Catechism Question 9
What has God given to teach you his demand?
God has given us His law, which is a reflection of His character, to teach us how to be perfect in holiness, love, and integrity.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question we are making the link between God’s character as defined in question 7 and His law. It is in God’s law that we learn what God is like, and how we are to be like Him in character – perfect in holiness, love, and redemption.
This question shows us that the standard we must meet is not our own opinions, or human standards, but the standard of God Himself – which is revealed in His law.
Additional Questions:
Where do we learn what God demands of us?
What has God given to teach us what we must be like?
What teaches us how to be holy, loving, and full of integrity?
What has God given to show us what holiness, love, and integrity look like?
What has God given to show us what it means to be perfect?
Scripture References:
Deuteronomy 6:25
And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.
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.
Ezekiel 20:11
I gave them my decrees and made known to them my laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them.
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.
James 2:12
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why do we say that the Law is a reflection of God’s character?
If the Law is a reflection of God’s character, and we are made in His image, should we expect the Law be written onto our very nature?
When Paul says that even those who do not have the law in written form still have it written on their hearts, what does he mean? Do all people have God’s law written on their heart?
If the law is written on our hearts, why did God give us the law in written form (in the Ten Commandments and in the rest of the Law)?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 40 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 7 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Westminster Shorter or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For a more in-depth discussion of God’s Law and its relationship to God and to us, see the teachings “How Do We Know What God Demands of Us?” (October 14, 2019), and “The Proper Use of God’s Law” (July 24, 2011).
Suggested Worship Song:
Psalm 19 (The Law of the Lord Is Perfect)
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much find gold,
Sweeter also than the honey, and the honeycomb.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much find gold,
Sweeter also than the honey, and the honeycomb.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.
The judgments of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much find gold,
Sweeter also than the honey, and the honeycomb.