Shorter Catechism

Q. 101. What do we pray for in the first petition? A. In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name, we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known; and that he would dispose all things to his own glory. Q. 102. […]

Q. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them. Q. 92. What […]

Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment? A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his. Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? A. No […]

Q. 71. What is required in the seventh commandment? A. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chastity, in heart, speech and behavior. Q. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment? A. The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words and actions. Q. 73. Which is the eighth commandment? […]

Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words or works, about our worldly employments or recreations. Q. 62. What are […]

Q. 51. What is forbidden in the second commandment? A. The second commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word. Q. 52. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment? A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God’s sovereignty over us, his propriety […]

Q. 41. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended? A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments. Q. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments? A. The sum of the ten commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our […]

Q. 31. What is effectual calling? A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. Q. 32. What […]

Q. 21. Who is the redeemer of God’s elect? A. The only redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever. Q. 22. How did Christ, being the […]

Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence? A. God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created? A. When God had created man, […]

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him? A. The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New […]