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| Maranatha Baptist Church |
The Sum of Our Beliefs
| A SUM OF OUR BELIEFS! Taken Primarily From C. H. Spurgeon’s “A Puritan Catechism” All Scripture from the New International Version unless otherwise cited! 1. What is man’s ultimate purpose in life? Man’s purpose is to glorify (worship, exalt, praise, revere) God and to enjoy Him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Psalm 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but you? 2. How do we know how to give God glory? The Bible, which is the Word of God, both Old and New Testament teaches us how to give God glory and to enjoy Him. Ephesians 2:20 Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 3. What does the Bible teach? The Bible teaches man what to believe about God and what God requires of man. 2 Timothy 1:13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 4. What is God? God is Spirit infinite eternal and unchangeable in: wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. John 4:24 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." Revelation 1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Nehemiah 9:5b "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting." Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Hebrews 6:17-18 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. Malachi 3:6a "I the LORD do not change.” Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power. His understanding has no limit. Revelation 4:8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. Psalm 9:16 The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see his face. Exodus 33:19a And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” Psalm 31:5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. John 14:6a Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.” 5. Are there more God’s than one? No, there is only one God, the living and true God Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Jeremiah 10:10a& b But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, the eternal King. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead? There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, these three are one God, the same in quality and nature, equal in power and glory. 1 John 5:7-8 For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 7. What are the decree’s (divine will and/or official laws of God)? DECREE-The Bible also refers to God's decrees, universal laws or rules to which the entire world is subject (Ps 148:6). God’s decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel (guidance, direction, advice and sponsor) of His will, which, from all eternity, He has, for his own glory, unchangeably intended, purposed, and planned before time began; whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men. Psalm 148:6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. 8. How does God carry out His decrees? God carries out His decrees in the works of creation and divine intervention. Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Daniel 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" 9. What is the work of creation? The work of creation is God’s making all things from nothing, by the Word of His power in six days and all things were very good. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day. 10. How did God create man? God created man male and female in His own image with rule and reign over all creatures. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." 11. What are God’s works of providence (divine intervention)? God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise and powerful, preserving and governing of all His creatures, and all their actions. Psalm 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. Isaiah 28:29 All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom. Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 12. What special act of providence (divine intervention) did God exercise toward man in the state (condition) in which He created him? When God created man, He entered into a covenant of life with him, upon the condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with a penalty of death. Galatians 3:10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Genesis 2:15-17 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." 13. Did our parents continue on in this state of perfect obedience in which they were created? No. Our parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state in which they were created by sinning against God when they ate of the forbidden fruit. Eccllesiastes 7:29 "This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes." Genesis 3:6-8 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 14. What is sin? Sin is a lack of conforming to the Word of God or transgression of the Word of God (disobedience to God’s law). 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 15. Did all mankind fall with Adam’s first sin? Yes. The covenant made with Adam, and not only with Adam but all his descendants sinned in him, and fell with him in his first sin! Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. 16. How did the fall of man affect all mankind? The fall of Adam caused all mankind to be in sin and misery. Romans 3:10-12 & 15-16 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways.” Romans 5:18a Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men. 17. As the result of the fall (Adam’s sin), just how sinful are we? The guilt of Adam belongs to us all. We lost our original righteousness (goodness and right standing with God) and everything about us is corrupt. We are sinners with every act of disobedience coming from our sin nature. Isaiah 64:6a All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. Isaiah 53:6a We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners. Romans 3:10-12 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins. Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 18. Just what kind of misery are we in? Every man lost fellowship with God, we are under His curse and we deserve every misery in this life. We deserve death itself and hell itself forever! Genesis 3:8-9 & 24 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Galatians 3:10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death. Matthew 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” 19. Did God leave us without hope to die in our sin and misery? No. By His good pleasure He entered into a covenant of grace by delivering us out of our sin and misery through the death of Jesus Christ! Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:21 So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 20. Who is the Redeemer of God? A. The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ who was the eternal Son of God, and who became a man and continues to be both God and man, in two distinct natures and one person forever. Colossians 1:15a He is the image of the invisible God. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 21. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking on himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil. Matthew 26:38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Luke 1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Luke 1:35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Hebrews 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 22. What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer? Christ as our Redeemer carries out the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His state as a man and as risen Lord and King! Acts 3:22 For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Hebrews 5:5-6 So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father." And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 2:6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 23. How does Christ execute the office of prophet? Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by His Word, and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 24. How does Christ execute the office of a priest? Christ executes the office of priest, in his once offering up himself as a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Hebrews 7:25-28 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. 25. How does Christ execute the office of King? Christ executes the office of a king in subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Revelation 17:14 “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Psalm 110:3a Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Matthew 2:6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26. In what ways did Christ suffer humiliation? Christ’s humiliation consisted in His being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death on the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law. Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! Matthew12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 27. In what way did Christ’s exaltation come to be? Christ’s exaltation consists in his rising from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. 1 Corinthians 15:4 That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Acts 17:31 “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." 28. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by His Holy Spirit. John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Titus 3:5-6 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. 29. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ? The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and by it uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. Ephesians 2: 8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 3:17a So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 30. What is effectual calling? Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9 Who has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Acts 26:18 To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. John 6:44-45 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 31. What benefits do they who are effectually called, partake of in this life? They who are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the various benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them. Romans 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption 32. What is justification? Justification is an act of God’s free grace, through which He pardons (frees from the penalty) all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight because Christ imputed (transferred) His righteousness to us, which we received by faith alone. Romans 3:24 And are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Galatians 2:16 Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 33. What is adoption? Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, in which we are received as the children of God, and have right to all the privileges of the sons of God. 1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 34. What is sanctification? Sanctification is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die to sin and self, and live to righteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. Ephesians 4:24 And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Romans 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 35. What are the benefits in this life that accompany justification, adoption and sanctification? The benefits in this life that accompany justification, are assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, perseverance in it to the end. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 Peter 1:5 Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 36. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at their death? The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory, and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection. Hebrews 12:23 To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect. Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." 1 Thessalonians 4:14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. Isaiah 57:2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. Job 19:26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment, and made perfectly blessed both in soul and body in the full enjoying of God to all eternity. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Matthew 10:32-33 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven”. 1 John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 38. What shall happen to the wicked at their death? The souls of the wicked shall at their death be cast into the torments of hell, and their bodies lie in their graves till the resurrection, and judgment of the great day. Luke 16:22-24 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” Psalm 49:14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. Isaiah 66:24 "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind." 39. What shall happen to the wicked at the Day of Judgment? At the Day of Judgment the bodies of the wicked being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments in hell with the devil and his angels for ever. Daniel 12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. John 5:28-29 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out- those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power. Matthew 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 40. What did God reveal to man as the standard for his obedience? The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience, is the moral law, which is summarized in the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 10:4 The LORD wrote on these tablets what he had written before, the Ten Commandments he had proclaimed to you on the mountain, out of the fire, on the day of the assembly. And the LORD gave them to me. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Matthew 19:17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 41. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and will all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." 42. Which is the first commandment? The first commandment is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me.” 43. What is required in the first commandment? The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify Him accordingly. 1 Chronicles 28:9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” Deuteronomy 26:17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' 44. Which is the second commandment? The second commandment is… Exodus 20:4-6 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” 45. What is required in the second commandment? The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire (complete) all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in His Word. Deuteronomy 32:46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.” Matthew 28:20 “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Deuteronomy 12:32 See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it. 46. What is forbidden in the second commandment? The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in His Word. Deuteronomy 4:15-18 You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. Colossians 2:18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 47. Which is the third commandment? The third commandment is… Ex 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain. KJV 48. What is required in the third commandment? The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word and works. Psalm 29:2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Revelation 15:3-4 And sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Romans 13:2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Psalm 138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Job 36:24 Remember to extol his work, which men have praised in song. Deuteronomy 28:58-59 If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name--the LORD your God--the LORD will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses. 49. Which is the fourth commandment? The forth commandment is… Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” 50. What is required in the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as He has appointed in His Word, expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to Himself. Leviticus 19:30 “Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.” Deuteronomy 5:12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.” 51. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified? The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days, and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship, except so much as taken up in the works of necessity and mercy. Leviticus 23:3 “There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.” Psalm 92:1-3 It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. Isaiah 58:13-14 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken. Matthew12:11-12 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." 52. Which is the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment is… Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” 53. What is required in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment requires the preserving the Honor, and performing the duties belonging to everyone in their various positions and relationships with superiors, inferiors, or equals. Ephesians 5:21-22 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-5 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother" -which is the first commandment with a promise- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 54. What is the reason for the attachment of consequences to the fifth commandment? The reason for the attachment of consequences to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity-as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good-to all such as keep this commandment. Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 55. Which is the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment is… Ex 20:13 "You shall not murder.” 56. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatever tends to it. Acts 16:28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” Proverbs 24:11-12 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? 57. Which is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is… Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery.” 58. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste (impure) thoughts, words and actions. Matthew 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Ephesians 5:3-4 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 59. Which is the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment is… Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal.” 60. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment forbids us to do anything that would keep us from providing for our own, or the taking anything that belongs to our neighbor or anyone else. 1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Proverbs 28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 61. Which is the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment is… Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” 62. What is required in the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting truth between man and man, and of our own, and our neighbor’s good name, especially in witness bearing. Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts. 1 Peter 3:16 Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Acts 25:10 Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.” 2 John 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. Proverbs 14:5 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. 63. What is the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment is… Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." 64. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment? The tenth commandments forbids all discontentment with what we have, envying or desiring the goods of our neighbor, and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his. 1 Corinthians 10:10 And do not grumble, as some of them did-and were killed by the destroying angel. Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 65. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No. No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life to perfectly keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them in thought, word, and deed. Ecclesiastes 7:20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. Genesis 8:21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood.” James 3:8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 66. Are all the transgressions of the law equally heinous (terrible, wicked, scandalous, or abominable)? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. John 19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." 1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. Mark 3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." 67. What does every sin deserve? Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse (punishment), both in this life and that which is to come. Jeremiah 21:14 “I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forests that will consume everything around you." Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Psalm 11:5-6 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 68. How may we escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin? To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, we must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting alone to His blood and righteousness. This faith is attended by repentance for the past and leads to holiness in the future. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 69. What is faith in Jesus Christ? Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive, and rest upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation, as He set forth in the gospel. Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God. Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us. John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 70. What is repentance to life? Repentance to life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sins, and seeking after the mercy of God in Christ, does with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it (sin) and turns to God, with full purpose to strive after Him in new obedience! Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Joel 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Jeremiah 31:18-19 "I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning: 'You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return because you are the LORD my God. After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.” Psalm 119:59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 71. How does the Holy Spirit show us the benefits of redemption? The Holy Spirit of God shows us the benefits of redemption through the Word, by which souls are brought to spiritual life, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Prayer and Meditation, by all which believers are further edified or built up in their most holy faith. Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. John 15:4-5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 72. How is the Word of God able to produce salvation? The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convicting and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith to salvation. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. 73. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation? That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence, preparation and prayer, receive it with faith, and love, lay it up into our hearts, and practice it in our lives. Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Hebrews 4:2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 And in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. James 1:25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does. 74. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful? Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from virtue in them, or in him who does administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 75. What is Baptism? Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ, to be to the person baptized a sign of his fellowship with Him, in His death, and burial and resurrection, of his being engrafted into Him, of remission of sins, and of his giving up himself to God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Rom 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Colossians 2:12 Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Mark 1:4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. Romans 6:4-5 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 76. To whom is Baptism to be administered? Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and to none other. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 3:6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:36-37 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" Acts 10:47-48a "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. 77. Are infants of professing Christians to be baptized? The infants of professing Christians are not to be baptized, because there is neither command nor example in the Holy Scriptures for their baptism. Exodus 23:13a "Be careful to do everything I have said to you.” Proverbs 30:6a Do not add to his words. 78. How is Baptism administered correctly? Baptism is correctly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and or the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, according to Christ’s institution, and the practice of the apostles, and not by sprinkling or pouring of water, or dipping some part of the body, after the tradition of men. Matthew 3:16a As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. John 3:23a Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water. Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. John 4:1-2 The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. Acts 8:38-39 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 79. What is the duty of those who are correctly baptized? It is the duty of those who are correctly baptized, to give themselves to some particular and orderly Church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Acts 2:46-47 Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 1 Corinthians 12:18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. Romans 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 2 Corinthians 6:17 "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. 80. What is the Lord’s Supper? The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ; wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to His appointment, His death is shown forth, and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all His benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 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." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 81. What is required to be worthy to receive the Lord’s Supper? It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience, lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test? 1 Corinthians 11:31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 1 Corinthians 11:18-20 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat. 1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 82. What is meant by the words, “until He comes,” which are used by the apostle Paul in reference to the Lord’s Supper? They plainly teach us that our Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time; which is the joy and hope of all believers. Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. 83. What is required for church membership at Maranatha? To be a member at Maranatha a person must be a born again believer, scripturally baptized (see question 78), willing to follow and submit to the leadership of the church and committed to the discipleship process (see question 84) at Maranatha! John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 84. What is the discipleship process at Maranatha? The discipleship process at Maranatha is to attend all worship services including Sunday night services and all revival services, to attend one small group Bible Study each week, and to be an active participant on a ministry team. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Acts 2:42a They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship. James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Matt 25:34-36 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” 85. What makes the fellowship at Maranatha unique? What makes the fellowship at Maranatha unique is that the Bible serves as our by-laws, the fellowship is made up of a diverse group of people, who are encouraging to one another, and we are expecting God to bless the work we are involved in while serving God and others! 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.” Luke 8:21 He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Revelation 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. Hebrews 10:25b But let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Matthew 20:28 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." 86. What kind of church government is in place at Maranatha? The church government in place at Maranatha is that of elders, the pastor being the bishop or primary overseer and the elders serving at the invitation of the pastor and affirmed by the church body and the church body being represented by the elders; with the elders administering the day to day business of the church! Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 20:17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 1 Timothy 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Acts 15:22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers. 87. What things can the members of the church expect to vote on? The things that the members can expect to vote on are the annual budget, the election of legal trustees, the purchase of land or the building of new buildings, and the calling of a senior pastor; all of these would come in the form of a motion and a second from the board of elders! 1 Timothy 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 88. What would be the process for calling a senior pastor if the office was vacant? The process for calling a senior pastor would be to look among the membership for someone God is raising up to do the work! Acts 6:3-4 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 89. Who is Maranatha associated with? Maranatha works in association with the Little River Association (an association of 28 churches in Southwest Arkansas), the Arkansas State Baptist Convention (1500 churches in Arkansas) and the Southern Baptist Convention (40,000 churches world wide) committed to evangelizing and ministering in the name of Jesus locally, area wide, state wide, in the nation and throughout the world! Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 90. What is Maranatha’s mission plan? Maranatha’s mission plan is to carry the gospel message to our families, to our neighbors, our community, our area, our state, our nation and the world with an emphasis on those that are poor, hungry, sick and to those who cannot defend themselves; having a viable and on going plan in each of these areas at all times! Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." |