Q. What is the most heinous of all sins?

A. The sin against the Holy Spirit is the most heinous of all sins and shall never be forgiven. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Matthew 12:31

 

Q. What does the Scripture teach aggravates sin to make them more heinous?

A. The inspired Scriptures esteem sin according to the light and knowledge against which men sin. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Luke 12:47 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. John 15:22

 

Q. What is the second thing that aggravates sin?

A. The more mercies a man sins against, the greater his sin. Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4 How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:3

 

Q. Are great sins capable of forgiveness?

A. Yes, great and heinous sins can be forgiven upon true repentance. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

 

Q. From what fountain does the pardon of sins great and small flow?

A. The forgiveness of all sins flows from the free grace of God. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Luke 7:42 And through the atoning blood of Christ. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7

 

Q. What is the first lesson from degrees of sinfulness?

A. Though some sins are more heinous than others, no sinner should despair of mercy, for the vilest have been pardoned. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

 

Q. What is the second lesson from degrees of sinfulness?

A. That there are different degrees of torment in hell, proportional to the different degrees of sin on earth. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. Matthew 11:41-42

 

Q. What is the third lesson from degrees of sinfulness?

A. That great sinners who have been pardoned and received mercy should excell all others in love to Christ. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?" Simon answered and said, I suppose the one whom he forgave more. And He said to him, You have rightly judged. Luke 7:42-43

 

Q. What is the last lesson from degrees of sinfulness?

A. Let no man neglect Christ because his sins are not as heinous as other men’s. For the least sin without Christ is damning. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 And greater sinners are often called to salvation when lesser sinners are not. Jesus said to them, Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. Matthew 21:31-32

 

Q. What does every sin deserve?

A. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and in that which is to come.

 

Q. What is the primary evil of sin?

A. The evil of sin consist primarily in the offense it gives and the wrong it does to God. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:4

 

Q. What is the first offense and wrong sin does to God?

A. Hostility and enmity towards God. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:7 This is also expressed in Scripture as walking contrary to Him, But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me. Leviticus 26:40 Fighting against God, But if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God. Acts 5:39 And resisting His Spirit. You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Acts 7:51

 

Q. How is enmity towards God furthered described in Scripture?

A. It is described under the names and notions of hatred against God, Backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents. Romans 1:30 Rebellion against God, For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:23 And despising the commandment of God. Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. 2 Samuel 12:9

 

Q. What are the attributes of God that sin wrongs?

A. Sin wrongs all God’s attributes. It slights His sovereignty. And Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? Exodus 5:2 It resists His power. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? 1 Corinthians 10:22 It despises His goodness. Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4 It taxes His justice. Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” Ezekiel 18:25 And it clouds His holiness. Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? James 2:7

 

Q. What does sin deserve in the course of justice from God?

A. Sin deserves all temporal and eternal effects of God’s wrath on the souls and the bodies of sinners, which in Scripture goes under the name of death. For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23

 

Q. Can all the sufferings included in the Scriptural notion of death satisfy God’s justice for the wrongs against His nature by man’s sin?

A. No, they cannot. Therefore these sufferings must and shall be eternal on the damned. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:26 Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:44

 

Q. Will all sinners bear the consequences of their sins?

A. No. All that are out of Christ shall, but Christ has freed believers from the penalty of sin. He who believes in Him is not condemned. John 3:18

 

Q. Is it not overly harsh that sinners should suffer eternally for the sins of a few years?

A. No it is not. For the evil of sin is not to be measured by the length of their duration, but by the object against which sin is committed. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:4

 

Q. What is the first lesson from what sins deserves?

A. The impossibility of satisfying God’s justice for the least sin that ever we committed. If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? Psalm 130:3

 

Q. What is the second lesson from what sin deserves?

A. The absolute necessity of a Mediator between God and man. Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. Psalm 40:6-7

 

Q. What is the third lesson from what sin deserves?

A. That the greatest suffering is to be chosen rather than the least sin. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:25

 

Q. What is the fourth lesson from what sin deserves?

A. What an invaluable mercy the full, free and final remission of sin is. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1

 

Q. What is the fifth lesson from what sin deserves?

A. The vindication of God’s justice in His most severe strokes upon sinners. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And your judgments are like light that goes forth. Hosea 6:5

 

Q. What is the last lesson from what sin deserves?

A. The infinite nature of Christ’s sufferings. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

 

Q. What does God require of us that we may escape His wrath and curse due to us for sin?

A. God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the blessings of redemption.

 

 

Q. What are the things required of us to escape God’s wrath and curse due to us on account of our sin?

A. The things required of us are, 1^st, Faith in Jesus Christ, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31 2^nd, Repentance of sin, Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19 3^rd, Diligent striving in the use of all the means God has provided. Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24

 

Q. Is man able to perform these things which God requires in the strength of his own power?

A. Though these things are our duties, we have no power in ourselves by nature to perform them. The power to perform these duties is of God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5

 

Q. Since God has decreed the salvation of His elect from eternity, what need is there of these duties required of us?

A. Though God has from eternity decreed the salvation, and Christ has long since purchased the salvation of His elect, yet they have none of the blessings of salvation apart from these things God requires . Apart from faith, they have no union with Christ. That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:17 Apart from repentance, they have no remission of sin. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19 Prior to faith and repentance, God’s elect are under the same curse and wrath as others. By nature children of wrath, just as the others . . . without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:3,12

 

Q. If it is God Who must work these graces in us, what is the point in our striving to accomplish these things He requires?

A. God’s working does not exclude man’s striving, but rather places a greater obligation on us to strive. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

 

Q. What is the point of our striving to make use of the means of grace unless we know that we are of God’s elect?

A. There is no other way of knowing if you are of God’s elect except by striving in the use of means. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure. 2 Peter 2:10

 

Q. Is it appropriate to tell the unsaved to strive in the use of the means of grace?

A. Yes it is, for Christ Himself did so. Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24 The apostle did so, following His example. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. Acts 8:22

 

Q. Is there no escaping God’s wrath and curse apart from faith and repentance?

A. No, it is otherwise impossible to escape. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already. John 3:13 How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation. Hebrews 2:3

 

Q. If a person reformed his life and lived morally upright for the rest of his days, could he not escape God’s wrath and curse that way?

A. No. Reformation and moral uprightness are duties everyone owes to God. Only faith and regeneration put souls into Christ and out of danger. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

 

Q. Do all sinners who believe in Christ and repent of their sins escape God’s wrath and curse?

A. Yes, and they shall escape it forever. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Colossians 1:12-13 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24

 

Q. What is the first lesson from what God requires that we might escape the wrath to come?

A. That it is dangerous on the one side not to strive in all the ways of duty for Christ and salvation, Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24, and just as dangerous on the other side to depend on our own works for salvation. And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. Philippians 3:9

 

Q. What is the second lesson from what God requires that we might escape the wrath to come?

A. The miserable state of all unbelievers and unrepentant persons, for the curse and wrath of God lies on them. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them. Galatians 3:10 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

 

Q. What is the last lesson from what God requires that we might escape the wrath to come?

A. The happy state into which faith and repentance bring the souls of men. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39

 

Q. 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.

 

Q. What is the root or cause of faith?

A. Not the power of man’s will. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 But the Spirit of God. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

 

Q. How does the Holy Spirit ordinarily produce faith?

A. By the preaching of the Word. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

 

Q. Who are the proper subjects of faith?

A. Convicted sinners who understand the Gospel are the proper subjects of faith. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: "of sin, because they do not believe in Me; "of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more. John 16:8-10

 

Q. What is the seat of faith?

A. Not simply the understanding but primarily the heart. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:37

 

Q. Does true faith consist in the assent of the understanding?

A. No, the mere assent of the understanding to the truths of Scripture is not such a faith that will save the soul. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble! James 2:19

 

Q. What is the act of faith that justifies a sinner?

A. It is the receiving of Christ by the full and warm consent of the heart that justifies us. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12

 

Q. What is the proper object of faith?

A. The primary object of faith is the person of Jesus Christ, and the secondary objects of faith are the blessings of salvation He purchased by His sacrificial death. Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. Philippians 3:8-9

 

Q. Should a person look partly to Christ and partly to his own works and duties as the measure of his righteousness before God?

A. No. We must eye the person of Christ and exclude all else. Anything less than trusting solely in Christ will fall short of justification. And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. Phillipians 3:9 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. Romans 4:5

 

Q. Is it enough simply to believe on the person of Christ as God’s only begotten Son?

A. No, we must eye the person of Christ as He stands in all His offices. God the Father has set His seal on Him. John 6:27 Our ignorance needs Him to be our Prophet. Our guilt needs Him to be our Priest. Because of the sins and enemies that confront us, we need Him to be our King.

 

Q. Is true faith exclusive of all fears and doubts?

A. No, it is not. True believers are sometimes troubled with many fears and doubts. Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God. Isaiah 50:10 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Mark 9:24

 

Q. Can anyone be justified before he believes in Christ?

A. No one can be justified until he truly believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

 

Q. Is everyone who believes in Christ justified immediately and completely upon believing?

A. Yes. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24

 

Q. What is the true character or description of a believer?

A. He is one that, having been convinced of his sin and misery, and of his own and all other creatures inability to save him, and of the ability and willingness of Christ to save him, lets go all hold and dependence on creatures, and on his own righteousness, and casts himself entirely upon Christ for righteousness and life.

 

Q. What is the first property of faith?

A. It is a most precious grace. Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1 And it must needs be so, for it is the bond of our union with Christ. That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love. Ephesians 3:17 And that by which our souls do live. Now the just shall live by faith. Hebrews 10:38

 

Q. What is the second property of faith?

A. The second property of faith is that it is the most useful grace in this world. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27

 

Q. What are the foundations that support faith?

A. The first foundation of faith is the power of God. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20-21 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him. Hebrews 7:25

 

Q. What is the second foundation of faith?

A. The truth and faithfulness of God in His promises. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. Hebrew 6:18

 

Q. What encourages the faith of the saints?

A. The witness of the experiences of others. ou broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces, And gave him as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. Psalm 74:14 And their own experiences. you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed. Joshua 23:14

 

Q. What is the first sign of a weak faith?

A. Questioning the reliability of divine truth demonstrates the weakness of one’s faith. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20

 

Q. What is the second sign of a weak faith?

A. Inability to trust God in time of danger, evidenced by a sinful haste to avoid it. Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Isaiah 28:16

 

Q. What is the third sign of a weak faith?

A. When we cannot live purely by faith, unless we have some outward demonstration to support it. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” John 20:25

 

Q. What is the fourth sign of a weak faith?

A. When a new temptation easily overcomes our former faithfulness. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Luke 24:32

 

Q. What is the fifth sign of a weak faith?

A. The prevalence of carnal fears in times of trouble. But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26

 

Q. What is the sixth sign of a weak faith?

A. Too much anxiety about the things of this life. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30

 

FLAVEL'S Catechism