X. 27. But a certain fearful look-,

ing for of judgment, and fiery in- dignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
«lo
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Q. 84. Shall all men die?
A. Death being threatened as the wages of sin *^, it is ap-
ppjiTted unto all men once to die*^; for that all have sinned ^
/ Q. 85. Death being the wages of sin, why are not the righ'
Vuous delivered from death, sqeing all their sins are forgiven in
Christ?
A, The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, a-^d even in death are delivered from the st' ig and curse of il , so that, although they die, yet it is out of God's love *", to free them perfectly from sin and misery *, and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory, which they then enter upon ^.
Q. 86. What
adversaries. Rom. ii. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile. Mark ix. 44. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
84. d Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death : but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
^Heb. ix. 27. And as it Is ap- pointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
f Rom. v. 1 2. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
85. S 1 Cor. XV. 26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. * Ver. 55. O death ! where is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy victory ? Ver. 5G. The hting of death is sin ; utid the strength of sin is the law. Ver. 57. But ^hanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our I^ord Jesus Christ. Heb. ii. 15. And deliver them who through fear ot death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
h isa. Ivii. 1. The righteous perish- eth, and no man iayeth it to heart; 27 •
and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. Ver. 2, He shall enter into peace, they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness, 2 Kings xxii. 20. Behold, therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place.
iRev. xiv. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me. Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth :' Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works da follow them. Eph. v. 27. Tliat he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot. or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.
k Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him. Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me ic paradise. Phil, i, 23. For I am ir a strait betwixt two, having a de- sire to depart, and to be wicfc Christ; which is far better
86. IHeb,
'T/ . T "yfrcr Catechtsm.
S-ll
"V fiO. Wiiat IS (/>( communion in p;hn/ with Christy li the members oj the imi^iblc church ctyOj/ immcdiatcfj/ ^ijitr (hath 7
A. The communion in glorv with Christ, wliich the luein-
of tlie invi.si!)le churtli enjoy immediately after death,
.., iii that their souls are tlien made perfect in lioliness', and
^received into the highest heavens "", where they l)ehold the
'' - of God in lii^ht and glory", waiting for the I'ull re-
;j)tion of their bodies", wliieh even in death continue
I united to Christ^, and rest in th(ir graves as in their beds'',
ftill at the last day they be again united to their souls "".
f Whereas
«6. > Hcb. xii. 'iSfc To the general :iS8enibly and church of tl:c first- born, which are written in heaven, FamI to God the judg:e of all, and to
■'irits of just men made perfect.
- Cor. V. 1. For \Te know,
, if our earthly house of this
.nacle were dissolved, we have
X buiiduig of God, an house not
made with hands, eternal in the
"^ -ens. Ver. (J. Therefore we
'ways confident, knowing that
: we are at hnme in the body,
we are abstnt from the Lord. Ver. 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be abser.t frona the body, and to be present with the Lord. Phil. i. 23. For 1 am in a strait betwixt two, haviiij^ a desire to depart, and to be with Christ ; wluch is far hctttr. t' ■• '.ircJ tL-iih Acts iii. 21. Whcym
leaven must receive until the of restitution of all things, wJiich God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Jioly prophets since the world began. And xtifh Eph. iv. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended xip far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.
"^ 1 John iii. $. Beloved, now tyre we the sons of God: and it
doth not yet appear what we slull be : but we know that, v/hen he shall appear, we shall be like him ; lor we shall see him as he is. I Cor. xiii. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face : now I know in part ; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
" Rom. viii. 23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the fif'^t-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit» the redemption of our body. PsaL xvi. 9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth : my flesh also shall rest in hope.
P 1 Thess. iv. 1 4. For if we be- lleve that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
^ Isa. Ivii, 2. He sliall enter in- to peace ; they shall rest in their bed«, each one walking in his up- rightness.
*■ Job xix. 2C. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shjl I see God: Ver. 27. VN'hom I bh;-.!! see for my- self, and mine eyes, ^hall behold, and not another ; though my reins be consunit'J within me.
L 6 Luke
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Whereas the souls of the wicked are at their death cast into iiell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, and their bodies kept in their graves, as in their prisons, till the resurrection and judgment of the great day \
Q. 87. What are we to believe concerning the resurrection ?
J. We are to believe, that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust * ; when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed ; and the self-same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave, being then again united to their souls for ever, shall be raised up by the power of Christ \ The bodies df the just, by the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of his. resurrection as their head, shall be raised in
power.
"'Luke xvi. 23. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Ver. 24. And he cried, and said, Father Abra- ham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue ; for I am tormented in this flame. Acts i. 25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Jude, Ver. 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habita- tion, he hath reserved in everlast- ing chains, under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. Ver. 7. JEven as Sodom and Go- morrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to "fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
87. t Acts xxiv. 15. And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there ^all be a resurrection of the dead, ioth of the just and unjust.
"1 Cor. XV. 51. Behold, I shew you a myitery ; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Ver. 52. In a moment, in the twinkUng of an eye, at the last trump : (for thei trumpet shall sound,) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Ver. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on im- mortality. 1 Thess. iv. 15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of die Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. Ver. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaver with a shout, with the voice of th( archangel, and with the trump God; and the dead in Christ shal rise first : Ver, 1 7. Then we whicl are alive and remain shall be caugh up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: an so shall we ever be with the Lard Jolin v. 28. Marvel not at this for the hour is coming, in th which all that are in the grave shall hear his voice, Ver. 29. An' shall come forth ; they that hav done good, unto the resurrectio:
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power, spiritual, incorruptible, and made like to Iifs glori- ous body '" ; and the bodies of the wicked shall be raise up in dishonour by him, as an ofVended judge*.
Q. 8S. Uliat shall immediately follow after the resurrection?
A. Innnediately after the resurrection shall follow the :E[eneral and finaljudgment of angels and men> ; the day and ifiour whereof no man knowetli, that all may watch and pray, and be ever ready for the coming of the Lor
Q. 89. What.
of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna. lion.
" 1 Cor. XV. 21. For since by man came death , by man came ulso the resurrection of the dead. Ver. 22. For as in Adam all die, i-ven so in Christ shall all be made iJive. Ver. 23. But every man in liis own order ; Christ the first-fruits, rJterward they that are Christ's at us coming. Ver. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown n corruption, it is raised in incorrup- ion ; Ver. 43. It is sown in dis- louour, it is raised in glory : it is lown in weakness, it is raised in tower : Ver. 44. It is sown a natural lody, it is raised a spiritual body. PhiL iiL 21. Who shall change our rile body, that it may be fasliioned ke unto his glorious body, accord- ng to the working whereby he is ble even to subdue all things unto limself.
* John v. 27. And hath given him luthority to execute judgment also, ttcause he is the Son of man. /er. 28. Marvel not at this : for the X>ur is coming, in the which all that ire in the graves shall hear his voice, VtT, 29. And shall come forth ; they hat have done good, unto the re- urrection of life ; and they that liave lone evil, unto the resurrection of lamnation. Mat. xxv. 33. And he Hall set the sheep on his right handi >ut the goata oa the le£c
8fi. yi2 Pet. ii. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of dark- ness, to be reserved unto judgment, Jude, Ver. 6. And the ar.gels which kept not their first estate, but left their own htibiration, he hath reserved in everlasting chains, under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day : Ver. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going afcer strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Ver. 14. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the I^ord Cometh with ten thousands of his saints, Ver. 15. To execute judg. ment upon all, and to convince ail that are ungodly among them of all tlieir ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Mat. xxv. 46". And these shall go away into everlasting pti« nishment : but the righteous into life eternal.
^ Mat, xxiv. 30. But of that day and hour knoweth no maji, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Ver. 42. Watch there- fore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Ver. 44, L 2 Th^x Jore
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Q. 89. What shall be done to the wicked at the daj/ oj judgment ?
A. At the clay of jutigment, the wicked sliall be set on Christ's left hand % and, upon clear evidence, and full conviction of their own consciences^, shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them '^ ; and thereupon shall be cast out from the favour- able presence of God, and tlie glorious fellowship wit! Christ, his saints, and all liis holy angels, into hell, to b( punished with unspeakable torments, both of body anc sold, with the devil and his angels for ever*^.
Q. 90. What shall he done to the righteous at the daj/ o^ judgment ?
A, At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caugh up to Christ in the clouds % shall be set on his right hand
an
Therefore be ye also ready : for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Luke xxi. 35. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Ver. 3C. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that ?hall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man,
89. * Mat. XXV. S3. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
b Rom. ii. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another, Ver. 16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
^Mar. xxV. 41, Then shall he say also unto them on tlie left hand. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for ih« devil acd his angeb. Ver. 42.
For I was an hungered, and y gave me no meat : I was thirst) and ye gave me no drink : Ver. 4J I was a stranger, and ye took m ■not in : naked, and ye clothed m not : sick, and in pnson, and y visited me not.
d Luke xvi. 26. And besides a this, between us and you thei is a great gulf fixed : so th; they which would pass from hent to you cannot ; neither can the pass to us that would come fro: thence. 2 Thess. i. 8; In flamir fire, taking vengeance on the: that know not God, and th obey not tlie gospel of Lord Jesus Christ : Ver. shall be punished with ing destruction from the of the Lord, and from the glo of his power,
90. ^ 1 Thess. Iv. 17. Then \ which are aUve and remain sh. be caught up together with tht in the clouds, to meet the .Lo in the air ; and so shall we e\ be with the Lord.
oi 9. \\n everlas presen
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245
fand tlierc openly acknowledtred and acquitted^, shall joia
I with him in the judging of reprobate angels and nien%
and shall be received into heaven'', where they shall be
i fullv and for ever freed from all sin and misery ' ; filled
j with inconceivable joys '", made perfectly holy and happy
[ both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable
' saints and holy angels ', but especially in the immediate
vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord JesuS
Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity ™. And thig
is the perfect and full communion, which the members of
the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at tho
xesurrection and day of Judgment.
Having-
f Mat. rxxr. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Mat. x. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess tne before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in htaven.
^ 1 Cor. vi. 2. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world .' and if the worlJ shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smailest matters ? Vt-r. 3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this hfe ?
^Mat. XXV. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Far- ther, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Ver. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punish- ment : but tlie righteous into life eternal.
i Eph. V. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy, and without blemish. Rev. xiv. IS. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me. Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from heuceforth : Yea,
salth the Spirit, that they may re&t from their labours ; and their works do follow them.
k Psal. xvi. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life i in thy pre- sence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures foiT evermore.
* Heb. xii. 22. But ye are com© unto mount Sion, and unto the city of th« living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, Ver. 23. To the general assembly and church of the first -bom, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
"^ 1 John iii. 2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what we sliall be : but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him j for we shall see him as he is. 1 Cor, xiii. J 2. For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face : now I know in part ; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together witb them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air ; and so shall we L a ever
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The Larger Catechism.
Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God, it follows to con- sider what they require as the Duty of Man.
/Q. 91. }Vhat is the duty which God rcquireth of man 9 /-4. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedi- ence to his revealed will ".
Q. 92. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule oj his obedience ?
A, The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the know- ledge of good and evil, was the moral law °.
Q. 93. What is the moral law ?
A. The-moral.lawisLjJiadedLaraticm.of_^^^ to
saaankind, directing and binding every one to personal, per-
•^'"'" ~ feet,
«ver be with the Lord. Ver. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
91. "Rom. xli. 1. I beseech yoti iherefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable Mnto God, which is your reason- able service. Ver. 2. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mirid, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Micah vi. 8. He hath shewed thee, O xnan, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ? 1 Sam. XV. 22. And Samuel said. Hath the I^ord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord ? Behold, to obey is better than sa- crifice ; and to hearken than the fat af rams.
92. o Gen. i. 26. And God said. Let us make man in our image, after our likeness : and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that ci:^*epeth upon the earth. Ver. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him ; male and female created he them. Rom. ii. 14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves : Ver. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing wit- ness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. Rom. x. 5. For Moses; describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which I doeth those things shall live by { them. Gen. ii. 17. But of the tree
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fect^.aiiilj)cr^utuiil conformity and obedience tiicnunto, in i the frame and disposition of the whole man, soul and bodyP, . and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righ- teousness which he oweth to God and man'^i promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening deatix upon the breach of it'.
Q. 94. Is there any use of the moral law to man since the
A. Although no man, since the fall, can attain to righ- teousness and lilc by the morallaw * ; yet there is great use
thereof.
1
the knowledge of ^ood and evil, thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou tatest thereof tliou shalt surely die.
93. P Deut. V. 1 . And Moses call- ed all Israel, and ?ald unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I spt-ak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. Ver. 2. The Lord our God made a' covenant with us in Horeb. Ver. 3. The I^ord made not this covenant "with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are" all of us here alive this day. Ver. 31. But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the command- ments, and the statutes, and the judgments which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. Ver. 33. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord- your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your in the land which ye shall ss. Luke X. 26. He said unto nirn. What is written in the law .' how readest thou ? Ver. 27. And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
all tliy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Gal. iii. JO. for as many as are of the works of the law uxe under the curse : for it is written. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 1 Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly : and I pray God your whole spirit acd soul and body be preserved blame- less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
^ Luke i. 75. In holiness and righ- teousness before him, all the days of our life. Acts xiiv. 16. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
^ Rom. X. 5. For Moses descrl- beth the righteousness which is o£ the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written. Cursed is e\'ery one that continutth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Ver. 12. And the law is not of faith : but, The man that doeth them shall live in tliem.
94. 5 Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it
T-vith all thy strength, and with was v^eak through the flesh, God
L 4 sending
248
The Larger Catechism.
thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the uiiregenerate, or the regenerate \
Q. 95. Of ichat use is the inoral laiv to all men ?
A, The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and will of God ", and of their duty, binding them to walk accordingly '^ ; to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful polluticm^of their nature, hearts^ and lives ^; to humble them m the sense €>f tKeir snTancTunserp, and thereby help them to a clearer
sight
sendinjy his own Son in the lll?e- ;iess of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus
Christ, that we might by the faith of Christ, the works of the law :
be justified and not by for by the
works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
t 1 Tim. 1. 8. But we know- that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.
95. "I^ev. xK 44. For I am the Lord your God : ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy ; for I am holy ,: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Ver. 45. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Ejrypt, to be your God : ye shall there- fore be holy ; for 1 am holy. J.ev. XX. 7. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy ; for I am the Lord your God. Ver. 8. And ye shall keep my statutes, viiid do them : I ani the Lord which sanctify you. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy j and the commandment holy, and just, ;uid good.
^^Micah vi. 8. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God } James ii. 10. For who- soever shall keep the wliole law, and yet offend in one point, l>e is guilty of all. Ver. ] 1. For he that said. Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now, if thou commit no adultery, yet if tliou kill, thou art become a trans- gressor of the law.
^ Psal. xix. 11. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great re- ward. Ver. 12. Who can under- stand his errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight : for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. vii. 7. What shall we say then ? Is th^ " law sin ? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law : for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt liot
C0VA.'t.
y Rom. iii. 9. What then ? are T\re better than they . wise ; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that th.ey are ail ynder sin. Ver. 2o. For a\\ have
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figTit of the need they have of Christ % and of the perfec* tion of his obedience *.
Q. ^0. What particular use is there of the moral law to tm* • rmrnerate men ?
. /. Tlie moral law is of use to unregenerate men, to cHvaken their consciences to flee from wrath to come ^^ and to drive tlieni to Christ •=; or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable'^, and under the curse thereof *".
Q. 97. What special use is there of the moral law to the re* generate ?
A. AIthou;;h they that are regenerate and beheve in Christ, be deUvered from the moral law as a ^ covenant of
worksj
have slnnfil, and come short of the glory of God.
* Gal. iii. 21. Is the law then against the promises forbid : for if ther given which could have given life, verily righteousness sliould have been by the law. Ver. 'J2. But the scripture hatli concluded all un- der sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
" Rom. X. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
96. b 1 Tim. i. 9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righ- teous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for miholy and profane, for murderers of fathers, and murderers of mothers, for man-slayers, Ver. 10. For whoremongers, for them thjJt defile themsL'lves with mankind, for Hien-stiialers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any othrr thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.
*^ Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be jus- ;iified by faith.
d Rom. i. 20. For the Invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse. Compared ivith Rom. ii. 15« Which shew the work of the law writttn in their hearts, their con- sience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
*^ Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are- of the works of the law are under the curse : for It is written, Curse(f is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
97. f Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominitm over you ; for ye arc not under the- law, but under grace. Rom. vii. 4. Where- fore, n.y brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Ver, 6. But now we are delivered from the law, that be- ing dead wherem we were held;
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tvorks, so as thereby they are tieither justified Mior^ con- demned ^ ; yet, be^deXflie^general^ii^el^ere^ to them with all men, it is of special use, to shew them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfiUing it, and en- during the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good ' ; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness *", and to express the same in their greater care to conform them- selves thereunto as the rule of their obedience '.
Q. 9S. mere
that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a wo- man, made under the laW, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
8 Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no ^sh be justified in his sight ; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. b Gal. V. 23. Meekness, tem- perance : against such there is no Jaw. Rom. viii. 1. There is there- fore now no condemnation to them ■which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
i Rom. vir. 24. O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death ? Ver. 25. I thank God, through Je- sus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law ©f God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Gal. iii. 1.3. Christ bath redeemed us from the curse •f the law, being made a curse for us : for it is written. Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree : Ver. 14. That die blessing of Abra- ham might come on tht Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Koi»» viii. 3, For
what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the like- ness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh : Ver, 4. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
k Luke i. 68. Blessed be the Lerd God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, Ver. 69. And hath raised up an horn of sal- vation for us in the house of his servant David. Ver. 74. That he would grant unto us, that we, being deUvered out of the hands of out enemies, might- serve him without fear, Ver. 75. In holiness and righ- teousness before him, all the day! of our life. Col. i. 12. Giving thank; unto the Father, which hath mad« us meet to be partakers of the inheri- tance of the saints in li^ht : Ver. 1 3 Who hath delivered us from th power of darkness, and hath trans lated us into the kingdom of hii dear Son : Ver. 1 4. In whom we hav( redemption through his blood, evei the forgiveness of sins.
1 Rom. viL 22. For I delight Ir the law of God after the inwar( man. Rom. xii. 2. And be no conformed to this world : but b ye transformed by the renewing o your mind, that ye may provi what is that good, and acceptable
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Q. OSnV/ffre is the moral law summarily comprthmcted f
A, The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone " ; and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus. The four first commandments containing our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man ".
Q. 99. What rules are to he observed for the right under" standing of the ten commandments f
A. For the right understanding of the ten command-
iits, these ndes are to be observed :
1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth every one to lull conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience for ever; so as to re- quire the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least dofiree of every sin "".
2. That
and perfect will of God. Tit, ii. II. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Ver. 1*2. Teachinj^ us, that, deny- ing ungodliness and worldly Justs, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world ; Ver. 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our .Saviour Jesus Christ; Ver. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might re- deem us from all iniquity, and puri- fy unto himself a pcc\iliar people, zealous of good works.
98. '^Deut. 31. 4. And he wrote the tables, according lo the
'. writing, the ten command- :. :it3, which the Lord sp.ike un- to you in the mount, out of the :v' lit of the fire, in the day of assembly ; and the Lord gave I :n unto me. Exod. xxxiv. 1. And the Lord said unto Mo5e«, Hew thee two tables of stone, like unto the first ; and I will write upon these tables the words that
\yere in tlie first tables, which thou brakest. Ver. 2. And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and pre- sent thyself there to me in the top of the mount. Ver. 3. And no man shall come up with thee, l;fc, Ver. 4. And he hewed two tables of stone, like unto the first ; and Moses rose up early in the moniing, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.
" Mat. xxii. 87. Jesus said unto him. Thou shalt love the Lord ihjr God with all thy heai t, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, Ver. 38. This is the first and great commandment. Ver. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thysdf. Ver. 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
99. 0 Psal. xix. 7. The law of
the Lord is perfect, converting the
soul; the testimony of the Lord
LQ is
2!>2
The Larger Catechism.
2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understand- mg, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul ; as well as words, works, and gestures p.
3. Tliat one and the same thing, in divers respects, is. required or forbidden in several commandments '^.
4. That'
is sure, making' wise the simple. James ii. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet olfend in one point, he is guiky of all. Mat. V. 21. [to the end.] Ye have heard that it was' said by thtni of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and^ whosoever shall kill shall be in ^danger of the judgment : Ver. 22. But I say unto you, That whoso- ever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the jud^ient: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, sliall he in danger of the council : but whoso- ever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire. — Ver. 27. Ye ,have heard that it was said by them of old time. Thou shalt not commit adultery : Ver. 28 But I say «nto yon, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath com- mitted adultery with her already in his heart. — Ver. 3S. Again, ye have heard that it !iath been said by theai t)f old time, Tiiou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perff^rm uiito the L,ord thine oaths: Ver. 'J-i. But I say unto you. Swear not at all : neither by heaven ; for it is God's throne : — Ver. 37. But let your com- munication be. Yea, yea ;^ Nay, nay • for whatsoever is more than these Cometh of evil. Ver. 3& Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for aia eye,^ and a tooth for a tooth ; Ver 39. But I say unto you, I'hat ye resist rot evil. — -Ver. 43. Ye have heara that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy ; Ver» 44. But I say un-
to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hute you, and pray fcr them which despitefully use you,, and persecute you, Iffc.
1^ Rom, vii. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual : but I am carnal, sold u^der sin.. Deut. vi. 5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all tliy might. Ccmparcd' ivith Mat. xxii. 37. Jesus said unta him. Thou shalt love the J.ord thy God with ail thy heart, and witJi all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Ver. 38. This is the first, and great commandment. Ver, 39..' And the second is like unto it,. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as- thyself.
'i Col. ilL 5. Mortify therefore- your members which are upon the earth t fornication, uncleanness, in* ordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Amos viii. 5. Saying, When will the neWf moon be gone, that we m.ay sell com ? and the sabbath, that we may set forth whi.'at, making the ephuh small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit } Prov. i. 19. ^o are the ways of every one tliat is greedy of gain : which taketh away the hfe of the owners thereof. 1 Tim. vi. 1 0. For the love of money is the root of all evil;, which while sonie coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows*
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aTas, wlicrc a duty is commtvndtHl, llie contrary m\ is forbidden^; and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded * : so, where a promise fs
■exed, the contrary tlneatcnin;^ is inchided ' ; and, •re a threatening is annexed, tlie contrary promise is uded ".
5. That
"■ Isa. Irili. l^. If tl:ou triirn away thy foot from the sabbatli, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Kibbath a dellj^^ht, the holy of ,tbe Lord, honouruSie, and shalt honour him, not dding thine own ■ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, sj>e.Ui.ii;g thine own words. r. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the i. ui thy God, and serve him, and shult 8\vt;ar by his name. CoM/iarfJ ttith M:it. iv. 9. And saith unto him. All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship n\e. Ver. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him. Get thee hence, Satan : for it is ■writ- ten. Thou shal^ 'worship the I.(rd thy God, and hina only shult thou serve. Mat. xv. 4. For God con> manded, saying, Honour thy father and mother : and. He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. Ver, 5. But ye say, Whoso- ever shall say to his father or his mo- thtT, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou 'test be profited by me ; Ver. 6. i.ononr not his father or his mo- '.\c shall be free. Thus have ye thi: commandment of God of rffect by your tradition, -lat. V. 2 J, 2*2. [5^^ Iflhr^.] J J. Therefore, if thou bring thy gilt to the alrar, arul there remem- ler.'st that thy brother h.ith cuebt t thee; Ver. 2i. Le^ivc there . t before the altar, and go thy ■»». s i first l)e reconciled to thy bnj- ther, and then come »ad offer thy
j;,.L. ij.h. iv. 2S. Let him that stele- steal no more ; but rather let him la- bour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
t f.xod. XX. 12. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the- Lord thy God giveth thee. Compared ivhh Prov. XXX. 17. The eye that niocketh at his f.ither, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
" Jer. xviii. 7. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it : Ver. 8. If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. Exod.