WLC 123
Westminster Larger Catechism
Q123. Which is the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Proof texts
- Ex. 20:12 — [12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Ex. 20:12 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q92 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- The Assembly divided over this: Justification and the Antinomian Crisis. How do you secure sola fide without letting the law fall away? What turns on the answer?
Read alongside
Leader's notes
A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CXXIII., CXXIV., CXXV., CXXVI., CXXVII., CXXVIII. QUEST. CXXIII. Which is the fifth Commandment? ANSW. The fifth Commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. QUEST. CXXIV. Who are meant by father, and mother, in the fifth Commandment? ANSW. By father and mother, in the fifth Commandment, are meant not only natural parents; but all the superiors in age, and gifts, and especially such as by GOD’s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or common-wealth. QUEST. CXXV. Why are superiors styled, father and mother? ANSW. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties…