WSC 56
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Proof texts
- 1 Sam. 2:12,17,22,29 — [12] Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD. [17] Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt. [22] Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. [29] Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’
- 1 Sam. 3:13 — [13] And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.
- Deut. 28:58-59 — [58] “If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, [59] then the LORD will bring on you and your offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Sam. 2:12,17,22,29 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WLC Q100 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q114 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?