Catechism Question 52
What has God given to us so that we may know true holiness?
God has given us His moral law so that we might know true holiness, which is a reflection of God’s character and thus never changes.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This question reminds us that it is not enough to believe certain things – we are called to walk in holiness. The demons believe – but they will not obey (James 2:19).
To show us what true holiness is, God has given us His moral Law. This law is not arbitrary but is a reflection of the very character of God, and thus it never changes. Human ideas of good and evil fluctuate and shift over time and from culture to culture, but God’s moral law is unchanging. In the coming questions, we will use the Ten Commandments as a summary of that moral law, but for now, it is enough to note that God’s will for our lives is revealed in His moral law.
This question also is reflecting a different use of the law than we studied earlier in the catechism. In the first part of the catechism (on guilt) we saw that God’s law convicts us of sin to point us to Christ for salvation. Here we are looking at a different aspect of God’s law – how it guides the Christian to know God’s moral will for us. (This is sometimes referred to as the third use of the law.) This idea will be developed in question 68 following all of the questions which look at the specifics of the moral law as summarized in the Ten Commandments.
Additional Questions:
How do we know what is holy and what is sinful?
Where can we discover God’s will for how all humans are to live?
Scripture References:
Romans 2:14–15
Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
1 Peter 1:14–16
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Deuteronomy 10:12–13
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Questions for Further Discussion:
Is it enough to believe the right things? Is it possible to believe the right things about God, ourselves, the world, etc. but not apply it to ourselves? What happens if we do this?
How do we know what is really holy and what is sinful? Does this change over time? Why or why not?
Does everyone really know what God expects of us as humans? In some way, do all of us know deep down what is right and wrong? If so, then why do some people seem to be so confused about right and wrong?
Since I am justified by faith alone and have the Holy Spirit living within me, do I still really need God’s moral law? Why or why not?
Why is it important for me as a believer to still meditate on God’s moral law?
Additional Information:
This question is based on questions 39-41 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and question 15 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on Westminster Shorter and New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Proper Use of God’s Law” (July 23, 2011), “How Do We Know What God Demands of Us?” (October 13, 2019), and “Christ and the Moral Aspect of the Law” (April 18, 2004).
Suggested Worship Song:
These Things Are True of You by Tommy Walker
Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDDpD_BmK_4
(This song reminds us of the goal of sanctification and all of the commands in the moral law – to be like God. The moral law is not a random collection of changing rules, but rather a reflection of the character of God, which is why it is important for believers to know and follow by the power of the Spirit.)
Unshakable, immovable, faithful and true
Full of wisdom, strength and beauty
These things are true, of You
Fearless, courageous
Righteousness shines through in all You do
Yet You’re so humble, You laid down Your life
These things, are true, of You
~Chorus~
And as I, turn my face to You
Oh Lord I ask, and pray
By the power of, Your love and grace
Make these things true of, me too
Make these things true of, me too
Patient, compassionate
Love flows through You
You never give up, on the hopeless ones
These things, are true, of You
Your holy, and blameless
You stand up for justice and truth
Yet You love mercy, and forgiveness
These things, are true, of You
~Chorus~