A Baptist Catechism - Adapted by John Piper

A BAPTIST CATECHISM ADAPTED BY JOHN PIPER

WITH ADDITIONAL TEXTS FROM THE BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH

A BAPTIST CATECHISM ADAPTED BY JOHN PIPER

WITH ADDITIONAL TEXTS FROM THE BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH

THEOLOGY MATTERS MIDDLE EAST

A Baptist Catechism: Adapted by John Piper

Copyright © 2020 by Carlos Roxas / Theology Matters Middle East Originally Published in English by Desiring God with all foreign language ministry rights owned

by Desiring God. 2112 BROADWAY ST NE, SRE 150 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55413 This edition published by arrangement with Desiring God. All rights reserved.

Cover Design and Page Layout: Carlos Roxas Cover Photo: Averie Woodard Photo Credits: Unsplash & Pexels First printing 2020 Printed and published in the United Arab Emirates

by Theology Matters Middle East UAE National Media Council Media File No. MF-01-2432509 Age Classification: E Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-9948-25-159-0 Additional text resources have been added in this edition were taken from the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 Original texts are in public domain.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017

by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotation marked RSV are taken from Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.

All rights reserved.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Theology Matters Middle East at theologymattersme@aol.com.

C. H. SPURGEON ON CATECHIZING (From the introduction to his own Baptist Catechism) In matters of doctrine you will find orthodox congregations frequently changed to heterodoxy in the course of thirty or forty years, and that is because, too often, there has been no catechizing of the children in the essential doctrines of the Gospel. For my part, I am more and more persuaded that the study of a good scriptural catechism is of infinite value to our children.... Even if the youngsters do not understand all the questions and answers....yet, abiding in their memories, it will be of infinite service when the time of understanding comes, to have known these very excellent, wise and judicious definitions of the things of God. It will be a blessing to them—the greatest of all blessing...a blessing in life and death, in time and eternity, the best of blessings God Himself can give‌.I am persuaded that the use of a good catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have compiled this little manual...for the use of my own church and congregation. Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense to the little ones; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as the child advances in years.

WHAT IS A CATECHISM? In 1 Corinthians 14:19 Paul says, "In the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue." In Galatians 6:6 he says, "Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches." Acts 18:25 says that Apollos "has been instructed in the way of the Lord.

In each of these verses the Greek word for "instruct" or "teach" is katecheo. From this word we get our English word "catechize". It simply means to teach Biblical truth in an orderly way.

Generally this is done with questions and answers accompanied by Biblical support and explanation.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THIS CATECHISM? This is a slightly revised version of "The Baptist Catechism" first put forth by Baptists in 1689 in Great Britain. It was adapted by the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 1742. It is patterned on the well-known reformed Westminster Catechism.

The few comments in the earlier questions are meant to help parents make things plain to their children.

IS THERE A BIBLICAL PATTERN OF DOCTRINE? Several texts teach that there is. For example, in Romans 6:17 Paul gives thanks that "you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were committed." 2 Timothy 1:13 says, "Follow the pattern of sound words which you heard from me." Acts 2:42 says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says, "Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us." And Acts 20:27 says, "I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. So it appears that there was a body of authoritative instruction and even a way of teaching it in the early church.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? We are required to "continue in the faith, stable and steadfast" (Col. 1:23).

We are urged to "attain to the unity of the... knowledge of the Son of God...so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:13-14).

There are many deceivers (1 John 2:26).

There are difficult doctrines "which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).

Leaders must be raised up who can "give instruction in sound doctrine and also confute those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9).

HOW SHALL WE BEGIN? Make them part of your family routine or just use them for yourself. I am excited about being a partner with you in building a "stable and firm" generation who hopes in God. Learning and teaching with you,

Pastor John

THE CATECHISM Sometimes there are other ways to express a true answer to these questions.

Feel free to use Scripture to formulate other true answers where possible and helpful. The aim of a catechism is not to be exhaustive but to give a solid base from which to "keep growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:17).

GOD'S WORD

QUESTION 1: WHO IS THE FIRST AND BEST OF BEINGS? Answer: God is the first and best of beings.

Key Text: Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Isaiah 44:6

Psalm 8:1; Psalm 96:4; Psalm 97:9; 1 Samuel 2:2

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of God and of the Holy Trinity, Par. 1:

The Lord our God is but one only living and true God; whose subsistence is in and of himself, infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but himself; a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, every way infinite, most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, and withal most just and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty. (1 Cor 8:4, 6; Deu 6:4; Jer 10:10; Isa 48:12; Exo 3:14; Joh 4:24; 1 Tim 1:17; Deu 4:15, 16; Mal 3:6; 1 Kin 8:27; Jer 23:23; Psa 90:2; Gen 17:1; Isa 6:3; Psa 115:3; Isa 46:10; Pro 16:4; Rom 11:36; Exo 34:6, 7; Heb 11:6; Neh 9:32, 33; Psa 5:5, 6; Exo 34:7; Nah 1:2, 3) 8

QUESTION 2: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

Key Text: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Psalm 16:11; Psalm 37:4; Psalm 73:25-26; Isaiah43:7

Comment: "Glorify" does not mean make glorious. It means [to] reflect or display as glorious.

Other words you could use for "end" are "goal" or "purpose".

9

QUESTION 3: HOW DO WE KNOW THERE IS A GOD? Answer: The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declares that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal him unto us for our salvation.

Key Text: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20

Psalm 19:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:21-24; 1 Corinthians 2:9,10; Matthew 11:27

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day, Par. 1:

The light of nature shews that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imagination and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.

(Jer 10:7; Mar 12:33; Deu 12:32; Exo 20:4-6) Comment: The question distinguishes two kinds of knowledge: one is natural and comes from conscience ("the light of nature in man") and from the works of God in nature; the other is spiritual or saving, and comes from the recognition of the true value of God and the beauty of his character.

Natural knowledge is possessed by all people and thus makes all people accountable to honor and thank God. Spiritual knowledge is possessed only by those whose natural blindness has been overcome by the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:14-16). Our children must come to see the difference between these lest they think they are saved by much natural knowledge about God—which the devils also have (James 2:19).

10

QUESTION 4: WHAT IS THE WORD OF GOD? Answer: The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

Key Text: For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:21

2 Timothy 3:16,17; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Psalm 19:7-8

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of The Holy Scriptures, Par. 1:

The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.(2 Tim 3:15-17; Isa 8:20; Luk 16:29, 31; Eph 2:20; Rom 1:19-21; Rom 2:14,15; Psa 19:1-3; Heb 1:1; Pro 22:19-21; Rom 15:4; 2 Pet 1:19,20) Comment: "Scriptures" is a special word for the "writings" of the OT and NT. Perhaps you will want to explain that the OT deals with God’s word that came before Jesus was born; and the NT is the word of God that came after Jesus was born. "Infallible" means it will never lead us astray in what it teaches. It is true and does not err. It can be trusted. "Faith" refers to right thinking and feeling; and "practice" refers to right doing. We measure our thoughts and emotions and actions by the rule of the Bible. "Inspiration" means that it is God-breathed: by his Spirit he guided his spokesmen to speak his word in their language.

11

QUESTION 5: HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD? Answer: The Bible evidences itself to be God’s Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, and its power to convert sinners and to edify saints. But only the Spirit of God can make us willing to agree and submit to the Bible as the Word of God.

Key Text: Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7

1 Corinthians 2:13-16, Psalm 19:7-9; 119:18,129; Acts 10:43; 26:22; 18:28; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 15:4; John 16:13,14; 1 John 2:20-27; 2 Corinthians 3:14-17; 4:4, 6

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of The Holy Scriptures, Par. 5:

We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. (Joh 16:13,14; 1 Cor 2:10-12; 1 Joh 2:20, 27) Comment: "Heavenliness" refers to the fact [that] the teachings of Scripture are of such a nature that they cannot be explained by mere human resources. They bear the marks of the supernatural.

"No man ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). The "unity of its parts" has to do especially with the way all Scripture points to Christ. "To him all the prophets bear witness" (Acts 10:43). There are detailed and scholarly historical arguments for the reliability of the Bible, but these are generally beyond the acquaintance of ordinary Christians, and so do not serve as widespread support for Scripture. They are needed, however, in the scholarly arena. [See "Is the Bible a Reliable Guide to Lasting Joy" in Desiring God by John Piper (Multnomah Press, 1986).]

12

QUESTION 6: MAY ALL MEN MAKE USE OF THE SCRIPTURES? Answer: All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.

Key Text: You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me John 5:39

Luke 16:29; Acts 8:28-30; 17:11

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Holy Scriptures, Par. 6,7 & 9:

The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.

Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.

(2Ti 3:15-17; Gal 1:8-9; Joh 6:45; 1Co 2:9-12; 1Co 11:13-14; 14:26,40) All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.

(2Pe 3:16; Psa 19:7; 119:130) The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly. (2Pe 1:20-21; Act 15:15-16) The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved. (Mat 22:29, 31, 32; Eph 2:20; Act 28:23) 13

QUESTION 7: WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES MAINLY TEACH? Answer: The Scriptures mainly teach what man is to believe about God and what duty God requires of man.

Key Text: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

John 20:31; Acts 24:14; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Ecclesiastes 12:13

14

GOD

QUESTION 8: WHAT IS GOD? Answer: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Key Text: God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.� John 4:24

Psalm 89:14; 90:2; 147:5; James 1:17; Revelation 4:8; Exodus 34:6, 7; 1 Timothy 1:17; Numbers 23:19

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of God and of the Holy Trinity, Par. 2:

God, having all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself, is alone in and unto himself allsufficient, not standing in need of any creature which he hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; he is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things, and he hath most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth; in his sight all things are open and manifest, his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain; he is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands; to him is due from angels and men, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, as creatures they owe unto the Creator, and whatever he is further pleased to require of them.(John 5:26; Psalms 148:13; 119:68; Job 22:2, 3; Rom 11:34-36; Dan 4:25, 34, 35; Heb 4:13; Eze 11:5; Act 15:18; Psa 145:17; Rev 5:12-14) Comment: Ask what "infinite" means (there is no limit to how great he is!). What does "eternal" mean? (He never had a beginning and will never have an ending!) Talk about how God can respond to us and yet not be "changeable." (His character never changes; he acts consistently on the same principles always. Even his responses to us are known and planned long before so that his purposes are unchanging.)

16

QUESTION 9: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? Answer: There is only one living and true God.

Key Text: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Deuteronomy 6:4

Jeremiah 10:10; Psalm 96:4-5

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of God and of the Holy Trinity, Par. 1a:

The Lord our God is but one only living and true God. 1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day, Par. 2:

Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone. (Mat 4:9, 10; Joh 6:23; Mat 28:19; Rom 1:25; Col 2:18; Rev 19:10; Joh 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5) Comment: There are "gods" which are idols, but they are not "living". And there are "gods" which are angels or demons, but they are not "true" God, that is they are not eternal, infinite and unchanging. Only one God is living and true.

17

QUESTION 10: HOW MANY PERSONS ARE THERE IN THE GODHEAD? Answer: There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.

Key Text: For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11

1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:1; 10:30; 14:9; 20:28; Acts 5:3,4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of God and of the Holy Trinity, Par. 3:

In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word or Son, and Holy Spirit, of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided: the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son; all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on him.(1 Joh 5:7; Mat 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14; Exo 3:14; Joh 14:11; 1 Cor 8:6; Joh 1:14,18; 15:26; Gal 4:6) Comment: The word "Godhead" is needed because we shouldn't say that there are three persons in God. No, there are three persons who are God. Nor should we say that there are three Gods.

There is one God. They are distinct persons with special roles in creation and redemption. But they are in perfect harmony and are (in ways beyond our comprehension) perfectly One God. (See The Pleasures of God, by John Piper, Multnomah Press, pp. 38, 42-44 for one explanation of the Trinity.)

18

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of God's Decree

God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree. (Isa 46:10; Eph 1:11; Heb 6:17; Rom 9:15, 18; Jam 1:13; 1 Joh 1:5; Act 4:27, 28; Joh 19:11; Num 23:19; Eph 1:3-5) Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions, yet hath he not decreed anything, because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions. (1 Tim 5:21; Mat 25:34; Eph 1:5, 6; Rom 9:22, 23; Jud 4)

By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice. (2 Tim 2:19; Joh 13:18) These angels and men thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and un-changeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.

(Eph 1:4, 9, 11; Rom 8:30; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 The 5:9; Rom 9:13, 16; Eph 2:5, 12) Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love, without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto. (1 Thes 1:4, 5; 2 Pet 1:10; Eph 1:6; Rom 11:33; 11:5, 6, 20; Luk 10:20) 19

QUESTION 11: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? Answer: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Key Text: In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will Ephesians 1:11

Romans 11:36; Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 115:3; Amos 3:6

Comment: You might shorten it to: "God’s decrees are his own plans for history. And they always happen." His purpose for the world is eternal because there never was a time when he didn't know what he was going to do. His purpose accords with the counsel of HIS will--that is he did not consult anyone else. He thought it ALL up. All plans were made in order to maximize the display of his glory. NOTHING falls outside the decrees of God. 20

QUESTION 12: HOW DOES GOD EXECUTE HIS DECREES? Answer: God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

Key Text: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

Revelation 4:11; Matthew 5:45; 6:26; Acts 14:17: Proverbs 16:9, 33; 19:21; 20:24; 21:1, 31

Comment: Instead of "execute" you can say "perform" or "accomplish" or "bring about". The word "providence" will be taken up in a later question. For now it refers to the way God preserves and governs all his creatures and all their actions (like the fall of a bird or the election of a president). It refers to God’s general rule over the world he has created.

21

QUESTION 13: WHAT IS THE WORK OF CREATION? Answer: The work of creation is God’s making all things [out] of nothing, by the word of his power and all very good.

Key Text: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Genesis 1:1,31

Genesis 1:31; Hebrews 11:3; Exodus 20:11; Romans 4:17

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Creation, Par. 1:

In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good. (Joh 1:2, 3; Heb 1:2; Job 26:13; Rom 1:20; Col 1:16; Gen 1:31) Comment: Before creation there was only God in the holy fellowship of the Trinity.

Therefore his creation is always different from ours: we start with something.

22

QUESTION 14: HOW DID GOD CREATE MAN? Answer: God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.

Key Text: So God created man in his own image, in the mage of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them.

And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.� Genesis 1:27-28

Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24.

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Creation, Par. 2 & 3:

After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, rendering them fit unto that life to God for which they were created; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change. (Gen 1:27; Gen 2:7; Ecc 7:29; Gen 1:26; Rom 2:14, 15; Gen 3:6) Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which whilst they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures. (Gen 2:17; 1:26, 28) Comment: In saying that we were created after his image "in knowledge, righteousness and holiness," we do not mean we know all God knows, nor that we are a fountain of righteousness and holiness the way he is. We mean that we were capable of sharing his knowledge and righteousness and holiness in a relationship of trust and love unlike any other creature under the angels.

23

1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Divine Providence

God the good Creator of all things, in his infinite power and wisdom doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, to the end for the which they were created, according unto his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will; to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy. (Heb 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa 46:10, 11; Psa 135:6; Mat 10:29-31; Eph 1:11) Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; so that there is not anything befalls any by chance, or without his providence; yet by the same providence he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently. (Act 2:23; Pro 16:33; Gen 8:22) God, in his ordinary providence maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them at his pleasure. (Act 27:31, 44; Isa 55:10, 11; Hos 1:7; Rom 4:19-21; Dan 3:27) The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that his determinate counsel extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sinful actions both of angels and men; and that not by a bare permission, which also he most wisely and powerfully boundeth, and otherwise ordereth and governeth, in a manifold dispensation to his most holy ends; yet so, as the sinfulness of their acts proceedeth only from the creatures, and not from God, who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin. (Rom 11:32-34; 2 Sam 24:1, 1 Chr 21:1; 2 Kin 19:28; Psa76;10; Gen 1:20; Isa 10:6, 7, 12; Psa1:21; 1 Joh 2:16) The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations and the corruptions of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon himself; and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for other just and holy ends. So that whatsoever befalls any of his elect is by his appointment, for his glory, and their good. (2 Chr 32:25, 26, 31; 2 Cor 12:7-9; Rom 8:28) As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as the righteous judge, for former sin doth blind and harden; from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understanding, and wrought upon their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin; and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, under those means which God useth for the softening of others. (Rom 1:24-26, 28; 11:7, 8; Deu 29:4; Mat 13:12; Deu 2:30; 2 Kin 8:12, 13; Psa 81:11, 12; 2 The 2:10-12; Exo 8:15, 32; Isa 6:9, 10; 1 Pet 2:7, 8) As the providence of God doth in general reach to all creatures, so after a more special manner it taketh care of his church, and disposeth of all things to the good thereof. (1 Tim 4:10; Amo 9:8, 9; Isa 43:3-5 )

24

QUESTION 15: WHAT ARE GOD’S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? Answer: God’s works of providence are the holy, wise, and powerful acts by which he preserves and governs all his creatures, and all their actions.

Key Text: “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.

Nehemiah 9:6

Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29-30

Comment: It would be helpful to discuss this with your child in relation to the common concept of "luck." Is there such a thing as luck in a world ruled by the providence of God? "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord" (Prov. 16:33). You will also need to stress that many of God’s acts of providence may not look "holy and wise" (like storms that kill thousands of people). But then stress that God has his secret purposes (Deut. 29:29) that we are never great enough to see, and the Judge of all the earth always does right (Genesis 18:25).

25

QUESTION 16: WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN WHEN HE WAS FIRST CREATED? Answer: When God had created man, he made a covenant with him that he should live and enjoy all the benefits of creation, but that he would die if he forsook the obedience that comes from faith. God commanded him not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and thus forsake his child-like dependence upon God for all things.

Key Text: The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.�

Genesis 2:15-17

Galatians 3:12; Romans 5:12

Comment: The "knowledge of good and evil" is the ability to judge independently what is beneficial (good) and harmful (evil) for yourself. What God is forbidding is that man should choose to be independent from God in his evaluation of things. He is commanding man to walk by faith in the wise and loving care of his heavenly Father. (See the use of this phrase in Gen. 3:5, 22; 2 Sam. 14:17; Is. 7:15; 2 Sam 19:35.)

26

SIN

QUESTION 17: DID OUR FIRST PARENTS CONTINUE IN THE GLAD OBEDIENCE FOR WHICH THEY WERE CREATED? Answer: No, but desiring to be like God, our first parents forsook the obedience of faith, ate of the forbidden tree, sinned against God, and fell from the innocence in which they were created.

Key Text: Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field at the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked.

And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Genesis 3:1-7

Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 5:12 1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof, Par. 1:

Although God created man upright and perfect, and gave him a righteous law, which had been unto life had he kept it, and threatened death upon the breach thereof, yet he did not long abide in this honour; Satan using the subtlety of the serpent to subdue Eve, then by her seducing Adam, who, without any compulsion, did willfully transgress the law of their creation, and the command given unto them, in eating the forbidden fruit, which God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory.

(Gen 2:16-17; bGen 3:12-13; 2Co 11:3) 1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Creation, Par. 3:

Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which whilst they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures. (Gen 2:17; 1:26, 28 ) 28

QUESTION 18: WHAT IS SIN? Answer: Sin is transgression of the revealed will of God which teaches that we are to act in perfect holiness from a heart of faith to the glory of God.

Key Text: Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4

Romans 5:13; 14:23; 1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Comment Simplified: Sin is any attitude or desire or action that explicitly breaks a commandment of Scripture, or comes from a heart of unbelief or is not done for the glory of God. 29