimes he begins in this life, and will continue to eternity (a) (Psalm 110; John 6:46; 8:59; 9:41; 12:40; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5, 6; 1 Corinthians 5:6; 1 Timothy 1:20; (b) Mark 16:16; Luke 19:21; Acts 13:11; Revelation 17:14).

CHAP. 12. Of Christ's Priestly Office.

Q. 1. By what means did Jesus Christ undertake the Office of an eternal Priest?

By (a) the decree, ordination, and will of God his Father, (b) whereunto he yielded voluntary obedience, so (c) that concerning this, there was a compact and covenant between them (a) (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 4:5, 6; and 7:17, 18; (b) Isaiah 50:4, 5, 6; Hebrews 10:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; (c) Psalms 2:7, 8; Isaiah 53:8, 10, 11, 12; Philippians 2:7, 9; Hebrews 12:2; John 17:2, 4).

Q. 2. Wherein does his execution of this office consist?

A. In bringing his people to God (Hebrews 2:10; and 4:15; and 7:25).

Q. 3. What are the parts of it?

A. First, (a) oblation; secondly, (b) intercession (a) (Hebrews 9:13; (b) Hebrews 7:25).

Q. 4. What is the oblation of Christ?

A. The (a) offering up of himself upon the altar of the cross, an holy propitiatory sacrifice, for the sins of all the elect throughout the world, as (b) also the presentation of himself for us in heaven, sprinkled with the blood of the covenant (a) (Isaiah 53:10, 12; John 3:16; and 11:51, 52; and 17:19; Hebrews 9:13, 14; (b) Hebrews 9:24).

Q. Whereby does this oblation do good to us?

A. Divers ways: first, in that it satisfied the justice of God; secondly, it redeemed us from the power of sin, death, and hell; thirdly, it ratified the new covenant of grace; fourthly, it procured for us grace here, and glory hereafter; by all which means, the peace, and reconciliation between God and us is wrought (Ephesians 2:14, 15).

Q. 6. How did the oblation of Christ satisfy God's justice for our sin?

A. In that for us, he underwent the punishment due to our sin (Isaiah 53:4, 5, 6; John 10:11; Romans 3:25, 26; and 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Peter 2:24).

Q. 7. What was that punishment?

A. The wrath of God, the curse of the law, the pains of hell, due to sinners, in body and soul (Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 27:27; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3; John 3:36; Hebrews 2:14).

Q. Did Christ undergo all these?

A. Yes, in respect of the greatness and extremity, not the eternity and continuance of those pains, for it was impossible he should be held of death (Matthew 26:38, 39; Mark 14:33; and 15:34; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 5:7; Psalms 18:5).

Q. 9. How could the punishment of one satisfy for the offence of all?

A. In that he was not a mere man only, but God also, of infinite more value than all those who had offended (Romans 5:9; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 3:18).

Q. 10. How did the oblation of Christ redeem us from death, and hell?

A. First, (a) by paying a ransom to God, the judge and law-giver, who had condemned us; secondly, (b) by overcoming, and spoiling Satan, death, and the powers of hell, that detained us captives (a) (Matthew 20:28; John 6:38; Mark 10:4, 5; Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 10:9; (b) John 5:24; Colossians 2:13, 14, 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19).

Q. 11. What was the ransom that Christ paid for us?

A. His own precious blood (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter [illegible]:19).

Q. 12. How was the new covenant ratified in his blood?

A. By being accompanied with his death, for that as all other testaments, was to be ratified by the death of the testator (Genesis 22:18; Hebrews 9:16; and 8:10, 11, 12).

Q. 13. What is this new covenant?

A. The gracious, free, immutable promise of God made to all his elect fallen in Adam, to (b) give them Jesus Christ, and (c) in him mercy, pardon, grace, and glory, (d) with a restipulation of faith from them to this promise and new obedience (a) (Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 31:32, 33, 34; and 32:40; Hebrews 8:10, 11, 12; (b) Galatians 3:8, 16; Genesis 12:3; (c) Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3, 4; (d) Mark 16:16; John 1:12; and 10:27, 28).

Q. 14. How did Christ procure for us grace, faith, and glory?

A. By the way of purchase and merit, for the death of Christ deservedly procured of God, that he should bless us with all spiritual blessings, needful for our coming to him (Isaiah 53:11, 12; John 17:2; Acts 20:28; Romans 5:17, 18; Ephesians 2:15, 16; and 1:4; Philippians 1:29; Titus 2:14; Revelation 1:5, 6).

Q. 15. What is the intercession of Christ?

A. His continual soliciting of God on our behalf, begun here in fervent prayers, continued in heaven, by appearing as our advocate at the throne of grace (Psalms 2:8; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; and 9:24; and 10:19, 20, 21; 1 John 2:1, 2; John 17).

CHAP. 13. Of Christ's prophetical office.

Q. 1. Wherein does the prophetical office of Christ consist?

A. In his embassage from God to man, revealing from the bosom of his Father, the whole mystery of godliness, the way and truth, whereby we must come to God (Matthew 5; John 1:18; and 3:32; and 10:9, 14; and 14:5, 6; and 17:8; and 18:37).

Q. 2. How does he exercise this office towards us?

A. By making known the whole doctrine of truth to us, in a saving and spiritual manner (Deuteronomy 18:18; Isaiah 42:6; Hebrews 3:1).

Q. 3. By what means does he perform all this?

A. Divers, as first, (a) internally and effectually by his Spirit, writing his law in our hearts; secondly, (b) outwardly, and instrumentally, by the word preached (a) (Jeremiah 31:32, 33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 8:10; (b) John 20:31; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 2 Peter 1:21).

CHAP. 14. Of the twofold estate of Christ.

Q. 1. In what estate or condition does Christ exercise these offices?

A. In a twofold estate; first, of humiliation or abasement; secondly, of exaltation, or glory (Philippians 2:8, 9, 10).

Q. 2. Wherein consists the state of Christ's humiliation?

A. In three things; first, (a) in his incarnation, or being born of woman; secondly, (b) his obedience or fulfilling the whole law, moral and ceremonial; thirdly, in his (c) passion or enduring all sorts of miseries, even death itself (a) (Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Romans 1:3; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:9, 14; (b) Matthew 3:15; and 5:17; Luke 2:21; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 John 3:5; (c) Psalms 53:4, 5, 6; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:21).

Q. 3. Wherein consists his exaltation?

A. In first, his resurrection; secondly, ascension; thirdly, sitting at the right hand of God; by all which he was declared to be the Son of God with power (Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:4; and 4:4; Ephesians 4:9; Philippians 2:9, 10; 1 Timothy 3:16).

CHAP. 15. Of the persons to whom the benefits of Christ's offices do belong.

Q. 1. To whom do the saving benefits of what Christ performs in the execution of his offices belong?

A. Only to his elect (John 17:9; Isaiah 63:9; Hebrews 3:6; and 10:21).

Q. 2. Died he for no other?

None, in respect of his Father's eternal purpose, and his own intention, of removing wrath from them, procuring grace and glory for them (Acts 20:28; Matthew 20:28; 26:28; Hebrews 9:28; John 11:51, 52; Isaiah 53:12; John 3:16; 10:11, 12, 13, 15; Ephesians 5:25; Romans 8:32, 34; Galatians 3:13; John 6:37, 39; Romans 4:25; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20).

Q. 3. What shall become of them for whom Christ died not?

Everlasting torments for their sins, their portion in their own place (Mark 16:16; John 3:36; Matthew 25:41; Acts 1:25).

Q. 4. For whom does he make intercession?

Only for those who from eternity were given him by his Father (John 17; Hebrews 7:24, 25).

CHAP. 16. Of the Church.

Q. 1. How are the Elect called, in respect of their obedience to Christ, and union with him?

His Church (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:32).

Q. 2. What is the Church of Christ?

The whole company of God's Elect (a), called (b) of God, (c) by the Word and Spirit, (d) out of their natural condition, to the dignity of his children, and (e) united to Christ their Head, by faith in the bond of the Spirit. (a) Acts 2:47; 1 Timothy 5:21; Hebrews 12:22, 23, 24. (b) Romans 1:5, 6; Romans 9:11, 24; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Timothy 1:9. (c) Acts 16:14; John 3:8; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Peter 1:23; Hebrews 8:10. (d) Ephesians 2:11, 12, 13; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 2:14, 15; 1 Peter 2:9. (e) John 17:21; Ephesians 2:18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Q. 3. Is this whole Church always in the same state?

No, one part of it is Militant, the other Triumphant.

Q. 4. What is the Church Militant?

That portion of God's Elect, which in their generation cleaves to Christ by faith, and fights against the world, flesh, and devil (Ephesians 6:11, 12; Hebrews 11:13, 14; 12:1, 4).

Q. 5. What is the Church Triumphant?

That portion of God's people, who having fought their fight and kept the faith, are now in heaven, resting from their labours (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 3:21; ch. 14:13).

Q. 6. Are not the Church of the Jews, before the birth of Christ, and the Church of the Christians since, two Churches?

No, essentially they are but one, differing only in some outward administrations (Ephesians 2:12, 13, 14, 15, 16; 1 Corinthians 10:3; Galatians 4:26, 27; Hebrews 11:15, 26, 40).

Q. 7. Can this Church be wholly overthrown on the earth?

No, unless the decree of God may be changed, and the promise of Christ fail (Matthew 16:18; 28:20; John 14:16; John 17; 1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:19).

CHAP. 17. Of Faith.

Q. 1. By what means do we become actual members of this Church of God?

By a lively justifying faith, whereby we are united to Christ, the head thereof (Acts 2:47; 13:48; Hebrews 11:6; 12:22, 23; 4:2; Romans 5:1, 2; Ephesians 2:13, 14).

Q. 2. What is a justifying faith?

A (a) gracious resting upon the free promises of God in Jesus Christ for mercy, (b) with a firm persuasion of heart, that God is a reconciled Father to us in the Son of his love. (a) 1 Timothy 1:16; John 13:15; 19:25; Romans 4:5. (b) Hebrews 4:16; Romans 8:38, 39; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21.

Q. 3. Have all this faith?

None, but the Elect of God (Titus 1:1; John 10:26; Matthew 13:11; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:30).

Q. Do not then others believe that make profession?

Yes; with, first, historical faith, or a persuasion, that the things written in the Word are true (James 2:9); secondly, temporary faith, which has some joy of the affections, upon unspiritual grounds, in the things believed (Matthew 13:20; Mark 6:20; John 2:23, 24; Acts 8:13).

CHAP. 18. Of our Vocation, or God's calling us.

Q. 1. How come we to have this saving faith?

It is freely bestowed upon us, and wrought in us, by the Spirit of God in our vocation or calling (John 6:29, 44; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 1:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Q. 2. What is our vocation, or this calling of God?

The free gracious act of Almighty God, whereby in Jesus Christ he calls and translates us, from the state of nature, sin, wrath, and corruption, into the state of grace, and union with Christ, by the mighty, effectual working of his Spirit, in the preaching of the Word (Colossians 1:12, 13; 2 Timothy 1:9; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 11:25, 26; John 1:13; 3:3, 8; Ephesians 1:19; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:18; 2 Peter 2:20; Acts 16:14).

Q. 3. What do we ourselves perform in this change or work of our conversion?

Nothing at all, being merely wrought upon by the free grace and Spirit of God, when in ourselves we have no ability to anything that is spiritually good (Matthew 7:18; 10:20; John 1:13; 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 2:1, 8; Romans 8:26; Philippians 1:6).

Q. 4. Does God thus call all and every one?

All within the pale of the Church are outwardly called by the Word, none effectually but the Elect (Matthew 22:14; Romans 8:30).

CHAP. 19. Of Justification.

Q. 1. Are we accounted righteous and saved for our faith, when we are thus freely called?

No, but merely by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith, for which alone the Lord accepts us, as holy and righteous (Isaiah 43:25; Romans 3:23, 24, 25, 26; Romans 4:5).

Q. 2. What then is our justification, or righteousness before God?

The gracious free act of God, imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing sinner, and for that speaking peace to his conscience, in the pardon of his sin, pronouncing him to be just, and accepted before him (Genesis 15:6; Acts 13:38, 39; Luke 18:14; Romans 3:24, 26, 28; Romans 4:4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Galatians 2:16).

Q. 3. Are we not then righteous before God by our own works?

No, for of themselves, they can neither satisfy his justice, fulfill his law, nor endure his trial (Psalm 130:3, 4; Psalm 143:2; Isaiah 64:6; Luke 17:10).

CHAP. 20. Of Sanctification.

Q. 1. Is there nothing then required of us, but faith only?

Yes, (a) repentance, and (b) holiness, or new obedience. (a) Acts 20:21; Matthew 3:2; Luke 13:3. (b) 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.

Q. 2. What is repentance?

Godly (a) sorrow for every known sin committed against God, (b) with a firm purpose of heart, to cleave to him for the future, (c) in the killing of sin, the quickening of all graces, to walk before him in newness of life. (a) 2 Corinthians 7:9, 10, 11; Acts 2:37; Psalm 51:17. (b) Psalm 34:14; Isaiah 1:16, 17; Ezekiel 18:27, 28; Acts 14:15. (c) Ephesians 4:21, 22, 23, 24; Romans 6:12, 13, 18, 19; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15.

Q. 3. Can we do this of ourselves?

No, it is a special gift and grace of God, which he bestows on whom he pleases (Leviticus 20:8; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 11:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:25; Acts 11:18).

Q. 4. Wherein does the being of true Repentance consist, without which it is not acceptable?

In its performance according to the Gospel rule, with faith and assured hope of divine mercy (Psalm 51:1; 1 John 2:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11; Acts 2:38; Matthew 27:4).

Q. 5. What is that holiness which is required of us?

That (a) universal sincere obedience to the whole will of God, (b) in our hearts, minds, wills, and actions, (c) whereby we are in some measure made conformable to Christ our head. (a) Psalm 119:9; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15; Romans 6:9; Hebrews 12:14; Titus 2:12; 2 Peter 1:5, 6, 7; Isaiah 1:16, 17. (b) 1 Chronicles 28:9; Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37. (c) Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 2:21; Colossians 3:1, 2, 3; 2 Timothy 2:11, 12.

Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect?

Yes, (a) in respect of all the parts of it, but (b) not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. (a) 2 Kings 20:3; Job 1:1; Matthew 5:48; Luke 1:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12. (b) Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 130:3; Exodus 28:38; Philippians 3:8.

Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what he requires?

Yes, from them whose persons he accepts, and justifies freely in Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:22; Ephesians 1:6).

Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness?

(a) Internal, in the quickening of all graces, purging all sins; (b) and external, in fervent and frequent prayers, alms, and all manner of righteousness. (a) Hebrews 9:14; Ephesians 3:16, 17; Romans 2:29 & 6:12. (b) Matthew 5:20; Romans 8:1, 2; Ephesians 4:22, 23; Titus 2:12; particular precepts are innumerable.

Q. 8. May not others perform these duties acceptably, as well as those that believe?

No, all their performances in this kind are but abominable sins before the Lord (Proverbs 15:8; John 9:31; Titus 1:15; Hebrews 11:6).

CHAP. 21. Of the privileges of Believers.

Q. 1. What are the privileges of those that thus believe and repent?

First, union with Christ; secondly, adoption of children; thirdly, Christian liberty; fourthly, a spiritual holy right to the seals of the new Covenant; fifthly, communion with all Saints; sixthly, resurrection of the body to life eternal.

Q. 2. What is our union with Christ?

An (a) holy spiritual conjunction to him, as our (b) head, (c) husband, and (d) foundation, (e) whereby we are made partakers of the same spirit with him, (f) and derive all good things from him. (a) 1 Corinthians 12:12; John 15:1, 2, 5, 6, 7 & 17:23. (b) Ephesians 4:15 & 5:23; Colossians 1:18. (c) 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25, 26, 27; Revelation 21:9. (d) Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:20, 21, 22; 1 Peter 2:4, 5, 6, 7. (e) Romans 8:9, 11; Galatians 4:6; Philippians 1:19. (f) John 1:12, 16; Ephesians 1:3.

Q. 3. What is our adoption?

Our gracious reception into the family of God, as his children, and co-heirs with Christ (John 1:12; Romans 8:15, 17; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).

Q. 4. How come we to know this?

By the especial working of the holy Spirit in our hearts, sealing to us the promises of God and raising up our souls to an assured expectation of the promised inheritance (Romans 8:15, 17; Ephesians 4:30; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:19, 23; Titus 2:12).

Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty?

An holy and spiritual (a) freedom from the (b) slavery of sin, the (c) bondage of death and hell; the (d) curse of the Law, (e) Jewish ceremonies, and (f) thralldom of conscience, purchased for us by Jesus Christ, and (g) revealed to us by the holy Spirit. (a) Galatians 5:1. (b) John 8:32, 34, 36; Romans 6:17, 18; Isaiah 61:1; 1 John 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:21. (c) Romans 8:15; Hebrews 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57. (d) Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15, 16; Galatians 4:5; Romans 8:1. (e) Acts 15:10, 11; Galatians 3:4, 5 chapters. (f) 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 7:23; 1 Peter 2:16. (g) 1 Corinthians 2:12.

Q. 6. Are we then wholly freed from the Moral Law?

Yes, as (a) a Covenant or as it has anything in it, bringing into bondage, as the curse, power, dominion, and rigid exaction of obedience, (b) but not as it is a rule of life and holiness. (a) Jeremiah 31:31, 32, 33; Romans 7:1, 2, 3; Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:19, 24; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:18. (b) Matthew 5:17; Romans 3:31 & 7:13, 22, 25.

Q. 7. Are we not freed by Christ from the Magistrate's power, and human authority?

No, being ordained of God, and commanding for him, we owe them all lawful obedience (Romans 13:1, 2, 3, 4; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2; 1 Peter 2:13, 14, 15).

CHAP. 22. Of the Sacraments of the new Covenant in particular, a holy right whereunto, is the fourth privilege of believers.

Q. 1. What are the seals of the new Testament?

Sacraments instituted of Christ to be visible seals and pledges, whereby God in him confirms the promises of the Covenant to all believers, restipulating of them, growth in faith and obedience (Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38 & 22:16; Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:2, 3, 4; 1 Corinthians 11:26, 27, 28, 29).

Q. 2. How does God by these Sacraments bestow grace upon us?

Not by any real, essential conveying of spiritual grace, by corporeal means, but by the way of promise, obsignation and Covenant, confirming the grace wrought in us by the Word and Spirit (Hebrews 4:2; 1 Corinthians 10; Romans 4:11 & 1:17; Mark 16:16; Ephesians 5:26).

Q. 3. How do our Sacraments differ from the Sacraments of the Jews?

Accidentally only, in things concerning the outward matter and form, as their number, quality, clearness of signification, and the like, not essentially in the things signified, or grace confirmed (1 Corinthians 10:1, 2, 3, &c.; John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11).

CHAP. 23. Of Baptism.

Q. 1. Which are these Sacraments?

Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Q. 2. What is Baptism?

An (a) holy action appointed of Christ, whereby being sprinkled with water in the name of the whole Trinity, by a lawful Minister of the Church, (b) we are admitted into the family of God, (c) and have the benefits of the blood of Christ confirmed to us. (a) Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16. (b) Acts 2:41 & 8:37. (c) Acts 2:38, 39; John 3:5; Romans 6:3, 4, 5; 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Q. 3. To whom does this Sacrament belong?

To all, to whom the promise of the Covenant is made, that is, to believers and to their seed (Acts 2:39; Genesis 17:11, 12; Acts 16:15; Romans 4:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 7:14).

Q. 4. How can Baptism seal the pardon of all sins to us, all our personal sins following it?

Inasmuch as it is a seal of that promise which gives pardon of all to believers (Acts 2:39; Romans 4:11, 12).

CHAP. 24. Of the Lord's Supper.

Q. 1. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. An (a) holy action instituted and appointed by Christ, (b) to set forth his death, (c) and communicate to us spiritually his body and blood, by faith, being (d) represented by bread and wine, (e) blessed by his Word, and Prayer, (f) broken, poured out, and received of believers. (a) Matthew 26:20, 21; Luke 22:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24. (b) Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:25, 26. (c) Mark 14:22, 23, 24; 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25; John 6:63. (d) 1 Corinthians 11:23, 25. (e) 1 Corinthians 11:24; Matthew 26:26. (f) Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19.

Q. 2. When did Christ appoint this Sacrament?

A. On the night wherein he was betrayed to suffer (1 Corinthians 11:23).

Q. 3. From where is the right use of it to be learned?

A. From the Word, practice, and actions of our Savior, at its institution.

Q. 4. What were the actions of our Savior to be imitated by us?

A. First, blessing the elements by prayer; secondly, breaking the bread, and pouring out the wine; thirdly, distributing them to the receivers, sitting in a table gesture (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24).

Q. 5. What were the words of Christ?

A. First, of command, Take, eat; secondly, of promise, This is my body; thirdly, of institution, for perpetual use, This do, &c. (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25, 26).

Q. 6. Who are to be receivers of this Sacrament?

A. Those only have a true right to the signs, who by faith have an holy interest in Christ, the thing signified (1 Corinthians 11:27, 28, 29; John 6:63).

Q. 7. Do the elements remain bread and wine still, after the blessing of them?

A. Yes, all the spiritual change is wrought by the faith of the receiver, not the words of the giver; to them that believe, they are the body and blood of Christ (John 6:63; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 11:29).

CHAP. 25. Of the Communion of Saints, the fifth privilege of believers.

Q. 1. What is the communion of Saints?

A. An holy conjunction between all God's people, wrought by their participation of the same spirit whereby we are all made members of that one body, whereof Christ is the head (Canticles 6:9; Jeremiah 32:39; John 17:22; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:3, 4, 5, 6, 13; 1 John 1:3, 6, 7).

Q. 2. Of what sort is this union?

A. First, (a) spiritual and internal, in the enjoyment of the same spirit and graces, which is the union of the Church Catholic; secondly, (b) external and ecclesiastical in the same outward ordinances, which is the union of particular congregations. (a) 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Ephesians 2:16, 19, 20, 21, 22; 1 Corinthians 10:17; John 17:11, 21, 22; John 10:16; Hebrews 2:11. (b) 1 Corinthians 1:10, 11; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27, 28; Ephesians 4:11, 12, 13; Philippians 2:2; Colossians 3:15; 1 Peter 3:8.

CHAP. 26. Of particular Churches.

Q. 1. What are particular Churches?

A. Peculiar (a) assemblies of professors in one place, (b) under officers of Christ's institution, (c) enjoying the ordinances of God, (d) and leading lives beseeming their holy calling. (a) Acts 11:26; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 11:12; 2 Corinthians 1:1. (b) Acts 20:17, 28; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Hebrews 13:17. (c) 1 Corinthians 1:5; Revelation 2:1, 2, 3. (d) 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 6, 11; Galatians 6:16; Philippians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

Q. 2. What are the ordinary officers of such Churches?

A. First, (a) Pastors or Doctors to teach and exhort; secondly, (b) Elders to assist in rule and government; thirdly, (c) Deacons to provide for the poor. (a) Romans 12:7, 8; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28. (b) Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17. (c) Acts 6:2, 3.

Q. 3. What is required of these officers, especially the chiefest, or Ministers?

A. (a) That they be faithful in the ministry committed to them, (b) sedulous in dispensing the Word, (c) watching for the good of the souls committed to them, (d) going before them in an example of all godliness and holiness of life. (a) 1 Corinthians 4:2; Acts 20:18, 19, 20. (b) 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (c) Titus 1:13; 1 Timothy 4:15, 16. (d) Titus 2:7; 1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 5:16; Acts 25.

Q. 4. What is required in the people to them?

A. Obedience (a) to their message and ministry, (b) honor and love to their persons, (c) maintenance to them and their families. (a) 2 Corinthians 5:20; Romans 6:17; Hebrews 13:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Romans 16:19; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5, 6. (b) 1 Corinthians 4:1; Galatians 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18. (c) Luke 10:7; James 5:4; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 9:9, 10, 11, 12, 13.