Study Reformed

Q12. Since, according to God's righteous judgment we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, how can we escape this punishment and be again received into favour?

God demands that His justice be satisfied. Therefore full payment must be made either by ourselves or by another.

Proof texts

Ex. 20:5 — [5] You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
Ex. 23:7 — [7] Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.
Rom. 2:1-11 — [1] Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. [2] We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. [3] Do you suppose, O man — you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself — that you will escape the judgment of God? [4] Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? [5] But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. [6] He will render to each one according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; [8] but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. [9] There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, [10] but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. [11] For God shows no partiality.
Isa. 53:11 — [11] Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Rom. 8:3-4 — [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ex. 20:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q13. Can we ourselves make this payment?

Certainly not. On the contrary, we daily increase our debt.

Proof texts

Ps. 130:3 — [3] If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
Matt. 6:12 — [12] and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Rom. 2:4-5 — [4] Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? [5] But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ps. 130:3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q14. Can any mere creature pay for us?

No. In the first place, God will not punish another creature for the sin which man has committed. Furthermore, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin and deliver others from it.

Proof texts

Ezek. 18:4 — [4] Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
Ezek. 18:20 — [20] The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
Heb. 2:14-18 — [14] Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. [17] Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18] For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Ps. 130:3 — [3] If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
Nah. 1:6 — [6] Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ezek. 18:4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q15. What kind of mediator and deliverer must we seek?

One who is a true and righteous man, and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is at the same time true God.

Proof texts

1 Cor. 15:21 — [21] For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
Heb. 2:17 — [17] Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Isa. 53:9 — [9] And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
2 Cor. 5:21 — [21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Heb. 7:26 — [26] For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
Isa. 7:14 — [14] Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isa. 9:6 — [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jer. 23:6 — [6] In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’
John 1:1 — [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Rom. 8:3-4 — [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Cor. 15:21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q16. Why must He be a true and righteous man?

He must be a true man because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should pay for sin. He must be a righteous man because one who himself is a sinner cannot pay for others.

Proof texts

Rom. 5:12 — [12] Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned —
Rom. 5:15 — [15] But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.
1 Cor. 15:21 — [21] For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
Heb. 2:14-16 — [14] Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.
Heb. 7:26-27 — [26] For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. [27] He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
1 Pet. 3:18 — [18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

For discussion

The Assembly cited Rom. 5:12 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q17. Why must He at the same time be true God?

He must be true God so that by the power of His divine nature He might bear in His human nature the burden of God's wrath, and might obtain for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

Proof texts

Isa. 9:5 — [5] For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
Deut. 4:24 — [24] For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Nah. 1:6 — [6] Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.
Ps. 130:3 — [3] If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
Isa. 53:5 — [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Isa. 53:11 — [11] Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
John 3:16 — [16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
2 Cor. 5:21 — [21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Isa. 9:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q18. But who is that Mediator who at the same time is true God and a true and righteous man?

Our Lord Jesus Christ, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30).

Proof texts

Matt. 1:21-23 — [21] She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: [23] “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Luke 2:11 — [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
1 Tim. 2:5 — [5] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Tim. 3:16 — [16] Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 1:21-23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q19. From where do you know this?

From the holy gospel, which God Himself first revealed in Paradise. Later, He had it proclaimed by the patriarchs and prophets, and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law. Finally, He had it fulfilled through His only Son.

Proof texts

Gen. 3:15 — [15] I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Gen. 12:3 — [3] I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Gen. 22:18 — [18] and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Gen. 49:10 — [10] The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
Isa. 53 — [1] Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? [2] For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. [3] He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. [4] Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned — every one — to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. [8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? [9] And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. [11] Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Jer. 23:5-6 — [5] “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. [6] In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’
Mic. 7:18-20 — [18] Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. [19] He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. [20] You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
Acts 10:43 — [43] To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Heb. 1:1 — [1] Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
Lev. 1:7 — [7] and the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.
John 5:46 — [46] For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.
Heb. 10:1-10 — [1] For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. [2] Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? [3] But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. [4] For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. [5] Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; [6] in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. [7] Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” [8] When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), [9] then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. [10] And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Rom. 10:4 — [4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Gal. 4:4-5 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Col. 2:17 — [17] These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gen. 3:15 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q20. Are all men, then, saved by Christ just as they perished through Adam?

No. Only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His benefits.

Proof texts

Matt. 7:14 — [14] For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
John 1:12 — [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
John 3:16 — [16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:18 — [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
John 3:36 — [36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Rom. 11:16-21 — [16] If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. [17] But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, [18] do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. [19] Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” [20] That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 7:14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q21. What is true faith?

True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word. At the same time it is a firm confidence that not only to others, but also to me, God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits. This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.

Proof texts

John 17:3 — [3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17:17 — [17] Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Heb. 11:1-3 — [1] Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. [2] For by it the people of old received their commendation. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Jas. 2:19 — [19] You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder!
Rom. 4:18-21 — [18] In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” [19] He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. [20] No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, [21] fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
Rom. 5:1 — [1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 10:10 — [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Heb. 4:16 — [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Gal. 2:20 — [20] I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Rom. 1:17 — [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Heb. 10:10 — [10] And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Rom. 3:20-26 — [20] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. [21] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — [22] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Gal. 2:16 — [16] yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Eph. 2:8-10 — [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Acts 16:14 — [14] One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Rom. 1:16 — [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Rom. 10:17 — [17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
1 Cor. 1:21 — [21] For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

For discussion

The Assembly cited John 17:3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
18 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q22. What, then, must a Christian believe?

All that is promised us in the Gospel, which the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith teach us in a summary.

Proof texts

Matt. 28:19 — [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
John 20:30-31 — [30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 28:19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q23. What are these articles?

III.1.I believe in God the Father almighty, III.1. Creator of heaven and earth. III.2.I believe in Jesus Christ, III.2.His only begotten Son, our Lord; III.3.He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, III.3.born of the virgin Mary; III.4.suffered under Pontius Pilate, III.4.was crucified, dead, and buried; III.4.He descended into hell; III.5.On the third day He arose from the dead; III.6.He ascended into heaven, III.6.and sits at the right hand III.6.of God the Father almighty; III.7.from there He will come to judge III.7.the living and the dead. III.8.I believe in the Holy Spirit; III.9.I believe a holy catholic Christian church, III.9.the communion of saints; III.10.the forgiveness of sins; III.11.the resurrection of the body; III.12.and the life everlasting.

For discussion

WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q24. How are these articles divided?

Into three parts: the first is about God the Father and our creation; the second about God the Son and our redemption; the third about God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.

For discussion

WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q25. Since there is only one God, why do you speak of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Because God has so revealed Himself in His Word that these three distinct persons are the one, true, eternal God.

Proof texts

Deut. 6:4 — [4] “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Isa. 44:6 — [6] Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
Isa. 45:5 — [5] I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me,
1 Cor. 8:4 — [4] Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.”
1 Cor. 8:6 — [6] yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Gen. 1:2-3 — [2] The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Isa. 61:1 — [1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Isa. 63:8-10 — [8] For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior. [9] In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. [10] But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
Matt. 3:16-17 — [16] And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; [17] and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matt. 28:18-19 — [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Luke 4:18 — [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
John 14:26 — [26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 15:26 — [26] “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
2 Cor. 13:14 — [14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Gal. 4:6 — [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Titus 3:5-6 — [5] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

For discussion

The Assembly cited Deut. 6:4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
16 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q4 · WSC Q5 · WSC Q6 · WLC Q6 · WCF 2.1 · WCF 2.2 · WCF 2.3 · BC 2.1 · BC 2.2 · BC 2.3 · BC 2.4 · 1689 2.1 · 1689 2.2 · 1689 2.3

Q26. What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?

That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and all that is in them, and who still upholds and governs them by His eternal counsel and providence, is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father. In Him I trust so completely as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul, and will also turn to my good whatever adversity He sends me in this life of sorrow. He is able to do so as almighty God, and willing also as a faithful Father.

Proof texts

Gen. 1-2
Ex. 20:11 — [11] For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Job 38-39
Ps. 33:6 — [6] By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Isa. 44:24 — [24] Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
Acts 4:24 — [24] And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,
Acts 14:15 — [15] “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Ps. 104:27-30 — [27] These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. [28] When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. [29] When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. [30] When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.
Matt. 6:30 — [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matt. 10:29 — [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
Eph. 1:11 — [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
John 1:12-13 — [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Rom. 8:15-16 — [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Gal. 4:4-7 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Eph. 1:5 — [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
Ps. 55:22 — [22] Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Matt. 6:25-26 — [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Luke 12:22-31 — [22] And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! [25] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [26] If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? [27] Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [28] But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! [29] And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. [30] For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Rom. 8:28 — [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Gen. 18:14 — [14] Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Rom. 8:31-39 — [31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [36] As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matt. 6:32-33 — [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matt. 7:9-11 — [9] Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? [11] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gen. 1-2 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
23 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?

Q27. What do you understand by the providence of God?

God's providence is His almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come not by chance but by His fatherly hand.

Proof texts

Jer. 23:23-24 — [23] “Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away? [24] Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.
Acts 17:24-28 — [24] The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Heb. 1:3 — [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Jer. 5:24 — [24] They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’
Acts 14:15-17 — [15] “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. [16] In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. [17] Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”
John 9:3 — [3] Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
Prov. 22:2 — [2] The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all.
Prov. 16:33 — [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Matt. 10:29 — [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Jer. 23:23-24 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?

Q28. What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by His providence?

We can be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and with a view to the future we can have a firm confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from His love; for all creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they cannot so much as move.

Proof texts

Job 1:21-22 — [21] And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” [22] In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
Ps. 39:10 — [10] Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
Jas. 1:3 — [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Deut. 8:10 — [10] And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
1 Thess. 5:18 — [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Ps. 55:22 — [22] Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Rom. 5:3-5 — [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom. 8:38-39 — [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Job 1:12 — [12] And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Job 2:6 — [6] And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”
Prov. 21:1 — [1] The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
Acts 17:24-28 — [24] The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

For discussion

The Assembly cited Job 1:21-22 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
12 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?