Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, Question 9 – Question 10
Of the Creation.
Quest. 9. WHAT are the Works of Creation?
A. The Work of Creation is, God's making all things of nothing, by the Word of his Power, in the space of Six Days, and all very good.
Q 1. VVhat is it to create?
A. To create, is to give a Being to that which had no Being; or to bring something out of nothing. Heb. 11.3. Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things that do appear.
Q. 2. How did God create the world?
A. By his infinite Power, executed in his Word of Command. Psalm 33.6.9. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth; for he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Q. 3. What Attributes of God shine forth in the Creation?
A. The Wisdom of God shines forth gloriously, not only in their formation, but dependance one upon another. Psalm 104.24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.
Q. 4. What may we learn from the Creation?
A. That God perfectly knows all that is in the Creature, be it never so secret. Psalm 94.8, 9. Understand, O ye brutish among the people; and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
Q. 2. What's the Second Instruction from the Creation?
A. That God is the rightful owner of us all, and may do what he will with us. Rom. 9.20. Nay, but O man, who art thou that repliest against God! Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the porter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honour, and another to dishonour?
Q. 6. What is the Third Instruction from the Creation?
A. That God only is the proper Object of Worship. Ier. 10. 11. Thus shall he say unto them, The Gods that have not made the heavens, and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
Q. 7. What is the Fourth Instruction from hence?
A. That Christians should not fear the power of Creatures, since they derive their Being and Power from God. Isa. 54.16, 17. Behold I have created the Smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy, no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.
Q. 8. What is the Fifth Instruction hence?
A. That Atheism is a sin against Natural Light and Reason. Rom. 1.20. 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.
Q 9. What is the Sixth Instruction hence?
A. That God's Glory is the end of all Being. Col. 1.16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by him and for him.
Q. 10. What is the Seventh Instruction hence?
A. That there is an unnatural rebellion in sin, smiting at him that made and preserves our Being. Isa. 1.2. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
Q. 11. What is the Eighth Instruction from hence?
A. That God can in a moment revive and save the Church, when at the lowest ebb. Isa. 65.18. Behold, I create Ierusalem a rejoycing, and her people a joy.
Q 12 What is the last Instruction from hence?
A. That it is easy with God to revive a dejected Soul. Isa. 57.19. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace peace to him that is far off, and t… him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal him.
Of Man's Creation.
Quest. 10. HOW did God create Man?
A. God created Man Male and Female, after his own Image, in Knowledge, Righteousness, and Holiness, wi…h dominion over the Creatures.
Q. 1. How did God create Man?
A. God created man in his own Image. Gen. 1.27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them,
Q. 2. What is meant by the Image of God?
A. Not a resemblance of God in any bodily Shape or Figure, but in holiness. Eph. 4.24. And that ye put on that new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Q. 3. In what Graces did Man resemble God?
A. In such a knowledge of God himself, and the Creatures, which made him happy. Col. 3.10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him.
Q. 4. In what other Graces did this Image consist?
A. In Righteousness as well as Holiness. Eph. 4.24. And that ye put on that new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Q. 5. What is the First Inference from hence?
A. The deplorable misery of the Fall. Rom. 5.12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
Q 6. VVhat is the Second Instruction hence?
A. The beauty of Holiness, which is the Image of God, and the Excellency of Man. Psalm 16.3. But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Q 7. VVhat is the Third Instruction from hence?
A. We have infinite cause to bless God for Christ, who repairs this lost Image in his people. Eph. 4.23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Q 8. VVhat is the Fourth Instruction from hence?
A. That the despisers of Holiness are the despisers of God; for Holiness is God's Image.
Q 9 VVhat's the Fifth Instruction from hence?
A The excellency of Sanctification, which defaces the Image of Satan, and draws the Image of God upon the Soul of ma….