Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, Question 2 – Question 3
Of the Scriptures as our Rule.
Quest. 2. WHat Rule hath God given …o direct us, how we may glorifie and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, is the only rule to direct us, how we may glorify and enjoy him.
Q. 1. How can the Scriptures be called the Word of God, seeing the things contained therein, were spoken and written by men?
A. They are truly and properly called the Word of God, because they came not by the Will of Man, but holy Men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1.21.
Q. 2. What are the principal Arguments to persuade us that the Scriptures are of Divine Authority, and Inspiration?
A. Three things especially convince us. First The Holiness of the Doctrine therein contained. Secondly, The awful efficacy thereof on the Soul. Thirdly, The uncontroulable Miracles by which they are sealed, put it beyond all rational doubt, that they are the very Word of God.
Q. 3. What is the Holiness of the Scriptures? and how doth that prove them to be God's Word?
A. The Holiness of the Scriptures doth appear in two things. First, In commanding and encouraging whatsoever is pure, and holy; Phil. 4.8. Whatsoever things are pure. Secondly. In forbidding all unholiness, under pain of Damnation, 1 Cor. 6.9. Know ye not, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, &c. This shews that they came not from Satan, being cross to his design; nor from men, it being against his corrupt nature; and therefore from God only.
Q. 4. What is their Authority and Efficacy on the Soul? and how doth that prove them Divine?
A. Their Authority and Efficacy on the Soul, consists in three Things: First, In the power they have to search and discover the secrets of men. Heb. 4.12. The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit, of the Ioynts and Marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Secondly, In their converting Efficacy, changing and renewing the Soul. Psal. 19.7. The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the Soul. Thirdly, In their chearing and restoring Efficacy, when the Soul is cast down under any inward or outward trouble. Psal. 19.8. The Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoycing the Heart. No humane Power can do such things as these. Iohn 17 17. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.
Q. 5. How do Miracles confirm it?
A. Because all proper Miracles are wrought only by the hand of God, Iohn 3.2. And no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him; and so are his seal to whatsoever he affixes them, and it consists not with his truth and holiness to set it to a forgery.
Q. 6. VVhat was the end of writing the word?
A. That the Church to the end of the world might have a sure, known, standing Rule to try and judge all things by, and not to be left to the uncertainty of Traditions: Iohn 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life, and they are they which testify of me.
Q. 7. Doth not the Authority of the Scriptures depend on the Church▪ Fathers and Councils?
A. No, the Scriptures are not built on the Authority of the Church, but the Church on them. Ephes 2.19, 20. And are built on the Foundations of the Apostles and Prophets, Iesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone. And for Councils and Fathers, the Scriptures are not to be tried by them; but they by the Scriptures. Isa. 8.20. To the Law, and to the Testimony; if they speak not according to this word, 'tis because there is no light in them.
Q. 8. VVhat may be fairly inferr'd from this Proposition, That the Scriptures are the word of God?
A. Three things may be thence inferr'd, First, The perfection of the Scriptures, which being the only rule given by God, must therefore be perfect. Secondly, That it is the right of common People to read them. Iohn 5.39. Search the Scriptures. Acts 17.11. These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and search the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Thirdly, That we owe no obedience to the Injunctions of men, farther than they are sufficiently warranted by the written Word. Mat. 15.9. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men.
Of Faith and Obedience.
Quest. 3 VVHat do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach what Man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of Man.
Q. 1. VVhy is Faith conjoyned with Obedience, and put before it?
A. Because Faith is the principle from whence all Obedience flows, and no man can perform any duty aright in the estate of unbelief. Heb. 11.6. But without Faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is.
Q. 2. Can there be no saving Faith where the Scriptures are not known and preached?
A. No; for the Apostle saith, Rom. 10.14. How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him, of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a Preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? And v. 17. So then, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the VVord of God.
Q. 3. Are not we bound to believe what Learned men teach us, as Points of Faith, though the things …hey teach be not contained in the VVord of God?
A. No, if the things they teach be not contained expresly, or by necessary consequence in the Word of God, we are not obliged to believe them as points of Faith. Isa. 8.20. To the Law, and to the Testimony, if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them. Gal. 1.8. Though we, or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. And Christ hath charged us, Mat. 23.10. To call no man Master, for one is your Master, even Christ.
Q. 4. Are there some things in Scripture more excellent than others; Because it's said, the Scriptures principally teach matters of Faith and Duty?
A. Every part of Scripture is alike pure; Prov. 30.5. Every word of God is pure, and of equal authority, but not of equal weight; as several pieces of Gold are alike pure, and of the same stamp, but not of equal value.
Q. 5. What may be inferred hence for Use?
A. First, Hence 'tis our duty to examine what we hear, by the Word; and not receive any Doctrine, because men confidently affirm it, but because the Scriptures require it. Acts 17.11. These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so. Secondly, That Christian Religion is not notional, but practical; and that impractical Faith saves no man, Iam. 2.20. Faith without Works is dead.