THE THREE ARTICLES OF THE CREED.
118. Of what do the three articles treat?
Of the nature, will, and works of the triune God.
119. How do you know there is a God?
1. From the world's creation, its preservation and government.
Rom. 1:19, 20. That which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and divinity; so that they are without excuse.
2. From my conscience, which is troubled when I do evil and rejoices when I do good.
Rom. 2:15. They (the Gentiles) show the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.
3. From the holy Scriptures wherein He still more clearly reveals Himself.
John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
120. What is God?
God is a spirit, who is eternal and almighty; all-knowing and everywhere present; wise, good, and merciful; holy, true, and just.
John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Ps. 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.
Luke 1:37. With God nothing shall be impossible.
1 John 3:20. God knoweth all things.
Ps. 139:7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit! or thither shall I flee from thy presence?
Ps. 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all.
1 John 4:16. God is love.
Ps. 106:1. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.
Ps. 103:13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Isa. 6:3. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: all the earth is full of his glory.
Num. 23:19. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent; hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Rom. 2:6. God will render to every man according to his deeds.
121. Are there more Gods than one?
No; there is but one God, and there is none else besides Him.
Deut. 6:4. Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord.
122. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
Three; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are perfectly alike in character, and equal in greatness.
Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
THE FIRST ARTICLE.
CONCERNING CREATION.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
That is,
I believe that God has made me and all other creatures; that He has given me body and soul, eyes, ears, and all other members, my reason, and all my senses.
I also believe that He preserves all He has made, and that He daily provides me with all I need; giving me clothing and food, home and family, and every good thing.
I further believe that He protects me from all danger, and keeps me from all evil; not because I have deserved it, but because He is a loving and merciful Father.
For all these blessings it is my duty to serve Him thankfully and obediently all the days of my life.
All this is certainly true.
123. What do you mean when you say, "I believe in God the Father"?
I believe that God is the Father of Jesus Christ, and my Father; and I surrender myself to Him, trusting with all my heart in His grace and love.
124. Why do we call God the Maker of heaven and earth?
Because He has made heaven and earth to come forth by His almighty Word.
Ps. 33:9. He spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
125. Does God yet care for what He has made?
Yes; by His watchful care He preserves and governs all things.
126. How does God preserve all things?
He lets all things continue as long as He thinks well, and He cares like a father for all His creatures.
Gen. 8:22. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.
Acts 17:25. He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.
Ps. 104:27. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
127. For whom does God care most?
For man; and especially for His believing children.
Matt. 6:26, 27, 28, 30. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought, can add one cubit to his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
128. How does God govern men with regard to their sins?
He suffers them to sin, sets limits to their sinning, and so guides the result that everything will be for their good who love Him.
Gen. 50:20. [R. V.] Ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.
129. Do we always understand the ways of God's providence?
No; His ways are often hidden from our eyes; but even then they are the kindest and best.
Isa. 55:8, 9. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
130. In whose care may you therefore safely leave yourself?
In God's care, who protects me from all danger, and keeps me from all evil.
1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.
131. Have you deserved all this?
Not in the least; He does all this, not because I have deserved it, but because He is a loving and merciful Father.
Gen. 32:10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant.
132. What do you owe God for all his goodness?
It is my duty to serve Him thankfully and obediently all the days of my life.
Ps. 103:2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
133. Which are the most excellent of the heavenly creatures?
The holy angels.
134. What is the work of the holy angels?
They praise God, and serve him, especially by ministering to His children.
Heb. 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.
135. Are there not also evil angels?
Yes; there are evil angels who have fallen away from God through pride and disobedience, and are forever excluded from fellowship with Him. The devil is their king.
136. Which is the most excellent of the earthly creatures?
Man, to whom God gave power to rule over the earth.
137. What was the character of man as he was made by God?
Adam and Eve were innocent, without sin, and like God.
Gen. 1:27. [R. V.] God made man in his own image, in the image of God made he him: male and female made he them.
138. In what did the image of God in man consist?
In true wisdom, righteousness and holiness, peace and joy.
Eph. 4:24. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and holiness.
139. What benefit did the human body have from the image of God?
Perfect health, immortality, and a life free from care in Paradise.
140. Did our first parents remain innocent and without sin?
No; they sinned and lost the image of God, and thus sin and death entered into the world.
Gen. 2:17. In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Rom. 6:23. The wages of sin is death.
141. In what did their sin consist?
It consisted especially in the unbelief of their hearts and in their selfishness and disobedience.
142. Who led them astray?
They permitted the devil to lead them astray.
Gen. 3:1–5.
John 8:44. The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. For he is a liar, and the father of it.
143. How has sin injured the human soul?
1. It has darkened the understanding.
See 1 Cor. 2:14.
2. It has made the will incapable of what is good, and desirous of all that is evil.
Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God.
3. It has disturbed the peace and joy of conscience.
Gen. 3:8, 10.
144. How has sin injured the human body?
Sin has made the body a tool of every evil passion, and has brought upon it disease, distress, countless pains, and finally death.
Job 14:1, 2. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
145. Have all men become sinners through the fall of our first parents?
Yes; sin and death have spread from our first parents to the whole human race.
Rom. 5:18. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation.
146. Will God, then, leave all men to perish?
No; God has in love sent His Son Jesus Christ to save man.
John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
147. When was this Savior first promised to the world?
Immediately after the fall.
Gen. 3:15. The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head.
148. When was Christ sent to the world?
In the fulness of time; that is, the time appointed and prepared by God Himself.
Gal. 4:4. [R. V.] When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son born of a woman.
THE SECOND ARTICLE.
CONCERNING REDEMPTION.
I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
That is,
I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity; I also believe that He is true man, born of the Virgin Mary; that He is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner; who has freed me from sin, from death, and from the power of Satan, not with gold or silver, but with His holy and precious blood and His innocent death.
All this He has done that I might be His own, and that I might serve Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness, and live and reign with Him in His kingdom forever, even as He arose from the dead, lives and reigns through all eternity.
All this is certainly true.
149. What do you mean when you say "I believe in Jesus Christ?"
Trusting in Jesus Christ with all my heart, I surrender myself to Him as my only Savior from sin, and death, and the power of Satan.
Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
150. Who is Jesus Christ?
The Son of God and the Son of Mary, true God and true man.
151. How does Christ have divine nature?
He is begotten of the Father from eternity.
152. How does Christ have human nature?
He is conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary.
153. What does the Bible say about Christ being true God?
The Bible calls Him the only begotten Son of God, and one with the Father.
The Bible also expressly calls Him God.
John 10:30. I and my Father are one.
John 5:23. All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.
1 John 5:20. This is the true God, and eternal life.
John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 3:16.
154. What does the Bible say about Christ being both God and man?
It says, The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1:14.
And,
When the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman. [R. V.] Gal. 4:4.
155. Why must the Son of God become true man?
In order that He might suffer and die for us.
156. Why must our Savior be true God?
In order that His death and His blood might have everlasting power to atone for sin.
157. Is Jesus conceived and born with sin?
No; He is conceived by the Holy Ghost and therefore without sin.
Luke 1:35. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
158. What does the name Jesus signify?
A Savior.
Matt. 1:21. Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.
159. What does the name Christ signify?
The same as Messiah; that is, the Anointed or the Consecrated.
160. How was Jesus anointed?
He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. Acts 10:38.
161. For what offices was Jesus anointed and consecrated?
The offices of High Priest, Prophet, and King.
162. What is Christ's work as High Priest?
He offered up Himself a sacrifice for our sins, and ever prays for us.
Heb. 7:26, 27. [R. V.] For such a high priest became us,—who needeth not daily as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this He did once for all, when he offered up himself.
Rom. 8:34. Jesus Christ, who also maketh intercession for us.
163. What is Christ's work as Prophet?
He teaches us the will of God concerning our salvation.
Luke 24: 19. Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.
164. What is Christ's work as King?
He governs and keeps His children, and defends them against their enemies.
Luke 1:33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Rev. 17:14. He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings.
165. How are the believers named after Christ?
They are called Christians; meaning, "the anointed".
1 John 2:20. Ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
166. With what means has Christ redeemed us?
He has paid for our sins with His holy and precious blood and His innocent death, and He has fulfilled the law in our stead with His holy life and His perfect obedience.
1 Pet. 1:18, 19. [R. V.] Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ.
167. Whom has Christ redeemed?
He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner.
168. Has not Christ redeemed all mankind?
Yes, He has; He gave Himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2:6.
1 John 2:2. He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
169. But are not many, thus redeemed, yet lost?
Yes, indeed; many reject Him because of their unbelief and love of sin.
2 Pet. 2:1. Denying the Lord who bought them.
John 3:18. He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
170. Who get a share in the redemption of Christ?
Those who repent their sins and believe in Him.
171. What benefit does the believer have from the redemption of Christ?
By this redemption he is freed from sin, from death, and from the power of Satan.
172. In what way is the believer freed from sin by the redemption of Christ?
1. The guilt and punishment of sin are removed from him.
Col. 1:14. We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
2. Sin rules over him no longer.
Rom. 6:14. Sin shall not have dominion over you.
3. When he dies, sin is entirely rooted out from him.
173. In what way is the believer freed from death by the redemption of Christ?
Spiritual death has lost its power over him, temporal death is but an entrance into perfect life, and eternal death he no longer fears.
John 11:25, 26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
174. In what way is the believer freed from the power of Satan by the redemption of Christ?
Satan has no power over the believer, unless the believer yield himself into his service.
Heb. 2:14. [R. V.] Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
175. For what purpose has Christ redeemed you?
He has redeemed me in order that I might be His own, live with Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness.
1 Cor. 6:20. [R. V.] Ye are not your own, for ye were bought with a price; glorify God therefore in your body.
Titus 2:14. [R. V.] He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
176. What did Christ do in order to become our Savior and Redeemer?
He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2:8.
177. How many steps do you notice in the humiliation of Christ?
Five: the birth in poverty; the suffering; the crucifixion; the death; the burial.
178. Why did Christ begin His life on earth with the birth in poverty?
He began His life in poverty to show that His kingdom is not of this world, and that we might be made rich through His poverty.
179. When was the suffering of Christ greatest?
In the night before His death, and on Good Friday, when He was delivered into the hands of His enemies, and was bound, beaten, scourged, crowned with thorns, and finally nailed to the cross.
180. Did Christ suffer bodily pain only?
No; His greatest suffering was a fearful anguish of soul on account of our sins.
181. When in particular did he suffer this anguish?
In the garden, when His sweat was as drops of blood and He said, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death"; and on the cross, when He cried, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
Isa. 53:4, 5. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
182. How did Christ act through all this suffering?
He was patient as a lamb that is lead to the slaughter. Isa. 53:7.
183. What did Christ accomplish for us by His death on the cross?
By His death He has paid the wages of sin, which is death.
Rom. 5:10. When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.
184. What comfort do we have from the burial of Christ?
He has buried our sins, hallowed our graves, and taken away their horror.
185. How should we look upon the life and suffering of Christ in His humiliation?
We should look upon His life and His suffering as an atonement for our sins, and as an example to the believer of holiness in life and patience in suffering.
1 Pet. 2:21. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.
186. Did Christ remain in humiliation and death?
No; God exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above every name. Phil. 2:9.
187. How many steps do you notice in the exaltation of Christ?
Five: His descent into hell; His resurrection; His ascension; His session at the right hand of the Father; His coming to judge the quick and the dead.
188. What did Christ accomplish when he descended into hell?
He made known the victory which He had won over the devil, and preached to the spirits in prison. 1 Pet. 3:18, 19.
189. What benefit do we have from the resurrection of Christ?
1. The resurrection assures us that Christ is the Son of God, and that He has conquered death and fully satisfied for our sins.
Rom. 1:4. Declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead.
1 Cor. 15:14. If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
2. The resurrection gives us power to arise from spiritual death, and to live a new and holy life.
Rom. 6:4. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
3. The resurrection assures us that our bodies shall arise in glory on the last day.
190. What command did Christ give His disciples before His ascension?
He commanded them to go out into the whole world and preach the gospel to all nations. [Missions.]
Matt. 28:19; Mark. 16:15.
191. What is meant by the ascension of Christ?
He left the earth, so that He is no longer visibly present, and He entered into His Father's glory to prepare a place for us in the heavenly mansions.
John 14:2. In my Father's house are many mansions; I go to prepare a place for you.
192. What does the ascension of Christ teach us?
It teaches us to be heavenly-minded, and to have a desire to depart and be with Christ.
Col. 3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
193. What does Christ's session on the right hand of the Father signify?
It signifies that He shares also as true man in the power and glory of God, and rules over all things.
1 Pet. 3:22. [R. V.] He is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.
194. What benefit do we have from Christ's session on the right hand of the Father?
He protects His kingdom from its enemies, prays for us, and sends us His Holy Spirit.
195. Is Christ no longer present on earth?
Yes; He is present in a real, though invisible, manner.
Matt. 28:20. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
196. When will He again come to earth in a visible manner?
On the last day, when He comes to judge the quick and the dead.
Luke 21:27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
2 Cor. 5:10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
197. By what rule will Christ judge us?
He will judge us by His Word.
John 12:48. The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
198. Is it sufficient that you know all these things about Christ and hold them to be true?
No; the Holy Spirit must teach me to know Christ in a true and living faith.
THE THIRD ARTICLE.
CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. Amen.
That is,
I believe that I cannot through my own strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit alone, who has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith;
Even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in fellowship with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all our sins, and He will raise up me and all the dead on the last day, and will give me and all believers everlasting life.
All this is certainly true.
199. What do you mean when you say, "I believe in the Holy Ghost"?
I trust with all my heart in the Holy Ghost as my guide and my sanctifier, who gives me strength to believe in Jesus and to live according to His will.
1 Cor. 12:3. No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
200. Who is the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost is true God together with the Father and the Son.
1 Cor. 2:10. The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1 Cor. 3:16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.
201. What is the work of the Holy Spirit?
To call, enlighten, sanctify, and preserve.
202. How does the Holy Spirit call us?
The Holy Spirit calls us by awakening in our hearts a deep sense of sin, and by inviting us to accept the grace of God in Christ.
Eph. 5:14. Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
203. By what means does the Holy Spirit call us?
By the Word of God; using the law to awaken our hearts, and the gospel to invite us to Christ.
Rom. 3:20. By the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Thess. 2:14. He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matt. 22:1–14.
204. What means does God use to make us heed the call of the Holy Spirit?
To this end He often uses suffering, often blessings, often the example of others, and such other means as may lead us to reflect.
205. Do all obey the call of the Holy Spirit?
No; many resist the Holy Spirit, and will not repent and come to Christ.
Acts 7:51. Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.
Isa. 65:2. I have spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people.
206. When does a person harden his heart?
A person hardens his heart when he persistently despises and opposes the voice of the Holy Spirit in his conscience.
207. Who obey the call of the Holy Spirit?
They who repent their sins and believe the Gospel.
Mark. 1:15. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
208. What is it to repent?
He who truly repents, feels his sins with shame and sorrow, he freely confesses his sins to God, and earnestly seeks the grace of God in Christ.
Isa. 55:7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
2 Cor. 7:10. [R. V.] Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Ps. 32:5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.
209. How do we learn that the grace of God is found in Christ?
We learn this through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
210. What is meant by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit?
Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit our knowledge of the Gospel truths becomes a living and saving knowledge to our hearts.
John 14:26. But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 16:13. When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.
211. Of what nature is our knowledge of these truths before the Holy Spirit has enlightened our hearts?
It is a dead knowledge only, which does not lead to repentance and faith, but leaves us in our sins.
212. What is the true and living faith in Jesus Christ?
This is faith, that a repentant sinner lays hold of Christ as his only Savior from sin, and death, and the power of Satan;
That he takes refuge with Christ and His righteousness, and builds thereon with the confidence of his whole heart.
213. Can only a repentant sinner have this faith in Christ?
Yes; the faith which lays hold of Christ and His righteousness, can be wrought in that heart only which bitterly feels the pain and misery of living in sin.
Matt. 9:12. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
214. Is the true and living faith always and in all persons equally strong?
No; it is often very weak and scarcely able to avail itself of the grace of God.
Mark 9:24. Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.
215. Whereby may we know whether this weak faith is true and living?
The true and living faith is known by an earnest hatred of sin, and an eager longing for grace.
216. Does God accept this weak faith?
Yes, indeed; only it be true and sincere.
Isa. 42:3. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.
217. What benefit do we have from the true and living faith in Jesus Christ?
By faith we are justified, born anew, sanctified, and finally saved forever.
218. What is Justification?
Justification is the gracious act of God whereby He for Christ's sake acquits a repentant and believing sinner of his sin and guilt, and looks upon him, in Christ, as though he had never sinned.
2 Cor. 5:21. 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.
Rom. 3:24. (They are) justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
219. What, then, does the believer receive through justification?
He receives the forgiveness of sins, and is adopted as a child of God.
Eph. 1:7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Gal. 3:26. For ye are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 10:43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
220. What moves God to forgive sin so freely?
His everlasting love and mercy alone.
221. For whose sake does God forgive us our sins?
For Christ's sake, who has satisfied for the sins of the whole world by His death on the cross.
John 1:29. Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
222. To what does the forgiveness of sins necessarily lead?
The forgiveness of sins leads to the full enjoyment of the blessed rights which belong to a child of God; it also gives free access to the Father's fellowship and blessing, and to the glorious inheritance of eternal life.
Ps. 32:1, 2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Rom. 8:17. And if [we are] children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
223. What is the New Birth?
The New Birth is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He, through His indwelling in our hearts, renews the image of God in us, and thus creates a new spiritual man.
2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are new.
John 1:12, 13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
224. What change is wrought in us in the New Birth?
We get a new heart or a new spiritual life; namely,
In the understanding, a new spiritual light;
In the conscience, real peace and joy;
In the will, a holy desire and a steadfast purpose.
Ezek. 36:26. 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 a heart of flesh.
Eph. 4:24. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Gal. 5:22. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.
225. In what does this new life really consist?
In consists in love to God who first loved us.
226. By what means is the New Birth accomplished?
In little children it is accomplished by water and the Spirit in baptism; but in those who have fallen from the grace of their baptism, also by the Word of God.
John 3:5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
227. Is the New Birth necessary to our salvation?
Yes, indeed; except a man be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3: 3. [R. V.]
John 3:6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
228. What does the Holy Spirit further work in the believer?
He sanctifies and preserves him.
229. What is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He day by day renews the believer more and more after the image of God.
230. How is the daily renewal accomplished?
The old man, or sin, is put away more and more, and the new man, or the new spiritual life, appears more and more in all our conduct.
Eph. 4:22–24. [R. V.] Put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, which waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind,
And put on the new man, which after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
231. How does this new conduct appear in the daily life of a Christian?
A Christian denies himself, strives against the devil, the world, and his own flesh; he grows in love toward God and man, and seeks to do the will of God in all things.
Matt. 16:24. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
1 Cor. 16:13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Tim. 6:12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
232. Is the believer, then, justified and saved by his own good works?
No; our best works avail nothing to this end: we must build our hope of salvation on Christ alone and His righteousness.
Luk. 17:10. When ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
233. What is the work of Preservation done by the Holy Spirit?
Preservation is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He keeps us, through all temptations, in the true and living faith in Jesus, until the end.
Phil. 1:6. [R. V.] He which began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
234. By what means does the Holy Spirit sanctify and preserve the believer?
By the Word of God and the Lord's Supper.
235. How does the Holy Spirit preserve the believer?
He teaches and guides, corrects and comforts him.
236. What are they called whom the Holy Spirit thus sanctifies and preserves in faith?
They are called the children of God; the Elect of God; Holy and Beloved; Members of the Body of Christ. In a body they make up the holy Christian church.
237. What is the holy Christian church?
The holy Christian Church is the congregation of saints or true believers, where the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered according to the ordinance of God.
238. Why is the church called holy?
The church is called holy because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who performs His sanctifying work in all its members. For this reason the church is called holy, in spite of its sins and shortcomings.
1 Peter 2:9. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
239. Why is the church called universal?
The church is called universal because its object is to gather all nations, and because it includes all true believers of all times and all places.
240. What is the state of the church on earth?
The church of God on earth is militant.
241. Who are the enemies of the church?
The enemies of the church are the devil, the world, and our own flesh. Its last enemy is death.
242. What will be the state of the church in heaven?
It will be triumphant, because all its enemies are conquered.
Rev. 7:9, 10. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
243. Is the holy Christian church found in this place?
Yes; in the congregation, which in the Scriptures is called "the body of Jesus Christ", and "the house of God."
Eph. 1:22, 23. 1 Tim. 3:15.
244. Are all the members of the organized body, called a congregation, true Christians?
No; in this organized body both hypocrites and true Christians are found.
Matt. 13:24–30; 47–50.
245. Who are hypocrites?
Hypocrites are they who indeed make outward confession of Christ, but who inwardly and in their conduct deny Him.
2 Tim. 3:5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
246. Should not the congregation remove these hypocrites from its midst?
Yes; the congregation should expel the openly ungodly and unbelieving; but it cannot judge concerning the secret thoughts of the heart.
1 Cor. 5:13. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Matt. 18:15–17.
247. Who, then, are true Christians and the real members of the congregation?
They who believe in Christ with all their heart, and confess Him both in word and deed.
Rom. 10:10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
248. What is the intimate fellowship called in which all true Christians live with one another?
The Communion of Saints.
Eph. 4:4–6. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
249. What precious gift does the Holy Spirit bestow upon us in this Christian church?
In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all our sins.
250. But does a sanctified person need the forgiveness of sins every day?
Yes; because sanctification is never perfected in this life, and sin cleaves to a Christian as long as he is in the world.
251. Whom has God given power to declare the forgiveness of sins?
The congregation, through its ministers. [Absolution.]
Matt. 18:18. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
252. What is required that a Christian may receive the forgiveness of sins every day?
That he repents every day, or that he daily feels his sins with deep shame and sorrow, confesses his sins to God, and earnestly seeks the grace of God in Christ.
253. To whom should a repentant Christian confess his sins?
First of all to God; then, if he feels the need of it, to his pastor; finally to his neighbor, if he feels that he has wronged him in any way.
Jas. 5:16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
254. What does the daily forgiveness of sins work in the Christian?
The daily renewal, or that he day by day becomes more and more thankful to God, and increases in child-like obedience and faithfulness.
255. What becomes of the soul of the believer when he dies?
His soul goes home to God, where it rests from all strife and sorrow, in blessed fellowship with Him, until the resurrection of the body.
Luke 23:43. Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Rev. 14:13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.
256. What is the resurrection of the body?
On the last day, when the Lord Jesus returns to earth, the bodies of the dead shall be made alive and shall be reunited with their souls.
John 5:28, 29. The hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
257. What change shall then take place in the bodies of the believers?
Their bodies shall arise glorified and incorruptible, like unto the body of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 15:42, 43. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
258. Where do all the risen go after the day of judgment?
The chosen enter into life everlasting; the condemned, into eternal death.
Matt. 25:46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into eternal life.
259. What is life everlasting?
Life everlasting is the blessed state in which the chosen are free from all evil, and live forever in fellowship with their God and Savior, praising God in the company of the holy angels, in everlasting peace and joy.
Matt. 25:34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
260. What is eternal death?
Eternal death is a dreadful state of separation from God, and everlasting anguish and suffering in hell.
Matt. 25:41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
261. Who are thus condemned?
All who continue in impenitence and unbelief until death.
John 3:36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
262. Who, on the other hand, obtain life everlasting?
All who continue steadfast in faith until death.
Rev. 2:10. [R. V.] Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
263. Why do you end your confession of faith with the word Amen?
Because I know that what I here confess is certainly true.
264. What must you do that you may continue steadfast in faith and also increase therein?
I will pray God every day graciously to help and strengthen me.