Catechism Question 45
What guide has God given us so that we may grow in our faith and learn how to live in a way that pleases him?
God has given us His Word, the Bible, to feed us, guide us, point us to Christ, and show us how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and for our good.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we are now beginning to take a more specific look at each of the means of grace discussed in the previous question. We begin with the Word of God because it is foundational to understanding each of the means of grace.
This question causes us to consider the primary way that God feeds and guides us so that we might grow in our faith and become more like Christ. The primary means God uses to do this is the Bible – His Word. The Scripture is food for our soul, guides and directs our thoughts so that we may know truth from error, right from wrong, and points us to Christ so that we may see the perfect example of holiness – and so that we may be comforted in our struggles with sin. All of this enables us to walk more like Christ – which is pleasing to God and good for us since it is how we were made to live.
Additional Questions:
How do we know God’s will for our lives, so that we can grow as Christians?
Where do we find guidance on how to live in a manner that is pleasing to God?
Where do we learn about Jesus so that we may see how we are called to live?
Scripture References:
2 Timothy 3:14–17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Ephesians 6:17
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
John 5:39
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me.
Psalms 119:9–13
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is the Word of God the foundational means of grace? In what sense are all of the other means of grace built upon this one?
Why is the Bible central in our being guided by God into a life that is pleasing to Him?
In what two ways does the Scripture point to Jesus that are essential for us as we are trying to grow in holiness? Why is it important to see Him as the perfect example of holiness? Why do we need to be reminded of His atoning work on our behalf as we struggle with sin?
Why is it both pleasing to God and for our own good when we live in accordance with God’s will as revealed int he Scripture?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 19 of the Heidelberg Catechism, to questions 2 and 3 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and question 42 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter or New Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information on the Word of God as a means of grace, see the teachings “Letting the Word Dwell in You Richly” (January 17, 2010), “Enjoying Jesus Through His Word” (August 7, 2016). For a good overview of the idea of the means of grace and how the Word is foundational to all of the other means of grace, see the teaching “The Spirit, The Word, and the Means of Grace” (September 7, 2008).
For additional information of the Word of God, see the teachings “God’s Penetrating Word” (June 16, 2019), “Sola Scriptura – The Ultimate Authority of Scripture Alone” (October 1, 2017), “Devoted” (September 2, 2013), and “Meditating on God’s Word” (September 2, 2012).
Suggested Worship Song:
How Firm A Foundation (R. Keen, Public Domain)
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”