A Catechism For Taiwan

Important Questions of the Christian Faith

A New Catechism by Huang Poho (Ng Pek-ho) and Chen Nan-chou (Tan Lam-chiu) With the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and a scriptural index

Chinese Original 1995 English Translation by David Alexander, 2000

Acknowledgements

This translation was produced with the generous aid of: the Chhut Thau Thi* Theological Workshop, Tainan TAIWAN, the Guthrie Scholars Program of Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia, USA, the Research and Development Center, General Assembly, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, and the Mission Services Unit of the General Synod Council of the Reformed Church in America. All scripture quotations used in this translation are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

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Important Questions of Christian Faith by Huang Po-ho (Ng Pek-ho) and Chen Nan-chiou (Tan Lam-chiu) The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan Important Questions of Christian Faith

P. 5 Pp. 6-30

Part I RELIGION 1 What is Religion? 2 Christianity in Relation to Other Religions 3 The Unique Aspects of Christianity 4 The Nature of “Faith” in the Christian Religion

Q. 1-17 Q. 1-5 Q. 6-9 Q. 10-13 Q.14-17

Part II HUMANITY 5 The Origin of Humanity 6 The Human Predicament, Sin 7 The Conquest of Sin

Q. 18-21 Q. 22-25 Q. 26-29

Q. 18-29

Part III SALVATION 8 God’s Grace 9 The Saving Grace of Christ 10 The Saving Lord, Jesus Christ

Q. 30-35 Q. 36-42 Q. 43-53

Part IV THE TRINITARIAN GOD 11 God in Christ the Son 12 God in the Holy Spirit 13 God in the Creator 14 The Trinity

Q. 54-61 Q. 62-69 Q. 70-74 Q. 75-77

Part V SCRIPTURE 15 The Word of God

Q. 78-85

Part VI THE CHURCH 16 The Church is the Fellowship of God’s People 17 The Mission of the Church

Q. 86-92 Q. 93-100

Part VII SACRAMENTS 18 Signs of Grace 19 Baptism 20 The Lord’s Supper

Q. 101-106 Q. 107-113 Q. 114-120

Part VIII THE LIFE OF FAITH 21 The Law of God (The 10 Commandments) 22 The Law of God (The New Commandment) 23 Prayer 24 Offering and Worship 25 Social Responsibility (I) 26 Social Responsibility (II)

Q. 121-128 Q. 129-132 Q. 133-138 Q. 139-144 Q. 145-150 Q. 151-156

Q. 30-53

Q. 54-77

Q. 78-85 Q. 86-100

Q. 101-120

Part IX THE KINGDOM OF GOD 27 The establishment of God’s Kingdom Scriptural Index

Q. 121-156

Q. 157-164 Q. 157-164 Pp. 31-39

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Index to the Confession of Faith

Notes

P. 40

1) The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan as presented on the next page has been put into numbered “sense lines” for the purpose of this translation. The original form of the confession is in full paragraphs. It is hoped that dividing it into sense lines will facilitate easy reference between the questions of the confession and the catechism. The catechism is not primarily an exposition of the confession, but is closely linked to it at many points. References to the confession are contained in parentheses directly following the question, and noted by the letters “PCT.” 2) References to scripture and other parts of the catechism which follow each answer are not provided as proof texts, but as background and “further reading” suggestions by which a student might gain further understanding of the topic in question. 3) An index to the “sense lines” in the confession and the questions in the catechism is found on page 40.

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1. CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN TAIWAN 2. We believe in God, the only true God, 3. the Creator and Ruler of human beings and all things. 4. He is the Lord of history and of the world. 5. He judges and saves. 6. His Son Jesus Christ, 7. the Savior of humankind, 8. was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 9. born a man of the Virgin Mary 10. and became our brother. 11. Through His suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection 12. He manifested God's love and justice, 13. and through Him we are reconciled to God. 14. His Spirit, which is the Holy Spirit, 15. dwells among us, 16. and grants us power, 17. so that we may bear witness among all peoples 18. until the Lord comes again. 19. We believe that the Bible is revealed by God, 20. the record of His redemption 21. and the norm of our faith and life. 22. We believe that the Church is the fellowship of God's people, 23. called to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ 24. and to be ambassador of reconciliation. 25. It is both universal and rooted in this land, identifying with all its inhabitants, 26. and through love and suffering becoming the sign of hope. 27. We believe that through the grace of God human beings are brought to repentance, 28. their sin forgiven, 29. that they may glorify God through lives of devotion, love and dedication. 30. We believe that God has given human beings dignity, talents and a homeland, 31. so that they may share in God's creation, and have responsibility with Him for taking care of the world. 32. Therefore, they have social, political and economic systems, arts and sciences, and a spirit which seeks after the true God. 33. But human beings have sinned, and they misuse these gifts, 34. destroying the relationship between themselves, all creatures, and God. 35. Therefore, they must depend on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 36. He will deliver humankind from sin, 37. will set the oppressed free and make them equal, 38. that all may become new creatures in Christ, 39. and the world His Kingdom, 40. full of justice, peace and joy. 41. [This English translation is based on the original Romanized Taiwanese text authorized by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) 32nd General Assembly, was officially adopted by the PCT General Assembly Faith and Order Committee on 10 January 1986]

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PART I RELIGION Chapter 1 What is Religion? Q1. What is a Christian’s understanding of religion? Religions are sets of means by which people acknowledge and encounter God, through which we seek God's affectionate regard and guidance in all things. They are acts of the human spirit. Religions may call persons to unreservedly offer their entire selves: whole heart, whole soul and whole mind, in encounters with the object of their faith. In general, religions have scriptures, ceremonies, temple buildings, organizations, practices and expressions of faith which manifest sectarian emphases or regional cultures. Mt 22:37, Mk 12:29-30, Lk 10:27 Q2 How is religion made manifest in human life? Religion is a human response to God’s divine invitation. It is also the human reception of God’s revelation and gracious guidance. It’s manifestations are the results of human encounters with suffering and emptiness, and attempts to understand their sources or to find their solutions. Religion is central to life, by sundry and diverse methods it aids the believer to draw near and establish a relationship with God. Gen 12:1-3, Ex 3:7-10, Ps 42, Jn 15:16 Q3. Do all people also have a religious nature? (PCT 32) Yes. Humanity and the cosmos are created by God. The impulse toward religious life is part of all creation. It is the human movement towards the unknown, an entry into deeper consciousness. Therefore, the peoples of the world all have religious consciousness and thirst exhibited in choices made and in the attitudes at the foundations of those choices. Spirituality has aspects of greater or lesser magnitude in the physical life of each individual. These shape and influence our speech and action. Gen 9:8-17, Micah 4:1-2, Acts 17:22, Rom 1:18-20 Q4. What about people with NO religion? Those who claim to have no religion basically declare non-participation in formal religion. There are two categories of such people. The first are dissatisfied with organized religious forms and the values and meanings communicated therein. They refuse to claim anything from such movements. The second category includes persons whose ability to connect with ultimate reality on a deep level is somehow hampered, and who therefore do not choose to become involved in formal religious life. There are also those claiming “atheism”. These are not “without religion”, but are persons whose religion has an object of faith which lends no credence to "the divine". Acts 4:1-16, & 6:1-12, Rom 1:18-23 Q5. Is religious sincerity the same as the worship of the true God? These two things are not the same. Religion is an organized pursuit of knowledge of the true God. It is both systematic and dynamic. Sincere religious zeal may direct people in manners similar to those of persons who acknowledge God, but it fails to bring them into a relationship characterized by worship. All people by nature have a religious spirit, but since the objects of human religious faiths are not the same, we cannot claim that all religions worship the same god. Ex 32:1-6, Acts 17:23-31

Chapter 2

Christianity in Relation to Other Religions.

Q6. Why are there differing religions? In the process of seeking truth and knowledge of God, differing objects of faith or methods of arriving at knowledge have produced different religions. Levels of knowledge and language vary. There is not one absolute rule by which knowledge of the divine is to be

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attained. Variations of historically and culturally conditioned manners and directions of revelatory media are at the base of differing religions. Gen 11:1-9, Acts 17:22-31, Rom 1:18-23 Q7.

Are all religions apart from Christianity at enmity with God? The existence of differing religions demonstrates the human spirit’s hunger and thirst for God. At base all religions influence people to seek the guidance of God. But because religions are basically human creations they are narrowed from their beginnings by historical and cultural phenomena. Some religions’ guidance for how people come to God has made the divine over into the form of an idol. Literature demonstrates the danger of distortion of God. All religions have limitations, each has its own measure of understanding of ultimate things. But all idolatrous practices violate the very nature of God. Any idolatrous religious practice is at enmity with God. Mk 9:38-41, Lk 9:49-50 (Q122 below)

Q8.

What attitude should the Christian have towards other religions? Every religion has an element of seeking after truth or of inquiring after God. Therefore, in encounter with believers of other religions and people who observe sincere religious practices we must be respectful. Their religious faith is an evidence of their hunger and thirst for God and for truth. False religion not only cannot help a person discover truth, it can cause people to fall into superstition and unbelief. Idolatrous worship harms people and produces dangerous behaviors. Because of this, Christians in encounter with other religions must understand, recognize and discern our own faith presuppositions, and afterwards enter into dialogue and mutual discovery, refinement, and seeking for God and truth to clarify what we and believers in other religions basically understand. Acts 10:1-25, Col 1:15-17, Phil 4:8-9, James 1:17 (Q122 below)

Q9.

What should be the nature and meaning of inter-religious dialogue? The purpose of inter-religious dialogue is to progress towards truth, to mutually encourage, to contribute, to supplement, and through religious faith to promote the dynamics of God and of truth. Inter-religious dialogue is neither an effort towards religious unification nor towards a mutual idea of “all religions are good”. Inter-religious dialogue is a manifestation of God’s truth and sovereignty in relationship. We believe that all created things, including religions, are part of God’s One Creation. As people of differing religions we can mutually plumb these mysteries to understand what God has done and what God’s will might be. Ex 3:14, Rom 3:29, Phil 3:12-16 (Q138 below)

Chapter 3 The Unique Aspects of Christianity Q10. Is Christianity to be seen as “one religion among many?” Christianity is one of the formal organized religions of the world. Its historical origins are found in Judaism. Like other religions, Christianity has scriptures, particular worship practices, a “confirmed” membership, and religious organizations. Historical study also shows us that Christian doctrinal teachings have varied with time and location, producing different formulations of the faith and understandings of God in different environments. The disputes between Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant Christianity and divisions within these broad categories are testimony to the ways in which the church has met with historical and cultural challenges. Acts 17:22-31, Col 1:10-17 Q11. What is unique about Christianity? As one of many religions, Christianity differs little from the others in that it has form, ritual and many other “standard features”. But the contents of Christianity are unique. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Most High God; that He became flesh and came to the earth and that he died on the cross for ourselves and for our sin, thereby fulfilling God’s salvation. This is the unique point of Christian faith. On this both the faith and the church are founded. (We begin from Yahweh as God and come to Yahweh through Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. Judaism and Islam likewise recognize Yahweh, but do not come to God through Jesus Christ.) From a basis in the person and work of Jesus Christ,

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we proceed through the belief that the world and humanity are God’s creations to the conclusion that the world is fallen because of sin. All of creation stands in need of God’s grace and salvation. Jn 1:14, Jn 3:14-17, Acts 4:12 Q12. What is the relationship between Christianity and the Gospel of Christ? Christianity is the only religion based on the Gospel of Christ. It exists as a body for the sake of bearing witness to that Gospel. These two elements have an intimate relationship. As a religion Christianity exists in human historical and cultural contexts. It must choose from among limited cultural resources those media which best manifest the gospel. Christianity exists in the flow of history. It is impossible to say that all manifestations of Christianity are congruent with the Gospel of Christ. Christians must vigorously live out the teachings of Christ and in our various environments witness to the gospel of Christ. Working within particular societies we must discern and minimize the differences between Christian religion and the Gospel of Christ. Mt 7:21-23, Mt 25:31-46 Q13.

Why should a person choose Christianity? Because Christianity proclaims the Gospel of Christ it is the most direct and the most thorough expression thereof from among all the religions. It facilitates the revelation of God’s truth and bears witness to the saving grace of Christ. We select Christianity most emphatically in order to proclaim God’s Son Jesus Christ, to come to know God, and by means of faith to receive all the love and grace which has been availed unto us at the cross. We select Christianity so that we may participate with God in God’s mysterious plan to save the world. We affirm that our purposes among people, in our own lives and in history are to glorify God and to act in the interests of human welfare. Rom 1:16-17, Rom 5:1-6 & 14

Chapter 4 The Nature of “Faith” in the Christian Religion Q14. What is Faith? In religious terms, faith denotes the totality of one’s person concentrated upon a belief system. It is also called “belief”. Christianity holds that there is only one true God, so terms of faith toward God it calls for unconditional dependence and surrender. Believers are called to grasp God with whole heart, whole soul and whole mind, fully offering our hearts in love to the Lord God. This is the very deepest concern of which Christians speak. Religious “faith” is not the same as ideology. Ordinary ideologies are based on knowledge. They are conclusions based upon our experiences of the objects of our study. Religious faith by rule is the believer’s own selfhood offered up in dependence to the object of that faith. Heb 11:1, Rom 10:9-17, James 2:14-17 Q15. What kind of person can be denoted “a person of faith”? A person of faith is one who has repented, turned towards God, and has humbled himself/herself to serve God’s will. The “behavior of faith” is an unconditional offering of self. A person of faith completely accepts God’s guidance and control. This kind of person does not claim personal lordship, but in values and human relations is transformed to follow God’s will and commands in reform of life. All who are called “people of faith” demonstrate their faith by outward zeal and in forms which testify to holiness. There is an integrity of external and internal which testifies to newness of heart transformed by “the heart of Christ.” Lk 17:6, Heb 11:2-31 Q16. Why are there “Confessions of Faith”? (PCT 1) There have been times when people of faith have suffered oppression, attack, struggle and the threat of imminent destruction. In some such situations churches have made confessions of faith to unify believers, preserve true faith, testify to the faith they hold and speak to societies to counter heterodox principles. Confessions project the power and refine the clarity of the church’s teachings. They stand beneath the Bible as important testimonies to the rule of faith. 16:13-19, Mk 8:27-30, Lk 9:18-21, Lk 12:8-9, I Peter 3:15 Q17. Why do some historical confessions of faith begin “I Believe” and some “We Believe”? (PCT 2)

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There are individual and corporate confessions. In church history each confession comes from a particular standpoint. The Apostles’ Creed begins “I believe,” but the Nicene Creed begins “we believe.” In the Western church the “we” of the Nicene has often been changed to “I”. Later confessions, such as those of Chalcedon, Augsburg, Westminster and the Taiwan Presbyterian Church use the corporate “we.” Phil 2:1-4

PART II Chapter 5

HUMANITY The Origin of Humanity

Q18. What is the origin of humanity? (PCT 3) Humanity is part of God’s creation, because God created ALL things in the original creative act. God created humans as male and female. Maleness and femaleness are aspects of God’s creative intention. Human sexuality is the creation of God through which we are appointed to propagate the ensuing generations. All human life has its origin in God’s creative act and intention. Gen 1:26-28, Isaiah 44:24, Jn 1:1-3 Q19. What is the difference between human beings and other living creatures? God created humans in God’s own image and form, giving knowledge, justice and sanctity to us. God gave us the responsibility to manage all of creation. The difference between humanity and other created beings is the presence of God’s image, manifested in our spiritual essence and life. Gen 1:26-28, Gen 2:7, Psalm 8:4-8, Eph 4:24, Mt 6:25-26, (Q145 below) Q20. What was God’s purpose in the creation of humanity? (PCT 31) The purpose of creation of humans is that we might glorify God. Because we are created in God’s image we are able to invent new things, and we have responsibility to manage all that God has created. All creation depends on God for existence and purpose. Our human purposes are to follow and maintain a relationship of truth with God, glorifying God. Rom 14:8, I Cor 10:31, Psalm 73:24-26, (Q157 Below) Q21.

Can Human beings by our own effort fulfill the purpose of our creation? (PCT 35) As receptors of God’s image in creation we have a fundamental orientation towards giving glory to God, but because as a race we have rejected and violated God’s intention and will, we have lost the ability to act on it. Sin has disabled us from fulfilling the purpose of our creation. Rom 3:20-23, Rom 7:7-25, Jn 1:8-10, Jeremiah 17:9

Chapter 6 The Human Predicament, Sin Q22. What is the origin of sin? (PCT 33) God saw all that God created was good. Sin is not from God. Sin’s origin is part of the human story of misuse of the freedom that God gave us. Justice and mercy are violated, and holiness is polluted. Human violation of God’s will is seen in our sinful actions. Gen 3:1-24, I Cor 15:22, (Q150 below) Q23.

What is sin? (PCT 33) Sin is non-conformity to God’s will. Human beings commit sin in thought, word and deed by opposition to God’s will, arrogant disrespect of God’s law, and violation of God’s true, beautiful, just and holy intentions. Gen 3:1-24, I Jn 3:4, James 4:17

Q24. What is the result of a person’s having committed sin? (PCT 34) When people commit sin, the relations of: people to God; people to people; people to creation; people to themselves, and

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all created order to God are damaged. The wages of sin is death. Rom 3:23, Rom 5:12, Eph 2:1-3, I Jn 1:8 Q25. What are the social and personal results of sin? Sin damages the relationships of: people to God, people to people, people to creation, people to themselves, and all created order to God. We personally lose: our freedom; our ability to fulfill our commission from God; our ability to fulfill the good we desire to do; and the power to resist the evil that lurks within us. Social consequences include problems in: interpersonal relationships; human activity and social structures. These are all incomplete in their truth, goodness, beauty and action. None is fully in accord with justice, love or peace. Rom 5:12, Gen 6:5, Psalm 51:5

Chapter 7 The Conquest of Sin Q26. Can humans on our own solve the problems caused by sin? (PCT 35) We cannot solely rely upon ourselves to solve the problems of sin. Our strength cannot overcome sin’s damage. Our righteousness and good behavior cannot meet God’s standards of justice and goodness. Rom 3:9-20, Rom 5:12-13 Q27.

Has human sin then left us totally lost? We have neither means nor power to save ourselves. We are completely, totally lost. However, we can cooperate with God by means of the abilities that God granted at creation, including intuition, reason, judgment and knowledge of good and evil. But we must be aware that even these are corrupt and do not yield complete justice or righteousness. Rom 1:18-32, Rom 2:12-16, Isaiah 53:6, Job 14:4

Q28. Can good works make up for the sin that a person has committed? (PCT 35) No. Our goodness is incomparable to God’s standards, and it cannot satisfy the requirements of God’s justice. We turn to God because of sin, but the relationship with God is already torn. This is something that our good works can neither mitigate nor repair. Rom 3:19-20, Job 14:4 Q29. If our good works can’t make up for sin, then how can we obtain forgiveness? (PCT 28 & 36) We must accept God’s grace in Jesus Christ and follow God’s mercy. We must accept and depend upon the work of Jesus Christ, especially His death and resurrection and become partakers of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We receive new life, and are “born again”. Rom 5:6-11, Eph 2:8

PART III

SALVATION

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Chapter 8, The Grace of God Q30. What does it mean to repent and receive God’s grace? (PCT 27) Christians believe that human beings are sinners, totally depraved, unable by our own strength to save ourselves. We must depend on God’s grace for aid. God helps us through enabling us to recognize our sins, repent, depart from sinful ways, return to truth and reconcile our broken relationships. We confess that we rely on God’s grace to repent. It is important to say that salvation is TOTALLY dependent on God’s freely given grace. Even repenting is by God’s grace. By our own strength or ability we can’t even repent. Joel 2:13, Acts 11:18, Rom 2:4 & 5:6-11 Q31. How do people receive God’s grace? God’s grace is made available to us through the crucified and risen body of Christ. Because of our sin we are unable by ourselves to be saved. We must rely absolutely on Jesus Christ and depend on his saving work to receive God’s grace. According to Ephesians 2:8, “by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from your own doing; it is the gift of God.” At the time of the Protestant Reformation the byword of the reformers was “justification by faith”. This was chosen to explain a view of Christianity asserting that believers have received God’s freely given grace by means of faith. Eph 2:8, II Tim 1:9 Q32. What is meant by the phrase “justification by faith?” (PCT 36) “Justification by faith” directs us to rely on Jesus Christ, to be reconciled to God through him. The foundational scriptures for this belief state that sin destroys the relationship of God to people and makes us liable to grievous punishment. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Even obedience to the law cannot undo human sin. Only dependence on God’s mercy and loving kindness is effective. To save sinners, God gave his only begotten son to the world. Jesus Christ is God’s Word made flesh. We participate in God’s great love when we rely on Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection. We are enabled to receive Jesus Christ as Savior by means of faith. Our intimate relationship with God is restored, and we obtain the grace of salvation. Acts 13:39, Rom 3:21-26, Gal 2:15-21, Rom 10:9-10 Q 33. Having relied on God’s grace for justification, must we then do good works? Yes, but we do not rely on good works or obedience to the law for justification because God’s grace justifies. Yet we must do good works, not to meet some requirement for justification, but as the fruit of justification. Good works demonstrate sanctification. True faith includes rebirth, justification and sanctification, these three transformations. Simply stated, Christians must repent in order to take part in God’s saving work, receive God’s freely given grace, forsake the old and live new and holy lives. Rom 121:1, Titus 2:11-13, I Jn 3:18-19 & 4:19-21, James 1:22-25 & 2:17 (Q28 above) Q34. Has God’s grace been made manifest in Taiwan’s Culture? Yes. God’s grace is abundantly manifest in the creation of the world and in salvation through Jesus Christ. Taiwan’s creation shows Taiwan and its inhabitants are part of God’s work. Taiwan’s culture necessarily embraces God’s grace in it. The saving work of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible is for the whole world, without division of race, gender or location. We merely rely on faith by which all people can receive God through the grace of Jesus Christ. Taiwan’s people and families all have opportunity by faith in Christ to obtain God’s grace. Taiwan’s culture is in no way beyond the reach and grasp of God’s plan. en 1:1-2, Gen 2:1, Isaiah 41:1-7, Rom 10:11-13 Q35. What evidence or proof is there of “justification by faith”? There are two primary foundations of “justification by faith.” The first is that sinners can neither by ourselves nor by obedience to the law find resolution of our sinfulness. The second is that Jesus Christ came into the world and gave himself to be crucified and to rise, to make salvation available to us. We live in a deep abyss of evil, unable to extricate ourselves. We see no way out. In this hopeless estate we turn to the Almighty in to plead for grace

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and mercy. Jesus Christ, the incarnate word, through love and suffering, performs the labor of salvation. He both offers us hope and brings hope to fruition. Gen 3:1-24, Isaiah 53:6, Rom 3:21-26, Rom 5:12-21, Eph 2:8-9 (Q 49 below)

Chapter 9 The Saving Grace of Christ Q36. What does it mean that people should depend on the grace of Jesus Christ? (PCT 35) The salvation of Jesus Christ points us to God’s grace, freely given to human beings. While we were yet sinners God gave his only son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin. The incarnate word came into the world to suffer, be crucified, die and rise again. He fulfilled God’s love for us. He didn’t come condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. People who depend on Jesus Christ and believe in him receive God’s grace and salvation, a finished work which was accomplished for us on the cross. Mt 11:18-19, Jn 3:16-18 & 20-21, Rom 3:24-25 Q37. How can Jesus Christ accomplish our salvation? (PCT 11, 12 & 13) Jesus Christ accomplishes our salvation by availing to us his incarnation, suffering, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension, a finished work. This saving work is “God’s act of love”. In order that we might escape from evil, God provided Jesus’ incarnation, placing abundant grace and truth in our midst. By his death and resurrection Jesus bore the burden of the sin of the world’s people. He called us to freedom from the bonds of sin. Jesus ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God to be our representative there. Jn 1:1-14, Acts 4:11-12 (Q 42, 52 & 56 below) Q38. What is meant by Jesus’ incarnation? (PCT 9 & 10) Incarnation has two faces. The first is Jesus as “God’s Word made manifest” and is seen in Jesus’ divinity. He is the Son of God who came to the world as a human being to experience human finitude and weakness and to take upon himself the penalty for human sin. The other face of incarnation is seen in Jesus’ humanity. He was one with us in our experience of sinful nature. On the cross his love overcame human sin, completely removing its stain from us. He enabled us to walk the way of salvation. Acts 4:12, Phil 2:6-11, Heb 4:15 (Q 42 below) Q39. How is the revelation of God manifested in the life of Jesus? The life of Jesus included his incarnation, healing, exorcisms, miracles, authoritative teaching, suffering, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension. All demonstrated how he came from God, brought God’s power, and manifested God’s suffering love for the people of the world. This is all a part of God’s grand design to offer us salvation. As Jesus said, “All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Mt 11:25-30, Jn 10:25-38 Q40. Why say that Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection manifest God’s love and justice? (PCT 11-12) As God’s Son, Jesus himself has God’s glory and authority, but because of human sin he humbled himself, became a servant, suffered, and died to show God’s abundant mercy. God loves the people enough to give his only Son for us as a sacrifice. This love also manifests God’s justice. God does not overlook sin or simply cancel its effect on us, but through the Son becomes personally invested in costly grace to ransom us from it. By raising Jesus from death God proclaims victory over death and our release from bondage to sin. Isaiah 53:3-4, Mt 20:28, Rom 5:6-8 & 14:9 (Q 46 below) Q41. What is special about Jesus’ teachings? Jesus’ teachings are authoritative and filled with God’s power. Their central theme is God’s kingdom. He was in conflict with the religious scholars of his time and place. He spoke on Moses’ law (the commandments), explained the spirit of the law, and declared God’s will. He zealously critiqued conservative, rule-bound legalists and forcedly asserted that human needs were of greater importance than the Sabbath laws. He taught that love and

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forbearance are greater than judgment and punishment. Jesus’ teachings were dynamic. He not only spoke, he acted; putting into practice all that he preached. Mt 7:28-29, Mk 1:14-15, Lk 4:31-37 & 11:2 Q42. How did Jesus fulfill the mission of reconciliation between God and People? (PCT 13) Jesus’ was God’s Son incarnate on earth. In a sinless life he came to sinful people to become the sacrificial victim for the world’s sin. He enables all who believe in him to be reckoned as righteous. He frees us from the bondage of sin. He gives us freedom to approach God. His death removes our sin and overcomes our alienation from God. Jesus is the mediator who enables us to obtain new life by relying on him. Reborn people find intimacy with God re-established. Rom 5:10-11, II Cor 5:18-19, Col 1:20

Chapter 10 The Saving Lord, Jesus Christ Q43. What is the meaning of the name, “Jesus?” (PCT 6-7) “Jesus” means “savior.” It is an ordinary name in Jewish history and culture. It is the same as Joshua in the Old Testament. Specifically it means “The God who will save” or “The Lord’s Salvation.” An angel directed Mary to give the name “Jesus” to the son she would bear to indicate “he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus came into the world to save the people of the world and to deliver us from evil, to enable our entry into the kingdom of heaven. As Joshua led the Israelites from the wilderness into the promised land, Jesus leads us into the kingdom of God. Jesus and Joshua are reflections of each other. Mt 1:21, Lk 1:31-33 & 2:21 Q44. How does Jesus save us? Jesus saves us by giving himself as a sacrifice. Though he was God and deserved the respect and glory due to God, yet he humbled himself, became incarnate, and was the servant of people. For our sin he was sacrificed on a cross. He took the punishment for our sins upon himself. This is his emptying. It demonstrates God’s love. Jesus himself had God’s authority but did not use it. On the contrary, in a humble fashion he came to demonstrate love as victorious over violence, thereby covering himself with victory. This is Jesus’ method of saving. It is our model for Christian faith and life. I Cor 1:18-25, Phil 2:5-11, James 2:13 Q45. Why did the savior have to suffer? (PCT 11) The savior suffered for humanity. This is a mysterious element of the Christian proclamation. Jesus suffered as a sacrificial victim to show that God did not use force or intimidation but called us by offering himself for our sin. God’s Son was totally without defect. For us he bore God’s wrath and suffered to accomplish his mission of salvation. His suffering demonstrates God’s love and grace, freely given for our justification, by which we receive eternal life. Isaiah 52:13 -53:12, Rom 3:24-25, I Pete 3:18 Q46. What is the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion? (PCT 11) The cross was a Roman tool for the execution of criminals. It is also ”the wages of sin.” We read in the bible that human beings are sinners, and that “the wages of sin is death.” The destiny of humanity is to die. Jesus suffered and bore the cross as a criminal; bore human sin for our sake. He took upon himself the wages of human sin. Crucifixion also represents God’s single curse. In his crucifixion, Jesus represented us by taking upon himself the curse which was originally intended for us. I Cor 1:18-25 Q47. What is different about Jesus’ death from anyone else’s death? The death of common people is a natural consequence of sin. But Jesus was a sinless person who in pure service to God came to die in the place of sinful people. His death is a positive saving act. In the Bible it is written that in his death Jesus is one who dies for the people (John 11:50). St. Paul characterized Jesus’ death as “once for all” (Rom 6:10). Because of this sacrifice believers follow his steps. Our lives become positive. We are enabled to give to others, and by the same means we obtain potential for blessed lives. Jn 11:49-52, Rom 6:1-11

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Q48. What is significant about Jesus’ burial? We confess that after Jesus died he was buried. We affirm his literal death. The Son of God died for us. It was not a trick. He was dead. His burial testifies to his “deadness.” By this we can know that he truly and completely experienced our suffering. In death he bore the penalty for our sins. This is Jesus’ action as Saving Lord. It is the foundation of our salvation. Lk 23:50-55, Jn 19:38-42, Acts 13:29 Q49. What meaning is there in Jesus’ “descent into hell?” By dying on the cross Jesus both took upon himself our sin and experienced abandonment by God. As we dwell in sin we experience fiery anxiety, hopelessness and weary suspicion as if we were imprisoned in hell. We confess that Jesus Christ, after dying, descended into hell and demonstrated all he was willing to suffer for us. The salvation he offers is intimately trustworthy to all who receive it. Isaiah 53;5, Mt 27:46, I Pete 3:18-19 (Q 35 above) Q50. What is the significance of proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection? (PCT 11) Jesus’ resurrection is God’s act of raising him from the grave. By this act God conquered death’s power, and refuted all unrighteousness, injustice and evil of the earth. Because of Christ’s resurrection believers can partake of God’s righteousness. Because of faith we can come into union with Christ, dying and rising with him, experiencing God’s great power, receiving new life and blessing. Mt 28:6, Rom 4:24-25 & 8:11 Q51. What meaning is there for us in Jesus’ ascension? After rising, Christ ascended and returned to his pre-incarnate state, one with God in substance and form. Following his resurrection victory, in the presence of his apostles, he ascended to heaven to be with God. He will come again. His ascension enables believers to join him there, once again to receive God’s gracious love. Lk 24:50-51, Heb 9:24, Acts 1:11, Jn 14:12-20 Q52. Why does Christ sit at the “right side” of God? The “right side” represents a respected and authoritative position. Christ ascended into heaven and sits “at God’s right hand” to represent his respected position with God, demonstrating that his power is received from God. To confess that Christ sits at God’s right side is an affirmation of the justice which God has accomplished through Christ’s suffering, punishment and death. It is also a declaration of Christ’s “lordship” as head of the church. From the “right side” Christ also represents us and pleads for us. Eph 1:19-23, Mt 28:18 (Q 37 above) Q53. What is in the promise of Jesus’ return? (PCT 18) The promise that Christ will come again is a warning because it will be a time of judgment. To those who have not yet repented of their sins, it warns that Christ’s coming is a severe challenge. His return is also good news. He will come to show God’s lordship and authority completely established. To all who suffer oppression it says, “God’s kingdom will come.” It represents the coming of salvation and liberation. Mt 16:27, Lk 21:25-28, Acts 1:10-11

PART IV THE TRINITARIAN GOD Chapter 11 God in Christ the Son Q54. What is the meaning of the term “Christ?” (PCT 6) “Christ” is a term taken from Greek language. Basically it meant one who received anointing, as the Hebrew term “Messiah.” In Old Testament times anointing was commonly used to demonstrate God’s election of particular servants (prophets, priests and kings). Those who received anointing were chosen and sent by God. During the time when Israel dwelt in exile there began a belief in a single anointed one who would to come at a certain time. This one was called “The Messiah.” Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled this role. He came from God appointed and anointed as the Christ.

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Mt 16:15-16, Acts 2:36, I Tim 2:4-6 Q55. How can it be said that Jesus is “God’s only begotten son?” (PCT 6) Jesus is the Christ not only because of God’s single appointment for mission. Through his incarnation, power, teaching and miracles, plus his crucifixion, death and resurrection he demonstrates that his relationship to God surpasses any other human –divine relationship. He is also divine, sharing in God’s glory. Therefore, the relationship between Jesus and God is unique, incomparable. To reckon Jesus as God’s son is to say they have an incomparable relationship, and to say that Jesus himself is “very God of very God”. Jn 1:1-2 & 1:14, Rom 1:2-4, Phil 2:6-7 Q56. Why do we regard Christ as Lord? (PCT 18) “Lord” is a term of authority, a position of all sufficient control and rule. Jesus is the eternal Christ; God’s anointed appointed savior. He sits at the right hand of God: receiving authority from God; obtaining God’s glory; ransoming us from the power of sin and Satan by his shed blood; and enabling us to belong completely to God. Therefore, he and God the Father share the same authority to rule of the people of the world. When we call Jesus our Lord we say that we are willing to obey him and follow his leading. I Cor 7:23, Phil 2:6-11, I Pete 1:18-19 Q57. If Jesus is God’s only begotten Son, are we then also God’s children? (PCT 6) Reckoning Jesus to be God’s only son not only says that he and God the Father have a “father-son” type of intimate relationship, it also says that he has the same sort of divine nature as the Father. His sonship is eternal. All we who believe in him consequently rely on the grace which he offers, which is the redemption of justification by faith. This suffices to enable sinners to come before the face of God and find acceptance as God’s children. Rom 8:14-17, Jn 1:12 Q58. What does it mean to confess that Jesus was “conceived by the Holy Spirit?” (PCT 8) The incarnate Jesus Christ is God’s eternal son. Though he was born to be a man of human flesh and blood, yet because he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, he still has complete divine nature. Confessing Jesus’ Holy Spirit conception is to confessing his divine nature. Mt 1:18 & 20, Lk 1:35 Q59. What is the significance of saying that Jesus, God’s only Son, was “born of a virgin?” (PCT 9) For Christ to become our savior he had to be human and experience human sin. But he also had to be divine and different from us ordinary people. Only thus could he bear our sin and serve as our redeemer. To confess that Jesus is virgin born is to assert that he is human yet different from us, not participating on our Original sin. Mt 1:22-23 (Q22 above) Q60. Why do we say that Christ is our brother? (PCT 10) Jesus Christ bodily came to this world to be our brother. He took on our sin and bore our punishment. Relying on his great love, believers are adopted by God because of Jesus’ acts. This makes us God’s children. We are one in the body of Christ; the same flesh. Our relationship with Christ moves us from the position of slaves to that of brothers and sisters. Reckoning Christ to be our brother says we already are in the context of redemption. We are justified. We have obtained adoption as God’s children. In Christ, believers are equally brothers and sisters. Mk 3:33-35, Lk 8:21, Rom 8:29, Heb 2:11 Q61. How does Christ’s grace come upon us bodily? (PCT 13) Through the death and resurrection of Christ, God’s salvation is bestowed upon us. We rely on faith, to receive salvation. Faith is our power for relying on the grace of God, transforming our own thoughts and will, and totally hoping in God. The power of faith is perfected by the work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore we can also say that Christ’s salvation comes upon us bodily through the work of the Holy Spirit. Rom 8:9 & 26-27 & 15:13

Chapter 12 God in the Holy Spirit

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Q62. Who or what is the Holy Spirit? (PCT 14) The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit, in existence, living and active, before the creation of the cosmos. The Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of Christ. In the course of history the Spirit proceeds as God’s Spirit. Before Jesus departed the earth He prayed that the Father grant the Holy Spirit to people, to be our comforter, our helper and the Spirit of Truth. Gen 1:1-2, Ex 31:1-3, Jud 3:10, II Kings 2:16, Isaiah 11:2, Ez 36:27, Mic 3:6, Jn 14:16-17 & 15:26 Q63. What does it mean to reckon the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of God?” Surely there are many ways to describe God, and the same is true of the Holy Spirit. For example, the Holy Spirit is eternal, is truth, is life, is love… These clearly show that the Holy Spirit is one with God. Therefore, to reckon the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God is to say that God and the Holy Spirit are indivisibly one body, and are in that body the same Spirit. It is also to say that the Holy Spirit denotes God’s presence, power and action. Heb 9:14, Jn 16:13, Rom 8:2, Isaiah 42:1-4, Joel 2:28-29 Q64. How is the Holy Spirit related to Christ? (PCT 14) Christ Jesus was born of Mary by the conception of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, came upon Jesus bodily. When Jesus began to preach he testified that he had the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, upon him. In addition, the Holy Spirit at times also is called the “Spirit of Christ” and the “Spirit sent out from Christ”. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is inseparable from Christ, and can be said to be one and the same in body. Mt 1:18-21 & 3:13-16, Lk 3:21-22 Q65. How does the Holy Spirit work in us? (PCT 15) The Holy Spirit works through human external and internal spiritual essences by teaching, leading, warning, comforting, supporting, convicting of sin, and rebirth. The Holy Spirit works through the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to enable people to experience and receive the life of God. Even more, the Holy Spirit is availed unto us by means of gifts and by moving us to serve God by doing such acts as please God. Jn 14:16-26, & 16:8-13, Rom 8:14 & 26, Acts 16:7, Phil 2:13 Q66. What are the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit? (PCT 16) The power of the Holy Spirit is demonstrated in God’s creative and redemptive work. Today the Holy Spirit also gives power to people, enabling us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ by proclaiming the Gospel. People’s basic talents are also gifts of the Holy Spirit which enable the church to develop. The Bible testifies to how these important gifts are granted. They are: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, preaching God’s good news, discernment, tongues, service, teaching, exhortation, help, leadership and mercy. But the clear testimony is that the greatest gift of all is love. Rom 1:11 & 5:15 & 12:6-8, I Cor 7:7 & 12:4-11 & 12:28 – 14:19, Eph 4:7-8 & 11-12 Q67. How does the Holy Spirit equip us to be witnesses? (PCT 17) The Holy Spirit grants gifts of power to the church and to individual Christians to be witnesses for God. On the one hand the Holy Spirit gives people wisdom and understanding, calling us to acknowledge God’s will and to live according to the requirements of the Lord. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit gives loving hearts, calling us to experience and testify to God’s love. The Holy Spirit also grants special talents, enabling people in all walks and areas of endeavor and daily life to live out the life of Christ, and calls people to see, experience and acknowledge God. Col 1:8-10, I Cor 12:4-11 & 27-30 & 14:1-4, Rom 13:9-11, Acts 4:8-31 Q68. How can we know the Holy Spirit is within us? (PCT 15 & 16) God most assuredly grants the Holy Spirit to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Reliance on and belief in God insures that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believer who then experiences and can be assured of the presence of the Holy Spirit. A believer who is filled with and led by the Holy Spirit, because of the Spirit’s presence, experiences joy, peace, wisdom, love, righteousness, good works, etc. These are further assurances of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. And because the church is the Body of Christ, the Holy Spirit

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also dwells within the church. Biblical faith, honor of the Lord and the unity of Christian fellowship are experiences of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church. Acts 2:38-39, Rom 8:9-11 & 14-16 Q69. How are we to discern the Holy Spirit’s work? Because the Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth, movements of the Holy Spirit will be movements of truth. Because the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is love, movements of the Holy Spirit will be characterized by love. Because the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, movements of the Holy Spirit cannot be apart from this fruit. Because the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, movements of the Holy Spirit will emphasize the divinity of God and conform to the example set by Jesus. Gal 5:16-26, I Cor 14:26-33 & 36-40, I John 4:1-6

Chapter 13 God in the Creator Q70. What does it mean to say that God created the world? (PCT 3) To say that the world is created by God is to say that all things with form and without form, visible and invisible have their source of being in God. Humanity and all things in the cosmos are creations of God. The human spirit, reason and wisdom are all rooted in God’s creative action. All that God has created is good and beautiful. Gen 1, James 1:17, Neh 9:6, Jer 10:12, Jn 1:3, Col 1:16, Q71. Why confess that God is “Lord of history and of the world?” (PCT 4) God is the creator and source of wisdom, authority, justice and faithfulness. God uses these to govern all of creation. Human life and the cosmic processes are all ordered by God. We confess God to be the Lord of history and the world. We confess God’s lordship over history and the world is seen in human political, economic, cultural and other works. All life is God’s concern and is under God’s direction. All life is the proper concern and workplace of God’s church. Deut 32:4, Ps 29, Ps 147:5, Acts 17:24-27, Eph 1:11, James 1:17, Rev 4:11 Q72. Today’s society is evil run amok; human history is full of problems, can God truly be the Lord in such a situation? (PCT 4) The evil disruption of today’s society and the many problems of human history are the result of human sin; God IS NOT, and CAN NOT be the creator of the evil in today’s society. Neither does God participate in these evils and problems. Yet God today is still the Lord of history and the world, Lord of the cosmos. God judges modern evil for the sake of bringing redemption. God actively meets humans in repentance and grace to ameliorate today’s conditions. We must proclaim God’s directing mysteries, which are beyond human understanding, and grasp faith, actualize truth, and allow our direction in this modern world to be set under the lordship of God. Gen 8:8-17, Mt 6:9-10 & 28-34, Rom 11:33-36, II Pete 3:9 Q73. How does God perform judgment and salvation? (PCT 5) God operates through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to enact both judgment and salvation. In Jesus Christ God demonstrates unfathomable wisdom, boundless mercy, love, holiness and justice. In the Holy Spirit God moves to enable people to know God’s righteousness and our own sin, and calls us to repentance and reliance on God for our redemption. Unbelievers self-select extermination. In encounter with the teachings of the scriptures and the wisdom, goodness, compassion, holiness and justice of Jesus Christ, we encounter God’s judgment and salvation for the people of the world. Ps 1:5-6 & 2:1-12, Jn 3:16 & 5:22-27 & 16:7-11, Acts 17:31 Q74. What does it mean to reckon God as Father? God is Spirit, not human. God is not “gender specific”. But God is reckoned as Father. This is done to confess our relationship to God and to confess God’s position and rank relative to our life situation. Since we are “from God” and are God’s children, all people are our family, our

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brothers and sisters. God loves us, and is willing to be our God. We also love God, revere God as Lord, and as great. Mt 6:25-27 & 7:9-11 & 23:37-39, Isaiah 66:12-14, Rom 8:15

Chapter 14 The Trinity Q75. Is there only One God? (PCT 2) Yes. Christians believe there is only one God. This God is the creator and origin of the cosmos, the heavens and the earth. Other than this, there is no god. The creator of the cosmos and all things is also the source of all life, and is the Lord of human history and the world. Gen 1:1, Ex 20:3-5, Deut 6:4 Q76. If there is only one God, then are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit God? Yes. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all one God. This is what Christians refer to in confessing God as “Trinity”. Just one God, in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One substance but three distinct persons differentiated in function. The Father created the universe; the Son incarnate came to the world to be the savior of people; the Spirit acts in history, moving the hearts of people to confirm teaching and reverence. As three persons there is a natural division, yet these three are undivided, One. In the Father there are the Son and the Holy Spirit. In the Son there are the Father and the Holy Spirit. In the Holy Spirit there are the Father and the Son. This is the teaching and confession relative to the Trinity, by which we say that God is above our ideas of numeration. Mt 3:16-17 & 28:19 Q77. What are angels and demons? Angels are God’s messengers. They are servants whose duties and service are under God’s command. They deliver God’s messages, help God’s people, and warn and punish God’s enemies. Demons are a manifestation of Satan. Traditionally we say they are angels of Satan who were cast out of heaven along with Satan for opposing God. Demons function as accusers and adversaries. Mt 4:1-11, Lk 1:11-20 & 2:9-14, & 10:18

Part V Chapter 15

SCRIPTURE The Word of God

Q78. Is the Bible the Word of God? (PCT 19) The Bible is the written work of people moved by God’s Spirit. Through study of the Bible we recognize God’s truth and understand the way of salvation. We believe that the Bible is God’s revelation, and confess the Bible to be The Word of God. II Tim 3:16 Q79. How has God’s revelation come to people? God’s methods of revelation are manifold. God may use created things, people or experiences to reveal God’s existence, truth, goodness, beauty or will. God may use historical actions of redemption, liberation or judgment to reveal God’s works. God may make direct selfrevelations by means of dreams and visions to enable individual people to discern the Holy intention. But God’s clearest and greatest self-revelation is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This is God’s central self-revelatory act. It is testified to in the Bible in order that it might come to us. We rely on incarnation, spiritual experience, and God’s supernatural actions to discern, understand and receive God’s revelations. Gen 28:12-15, Ex 3:1-15, Rom 1:18-23, Col 1:9, Heb 1:1 Q80. How was the Bible written down? People moved by the Holy Spirit spoke. These oral tradition materials were remembered and transmitted. Later people used various literary methods to transform them into written works. Ultimately the church by faith accepted and compiled set writings to form a canon. This is the process (which Christians believe was done under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit) by which the Bible was written down.

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II Kings 22:3-13, Neh 8:1-3, Lk 1:1-4, Rom 16:22, Col 4:16-18, Rev 1:1-3 & 1:9-2:1 Q81. What is the foundation upon which the authority of the Bible stands? The Bible’s authority rests in its witness to God and to God’s truth and salvation. The authority of the Bible is not in words. It resides in and moves through God to whom the Bible’s contents testify and of whom they make confession. Ps 19:7, Acts 20:32 Q82. What are the contents of the Bible The 39 canonical books of the Old Testament are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The 27 canonical books of the New Testament are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1 , 2 & 3 John, Jude, and the Revelation. II Tim 3:16 Q83. How does the Bible bear witness to God’s salvation? (PCT 20) Through the Old Testament stories of the people of Israel and the New Testament gospel and church history stories the Bible bears witness to God as savior. It also declares the path by which people obtain salvation. The Bible tells all we need to know of God’s desire to save all creation, and all we need to know in order to respond to that desire. Isaiah 44:1-8, Jn 21:24, Rom 8:22-25, Col 1:20 Q84. Why do we say that the Bible is our rule for faith and life? (PCT 21) Christians claim that the Bible is the word of God, and confess that God is our Lord. A further assertion that the Bible is our rule of faith and life is a natural progression of these confessions. Through the Bible we come to know the God in whom we believe, and rely on the same Bible for recognition of God’s nature and work. From the Bible we learn to discern God’s will, and how we are to respond to God in the midst of daily life. The Bible is our reliable rule for faith and life. II Tim 3:16-17, Prov 1:7 & 3:5-7, Ps 119:9-11 & 105 & 129-130 Q85. Must we read the Bible? Christians must study the Bible with a respectful and humble attitude. The confession that the Bible is our rule of faith and life draws us to read it in order to understand the nature of faith and service, and to follow our understandings with action. Our Bible reading methods must fit our situation in life. Beginning from our own situation we move into the Bible setting. In the encounter between “situation and setting” the Bible’s contents speak to us. I Pete 2:1-2, Ps 119:11, James 1:25

Part VI THE CHURCH Chapter 16

The Church is the Fellowship of God’s people

Q86. What is the church? (PCT 22) The church is the body of Christ, it is the fellowship of God’s elect in Jesus Christ. Those who belong to the church are the people of God. The church is NOT an organization, a construct, a hall, or a building. The church, though it is set apart as Holy, yet is a fellowship of sinners, needing to rely on repentance for renewal, demonstrating its identity as “in Christ.” Organized churches are dispersed into every place in the world. Their locations, histories and cultures differ. Because the Church’s true identity is from Jesus Christ its head, it is universal. Eph 1:22, I Cor 1:2 & 12:12-13

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Q87. What does it mean to say, “the church is the body of Christ?” To reckon the church as the body of Christ is to say that its relation to Christ is intimate and indivisible. Christ is the head of the church, the source of its identity, and the ideal model of its mission. To reckon the church as the body of Christ is to confess that it has a holy nature, a public nature and a universal nature. We understand our limitations as one part of Christ’s body. Through Him we become members of God’s house, follow Christ’s pattern and put into practice His commandments and truth. Eph 2:19-22 Q88. Why do we say that the church is the fellowship of God’s people? (PCT 22) God’s people are designated by election in Christ and in obedience to God. The church is the organization of God’s people, joining in fellowship, manifesting God’s will, establishing Jesus’ commandments and engaging in His mission. But not all who belong to organized churches are God’s people, only those who obey God’s words and serve God’s lordly authority are God’s people. To reckon the church as the fellowship of God’s people is not only a description of the its nature, but is also a challenge to the church to be true. Mt 28:18-19 Q89. What are the special features of a “fellowship”? A fellowship is the characterized by sharing, mutual burden bearing and communion. The church’s existence is dynamic. It blends people with God and others in communion. As a united body the members share in want, in weal, in glory, in burden bearing and in suffering. By being of one heart in witness the church fulfills its entrusted mission. Acts 2:42-47 & 20:35, I Cor 12:12-13, Gal 6:1-5 Q90. What are the signs and special features of the church? (PCT 25 & 26) The church’s central mark is love, suffering love that emerges from the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This love points to God as one who suffers to save people and unite that which was divided. The church testifies to the Gospel of redemption and resurrection accomplished at the cross by Jesus Christ. Traditionally the church has asserted itself to be ”one holy catholic and apostolic.” These signs are securely established within the relationship between Christ and the church. Jn 13:34-35, I Pete 2:9-10 Q91. If the church is One, then why are there so many different churches? The church is one as the body of Christ, of which there is only One. Organized churches, dispersed into every corner of the world, differ in histories, cultures, traditions and teachings. This has produced different denominations, organizations, styles and theologies. The oneness of the church is based on “one lord, one faith, and one baptism.” Though there are different forms and types of churches, all share in the body of Christ and mutually bear witness thereto. Eph 4:4-6, I Cor 12:5 Q92. In the New Testament, what is the meaning of the authority over the “Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven”? The teaching about authority of the keys is an explication of the mysterious power of God’s salvation. The scriptures record that the church holds the authority of the keys. The foundation of the church’s authority is a part of its mission to bear witness to God’s plan of salvation, to draw people to turn to Christ and that they may receive salvation. This mission and responsibility is the authority over the keys to the kingdom. Mt 16:17-19

Chapter 17

The Mission of the Church

Q93. What is the calling and mission of the church? The central call is to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ as an agent of reconciliation. The church has missionary responsibility to act as the bearer of the connection between the world NOW and the historical incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save people, to bring people to God, and to reconcile people to people. This proclamation is the Church’s central calling and mission. Mk 16:15-18, I Cor 1:17, I Pete 2:9-10

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Q94. How is the church to proclaim Jesus’ salvation? (PCT 23) Salvation through Jesus Christ is accomplished by his self-emptying and self-offering as a sacrifice. The church confesses this salvation, which is the essence of the heart of Christ. The church must live in imitation of the model of Christ, his spirit of self-giving, in testimony to God’s way of salvation. Phil 2:5-11 Q95. Why does the church have a mission of reconciliation? (PCT 24) Reconciliation is the task of bringing divided parties together. In Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, reconciliation is made available to us. This is done by the destruction of the “singenerated” alienation between people and God. Reconciliation restores the relationship between people and people. Both parties partake of mutual love, mutual peace, and the commandments that require mutuality. Reconciliation is great good news in the Christian proclamation. It is one important theme of Christ’s incarnation. Reconciliation is a call, mark and duty of the church in the world. Mt 5:9, Jn 13:34-35, Eph 2:14-18 Q96. How can the church BE a messenger of reconciliation? (PCT 24) The church acts as a messenger of reconciliation by proclaiming the good news of God’s forgiveness, by leading people into the presence of God and by making possible a renewed relationship with God based on the grace of justification. This enables people to become reconciled with God. As we proceed to live by the pattern of Christ (as light and salt) in mutual love we establish a God-centered, just, peaceful and unified human society. Mk 9:50, II Cor 5:17-20 Q97. Why is the church “universal”? (PCT 25) The church exists in every corner of the world, the receptor of various historical and cultural influences, with different denominations, theologies, liturgies and languages. But the church, no matter if it has myriad upon myriad of differences, has a single root in Jesus Christ its head. Christians all receive the same baptism of the Holy Spirit and belong to one body. We confess the church is universal. This confession aids us in our understanding of church unity. We are one with believers in Christ of all times from every nation. Rom 12:5, I Cor 12:12-13 (Q91 above) Q98. Why do we say that the church is “rooted in this land?” (PCT 25) The church is universal. It is one body. But individual churches are called and dispersed into different places. To fulfill God’s assigned mission each church must be rooted in its local context. In this way everything a church does witnesses to the gospel following the revelation of God for each time and place. A church rooted in its particular land uses the gospel as actualized in its time and place to perform its local task and live out its universality. I Cor 9:20-23, Q99. What is meant by “the church identifies with all the inhabitants of this land?” (PCT 25) The church’s call is to be the people of God and the messenger that proclaims the gospel to all people. It must fulfill the incarnation of Christ through identification with the people who are the objects of the proclamation as it proceeds in proclaiming salvation. For the church to be present in every environment it must: identify with the people of each place; become a resident; join with the land and the people in calamities and blessings; share the sweet and the bitter; and enter together with the people into God’s promised completeness. Ruth 1:16, Rom 9:1-3 Q100. How is it that “through love and suffering” the church becomes “a sign of hope?” (PCT 26) The church must identify with the inhabitants of its land and testify to God’s saving grace among them. It must actively enable people to experience God’s love and grace. Salvation comes through Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection. For the church to enable people to experience salvation it must study Jesus’ suffering and testify to God’s great love. Thus it reflects Jesus’ life and becomes a sign of hope for humanity. Rom 8:18-25, II Cor 6:4-10

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Part VII SACRAMENTS Chapter 18

Signs of Grace

Q101. How does the church make God’s salvation tangible to people? God’s grace comes through the public incarnation, suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The church is the body of Christ. By means of vehicles of grace that represent his body we demonstrate his death and resurrection in the sacraments. By the work of the Holy Spirit God’s grace is made “tangible” in the sacraments. Eph 2:8, II Pete 1:16-19, Acts 16:6-10,Col 1:25-29 Q102. What is a sacrament? Sacraments are those actions established by God as visible signs and seals of invisible grace. By presenting these signs and seals to us in sacramental material actions, God makes the gospel promises of forgiveness and eternal life tangible to us. Rom 4:11, Acts 2:38, Mt 26:28 Q103. What is the relationship between sacraments and “vehicles of holiness?” God’s grace is made available to us by means of gospel proclamation and revelation. This revelation is actualized and sealed to us through sacramental material actions. Sacraments and vehicles of holiness are two sides of the same coin. Both are revelatory media of the grace of God in the death and resurrection of Christ. Sacraments are the instruments of vehicles of holiness, and vehicles of holiness are the content of the sacraments. Both are instruments of God’s grace. Rom 6:3, Gal 3:27, I Cor 11:23-26 Q104. How many sacraments were established by Christ in the Bible? Two, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The church celebrates many rites, but since the time of the reformation only these two (established by Jesus and recorded in the New Testament) are considered sacraments in Protestant Christianity. Mt 28:19 & 26:26-29 Q105. What benefit is produced by the Sacraments? Sacraments are personally established by our Lord Jesus Christ. When they pass to us through the hands of his ministers and are received with faith the Holy Spirit enters into the material actions and enables participants to experience the Christ’s presence and receive God’s grace. Jn 3:5, Eph 2:8, I Pete 1:23 Q 106. May the sacraments be used as instruments of church punishment? They may not. Since sacraments are instruments of grace given by God, they are representations of God’s open and unconditional love to people. Sacraments are unconditionally given as gifts, and cannot be used by the church as instruments of church punishment. Eph 1:5-8

Chapter 19 Baptism Q107. What is baptism and what is its meaning? Baptism in the early church was an initiation rite. When people confessed their faith they received water baptism in the name of the triune God and were accepted into the church. Many believed that only by these means could they receive forgiveness for their sins and stand before God as justified. The emphasis in baptism was the response of the person coming to receive it. Different baptism methods are still the same rite. Presbyterian churches generally baptize believers by sprinkling. Mt 3:11 & 28:19 Q108. What does it mean to be baptized into the blood and the spirit of Christ? To be baptized into Christ’s blood and spirit means to avail oneself of His sacrificial death on the cross, accepting all that he did there to obtain forgiveness for us. It also means renewal by the Holy Spirit, which enables us to turn from sin and death and live the salvation of Christ, becoming believers not subject to reproach. Heb 12:24 and Jn 1:32-33

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Q109. Does externally applied water in and of itself wash away sin? No. The washing away of sin is based on the grace of Christ along with our faith. That faith, accompanied by justification and the work of the Holy Spirit, washes away sin Baptism is a rite through which we avail ourselves of confession of sin and washing. It is a display of God’s salvation. External washing of water alone without confession of faith is a mere form of a rite. Without the action of the Holy Spirit it is unable to wash away sin. Mk 16:16, Titus 3:4-7 Q110. What are the relationships between baptism, remission of sin and rebirth? Baptism is a public declaration of faith, a display of repentance. True baptism which achieves the result of absolution is the fruit of repentance. A sinner obtaining forgiveness has already been reborn, and comes before God to receive the grace of justification, and begin to progress towards sanctification. Acts 2:38-39, I Cor 6:11, Gal 3:27, Col 2:12-14 Q111. Must children also be baptized? Of central importance in baptism is the faith declaration of the one receiving it. Faith accomplishes the remission of sins and ushers those who receive baptism into the family of God. Infants cannot make faith judgments, neither can they by themselves confess faith to comply with the requirement for baptism. Nevertheless, looking at baptism as a rite of initiation into the family of God, the church recognizes the need for families to be inclusive and whole, so invites infants to receive baptism. But because infants cannot confess faith, are weak and unable to receive God’s power, so upon declaration by the head of the family of willingness to bear responsibility for Christian instruction, the church invites children to be baptized. Mt 19:14 Q112. How should a person prepare to receive baptism? Baptism is not only a declaration of faith, it is the rite of a person’s entry into an intimate relationship with the Trinitarian God. It marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon a person to begin the work of sanctification. A person preparing to receive baptism should: undertake self examination; repent of sins; receive Jesus Christ as Lord; study the ways of Christ; understand Christian life as sanctified; and make a commitment to honor the commands of Christ as they are taught in the Bible. I Jn 1:7 Q113. What is confirmation? Confirmation is the rite wherein believers take upon themselves the full import of the Christian faith. It is commonly conducted for those who have received baptism as infants and declare themselves to be adult believers. It may be conducted for persons transferring their membership into a particular denomination from another one. Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church is seen as the primary of their seven sacraments. Following the Reformation only Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have been accepted as sacraments in Protestant churches where confirmation is a rite. It marks the importance of a believer’s personal affirmation of faith. Rom 10:8-9 (Q 104 above)

Chapter 20

The Lord’s Supper

Q114. What is the Lord’s Supper, and what is its meaning? The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament established by the Lord Jesus on the night before his crucifixion. He and the apostles shared a supper and established a new fellowship. The Lord’s Supper is patterned on the Old Testament Passover evening meal. It was established by Jesus as a reminder of his crucifixion for our sins. The Lord’s Supper is the prime tool of Grace in hands of the church. Believers should partake of the supper together, to experience the body of Jesus Christ in communion with each other. This act celebrates the essential mutual character of the church. Lk 22:14-20, Mt 26:26-29, I Cor 10:16-17, I Cor 11:23-25 Q115. What do the bread and wine represent? Jesus at table with the apostles took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and distributed it to them saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

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Afterwards he took the cup and said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” From this we can know that in the Lord’s Supper the bread represents the body of Jesus Christ and the wine represents his blood. Receivers of the Lord’s supper receive Jesus Christ’s body and blood. Lk 22:14-20 Q116. Do the bread and wine at the Lord’s Supper actually become the body and blood of Christ? The bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper, after being blessed by the celebrant, do not materially change into Christ’s body and blood. Yet, through the words of institution, the faith response of those who receive the supper and by the action of the Holy Sprit this communion with Christ is termed “receiving the experience of communion with Christ’s body and blood.” I Cor 10:1-4 & 11:26-28 Q117. What does it mean to receive the body and blood of Christ? To confess that in the Lord’s Supper believers receive the body and blood of Christ means that we participate in his crucifixion, death and resurrection. Christ was crucified, his body was pierced, his blood flowed, to fulfill God’s grace of redemption for the people of the world. Through the body and blood of Christ received in the supper, believers receive God’s grace of forgiveness, embrace death with Christ, and rise with Christ to new life. Jn 6:35 & 6:40, & 6:51 & 6:53-56 Q118. What does it mean to say that Christ’s blood is a sign of the new covenant? By his suffering, death and shed blood, Christ shows the new covenant is guaranteed by his blood. The blood sign is ancient. It was established in classical times to show that the one making it is a guarantor. Christ’s blood signifies that all who receive it enter a new covenant. We are the people of this new covenant, sealed with Christ’s shed blood. Mt 26:27-28, Mk 14:22-24, Lk 22:19-20, I Cor 11:25-27 Q119. What kind of a person is suitable to receive this supper that represents the grace of God? Sacraments are not only instruments of grace, they are God’s invisible grace in visible form. Receivers must understand this mystery to be allowed to receive the blessing in the sacraments. In other words, only those who truly confess faith, are willing to receive Christ as savior, commit themselves to follow the Lord’s teaching, and respond in faith to Christ, can receive the Lord’s Supper as an instrument of grace. I Cor 11:27-28 Q120. May an adherent to the church who has not yet been baptized receive the Lord’s Supper? No. The Lord’s Supper is a sign of the mystery of God’s grace. To those who don’t yet confess to have received Christ’s salvation receiving the supper is meaningless. One who does not understand the meaning of the supper, know that this is a communion with the body and blood of Christ and come with a devoted heart to receive the supper takes it in violation of its holiness. Such reception is devoid of the sign of salvation. I Cor 11:27-29

Part VIII Chapter 21

THE LIFE OF FAITH The Law of God (1)

Q121. What is included in the Law of God? The Ten Commandments, i.e.: 1. You shall have no other gods beside God. 2. You shall not make for yourselves an idol 3. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God. 4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. 5. Honor your father and your mother. 6. You shall not murder. 7. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, servant, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Ex 20:1-17, Deut 5:1-21 Q122. What is idolatrous worship? Any thing visible or invisible that takes the place of God, or any thing to which people might give worshipful attention or act towards in a worshipful manner, is an evidence of idolatrous

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worship. This can include any thing that a person chooses apart from God to worship or depend on. All such behavior is idolatrous worship. Ex 20:4-7 & 34:14, Deut 12:30-32, Eph 5:5, Phil 3:19, Acts 17:29, (Q7 above) Q123. What does it mean to make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God? The name of God represents the essence and being of God. Use of God’s name carelessly or wrongfully transforms God’s name into an instrument of a curse by which one controls the actions of God or uses God for one’s own purposes. Using God’s name carelessly or wrongfully is an offense to God. It overturns the rightful positions wherein people are respecters and worshippers of God, and puts people in the position of partakers of the Glory of God. This must not be done. Lev 19:12, Mt 5:37, James 5:12 Q124. Must Christians “remember the Sabbath Day?” Rooted in Jewish law and history, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, and it is now called Saturday. The Jews’ Sabbath is what we would currently call “Friday sundown to Saturday sundown” rest. During his incarnation Jesus observed this Sabbath, because He was a Jew. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension the church began to meet to worship God and to hold fellowship on Sundays. Today, other than a few sectarian groups, Christians do not continue to keep the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday, but keep Sunday as “the Lord’s Day.” Mt 12:1-8, Acts 20:7, Mk 1:21 & 6:2, I Cor 16:1-2, Rev 1:10 Q125. Which day is “the Lord’s Day?” The Lord’s day is designated as that on which Jesus Christ rose from death to life, it is the first day of the week, what we now call Sunday. The early church used this memorial day as the Lord’s day. We keep this as a holy time, akin to the Jewish practice of the Sabbath, as the day on which we assemble to remember Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death. We meet to praise and worship God, enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and engage in mutual fellowship with other believers in the Lord. Mt 28:1-20, Mk 16:1-10, Lk 24:1-10, Jn 20:1-10, Acts 2:1-4 Q126. What is required by the 5th through the 10th commandments? These commandments are: 5) Honor your father and your mother. 6) You shall not murder. 7) You shall not commit adultery. 8) You shall not steal. 9) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 10) You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, house, servant, ox, donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor. These are the models for human ethical life. Ex 20:12-17, Deut 5:16-21 Q127. Can humans completely keep these commandments? Because people are unavoidably tainted by sin it is not possible to completely keep the commandments. In our sinful nature we turn to ourselves as the centers of our lives. the result is that in our inmost hearts and in our behavior we regularly break these commandments. Rom 3:19-20 & 7:15-25, Ecclesiastes 7:20 Q128. If we are unable to perfectly keep the commandments, then why did God command us to? God gave the commandments in full knowledge that people would be unable to keep them perfectly. Nevertheless, they are God’s requirements and expectations for us. They are the patterns for human life. The commandments are a judgment calling us to acknowledge our limitation and weakness. They are also an encouragement to turn us toward reliance on the Grace of God. Rom 3:19-20 & 7:7-25

Chapter 22 The Law Of God (2) Q129. What is included in the New Commandment? The new commandment exists in two versions. The first is Jesus’ unification of the Jewish Law, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” and “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The second version is Jesus’ command to his disciples to “love one another just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Mt 22:37-40, Jn 13:34-35

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Q130. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind? Whole heart, whole soul and whole mind love of God is basically just what it says. Though we are not whole, yet we should use all these faculties as if we were whole, giving all of our lives to love God, and accepting God’s love and beauty as our pattern for life. Phil 3:12-16, I Jn 5:1-4 Q131. What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself?” To love your neighbor as yourself is to say that we must love our neighbors in the same way as we love ourselves. Neighbors are not only those who live in adjoining houses, but are all who need us. Love of neighbors as ourselves is love of all whom we encounter. Lk 10:25-37, Jn 15:13, I Jn 4:18-21 Q132. What is the relationship between loving God and loving people? People who truly with whole heart, soul, and mind love God necessarily love others as themselves. Through loving neighbors as ourselves we manifest true whole heart, soul and mind love of God. “Loving God” and “loving neighbors as ourselves” are indivisible aspects of a single human life. I Jn 4:19-21, Mt 25:31-46

Chapter 23 Prayer Q133. What is prayer? Prayer is intimate communication between people and God, as conversation between lovers. We use prayer to express our respect, praise, love and thanksgiving to God, to repent, to ask for forgiveness and help, and to listen for the will of God so that we might respond to God’s love and grace. Christians pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Jn 16:23, I Jn 5:14 Q134. Why must Christians pray? Christians are God’s children, so conversation with God is as natural conversation with our parents. Prayer is the place in our lives where we converse with our spiritual parent, the Lord God. A Christian not only MUST pray, but must also want to pray OFTEN. Frequent prayer is a part of a steady, mutual and beautiful relationship with God. Ps 50:14-15 & 62:8, Mt 7:7-8, Lk 11:9-13, I Thess 5:16-18 Q135. What special skills are helpful in offering a prayer which is acceptable to God? The “opposite party” in a Christian’s prayer is God, our creator and redeemer, so we should pray in sincerity and humility. We should also pray in a spirit of faithful perseverance. The central focus of our prayers, both of supplication and of or intercession, must be compliance with the will of God. This prevents us from selfish desires and puts God’s sovereignty first. Our prayers are to be offered in the name of Jesus Christ because by ourselves we cannot bring anything before God. Our desires are not worthy of God’s regard and approval, but through Jesus Christ we obtain grace to come to God in prayer. II Chron 7:14, Ps 145:18-20, Mt 26:39, Lk 18:9-14 & 11: 5-8, Rom 8:26-27, I Jn 5:14-15, James 1:6 Q136. After what manner does Jesus teach us to pray? The Lord Jesus said that when we pray we should say, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. Mt 6:9-13, Lk 11:2-4 Q137. What does the word “amen” mean? “Amen” is an imported Hebrew word that has been transliterated into many languages. Basically it is an assertion of “truth” or “genuineness”. Saying “amen” at the conclusion of a prayer means that we genuinely desire whatever we have asked. Another early meaning is “so be it,” or “hope it may be so”, which can be translated as “indeed” or “heart’s desire”. Deut 27:14-16, Ps 106:48, Jer 11L5, Rom 1:25, II Cor 1:20, I Tim 1:17, Rev 3:14-15

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Q138. In the Bible we read “ask and you shall receive”. What does that mean? God hears all of our prayers. God is about permitting, and all that God permits, God will complete. The phrase “Ask and you will receive” is to say that the God who listens and permits can absolutely accomplish in response to human prayers that which conforms to His good and perfect will. The deepest end of human prayer is that God’s will be done. Isaiah 65:24, Mt 6:33, I Jn 5:14-15, James 1:6, II Cor 1:20, II Tim 2:13

Chapter 24 Offerings and Worship Q139. How shall people draw near to God and worship God? Because God is spirit, people should draw near to God in spirit and in truth to worship. God is our creator and redeemer, so we should draw near in worship with our whole lives, humbly, thankfully, and with hearts full of praise and love for God. Ps 95:2-3, Mt 10:37-39 & 22:37, Jn 4L24, Heb 10:25 Q140. What is a Christian service of worship? A Christian service of worship is an opportunity for believers to worship God, hear God’s word, and respond to God’s word. It is a way to uphold mutual fellowship, maintain mutual hope, participate in mutual bearing of burdens, stimulate mutual love, encourage mutual performance of good works, and engage in corporate prayer. Acts 2:41-42, Heb 10:21-25 Q141. What is the meaning of the offering? Christians receive God’s unfathomable grace. Offerings are one response to this grace. We also have received God’s commission to act as stewards of all created things. Offerings are a means of confessing our status before God as stewards, of respecting God’s lordship, and of accepting our commission as stewards. Offerings are not just material, but include our wisdom, talents, time and extend to offering our whole lives and beings to God. Deut 26:1-11, Malachi 3:8-12, Rom 6:13 & 12;1-2 Q142. Why must Christians read the Bible? Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God addressed to us to reveal God’s nature and work, testify to God’s creation and redemption, and serve as the guide for our faith and life. We need to read the Bible regularly to obtain knowledge of God, understand God’s will, and find power to actualize a life based on Christian ethics. Ps 19:7, Ps 119:11, Acts 17:11, II Tim 3:14-17 (Q 85 above) Q143. Why do Christians participate in church service? Christians should follow the model of Jesus Christ and in a spirit of service to God give service to the church. We can do many sorts of service in the context of worship, and can also act as evangelists, teachers and helpers within the Church. In the society at large we can serve enthusiastically, giving of our time and talents with joyful, sincere and respectful hearts. Heb 12:28, Rom 7:6, II Tim 2:14-15 & 21-28 Q144. What is the relationship between worshipping God and serving people? We draw near to God with our whole lives in the context of worship and in daily life. Apart from loving our neighbors we cannot say that we love God. In worship we draw near to God to show our love. If we fail in daily life to show love to our neighbors or to serve humanity, we are devoid of the true love required of those who would come near to God in worship. Worship of God and service of humanity are intimately related, two aspects of one thing. Isa 1:11-17 & 58:1-12, Amos 5:21-24, Mic 6:6-8, Mt 7:21-23, 10:40-42 & 25:31-46, Jas 1:22-25 & 2:14-17

Chapter 25, Social Responsibility (I) Q145. What does it mean that people have the image of God? We are created in the image of God, and have stewardship of all God made. God’s image is found in our dignity, wisdom and the talents suited for the work that God assigned us. God’s image also assigns us responsibility to develop society. Gen 1:26-28, Ex 31:3-5

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Q146. How can we participate in God’s creation, taking up the duty of managing society? (PCT 31) God created everything from nothing, light from darkness, and declared that all that had been made was good. We are stewards who manage all that God has created, and co-laborers with God to maintain the order of creation and light. We are commissioned to be stewards, responsible to be GOOD stewards. We must rely on God’s will and justice, and in a spirit of loyalty take responsible attitudes, virtuously using our God-given talents. Gen 1, Ps 8:6-8, I Cor 4:1-2 Q147. What powers do social, political and economic systems have within God’s creation? (PCT 32) Social, political and economic systems are human inventions that rely on God-given reason and talents. They are the means by which we maintain the creation, light and beauty which come from God. Social, political and economic actions must be rooted in God’s loving kindness and justice, and must be centered on conformity with the will of God and pursue the values of the Kingdom of God. Ex 18:19-23, Ps 82:3-4, Prov 8:15-16, Rom 13:1-7 Q148. Is faith necessarily in conflict with literature, arts and sciences? (PCT 32) Human beings have used the talents and the reason that God granted us at creation to develop social, political and economic systems. We have similarly developed literature, arts and sciences. These form one aspect of our relationship with God. There need not be any conflict with Christian faith. But our use of talents and reason is incompletely founded on God’s will. The result is that literature and arts, which were intended for praise of God’s goodness and declaration of the wonders of creation and redemption, have been used to profane the holy name of God and violate God’s true beauty. Sciences, which were intended for recognition of the greatness and mystery of God’s creation of cosmos and humanity, have been used as vehicles of self pride, excuses for unbelief, and means by which humanity and all created things are damaged. Gen 4:20-22, Ex 31:3-5, Prov 2, Prov 30_18-19 & 24-28, Acts 17:22-28, Phil 4:8, (Q7 above) Q149. What is the basic thought behind Christian ethical life? (PCT 29) Christian ethical life is a response to the love that God manifests in creation, sustenance and salvation. Love is the basis of Christian ethics; love of God, love of people, and love of all creation. To love God requires that we love people and all of creation, and to love people calls us to love of God. God also loves people and all of creation,. Mk 12:29-31, Rom 13:8-10, Col 3:12-14 Q150. How are Christians to avoid misuse of God’s gifts? (PCT 33) Human wisdom, reason and talents are gifts of God. They must be centered on God and used to accomplish God’s will in compliance with the unfathomable mysteries of God’s Kingdom. The focal point is a grasp of justice and love in an attitude of humble responsible watchfulness, tempered by introspection and repentance, that all creation may be beautiful and whole as we give glory to God. Mt 25:14-30, I Cor 9:23 & 10:23-24 & 12:20-27, Col 3:17

Chapter 26 Social Responsibility (II) Q151. What responsibilities do we have to ourselves and to others? Our life is not our own. We are created beings, recipients of the gift of life. We have the duty to protect and use our lives and to fulfill the meaning and value of creation. We are made for community, where we influence each other. An individual life can influence a group and effect the orderliness of community living. We have duties towards others (to protect their lives, to guard creation, ecology and the environment) that all may fulfill the meaning of their lives and of their creation. Gen 4:8-10, I Cor 12:26, Rom 14:7-8 & 15:1-3 Q152. What responsibilities do Christians have in the face of the crises of life? (PCT 33 & 34) The crises of today’s world are the fruit of human refusal to aptly fulfill our role as co-managers with God of all creation, a role that God assigned us. We do not act as God’s co-laborers but

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as the central actors. We violate and nullify justice, oppress and mismanage the natural world, and see the results of this in the pollution and destruction of an originally orderly environment. We must repent, be renewed in life, understand the natural world and the land as God’s possessions, accept our position as stewards, and live out that role. We must respect and value our duty to manage and care for all things in the cosmos as interrelated, protect that which has been created in an orderly way, act impartially, recognize the limitations of resources, and emphasize renewal and rebirth. By these, with God’s help, we enable humanity and all creation to fulfill existence and life. Gen 1:26-28 & 2:15, & 3:17-19 & 9:12-18, Lev 25:23, Ps 104:10-27, Isa 11:5-9, Jer 31:34-36, Rom 8:18-25, Col 1:16-20 Q153. What should the Christian’s attitude be towards political influence? (PCT 32) “Politics” denotes national and governmental actions related to policies, decisions and administration. Christians are both subjects of God’s kingdom and citizens of the current world. We have responsibility to show concern for nations, duty to participate in politics and various political rights. We recognize that in our role as citizens we are the masters of the nations. Governments exist to protect national and social orderliness and to protect people’s freedom. Government power must be based on justice if it is to maintain the balance between social order and personal freedom. Churches and Christians should pray for governments and for people in administrative positions. When there is injustice in the use of power and the setting of policy we must speak out in the spirit of the prophets, and give support to policies which tend toward justice and common good. Deut 16:18-20, Lev 19:15, II Sam 23:3-4, Ps 94:20-22, Isaiah 10:1-3, Micah 3, Rom 13:1-7 (Q147 above) Q154. What is a Christian attitude towards economic activities? (PCT 32) “Economics” denotes the productive and distributive activities of humanity, the purposes of which are to satisfy basic human biological and psychological needs. Human life is not merely dependent on food. Christian attitudes towards economic activity are wholistic and integrated, blending the satisfaction of human physical and emotional needs with the establishment of justice. In the creation and distribution of material there must be justice. Economic activity must aim for sustainablity while it is conscious of the oneness of humanity with all creation. We must pursue ecological and environmental preservation. Prov 16:8, Ezekiel 18:7-9, Micah 6:10-11, Mt 6:25-33, Lk 12:13-34, Rom 14:17 (Q147 above) Q155. What is a Christian attitude towards literature and arts? (PCT 32) Humans often use literary and artistic expressions to describe and structure our experiences and understandings of the divine, the human, and the world. Literary and artistic modes can be used to extol God’s greatness, glory and goodness. These expressions enable us to understand human nature (our potentials and limitations, our virtues and vices) and the actualities of the world (the harmonious beauty of creation and order, the confusion of evil). It is our duty not to use arts and literature to pollute, subvert or destroy beauty or to diminish truth. Ps 104 & 150, Rom 3:16-17 (Q148 above) Q156. How should science and technology be used? (PCT 32) We must be clear that science and technology are developed through the reason which God granted to us, and are to be used for the profit and benefit of the existence of humanity and all creation. But we can neither “believe in“ nor regard science and technology as almighty. We must have an attitude of responsibility tempered by justice and love, using science and technology to develop humanity in progress towards world peace while protecting the wholeness of creation. Gen 31:1-11, Ecclesiastes 7:11-12, Acts 9:13-18, Col 3:16-17 (Q148 above)

Part IX

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Chapter 27

The Establishment of God’s Kingdom

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Q157. What is the Christian’s highest calling? (PCT 17, 23 & 24) Christians are called to reconciliation with God, and to act as agents with God to reconcile all of the created order that all might enter into eternal life in the Kingdom of God. We also must proclaim God’s works and encourage the people of the world towards reconciliation with God, so that we might enter into God’s kingdom together. Mt 6:33, I Pete 2:9-10, II Pete 1:10-11 Q158. What special meaning is there in the Kingdom of God for oppressed peoples? (PCT 36 & 37) For the oppressed, the kingdom of God is a proclamation of release which enables them to be done with oppression and to obtain freedom. Within God’s kingdom the oppressed do not return to oppression, enslavement or persecution, but receive all their past and future sovereignty, dignity and liberation. Ps 89:44 & 85:10-11, Lk 4:18, Rom 14:17 Q159. What does it mean to become a new creation? (PCT 38) In Christ we are new creations. We partake of Christ’s life. We are no longer at enmity with God. We are reconciled to God. We have Christ’s heart “at heart.” We respect the lordship of God. We reflect the image of God. We have the truth of God. We produce justice and sanctity. We live by compassion and peace. We are undivided in renewal and growth. Eph 4:24, Col 3:10 Q160. What does it mean “that the world might become the kingdom of God”? (PCT 38 & 39) “The Kingdom of God” denotes the actuality of God’s sovereignty. Confessing “that the world might become the kingdom of God” is saying that this world might be filled with God’s truth, justice, love and peace, serving as God’s kingdom where God’s sovereign will might be actualized upon the earth. Ps 85:10-13, Isaiah 11:5-9, Micah 4:3-4, Rom 14:17, Mt 6:10 Q161. How are we to think of heaven and hell? What is their relationship to the Kingdom of God? “Heaven” denotes God’s accepted people in God’s presence, a condition of enjoying God’s light and the joy of eternal life in glory. “Hell” is for those who refuse to recognize God, refuse to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ, who resist the moving of the Holy Spirit. It is a condition of separation from God in death, suffering and darkness. “Heaven” is the Kingdom of God, full of truth, justice, love and peace. Lk 16:19-31 & 17:20-21, Jn 17:3, I Pete 3:18-22, Jude 5-7, Rev 20:11—21:8, (Q73 above) Q162. What day is the final day? What is its relation to Jesus’ return? (PCT 5 & 18) The final day is when all human experience is brought before God to be judged by the standards of the justice of Jesus Christ. It is the time of Christ’s return. On that day the living and the dead will come before God to give account for our desires, thoughts, words, behaviors, virtues and vices to receive judgment. The righteous will receive eternal life, and the wicked will receive punishment and extermination. I Cor 3:13-15, II Cor 5:10 Q163. What is God’s justice? (PCT 40) God’s justice is God’s basic will, God’s character made manifest. God’s justice involves judgment, because judgment is based in justice made manifest. God’s justice is suffused with holiness and compassion, and brings joy and peace. Ps 89:14-16, (Q 73 above) Q164. What is fullness of peace? (PCT 40) Peace is the true foundation for the relationships between: people and God; people and others; individuals and themselves internally; and people and all creation. The origin of peace is God who through the Lord Jesus Christ gives peace to all those who believe in him. Peace is intimately related to truth, justice, love and kindness. Ps 29:11, Jn 14:27 & 16:33, Rom 15:13, Col 3:15, II Thess 3:16, James 3:16-18, Heb 12:11

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Scriptural Index Genesis 1,1 Genesis 1,1-2 Genesis 1,1-31 Genesis 1,26-28 Genesis 2,1 Genesis 2,7 Genesis 2,15 Genesis 3,1-24 Genesis 3,17-19 Genesis 4,8-10 Genesis 4,20-22 Genesis 6,5 Genesis 8,8-17 Genesis 9,8-17 Genesis 9,12-18 Genesis 11,1-9 Genesis 12,1-3 Genesis 28,12-15 Exodus 3,1-15 Exodus 3,7-10 Exodus 3,14 Exodus 18,19-23 Exodus 20,1-17 Exodus 20,3-5 Exodus 20,4-7 Exodus 20,12-17 Exodus 31,1-3 Exodus 31,1-11 Exodus 31,3-5 Exodus 32,1-6 Exodus 34,14 Leviticus 19,12 Leviticus 19,1 Leviticus 25,23 Deuteronomy 5,1-21 Deuteronomy 5,16-21 Deuteronomy 6,4 Deuteronomy 12,30-32 Deuteronomy 16,18-20 Deuteronomy 26,1-11 Deuteronomy 27,14-16 Deuteronomy 32,4 Judges 3,10 Ruth 1,16 II Samuel 23,3-4 II Kings 2,16 II Kings 22,3-13 II Chronicles 7,14 Nehemiah 8,1-3 Nehemiah 9,6 Job 14,4 Psalm 1,5-6 Psalm 2,1-12 Psalm 8,4-8 Psalm 8,6-8 Psalm 19,7 Psalm 29

75 34, 62 70, 146 18 ,19, 145 ,153 34 19 152 22, 23 ,35 152 151 148 25 72 3 152 6 2 79 79 2 9 147 121 75 122 126 62 16 145,148 5 122 123 153 152 121 126 75 122 153 141 137 71 62 99 153 62 80 135 80 70 27, 28 3 73 19 146 81, 142 71

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Psalm 29,11 Psalm 42,1-11 Psalm 50,14-15 Psalm 51,55 Psalm 62,8 Psalm 73,24-26 Psalm 82,3-4 Psalm 85,10-11 Psalm 85,10-13 Psalm 89,14 Psalm 89,14-16 Psalm 94,20-22 Psalm 95,2-3 Psalm 104,1-35 Psalm 104,10-27 Psalm 106,48 Psalm 119,11 Psalm 145,18-20 Psalm 147,5 Psalm 150,1-6 Proverbs 1,7 Proverbs 2,1-22 Proverbs 3,5-7 Proverbs 8,15-16 Proverbs 16,8 Proverbs 30,18-19 Proverbs 30,24-28 Ecclesiastes 4,1-16 Ecclesiastes 6,1-12 Ecclesiastes 7,11-13 Ecclesiastes 9,13-18 Isaiah 1,11-17 Isaiah 10,1-3 Isaiah 11,2 Isaiah 11,5-9 Isaiah 41,1-7 Isaiah 42,1-4 Isaiah 44,1-8 Isaiah 44,24 Isaiah 52,13-15 Isaiah 53,1-12 Isaiah 53,3-4 Isaiah 53,5 Isaiah 53,6 Isaiah 58,1-12 Isaiah 65,24 Isaiah 66,12-14 Jeremiah 10,12 Jeremiah 11,5 Jeremiah 17,9 Jeremiah 31,34-36 Jeremiah 36,1-8 Ezekiel 18,7-9 Ezekiel 36,27 Joel 2,13 Joel 2,28-30 Amos 5,21-24 Micah 3,1-12

164 2 134 25 134 20 147 158 160 18 163 153 139 155 152 137 85, 142 135 71 155 84 148 84 147 154 148 148 4 4 156 156 144 153 62 152, 160 34 63 83 18 45 45 40 49 27, 35 144 138 74 70 137 21 152 80 154 62 30 63 144 153

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Micah 3,6 Micah 4,1-2 Micah 4,3-4 Micah 6,6-8 Micah 6,10-11 Matthew 1,18 Matthew 1,18-21 Matthew 1,20 Matthew 1,21 Matthew 1,22-23 Matthew 3,11 Matthew 3,13-16 Matthew 3,16-17 Matthew 4,1-11 Matthew 5,9 Matthew 5,37 Matthew 6,9-10 Matthew 6,9-13 Matthew 6,10 Matthew 6,25-26 Matthew 6,2-27 Matthew 6,25 43 Matthew 6,28-34 Matthew 6,33 Matthew 7,7-8 Matthew 7,9-11 Matthew 7,21-23 Matthew 7,28-29 Matthew 10,37-39 Matthew 10,40-42 Matthew 11,18-19 Matthew 11,25-30 Matthew 12,1-8 Matthew 12,29-31 Matthew 16,13-19 Matthew 16,15-16 Matthew 16,17-19 Matthew 16,27 Matthew 19,14 Matthew 20,28 Matthew 22,37 Matthew 22,37-40 Matthew 23,37-39 Matthew 25,14-30 Matthew 25,31-46 Matthew 26,26-29 Matthew 26,27-28 Matthew 26,28 Matthew 26,39 Matthew 27,46 Matthew 28,1-10 Matthew 28,6 Matthew 28,18 Matthew 28,18-19 Matthew 28,19 Mark 1,14-15 Mark 1,21 Mark 3,33-35

62 3 160 144 14 58 64 58 43 59 107 64 76 77 95 123 72 136 160 19 74 154 72 138,157 134 74 12, 144 41 139 144 36 39 124 149 16 54 92 53 111 40 1, 139 129 74 150 12, 132, 144 104, 114 118 102 135 49 125 50 52 88 76, 104, 107 41 124 60

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Mark 6,2 Mark 8,27-30 Mark 9,38-41 Mark 9,50 Mark 12,29-30 Mark 13,9-11 Mark 14,22-24 Mark 16,1-10 Mark 16,15-18 Mark 16,16 Luke 1,1-4 Luke 1,11-20 Luke 1,31-33 Luke 1,35 Luke 2,9-14 Luke 2,21 Luke 3,21-22 Luke 4,18 Luke 8,21 Luke 9,18-21 Luke 9,49-50 Luke 10,18 Luke 10,25 37 Luke 10,27 Luke 11,2 Luke 11,2-4 Luke 11,55-8 Luke 11,9-13 Luke 12,8-9 Luke 12,13-34 Luke 16,19-31 Luke 17,6 Luke 17,20-21 Luke 18,9-14 Luke 21,25-28 Luke 22,14-20 Luke 22,19-20 Luke 23,50-55 Luke 24,1-10 Luke 24,50-51 John 1,1-2 John 1,1-3 John 1,1-14 John 1,3 John 1,12 John 1,14 John 3,5 John 3,14-17 John 3,16 John 3,16-18 John 4,24 John 5,22-27 John 1,32-33 John 6,35 John 6,40 John 6,51 John 6,53-6 John 10,25-38

124 16 7 96 1 67 118 125 93 109 80 77 43 58 77 43 64 158 60 16 7 77 131 1 41 136 135 134 16 154 161 15 161 135 53 114, 115 118 48 125 51 55 18 37 70 57 11, 55 105 11 73 36 139 73 108 117 117 117 117 39

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John 11,49-52 John 13,34-35 John 14,12-20 John 14,16-17 John 14,16-26 John 14,27 John 15,13 John 15,16 John 15,26 John 16,7-11 John 16,8-13 John 16,13 John 16,23 John 16,33 John 17,3 John 19,38-42 John 20,1-10 John 20,31 John 21,24 Acts 1,1-10 Acts 1,1-11 Acts 2,1-14 Acts 2,36 Acts 2,38 Acts 2,38-39 Acts 2,41-42 Acts 2,42-47 Acts 4,8-31 Acts 4,11-12 Acts 4,12 Acts 7,20 Acts 10,1-25 Acts 11,18 Acts 13,29 Acts 13,39 Acts 16,6-10 Acts 16,7 Acts 17,11 Acts 17,22 Acts 17,22-28 Acts 17,22-31 Acts 17,23-31 Acts 17,24 27 Acts 17,29 Acts 17,31 Acts 20,7 Acts 20,32 Acts 20,35 Romans 1,2-4 Romans 1,11 Romans 1,16-17 Romans 1,18-20 Romans 1,18-23 Romans 1,18-32 Romans 1,25 Romans 2,4 Romans 2,12 16 Romans 3,9-20

47 90, 95, 129 51 62 65 164 131 2 62 73 65 63 133 164 161 48 125 36 83 53 51 125 54 102 68, 110 140 89 67 37 11, 38 127 8 30 48 32 101 65 142 3 148 6, 10 5 71 122 73 124 81 89 55 66 13 3 4, 6, 79 27 137 30 27 26

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Romans 3,19-20 Romans 3,20-23 Romans 3,21-26 Romans 3,23 Romans 3,24-25 Romans 3,29 Romans 4,11 Romans 4,25-26 Romans 5,1-6 Romans 5,6-8 Romans 5,6-11 Romans 5,10-11 Romans 5,12 Romans 5,12-13 Romans 5,12-21 Romans 5,14 Romans 5,15 Romans 6,1-11 Romans 6,3 Romans 6,13 Romans 6,23 Romans 7,6 Romans 7,7-25 Romans 15-25 Romans 8,2 Romans 8,9 Romans 8,9-11 Romans 8,11 Romans 8,14-16 Romans 8,14-17 Romans 8,84-26 Romans 8,15 Romans 8,18-25 Romans 8,22-25 Romans 8,26-27 Romans 8,29 Romans 9,1-3 Romans 10,8-9 Romans 10,9-10 Romans 10,9-17 Romans 10,11-13 Romans 11,33-36 Romans 12,1 Romans 12,5 Romans 12,6-8 Romans 13,1-7 Romans 13,8-10 Romans 14,7-8 Romans 14,8 Romans 14,9 Romans 14,17 Romans 15,1-3 Romans 1,13 Romans 15,30 Romans 16,22 I Corinthians 1,2 I Corinthians 1,10-17 I Corinthians 1,17

28, 127, 128 21 32,35 24 36, 45 9 102 50 13 40 29, 30 42 24,25 26 35 13 66 47 103 141 66 143 21, 128 127 63 61 68 50 68 57 65 74 100,152 83 61, 135 60 99 113 32 14 34 72 33, 141 97 66 147,153 149 151 20 40 154, 158, 160 151 61, 164 63 80 86 10 93

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I Corinthians 1,18-25 I Corinthians 3,13-15 I Corinthians 4,1-2 I Corinthians 6,11 I Corinthians 7,7 I Corinthians 7,23 I Corinthians 9,20-23 I Corinthians 9,23 I Corinthians 10,1-4 I Corinthians 10,16-17 I Corinthians 10,23-24 I Corinthians 10,31 I Corinthians 11,23-26 I Corinthians 11,23-25 I Corinthians 11,25-27 I Corinthians 11,26-28 I Corinthians 11,27-29 I Corinthians 12,4-11 I Corinthians 12,4-11 I Corinthians 12,5 I Corinthians 12,12-13 I Corinthians 12,20-27 I Corinthians 12,26 I Corinthians 12,27-30 I Corinthians 12,28 - 14,9 I Corinthians 14,1-4 I Corinthians 14,26-33 I Corinthians 14,36-40 I Corinthians 15,22 I Corinthians 16,1-2 II Corinthians 1,20 II Corinthians 5,10 II Corinthians 5,17-20 II Corinthians 5,118-19 II Corinthians 6,4-10 Galatians 2,15-21 Galatians 3,13 Galatians 3,27 Galatians 5,16-26 Galatians 6,1-5 Ephesians 1,5-8 Ephesians 1,11 Ephesians 1,19-23 Ephesians 1,22 Ephesians 2,1-3 Ephesians 2,8 Ephesians 2,8-9 Ephesians 2,14-18 Ephesians 2,19-21 Ephesians 4,4-6 Ephesians 4,7-8 Ephesians 4,11-12 Ephesians 4,24 Ephesians 5,5 Philippians 2,1-4 Philippians 2,5-11 Philippians 2,6-7 Philippians 2,6-11

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44,46 162 146 110 66 56 98 150 116 114 150 20 103 114 118 116 119, 120 66 67 91 86,89,97 150 151 67 66 67 69 69 22 124 137, 138 162 96 42 100 32 46 103, 110 69 89 106 71 52 86 24 29,31,101,105, 35 95 87 91 66 66 19,159 122 17 44,94 55 38,56

Philippians 2,13 Philippians 3,12-16 Philippians 3,19 Philippians 4,8 Philippians 4,8-9 Colossians 1,8-10 Colossians 1,9 Colossians 1,15-17 Colossians 1,16 Colossians 1,20 Colossians 1,25-29 Colossians 2,12-14 Colossians 3,10 Colossians 3,12-14 Colossians 3,15 Colossians 3,16-17 Colossians 3,16-20 Colossians 3,17 Colossians 4,16-18 I Thessalonians 5,16-18 II Thessalonians 3,16 I Timothy 1,17 II Timothy 1,9 II Timothy 2,11-13 II Timothy 2,13 II Timothy 2,14-15 II Timothy 2,21-28 II Timothy 3,14-17 II Timothy 3,16 II Timothy 3,16-17 Titus 3,4-7 Hebrews 1,1 Hebrews 2,11 Hebrews 4,15 Hebrews 9,14 Hebrews 9,24 Hebrews 10,21-25 Hebrews 10,25 Hebrews 11,1 Hebrews 11,2-31 Hebrews 12,11 Hebrews 12,24 Hebrews 12,28 James 1,6 James 1,17 James 1,22-25 James 1,25 James 2,13 James 2,14-17 James 2,17 James 3,16-18 James 4,17 James 5,12 I Peter 1,18-19 I Peter 1,23 I Peter 2,1-2 I Peter 2,9-10 I Peter 3,15

65 9,130 122 148 8 67 79 8 70 42,83 101 110 159 149 164 155,156 152 150 80 134 164 137 31 33 138 143 143 147 78, 82 84 109 79 60 38 63 51 140 139 14 15 164 108 143 135, 138 8, 70, 71 33, 144 85 44 14, 144 33 164 23 123 56 105 85 90, 93, 157 16

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I Peter 3,18 I Peter 3,18-19 I Peter 3,18-22 II Peter 1,10-11 II Peter 1,16-19 II Peter 3,9 I John 1,7 I John 1,8 I John 3,4 I John 3,18-19 I John 4,1-6 I John 4,18-21 I John 4,19-21 I John 5,1-4 I John 5,14 I John 5,14-15 Jude 5-7 Revelation 1,1-3 Revelation 1,9-2,1 Revelation 1,10 Revelation 3,14-17 Revelation 4,11 Revelation 20,11-15 Revelation 22,1-5

45 49 161 157 101 72 112 24 23 33 69 131 33, 132 130 133 135, 138 161 80 80 124 137 71 161 161

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Index to the PCT Confession of Faith On page 3 the PCT Confession of Faith was divided into numbered “sense lines” In accordance with this scheme, the catechism question/answer pairs that deal with matters in these lines can be found by using the following list. Item from the confession 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Question/Answer pair in the Catechism 16 17, 75 18, 70 71, 72 73,162 43, 54, 55, 57 43 58 38, 57 38, 60 37, 40, 45, 46, 50 37, 40 37, 42, 61 62, 64 65, 68 66, 68 67, 157 53, 56, 162 78 83 84 86, 88 94, 157 95, 96, 157 90, 97, 98, 99 90, 100 . 29 149 27 20, 146 3, 147, 148, 153, 154, 155, 156 22, 23, 150, 152 24, 152 21, 26, 28, 36 29, 32, 158 158 159, 160 160 163,164

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