The Ten Commandments

Q86. Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace alone through Christ, without any merit of our own, why must we yet do good works?

Because Christ, having redeemed us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit to be His image, so that with our whole life we may show ourselves thankful to God for His benefits, and He may be praised by us. Further, that we ourselves may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and that by our godly walk of life we may win our neighbours for Christ.

Proof texts

• Rom. 6:13 — [13] Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
• Rom. 12:1-2 — [1] I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• 1 Pet. 2:5-10 — [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” [7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
• Matt. 5:16 — [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
• 1 Cor. 6:19-20 — [19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
• Matt. 7:17-18 — [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
• Gal. 5:22-24 — [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
• 2 Pet. 1:10-11 — [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [11] For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
• Matt. 5:14-16 — [14] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
• Rom. 14:17-19 — [17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. [19] So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
• 1 Pet. 2:12 — [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
• 1 Pet. 3:1-2 — [1] Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, [2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Rom. 6:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 12 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?

Q87. Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent walk of life?

By no means. Scripture says that no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, greedy person, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Proof texts

• 1 Cor. 6:9-10 — [9] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
• Gal. 5:19-21 — [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
• Eph. 5:5-6 — [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
• 1 John 3:14 — [14] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 Cor. 6:9-10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. BC 6.3 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. BC 6.4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q88. What is the true repentance or conversion of man?

It is the dying of the old nature and the coming to life of the new.

Proof texts

• Rom. 6:1-11 — [1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
• 1 Cor. 5:7 — [7] Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
• 2 Cor. 5:17 — [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
• Eph. 4:22-24 — [22] to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
• Col. 3:5-10 — [5] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [7] In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. [8] But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. [9] Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Rom. 6:1-11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. BC 6.3 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. BC 6.4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · WCF 13.1 · WCF 13.2 · WCF 13.3 · WLC Q75 · WLC Q76 · WLC Q77 · WLC Q78 · WSC Q35 · WSC Q36 · WCF 14.1 · WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · 1689 13.1 · 1689 13.2 · 1689 13.3 · 1689 14.1 · 1689 14.2 · 1689 14.3 · 1689 15.1 · 1689 15.2 · 1689 15.3 · 1689 15.4 · 1689 15.5 · 1689 16.1

Q89. What is the dying of the old nature?

It is to grieve with heartfelt sorrow that we have offended God by our sin, and more and more to hate it and flee from it.

Proof texts

• Ps. 51:3-4 — [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
• Ps. 51:17 — [17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
• Joel 2:12-13 — [12] “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; [13] and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
• Rom. 8:12-13 — [12] So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. [13] For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
• 2 Cor. 7:10 — [10] For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 51:3-4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. BC 6.3 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. BC 6.4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · WCF 13.1 · WCF 13.2 · WCF 13.3 · WLC Q75 · WLC Q76 · WLC Q77 · WLC Q78 · WSC Q35 · WSC Q36 · WCF 14.1 · WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · 1689 13.1 · 1689 13.2 · 1689 13.3 · 1689 14.1 · 1689 14.2 · 1689 14.3 · 1689 15.1 · 1689 15.2 · 1689 15.3 · 1689 15.4 · 1689 15.5 · 1689 16.1

Q90. What is the coming to life of the new nature?

It is a heartfelt joy in God through Christ, and a love and delight to live according to the will of God in all good works.

Proof texts

• Ps. 51:8 — [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
• Ps. 51:12 — [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
• Isa. 57:15 — [15] For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
• Rom. 5:1 — [1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Rom. 14:17 — [17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
• Rom. 6:10-11 — [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
• 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.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 51:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. BC 6.3 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. BC 6.4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q91. But what are good works?

Only those which are done out of true faith, in accordance with the law of God, and to His glory, and not those based on our own opinion or on precepts of men.

Proof texts

• John 15:5 — [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
• Rom. 14:23 — [23] But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
• Heb. 11:6 — [6] And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
• Lev. 18:4 — [4] You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God.
• 1 Sam. 15:22 — [22] And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
• Eph. 2:10 — [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
• 1 Cor. 10:31 — [31] So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
• Deut. 12:32 — [32] “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.
• Isa. 29:13 — [13] And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
• Ezek. 20:18-19 — [18] “And I said to their children in the wilderness, ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor keep their rules, nor defile yourselves with their idols. [19] I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and be careful to obey my rules,
• Matt. 15:7-9 — [7] You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: [8] “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited John 15:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 11 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. BC 6.3 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. BC 6.4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · WCF 13.1 · WCF 13.2 · WCF 13.3 · WLC Q75 · WLC Q76 · WLC Q77 · WLC Q78 · WSC Q35 · WSC Q36 · WCF 14.1 · WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · 1689 13.1 · 1689 13.2 · 1689 13.3 · 1689 14.1 · 1689 14.2 · 1689 14.3 · 1689 15.1 · 1689 15.2 · 1689 15.3 · 1689 15.4 · 1689 15.5 · 1689 16.1

Q92. What is the law of the LORD?

God spoke all these words, saying: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 1. You shall have no other gods before Me. 2. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, 2. or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, 2. or that is in the earth beneath, 2. or that is in the water under the earth; 2. you shall not bow down to them or serve them; 2. for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, 2. visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 2. to the third and fourth generation 2. of those who hate Me, 2. but showing steadfast love to thousands of those 2. who love Me and keep My commandments. 3. You shall not take the Name of the LORD your God 3. in vain; 3. for the LORD will not hold him guiltless 3. who takes His Name in vain. 4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 4. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work; 4. but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your 4. God; 4. in it you shall not do any work, 4. you, or your son, or your daughter, 4. your manservant, or your maidservant, 4. or your cattle, 4. or the sojourner who is within your gates; 4. for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, 4. the sea, and all that is in them, 4. and rested the seventh day; 4. therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day 4. and hallowed it. 5. Honour your father and your mother, 5. that your days may be long 5. in the land which the LORD your God gives you. 6. You shall not kill. 7. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. 10. you shall not covet your neighbour's house; 10. you shall not covet your neighbour's wife, 10. or his manservant, or his maidservant, 10. or his ox, or his ass, 10. or anything that is your neighbour's.

Proof texts

• Ex. 20:1-17 — [1] And God spoke all these words, saying, [2] “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. [4] “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. [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, [6] but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. [7] “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. [8] “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. [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. [12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. [13] “You shall not murder. [14] “You shall not commit adultery. [15] “You shall not steal. [16] “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [17] “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”
• Deut. 5:6-21 — [6] “‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. [7] “‘You shall have no other gods before me. [8] “‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. [9] 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 fourth generation of those who hate me, [10] but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. [11] “‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. [12] “‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. [13] Six days you shall labor and do all your work, [14] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. [15] You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. [16] “‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. [17] “‘You shall not murder. [18] “‘And you shall not commit adultery. [19] “‘And you shall not steal. [20] “‘And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [21] “‘And you shall not covet your neighbor's wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.’

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ex. 20:1-17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?

Q93. How are these commandments divided?

Into two parts. The first teaches us how to live in relation to God; the second, what duties we owe our neighbour.

Proof texts

• Matt. 22:37-40 — [37] And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. [38] This is the great and first commandment. [39] And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. [40] On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Matt. 22:37-40 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
3. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q94. What does the LORD require in the first commandment?

That for the sake of my very salvation I avoid and flee all idolatry, witchcraft, superstition, and prayer to saints or to other creatures. Further, that I rightly come to know the only true God. trust in Him alone, submit to Him with all humility and patience, expect all good from Him only, and love, fear, and honour Him with all my heart. In short, that I forsake all creatures rather than do the least thing against His will.

Proof texts

• 1 Cor. 6:9-10 — [9] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
• 1 Cor. 10:5-14 — [5] Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. [7] Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” [8] We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. [9] We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, [10] nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. [11] Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. [12] Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. [13] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. [14] Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
• 1 John 5:21 — [21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
• Lev. 19:31 — [31] “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.
• Deut. 18:9-12 — [9] “When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. [10] There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer [11] or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, [12] for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you.
• Matt. 4:10 — [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
• Rev. 19:10 — [10] Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
• Rev. 22:8-9 — [8] I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, [9] but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
• John 17:3 — [3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
• Jer. 17:5 — [5] Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
• Jer. 17:7 — [7] “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
• 1 Pet. 5:5-6 — [5] Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
• Rom. 5:3-4 — [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
• 1 Cor. 10:10 — [10] nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.
• Phil. 2:14 — [14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
• Col. 1:11 — [11] being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
• Heb. 10:36 — [36] For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
• Ps. 104:27-28 — [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.
• Isa. 45:7 — [7] I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.
• Jas. 1:17 — [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
• Deut. 6:5 — [5] You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
• Matt. 22:37 — [37] And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
• Deut. 6:2 — [2] that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.
• Ps. 111:10 — [10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
• Prov. 1:7 — [7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Prov. 9:10 — [10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
• Matt. 10:28 — [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
• 1 Pet. 1:17 — [17] And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,
• Deut. 6:13 — [13] It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
• Matt. 4:10 — [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
• Deut. 10:20 — [20] You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.
• Matt. 5:29-30 — [29] If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. [30] And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
• Matt. 10:37-39 — [37] Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [39] Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
• Acts 5:29 — [29] But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 Cor. 6:9-10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 34 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q95. What is idolatry?

Idolatry is having or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.

Proof texts

• 1 Chr. 16:26 — [26] For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
• Gal. 4:8-9 — [8] Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. [9] But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
• Eph. 5:5 — [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
• Phil. 3:19 — [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 Chr. 16:26 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q96. What does God require in the second commandment?

We are not to make an image of God in any way, nor to worship Him in any other manner than He has commanded in His Word.

Proof texts

• Deut. 4:15-19 — [15] “Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, [16] beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, [17] the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, [18] the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth. [19] And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.
• Isa. 40:18-25 — [18] To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? [19] An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. [20] He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. [21] Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? [22] It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; [23] who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. [24] Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. [25] To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
• Acts 17:29 — [29] Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
• Rom. 1:23 — [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
• Lev. 10:1-7 — [1] Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. [2] And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. [3] Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace. [4] And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Come near; carry your brothers away from the front of the sanctuary and out of the camp.” [5] So they came near and carried them in their coats out of the camp, as Moses had said. [6] And Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and Ithamar his sons, “Do not let the hair of your heads hang loose, and do not tear your clothes, lest you die, and wrath come upon all the congregation; but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning that the LORD has kindled. [7] And do not go outside the entrance of the tent of meeting, lest you die, for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you.” And they did according to the word of Moses.
• Deut. 12:30 — [30] take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? — that I also may do the same.’
• 1 Sam. 15:22-23 — [22] And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”
• Matt. 15:9 — [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
• John 4:23-24 — [23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. [24] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Deut. 4:15-19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q97. May we then not make any image at all?

God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Creatures may be portrayed, but God forbids us to make or have any images of them in order to worship them or to serve God through them.

Proof texts

• Ex. 34:13-14 — [13] You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim [14] (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
• Ex. 34:17 — [17] “You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal.
• Num. 33:52 — [52] then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places.
• 2 Kings 18:4-5 — [4] He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). [5] He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him.
• Isa. 40:25 — [25] To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ex. 34:13-14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q98. But may images not be tolerated in the churches as "books for the laity"?

No, for we should not be wiser than God. He wants His people to be taught not by means of dumb images but by the living preaching of His Word.

Proof texts

• Jer. 10:8 — [8] They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!
• Hab. 2:18-20 — [18] “What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! [19] Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. [20] But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”
• Rom. 10:14-15 — [14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? [15] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
• Rom. 10:17 — [17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
• 2 Tim. 3:16-17 — [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
• 2 Pet. 1:19 — [19] And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Jer. 10:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q39 · WSC Q45 · WLC Q91 · WLC Q100 · WCF 19.1 · 1689 19.1

Q99. What is required in the third commandment?

We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders. In short, we must use the holy Name of God only with fear and reverence, so that we may rightly confess Him, call upon Him, and praise Him in all our words and works.

Proof texts

• Lev. 24:10-17 — [10] Now an Israelite woman's son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman's son and a man of Israel fought in the camp, [11] and the Israelite woman's son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. Then they brought him to Moses. His mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. [12] And they put him in custody, till the will of the LORD should be clear to them. [13] Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [14] “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. [15] And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. [16] Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. [17] “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.
• Lev. 19:1 — [1] And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
• Matt. 5:37 — [37] Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
• Jas. 5:12 — [12] But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
• Lev. 5:1 — [1] “If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity;
• Prov. 29:24 — [24] The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
• Ps. 99:1-5 — [1] The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! [2] The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. [3] Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he! [4] The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. [5] Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!
• Isa. 45:23 — [23] By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’
• Jer. 4:2 — [2] and if you swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.”
• Matt. 10:32-33 — [32] So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, [33] but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
• Rom. 10:9-10 — [9] because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
• Ps. 50:14-15 — [14] Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, [15] and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
• 1 Tim. 2:8 — [8] I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
• Rom. 2:24 — [24] For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
• Col. 3:17 — [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
• 1 Tim. 6:1 — [1] Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Lev. 24:10-17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 16 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q100. Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?

Certainly, for no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.

Proof texts

• Lev. 5:1 — [1] “If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity;
• Lev. 24:16 — [16] Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Lev. 5:1 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q101. But may we swear an oath by the Name of God in a godly manner?

Yes, when the government demands it of its subjects, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to God's glory and for our neighbour's good. Such oath-taking is based on God's Word and was therefore rightly used by saints in the Old and the New Testament.

Proof texts

• Deut. 6:13 — [13] It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
• Deut. 10:20 — [20] You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.
• Jer. 4:1-2 — [1] “If you return, O Israel, declares the LORD, to me you should return. If you remove your detestable things from my presence, and do not waver, [2] and if you swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.”
• Heb. 6:16 — [16] For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
• Gen. 21:24 — [24] And Abraham said, “I will swear.”
• Gen. 31:53 — [53] The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac,
• Josh. 9:15 — [15] And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
• 1 Sam. 24:22 — [22] And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
• 1 Kings 1:29-30 — [29] And the king swore, saying, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, [30] as I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.”
• Rom. 1:9 — [9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
• 2 Cor. 1:23 — [23] But I call God to witness against me — it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Deut. 6:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 11 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q102. May we also swear by saints or other creatures?

No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely. No creature is worthy of such honour.

Proof texts

• Rom. 9:1 — [1] I am speaking the truth in Christ — I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit —
• 2 Cor. 1:23 — [23] But I call God to witness against me — it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.
• Matt. 5:34-37 — [34] But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, [35] or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. [37] Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
• Matt. 23:16-22 — [16] “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ [17] You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? [18] And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ [19] You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? [20] So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. [21] And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. [22] And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
• Jas. 5:12 — [12] But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Rom. 9:1 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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Q103. What does God require in the fourth commandment?

First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of God to hear God's Word, to use the sacraments, to call publicly upon the LORD, and to give Christian offerings for the poor. Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through His Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal sabbath.

Proof texts

• Deut. 6:4-9 — [4] “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [5] You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. [6] And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. [7] You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. [8] You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. [9] You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
• Deut. 6:20-25 — [20] “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the LORD our God has commanded you?’ [21] then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. [22] And the LORD showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. [23] And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. [24] And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. [25] And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us.’
• 1 Cor. 9:13-14 — [13] Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? [14] In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
• 2 Tim. 2:2 — [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
• 2 Tim. 3:13-17 — [13] while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
• Titus 1:5 — [5] This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you —
• Deut. 12:5-12 — [5] But you shall seek the place that the LORD your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there. There you shall go, [6] and there you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution that you present, your vow offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. [7] And there you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you. [8] “You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes, [9] for you have not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you. [10] But when you go over the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, and when he gives you rest from all your enemies around, so that you live in safety, [11] then to the place that the LORD your God will choose, to make his name dwell there, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution that you present, and all your finest vow offerings that you vow to the LORD. [12] And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters, your male servants and your female servants, and the Levite that is within your towns, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.
• Ps. 40:9-10 — [9] I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. [10] I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
• Ps. 68:26 — [26] “Bless God in the great congregation, the LORD, O you who are of Israel's fountain!”
• Acts 2:42-47 — [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
• Heb. 10:23-25 — [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
• Rom. 10:14-17 — [14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? [15] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” [16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” [17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
• 1 Cor. 14:26-33 — [26] What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. [27] If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. [28] But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. [29] Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. [30] If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. [31] For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, [32] and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. [33] For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
• 1 Tim. 4:13 — [13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
• 1 Cor. 11:23-24 — [23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
• Col. 3:16 — [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
• 1 Tim. 2:1 — [1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
• Ps. 50:14 — [14] Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
• 1 Cor. 16:2 — [2] On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
• 2 Cor. 8-2 Cor. 9
• Isa. 66:23 — [23] From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the LORD.
• Heb. 4:9-11 — [9] So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, [10] for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. [11] Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Deut. 6:4-9 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 22 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q39 · WSC Q45 · WLC Q91 · WLC Q100 · WCF 19.1 · 1689 19.1

Q104. What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline, and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings, since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.

Proof texts

• Ex. 21:17 — [17] “Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death.
• Prov. 1:8 — [8] Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,
• Prov. 4:1 — [1] Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
• Rom. 13:1-2 — [1] Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
• Eph. 5:21-22 — [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. [22] Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
• Eph. 6:1-9 — [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3] “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” [4] Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. [5] Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, [6] not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, [7] rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, [8] knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. [9] Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
• Col. 3:18-4:1 — [1] If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. [5] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [7] In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. [8] But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. [9] Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. [11] Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. [12] Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, [13] bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. [18] Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. [19] Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. [20] Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. [22] Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. [23] Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. [25] For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
• Prov. 20:20 — [20] If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
• Prov. 23:22 — [22] Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
• 1 Pet. 2:18 — [18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
• Matt. 22:21 — [21] They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
• Rom. 13:1-8 — [1] Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6] For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. [8] Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
• Eph. 6:1-9 — [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3] “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” [4] Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. [5] Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, [6] not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, [7] rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, [8] knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. [9] Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
• Col. 3:18-21 — [18] Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. [19] Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. [20] Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ex. 21:17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 14 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

I am not to dishonour, hate, injure, or kill my neighbour by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by deeds, whether personally or through another; rather, I am to put away all desire of revenge. Moreover, I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself. Therefore, also, the government bears the sword to prevent murder.

Proof texts

• Gen. 9:6 — [6] “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
• Lev. 19:17-18 — [17] “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. [18] You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
• Matt. 5:21-22 — [21] “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ [22] But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
• Matt. 26:52 — [52] Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
• Prov. 25:21-22 — [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, [22] for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
• Matt. 18:35 — [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
• Rom. 12:19 — [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
• Eph. 4:26 — [26] Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
• Matt. 4:7 — [7] Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
• Matt. 26:52 — [52] Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
• Rom. 13:11-14 — [11] Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. [12] The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. [13] Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
• Gen. 9:6 — [6] “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
• Ex. 21:14 — [14] But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
• Rom. 13:4 — [4] for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Gen. 9:6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 14 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q106. But does this commandment speak only of killing?

By forbidding murder God teaches us that He hates the root of murder, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge, and that He regards all these as murder.

Proof texts

• Prov. 14:30 — [30] A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
• Rom. 1:29 — [29] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
• Rom. 12:19 — [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
• Gal. 5:19-21 — [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
• Jas. 1:20 — [20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
• 1 John 2:9-11 — [9] Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. [10] Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. [11] But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
• 1 John 3:15 — [15] Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Prov. 14:30 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q107. Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbour in any such way?

No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves, to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him, to protect him from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.

Proof texts

• Matt. 7:12 — [12] “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
• Matt. 22:39 — [39] And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
• Rom. 12:10 — [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
• Matt. 5:5 — [5] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Luke 6:36 — [36] Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
• Rom. 12:10 — [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
• Rom. 12:18 — [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
• Gal. 6:1-2 — [1] Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. [2] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
• Eph. 4:2 — [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
• Col. 3:12 — [12] Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
• 1 Pet. 3:8 — [8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
• Ex. 23:4-5 — [4] “If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. [5] If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.
• Matt. 5:44-45 — [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
• Rom. 12:20 — [20] To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Matt. 7:12 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 14 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

That all unchastity is cursed by God. We must therefore detest it from the heart and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage.

Proof texts

• Lev. 18:30 — [30] So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.”
• Eph. 5:3-5 — [3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. [4] Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
• Jude 1:22-23 — [22] And have mercy on those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
• 1 Cor. 7:1-9 — [1] Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” [2] But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. [3] The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. [4] For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. [5] Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. [6] Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. [7] I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. [8] To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. [9] But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
• 1 Thess. 4:3-8 — [3] For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; [4] that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, [5] not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; [6] that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. [7] For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. [8] Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
• Heb. 13:4 — [4] Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Lev. 18:30 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q109. Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?

Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure and holy. Therefore He forbids all unchaste acts, gestures, words, thoughts, desires, and whatever may entice us to unchastity.

Proof texts

• Matt. 5:27-29 — [27] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ [28] But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
• 1 Cor. 6:18-20 — [18] Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. [19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
• Eph. 5:3-4 — [3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. [4] Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
• 1 Cor. 15:33 — [33] Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
• Eph. 5:18 — [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Matt. 5:27-29 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q39 · WSC Q45 · WLC Q91 · WLC Q100 · WCF 19.1 · 1689 19.1

Q110. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

God forbids not only outright theft and robbery but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury; we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right. In addition God forbids all greed and all abuse or squandering of His gifts.

Proof texts

• Ex. 22:1 — [1] “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
• 1 Cor. 5:9-10 — [9] I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people — [10] not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
• 1 Cor. 6:9-10 — [9] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
• Deut. 25:13-16 — [13] “You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. [14] You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small. [15] A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. [16] For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the LORD your God.
• Ps. 15:5 — [5] who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
• Prov. 11:1 — [1] A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.
• Prov. 12:22 — [22] Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
• Ezek. 45:9-12 — [9] “Thus says the Lord GOD: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness. Cease your evictions of my people, declares the Lord GOD. [10] “You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath. [11] The ephah and the bath shall be of the same measure, the bath containing one tenth of a homer, and the ephah one tenth of a homer; the homer shall be the standard measure. [12] The shekel shall be twenty gerahs; twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina.
• Luke 6:35 — [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
• Mic. 6:9-11 — [9] The voice of the LORD cries to the city — and it is sound wisdom to fear your name: “Hear of the rod and of him who appointed it! [10] Can I forget any longer the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is accursed? [11] Shall I acquit the man with wicked scales and with a bag of deceitful weights?
• Luke 3:14 — [14] Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
• Jas. 5:1-6 — [1] Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. [2] Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. [3] Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. [4] Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. [5] You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. [6] You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
• Luke 12:15 — [15] And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
• Eph. 5:5 — [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
• Prov. 21:20 — [20] Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
• Prov. 23:20-21 — [20] Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, [21] for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
• Luke 16:10-13 — [10] “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. [11] If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? [12] And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? [13] No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ex. 22:1 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 17 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q111. What does God require of you in this commandment?

I must promote my neighbour's good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.

Proof texts

• Isa. 58:5-10 — [5] Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? [6] “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? [8] Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. [9] Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, [10] if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
• Matt. 7:12 — [12] “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
• Gal. 6:9-10 — [9] And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
• Eph. 4:28 — [28] Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Isa. 58:5-10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q112. What is required in the ninth commandment?

I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard. Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath. In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth, speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbour's honour and reputation.

Proof texts

• Ps. 15 — [1] O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? [2] He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; [3] who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; [4] in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; [5] who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
• Prov. 19:5 — [5] A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
• Prov. 19:9 — [9] A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.
• Prov. 21:28 — [28] A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
• Matt. 7:1 — [1] “Judge not, that you be not judged.
• Luke 6:37 — [37] “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
• Rom. 1:28-32 — [28] And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. [29] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, [31] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. [32] Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
• Lev. 19:11-12 — [11] “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. [12] You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
• Prov. 12:22 — [22] Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
• Prov. 13:5 — [5] The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
• John 8:44 — [44] You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
• Rev. 21:8 — [8] But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
• 1 Cor. 13:6 — [6] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
• Eph. 4:25 — [25] Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
• 1 Pet. 3:8-9 — [8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
• 1 Pet. 4:8 — [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 15 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 16 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q113. What does the tenth commandment require of us?

That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. Rather, we should always hate all sin with all our heart, and delight in all righteousness.

Proof texts

• Ps. 19:7-14 — [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; [9] the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [12] Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. [13] Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
• Ps. 139:23-24 — [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! [24] And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
• Rom. 7:7-8 — [7] What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” [8] But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 19:7-14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q114. But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live not only according to some but to all the commandments of God.

Proof texts

• Ecc. 7:20 — [20] Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
• Rom. 7:14-15 — [14] For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. [15] For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
• 1 Cor. 13:9 — [9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
• 1 John 1:8 — [8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
• Ps. 1:1-2 — [1] Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
• Rom. 7:22-25 — [22] For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, [23] but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. [24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
• Phil. 3:12-16 — [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ecc. 7:20 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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Q115. If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

First, that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. Second, that we may be zealous for good deeds and constantly pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that He may more and more renew us after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.

Proof texts

• Ps. 32:5 — [5] I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. <i>Selah</i>
• Rom. 3:19-26 — [19] Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. [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.
• Rom. 7:7 — [7] What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
• Rom. 7:24-25 — [24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
• 1 John 1:9 — [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
• 1 Cor. 9:24 — [24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
• Phil. 3:12-14 — [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
• 1 John 3:1-3 — [1] See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 32:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q39 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q39 · WSC Q45 · WLC Q91 · WLC Q100 · WCF 19.1 · 1689 19.1