Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q 104: What do we pray for in the fourth petition? A 104: In the fourth petition (which is, Give us this day our daily bread)(1), we pray, That of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.(2) (1) Matt. 6:11. (2) Prov. 30:8-9; Gen. 28:20; I Tim. 4:4-5.

Quest. 104. What do we pray for in the fourth petition? Ans. 104. In the fourth petition (which is, Give us this day our daily bread)(1), we pray, That of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.(2) (1) Matt. 6:11. (2) Prov. 30:8-9; Gen. 28:20; I Tim. 4:4-5.

Quest. 102. What do we pray for in the second petition? Ans. 102. In the second petition (which is, Thy kingdom come)(1) we pray, That Satan's kingdom may be destroyed;(2) and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced,(3) ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it;(4) and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.(5) (1) Matt. 6:10. (2) Ps. 68:1, 18. (3) Rev. 12:10-11. (4) II Thess. 3:1; Rom. 10:1; John 17:9, 20. (5) Rev. 22:20.

Pastor John continues to expand on the Westminster Shorter Catechism Quest. 101. What do we pray for in the first petition? Ans. 101. In the first petition (which is, Hallowed be thy name)(1) we pray, That God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known;(2) and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.(3) (1) Matt. 6:9. (2) Ps. 67:2-3. (3) Ps. 83.

Quest. 96. What is the Lord's supper? Ans. 96. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worth receivers are, not after a corporal 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) (1) I Cor. 11:23-26; 10:16. Quest. 97. What is required to be the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper? Ans. 97. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body,(1) of their faith to feed upon him,(2) of their repentance,(3) love,(4) and new obedience;(5) lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.(6) (1) I Cor. 11:28-29. (2) II Cor. 13:5. (3) I Cor. 11:31. (4) I Cor. 10:16-17. (5) I Cor. 5:7-8. (6) I Cor. 11:28-29.

Quest. 98. What is prayer? Ans. 98. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God,(1) for things agreeable to his will,(2) in the name of Christ,(3) with confession of our sins,(4) and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.(5) (1) Ps. 62:8. (2) I John 5:14. (3) John 16:23. (4) Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4. (5) Phil. 4:6. Quest. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? Ans. 99. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer;(12) but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord's prayer.(2) (1) I John 5:14. (2) Matt. 6:9-13. Cf. Luke 11:2-4.

Quest. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? Ans. 91. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ,(1) and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.(2) (1) I Pet. 3:21; Matt. 3:11; I Cor. 3:6-7. (2) I Cor. 12:13. Quest. 92. What is a sacrament? Ans. 92. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.(1) (1) Gen. 17:7, 10; Exod. 12; I Cor. 11:23, 26. Quest. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament? Ans. 93. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism,(2) and the Lord's supper.(2) (1) Matt. 28:19. (2) Matt. 26:26-28.

Quest. 89. How is the word made effectual to salvation? Ans. 89. The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.(1) (1) Neh. 8:8; I Cor. 14:24-25; Acts 26:18; Ps. 19:8; Acts 20:32; Rom. 15:4; II Tim. 3:15-17; Rom. 10:13-17; 1:16. Quest. 90. How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? Ans. 90. The word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence,(1) preparation,(2) and prayer;(3) receive it with faith and love,(4) lay it up in our hearts,(5) and practice it in our lives.(6) (1) Prov. 8:34. (2) I Pet. 2:1-2. (3) Ps. 119:18. (4) Heb. 4:2; II Thess. 2:10. (5) Ps. 119:11. (6) Luke 8:15; James 1:25.

Quest. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? Ans. 82. No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God,(1) but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.(2) (1) Eccles. 7:20; I John 1:8, 10; Gal. 5:17. (2) Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Rom. 3:9-21; James 3:2-13. Quest. 83. Are all transgression of the law equally heinous? Ans. 83. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.(1) (1) Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15; I John 5:16; Ps. 78:17, 32, 56. Quest. 84. What doth every sin deserve? Ans. 84. Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.(1) (1) Eph. 5:6; Gal. 3:10; Lam. 3:39; Matt. 25:41.

Quest. 79. Which is the tenth commandment? Ans. 79. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.(1) (1) Exod. 20:17. Quest. 80. What is required in the tenth commandment? Ans. 80. The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition,(1) with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all this is his.(2) (1) Heb. 13:5; I Tim. 6:6. (2) Job 31:29; Rom. 12:15; I Tim. 1:5; I Cor. 13:4-7. Quest. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment? Ans. 81. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate,(1) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour,(2) and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.(3) (1) I Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; I Cor. 10:10. (2) Gal. 5:26; James 3:14, 16. (3) Rom. 7:7-8; 13:9; Deut. 5:21.

Quest. 73. Which is the eighth commandment? Ans. 73. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.(1) (1) Exod. 20:15. Quest. 74. What is required in the eighth commandment? Ans. 74. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.(1) (1) Gen. 30:30; I Tim. 5:8; Lev. 25:35; Deut. 22:1-5; Exod. 23:4-5; Gen. 47:14, 20. Quest. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment? Ans. 75. The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbor's wealth or outward estate.(1)

Quest. 76. What is the ninth commandment? Ans. 76. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.(1) (1) Exod. 20:16. Quest. 77. What is required in the ninth commandment? Ans. 77. The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,(1) and of our own and our neighbor's good name,(2) especially in witness-bearing.(3) (1) Zech. 8:16. (2) III John 12. (3) Prov. 14:5, 25. Quest. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment? Ans. 78. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbor's good name.(1) (1) I Sam. 17:28; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:3.

Pastor John answers questions.

After looking at the questions revolving around the 5th commandment, Pastor John pauses the look at the Westminster Shorter Catechism and focuses on two views within the church right now. He gives a primer look at Two Kingdom Theology and Theonomy and the errors that they hold.

Pastor John continues reviewing Westminster Shorter Confession: Quest. 58. What is required in the fourth commandment? Ans. 58. The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself.(1) (1) Deut. 5:12-14. Quest. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly sabbath? Ans. 59. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.(1) (1) Gen. 2:2-3; I Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7. Quest. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified? Ans. 60. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day,(1) even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days;(2) and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship,(3) except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.(4) (1) Exod. 20:8, 10; 16:25-28. (2) Neh. 13:15-19, 21-22. (3) Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; Ps. 92 title; Isa. 66:23. (4) Matt. 12:1-31. Quest. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment? Ans. 61. The fourth commandment forbids the omission or careless performance of the duties required,(1) and the profaning the day by idleness,(2) or doing that which is in itself sinful,(3) or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.(4) (1) Ezek. 22:26; Amos 8:5; Mal. 1:13. (2) Acts 20:7, 9. (3) Ezek. 23:38. (4) Jer. 17:24-26; Isa. 58:13.

Pastor John continues looking at the Westminster Shorter Catechism: Q53. Which is the third commandment? Ans. 53. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.(1) (1) Exod. 20:7. Q54. What is required in the third commandment? Ans. 54. The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God's names,(1) titles,(2) attributes,(3) ordinances,(4) word,(5) and works.(6) (1) Matt. 6:9; Deut. 28:58. (2) Ps. 68:4. (3) Rev. 15:3-4. (4) Mal. 1:11, 14. (5) Ps. 138:1-2. (6) Job 36:24.

Pastor John continues to look at the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Today he dives deeper into the second commandment. Quest. 51. What is forbidden in the second commandment? Ans. 51. The second commandment forbs the worshipping of God by images,(1) or any other way not appointed in his word.(2) (1) Deut. 4:15-19; Exod. 32:5, 8. (2) Deut. 12:31-32. Quest. 52. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment? Ans. 52. The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God's sovereignty over us,(1) his propriety in us,(2) and the zeal he hath to his own worship.(3) (1) Ps. 95:2-3, 6. (2) Ps. 45:11. (3) Exod. 34:13-14.

From a break, Pastor Canales is back, continuing his study of the Shorter Catechism. Quest. 45. Which is the first commandment? Ans. 45. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.(1) (1) Exod. 20:3. Quest. 46. What is required in the first commandment? Ans. 46. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God;(1) and to worship and glorify him accordingly.(2) (1) I Chron. 28:9; Deut. 26:17. (2) Matt. 4:10; Ps. 29:2. Quest. 47. What is forbidden in the first commandment? Ans. 47. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying,(1) or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God,(2) and our God;(3) and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.(4) (1) Ps. 14:1. (2) Rom. 1:21. (3) Ps. 81:10-11. (4) Rom. 1:25-26. Quest. 48. What are we specially taught by these words, before me in the first commandment? Ans. 48. These words before me in the first commandment teach us, That God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.(1) (1) Ezek. 8:5-18.

Pastor John continues his look at the Westminster Shorter Confession. Q 50. What is required in the second commandment? Ans. 50. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his word.(1) (1) Deut. 32:46; Matt. 28:20; Acts. 2:42.

Pastor John continues to look at the Westminster Shorter Catechism: Quest. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments? Ans. 42. 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 with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.(1) (1) Matt. 22:37-40. Quest. 43. What is the preface to the ten commandments? Ans. 43. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.(1) (1) Exod. 20:2. Quest. 44. What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us? Ans. 44. The preface to the ten commandments teaches us, That because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.(1) (1) Luke 1:74-75; I Pet. 1:15-19.

Pastor John continues looking at the Westminster Confession. This week he tackles three questions: Quest. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Ans. 39. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.(1) (1) Micah 6:8; I Sam. 15:22. Quest. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience? Ans. 40. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.(1) (1) Rom. 2:14-15; 10:5. Quest. 41. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended? Ans. 41. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.(1) (1) Deut. 10:4. Quest. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments? Ans. 42. 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 with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.(1) (1) Matt. 22:37-40.

Pastor John continues his study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Q37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death? A: The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness,(1) and do immediately pass into glory;(2) and their bodies, being still united to Christ,(3) do rest in their graves(4) till the resurrection.(5) (1) Heb. 12:23. (2) II Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Luke 23:43. (3) I Thess. 4:14. (4) Isa. 57:2. (5) Job 19:26-27.

Pastor Canales unpacks the Q23 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience,84 joy in the Holy Ghost,85 increase of grace,86 and perseverance therein to the end.87 ^ 84. Rom. 5:1-2, 5 ^ 85. Rom. 14:17 ^ 86. Prov. 4:18 ^ 87. I John 5:13; I Pet. 1:5

Today, Pastor John Canales expounds on Q35 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. 35. What is sanctification? Sanctification is the work of God's free grace,81 whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God,82 and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.83 ^ 81. II Thess. 2:13 ^ 82. Eph. 4:23-24 ^ 83. Rom. 6:4, 6

Pastor John Canales continues his study of the Westminster Shorter Confession. Today he looks at question 34. Q. 34. What is adoption? A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God. 1 John 3:1; John 1:12; Rom. 8:17.

Pastor John continues to teach through the Shorter Confession. Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life? A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which, in this life, do either accompany or flow from them. Rom. 8:30; Eph. 1:5; 1 Cor. 1:26, 30. Q. 33. What is justification? A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 4:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 5:17-19; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

Pastor John continues looking at the Shorter confession of Faith. This week he jumps ahead and looks at faith and repentance. (Or as Pastor John likes to call it, "The Texas two step". Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ? A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel. Heb. 10:39; John 1:12; Isa. 26:3-4; Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:16. Q. 87. What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience. Acts 11:18; Acts 2:37-38; Joel 2:12; Jer. 3:22; Jer. 31:18-19; Ezek. 36:31; 2 Cor. 7:11; Isa. 1:16-17.

Pastor John continues our study on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ? The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us,65 and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.66 ^ 65. Eph. 1:13-14; John 6:37, 39; Eph. 2:8 ^ 66. Eph. 3:17, I Cor. 1:9 31. What is effectual calling? Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit,67 whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery,68 enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ,69 and renewing our wills,70 he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.71 ^ 67. II Tim. 1:9; II Thess. 2:13-14 ^ 68. Acts 2:37 ^ 69. Acts 26:18 ^ 70. Ezek. 36:26-27 ^ 71. John 6:44-45; Phil. 2:13

After a summer break, we continue in our study of the Westminster Shorter Confession, taking up Q28. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation? Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day,59 in ascending up into heaven,60 in sitting at the right hand of God the Father,61 and in coming to judge the world at the last day.62 ^ 59. I Cor. 15:4 ^ 60. Mark 16:19 ^ 61. Eph. 1:20 ^ 62. Acts 1:11, 17:31 29. 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 us63 by his Holy Spirit.64 ^ 63. John 1:11-12 ^ 64. Titus 3:5-6

Pastor John continues his study on the Westminster Confession. Today we look at Q28. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation? Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day,59 in ascending up into heaven,60 in sitting at the right hand of God the Father,61 and in coming to judge the world at the last day.62 ^ 59. I Cor. 15:4 ^ 60. Mark 16:19 ^ 61. Eph. 1:20 ^ 62. Acts 1:11, 17:31

Rev. Canales continues our look into the Westminster Shorter Confession. 27. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist? Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition,52 made under the law,53 undergoing the miseries of this life,54 the wrath of God,55 and the cursed death of the cross;56 in being buried,57 and continuing under the power of death for a time.58 ^ 52. Luke 2:7 ^ 53. Gal. 4:4 ^ 54. Heb. 12:2-3; Isa. 53:2-3 ^ 55. Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46 ^ 56. Phil. 2:8 ^ 57. I Cor. 15:3-4 ^ 58. Acts 2:24-27, 31

Pastor Canales continues teaching on Q26 of the Westminster Shorter Confession. Today he looks at the Kingdom of Christ. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king? Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself,48 in ruling49 and defending us,50 and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.51 ^ 48. Acts 15:14-16 ^ 49. Isa. 33:22 ^ 50. Isa. 32:1-2 ^ 51. I Cor. 15:25, Ps. 110

Pastor Canales continues looking at the Westminster Shorter Confession. He also looks at dispensationalism and two kingdom model. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king? Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself,48 in ruling49 and defending us,50 and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.51 ^ 48. Acts 15:14-16 ^ 49. Isa. 33:22 ^ 50. Isa. 32:1-2 ^ 51. I Cor. 15:25, Ps. 110

Past John Canales continues our study into the Westminster Shorter Confession. Today we look at Q5: Q. 25. How does Christ fill the office of a priest? Christ fills the office of a priest in his once offering up of himself to God as a sacrifice, to satisfy divine justice[a] and reconcile us to God;[b] and in making constant intercession for us.[c] [a]. Isa 53:1-12; Acts 8:32-35; Heb 9:26-28; Heb 10:12 [b]. Rom 5:10-11; 2 Cor 5:18; Col 1:21-22 [c]. Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25; Heb 9:24

Pastor Canales continues looking at question 23 of the Westminster Confession. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer? Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.43 ^ 43. Acts 3:21-22; Heb. 12:25. Cf. II Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5-7;7:25; Ps. 2:6; Isa. 9:6-7; Matt. 21:5; Ps. 2:8-11.

Pastor John Canales continues looking at the Shorter Confession. Today we look at Q23: 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer? Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.43 ^ 43. Acts 3:21-22; Heb. 12:25. Cf. II Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5-7;7:25; Ps. 2:6; Isa. 9:6-7; Matt. 21:5; Ps. 2:8-11.

Today Pastor John brings a micro teaching before the main teaching on why Theology is so important in our daily lives. Then he moves on to Westminster Shorter Catechism question 22: Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body,39 and a reasonable soul,40 being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her,41 yet without sin.42 39. Heb. 2:14, 16, 10:5 40. Matt. 26:38 41. Luke 1:27, 31, 35, 42; Gal. 4:4 42. Heb. 4:15, 7:26

Today Pastor John Canales dives deeper into Q21: 21. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect? The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ,36 who, being the eternal Son of God, became man,37 and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.38 ^ 36. I Tim. 2:5-6 ^ 37. John 1:14; Gal. 4:4 ^ 38. Rom. 9:5; Luke 1:35; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24-25

Today Pastor Canales continues his unpacking of the Westminster shorter catechism. But first, he takes a few minutes to discuss a cultural trend who's roots have been taken wildly out of context.

With the absence of Pastor John Canales, Scott Peterson (Elder) takes the next two weeks looking at the history that brought about the Westminster Confession and also draws out some of the highlights of this resource.

Pastor Canales takes another week to look at Q20, specifically on the election portion of the question.

Pastor Canales continues to unfold question 20 of the Westminster Shorter Confession. Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life [a,] did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer [b]. [a]. Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13-14 [b]. Gen. 3:15; 17:7; Ex. 19:5-6; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 20:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:15

Ruling Elder Scott Peterson pinch hits for Pastor Canales and looks at question 20: Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life [a,] did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer [b]. [a]. Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13-14 [b]. Gen. 3:15; 17:7; Ex. 19:5-6; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 20:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:15

Pastor John Canales continues his exposition on the Westminster Confession. Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life [a,] did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer [b]. [a]. Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13-14 [b]. Gen. 3:15; 17:7; Ex. 19:5-6; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 20:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:15

Pastor Canales continues his exposition on the Westminster Shorter Confession. Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin [a], the want of original righteousness [b], and the corruption of his whole nature [c], which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it [d]. [a]. Rom. 5:12, 19 [b]. Rom. 3:10; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24 [c]. Ps. 51:5; John 3:6; Rom. 3:18; 8:7-8; Eph. 2:3 [d]. Gen. 6:5; Ps. 53:1-3; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 3:10-18, 23; Gal. 5:19-21; Jas. 1:14-15

Pastor Canales continues to unfold the Westminster Confession of Faith. Quest. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression? Ans. 16. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his first transgression.(1) (1) Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 5:12; I Cor. 15:21-22. Quest. 17. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind? Ans. 17. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.(1) (1) Rom. 5:12.

Pastor Canales continues his exposition on the Westminster Shorter Confession of Faith Quest. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created? Ans. 13. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.(1) (1) Gen. 3:6-8, 13; Eccles. 7:29. Quest. 14. What is sin? Ans. 14. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.(1) (1) I John 3:4. Quest. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created? Ans. 15. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.(1) (1) Gen. 3:6, 12.

Today, Pastor John looks at question 12 of the Westminster Shorter Confession. Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created? A. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. [a] [a]. Gen. 2:16-17; Jas. 2:10

Pastor Canales continues looking at the Westminster Shorter Confession. Q. 11. What are God's works of providence? A. God's works of providence are, his most holy [a], wise [b], and powerful [c] preserving [d] and governing [e] all his creatures, and all their actions [f]. [a]. Ps. 145:17 [b]. Ps. 104:24 [c]. Heb. 1:3 [d]. Neh. 9:6 [e]. Eph. 1:19-22 [f]. Ps. 36:6; Prov. 16:33; Matt. 10:30