Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, Question 103
Concerning the doing of Gods Will.
Quest. 103. WHat do we pray for in the third Petition?
A. In the third Petition, which is [Thy Will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven] we pray, that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his Will in all things, as the Angels do in Heaven.
Q. 1. What Will of God is here intended?
A. Not the Will of his Decree, for that is in himself alone, 1 Cor. 2.11. The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God.
Q. 2. What Will then is here meant?
A. The Will of his Providence may be here meant, Psal. 125.6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. And Psal. 119.89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is setled in heaven. Ver. 91. They continue this day according to t…ne ordinances: for all are thy servants.
Q 3. How are we to understand the doing of this Will of Providence in Heaven?
A. (1.) As 'tis done by the Sun, Moon, and Stars, Psal. 119.89. Thy word is setled in heaven. Vers 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances. Psal. 19.6. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (2.) As 'tis done by Angels, Psal. 104.4. Who maketh the angels spirits: his ministers a flaming fire. Heb. 1. ult. Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Q. 4. How do these perform the Will of Gods Providence?
A. (1.) The Heavenly bodies do it evenly, constantly and unweariedly, Psal. 104.19. He appointeth the moon for seasons, the sun knoweth his going down. (2.) The Angels do speedily, voluntarily, chearfully, and so knowingly, Psal. 103.21. Ye ministers of his that do his pleasure.
Q. 5. Must we be agents in this Providential Will?
A. Yes, we must, Acts 13.36. For David after he had served his generation by the will of God, fell on sleep.
Q. 6. How must we do it?
A. By imploying our abilities, faculties and interests, in the Duties of our particular Callings, and by moving constantly, prudently and vigorously in our own sphere, and so imitate those in Heaven.
Q. 7. Why do we pray that Gods Will of Providence may be done by us?
A. Because we are his Creatures, and the most noble instruments of the inferiour World; and therefore we should be willing to be acted by him, and active for him; and because this Will of Providence is alwayes just, good and true, and for his own Glory, Psal. 145.17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes, and holy in all his works. Psal. 119.89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is setled in heaven. Ver. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances; for all are thy servants.
Q. 8. What other Will of God is here meant?
A. The Will of his Precepts; and this is chiefly intended.
Q. 9. And how is this Will of God done in Heaven?
A. By the Angels 'tis done universally, chearfully, constantly, humbly, thankfully, loyally, readily, Psal. 103.20. Bless the Lord ye his angels that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. And so 'tis done by the Saints in Heaven, Rev. 7.15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. And 22.3. And his servants shall serve him.
Q. 10. Do we pray then that we may thus do the Will of God?
A. Yes; for though we cannot perfectly without sin do it, yet that is our Duty, Matth. 5. ult. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your father which is in heaven is perfect. And in all other particulars we may, and we must imitate them herein, Psal. 119.6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Ver. 14. I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. Ver. 60. I made has…e, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Ver. 112. &c. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes, alway even unto the end.
Q. 11. How must we know Gods Will?
A. Not notionally and rationally only, but spiritually also, 1 Cor. 2.14. They are spiritually discerned.
Q. 12. Why is knowing Gods will placed here before doing it, &c.?
A. Because the Understanding is the leading Faculty, without which 'tis impossible there should be any Obedience, Prov. 19.2. Also that the soul be without knowledge it is not good. Jer. 5.4. Therefore I said, surely these are poor, they are foolish: for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God.
Q. 13. Why pray we to God for this knowledge, can we not know it of our selves?
A. No, 'tis the special gift and grace of God, Gal. 1.15▪ 16. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mothers womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen, immediate…y I conferred not with flesh and blood. Eph. 1.17, 19. That the God of our Lord Iesus Christ, the father of glory may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. —And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward, who believe according to the working of his mighty power. Eph. 5.8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.
Q. 14. Why do we pray that we may obey, can we not do it of our own free will when we know it?
A. No; for our Wills are stubborn and rebellious against Gods Commands, as well as our Minds ignorant of them, Rom. 8.7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Ezek. 36.25, 26. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Phil. 2.13. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Q. 15. What is meant by submitting to Gods Will?
A. (1.) Either a voluntary subjection of Soul, and a preparedness actually to do his Will. Or (2.) a voluntary and silent submission to his Will of Providence in affliction; but in this particular we cannot imitate those in Heaven, because no cross ever befals them.
Q. 16. Why is Will added in all things?
A. Because partial Obedience, is no Obedience; he that does not obey God in every thing obeys him in nothing. Iam. 2.10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Q. 17. Why do we pray that God by his Grace would work this Will in us and by us?
A. Because 'tis Free-grace that determines it, 2 Tim. 1.9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Iesus, before the world began. And efficacious Grace that works it in us, and enables us to do it, Eph. 5.8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. Ver. 10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Q. 18. What is the first Inference from hence?
A. That 'tis Mans glory and felicity to be conformed to the Will of God, Prov. 12.26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour. Psal. 19.10, 11. More to be desired are they than gold, yea then much fine gold; sweeter also then honey, and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Q. 19. What is the second Inference?
A. That we must mortifie in our selves every lust that contradicts Gods Will, and renounce without our selves, every thing that comes in competition therewith, 1 Cor. 9. ult. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: least that by any means when I have preached to others, I my self should be a cast away. Gal. 6.14. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Iesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Q. 20. What is the third Inference?
A. That it is in vain, yea a provocation to pray, if we be not obedient to Gods, Will, Prov. 2.8, 9. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea every good path.
Q. 21. What is the fourth Inference?
A. That the Law still hath the authority of a Rule to Believers; because it reveals Gods Will, which they must do.