Westminster Shorter Catechism
The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a concise summary of Christian doctrine, traditionally used in the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions of Protestant Christianity. It was written in the 17th century as part of the Westminster Assembly's efforts to reform the Church of England.
The catechism consists of a series of questions and answers designed to instruct individuals, particularly children and new believers, in the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The Westminster Shorter Catechism covers topics such as the nature of God, the purpose of humanity, the Ten Commandments, the work of Christ, and the means of grace, among other theological concepts.
The catechism is divided into several sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of Christian doctrine. Each question is answered in a concise and memorable manner to facilitate learning and retention. The Westminster Shorter Catechism has been widely used and appreciated for its clarity and depth of doctrinal content within Reformed and Presbyterian traditions.
God as Creator (1-12)
- Q1: What is the chief end of man?
- Q2: What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
- Q3: What do the Scriptures principally teach?
- Q4: What is God?
- Q5: Are there more Gods than one?
- Q6: How many persons are there in the godhead?
- Q7: What are the decrees of God?
- Q8: How doth God execute his decrees?
- Q9: What is the work of creation?
- Q10: How did God create man?
- Q11: What are God’s works of providence?
- Q12: What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?
Sin and Man (13-20)
- Q13: Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
- Q14: What is sin?
- Q15: What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?
- Q16: Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
- Q17: Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
- Q18: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
- Q19: What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
- Q20: Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
Christ the Redeemer (21-38)
- Q21: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
- Q22: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
- Q23: What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
- Q24: How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
- Q25: How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
- Q26: How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
- Q27: Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
- Q28: Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?
- Q29: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
- Q30: How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
- Q31: What is effectual calling?
- Q32: What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
- Q33: What is justification?
- Q34: What is adoption?
- Q35: What is sanctification?
- Q36: What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
- Q37: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
- Q38: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?