CHRISTIAN BASICS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Glenn LaRue

Copyright © 2020 by Glenn LaRue.All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Glenn LaRue (Ph.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of University Baptist Church in Middletown, Ohio. He has been in ministry for more than two decades and has served as the lead preaching pastor for two churches over the last eight years. He has also taught in a number of school settings with students of all ages from kindergarten to college. Glenn has been married to his wife, Amy, for seventeen years and they have five children from ages six to fifteen.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Matthew 28:18-20And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Titus 2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Every family meal do this:Sit around the table.

Thank the Lord.Share food.

Laugh.Serve the Bread of Life.

SECTIONS

Introduction 1

1. Questions about People in General 32. Questions about the Bible 53. Questions about God 94. Questions about the Original State 135. Questions about the Fall 156. Questions about Israel 197. Questions about the Ten Commandments 278. Questions about Jesus 339. Questions about Salvation 3910. Questions about the Church 4511. Questions about Personal Holiness 5312. Questions about Human Sexuality and the Home 6113. Questions about Civil Government 6714. Questions about Last Things 69

Works Consulted 73

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INTRODUCTION

This booklet gives an overview of the main tenets of Christian doctrine through a simple question and answer format. It is written for anyone who is hungry to learn or teach the basics.

It represents a traditional Baptist perspective and, for those who know what these words mean, is reformed, complementarian, and premillennial. But the main goal is really just to set forth the first-century faith “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

This presentation of Christian foundations is unique in scope, original in organization, and simple in expression. Each answer seeks to be a concise yet essential statement on a vital teaching of the Bible, and the overarching progression is intended to present the Christian worldview with a sense of proportion and beauty.

As a Christian father, this work arose from my desire to disciple my own children in this culture of confusion. (I do not believe there is a comparable resource that covers the topics set forth in these fourteen sections.) But as a pastor and theologian, I have written with the awareness that it may be of service to others too.

For the new follower of Christ who desires to learn basic Christian doctrine or for the curious seeker who wants to explore Christianity more seriously, intentional time working through this booklet will clarify Christian beliefs in a helpful way. Also, well-established Christians will likely find much reward and joy in contemplating these truths as reminders to keep them grounded.

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For parents who, like me, wish to make their homes a place of biblical instruction, the simple commitment to read gradually through these questions and answers with their children will provide ample content for important discussions. Meal times and bed times serve as regular opportunities to focus on spiritual things in the home. Use of this booklet can ensure that all the essentials are being methodically instilled over the course of time. Further, adults will be challenged to process doctrines thoughtfully as they attempt to discuss them in accessible ways with their kids.

For local churches who recognize the increasing problem of biblical illiteracy in our culture and the need for discipleship methods to cover a broad range of basics, this booklet is a straightforward solution. Whether it be through one-on-one engagement or through classroom instruction, these questions and answers have the potential to ground new believers and help them to move beyond a state of biblical ignorance and spiritual infancy.

As far as dependability is concerned, this work has been through numerous revisions based on the feedback of other like-minded parents, pastors, and theologians to whom I am most thankful. This booklet does not attempt to be novel but faithful. It seeks a balance of practical conciseness and doctrinal thoroughness.

Finally, I just want to express my personal love for the Lord, his Word, his truth, his church, and my own family. As you read and raise your own questions, perhaps it will help you to remember that this booklet is the byproduct of these passions. In the end, if this effort only serves as a tool to help my own family follow Jesus, I am happy to have produced it. But if it can serve you as well, I am doubly happy.

“God’s truth abideth still,” Glenn LaRue

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PEOPLE IN GENERAL

1. Who created you? God is my Creator.Gen 1:26-28; 2:7; Job 10:8-12; 33:4; Psa 24:1; 100:3; 139:13-16; Isa 64:8

2. What else did God create?Everything that exists, visible and invisible, was created by God.Gen 1:1-31; Ps 24:1; 89:11; 95:3-5; Isa 40:26; Col 1:16; Ps 33:6-9

3. Why did God create everyone and everything? To show his glory and receive our praise.Ps 19:1; Isa 43:6-7; Jer 9:23-24; Matt 5:16; 1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 4:11

4. What is special about how God created people?God created people in his image. Gen 1:26-28; 9:6

5. What does it mean to be created in God’s image?People can have a wonderful relationship with God that reflects his character and represents his rule.Gen 1:26-28; 2:7, 15-17; 9:1-7; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18

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6. What are the two parts of you that enable you to relate to God and the world?

My spirit and my body.Gen 2:7; Ecc 12:7; Zech 12:1; Rom 8:10-11; 1 Cor 7:34; 2 Cor 7:1; Jam 2:26

7. What is your spirit?My spirit is the non-physical part of me that is able to relate to God.Eze 11:19-20; 36:26-28; John 3:3-8; 4:24; 6:63; Rom 8:14-16; 1 Cor 6:17; Jam 4:5; 1 Pet 3:18; 2 Tim 4:22

8. What is your body?My body is the physical part of me that is able to relate to this world.Gen 2:7-17; Ps 8:6-8; Ecc 2:1-11; Matt 10:28; 1 John 2:16

9. How are your spirit and body supposed to work together?My relationship with God in my spirit should inform who I am and direct my relationship with this world in my body.Gen 2:16-17; 3:6-11; Deut 4:15-19; 8:3; Rom 8:9-17; Matt 6:22-33; Gal 5:16-26; Jam 4:7-8

10. What is your great purpose?To glorify God by knowing and enjoying him and helping others to know and enjoy him too.Deut 6:4-9; Ps 9:10-11; 22:23; 34:3; 71:15-18; 73:25-28; 78:1-7; 86:12; 96:1-3; Ecc 12:13; Isa 43:6-7; Matt 5:16; 28:19-20; Rom 15:5-9; 1 Cor 6:20; 10:31-33; 2 Cor 3:17-18

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BIBLE

11. What is our only reliable source for learning about God, ourselves, and the world?

The Bible.Ps 119:104-105, 160; Pro 1:7; 2:5; John 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12

12. What is the Bible?The Bible is God’s perfect, holy Word, a treasure of truth for all people, and our authority for everything we think, say, and do.Ps 19:7-12; John 17:17; Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:16-17

13. Who wrote the Bible?God wrote the Bible through prophets and apostles who were inspired by the Holy Spirit.Ex 24:3-4; Deut 18:15-22; Luke 24:27; John 5:46-47; 16:13-15; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:19-21

14. Why is the Bible so important?Because man cannot live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4

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15. What is the great story of the Bible?Our heroic, loving God has created and redeemed a people for his own possession and praise.Gen 1:1; Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:22-28; Rev 5:8-14; 11:15; 21:1-22:5

16. How many books are in the Bible?Sixty-six books, thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament.

17. What are the books of the Old Testament?Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Hagaii, Zechariah, Malachi.

18. What is the great purpose of the Old Testament?To tell us who God is and what he is like and to show us that all people are desperately lost without him.Gen 1:1; 6:5-6; Ex 6:2-8; 33:18-23; 34:5-7; Deut 4:1-24; 10:12-22; Ps 14:1-3; Isa 42:8; 43:11; 64:1-7; Rom 3:9-20; Gal 3:22

19. What are the books of the New Testament?Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.

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20. What is the great purpose of the New Testament?To tell us who Jesus is and what he is like and to show us that all people can be perfectly saved through him.Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; John 3:16; 20:30-31; Act 1:1-2; Rom 1:16-17; 3:21-22; 10:9-13; 16:25-27; Gal 4:4-5; Heb 1:1-4

21. How should we read the Bible?We should be humble before God, ready to receive his Word, and prayerfully dependent on him to help us.1 Cor 2:12-16; Jam 4:6

22. What is our main motive for reading the Bible?To grow in knowing God and his will for our lives so that we can more effectively bring him glory.Deut 29:29; Ps 1:1-4; 111:10; 119:7, 11, 97-105; Rom 12:1-2; 2 Tim 3:16-17

23. What is the key task of reading any part of the Bible?To understand the inspired author’s original intent, to understand how it fits with the rest of the Bible, and to be transformed by its truth.Ezr 7:10; Neh 8:8; Psa 1:1-4; Rom 12:2; 15:4; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12-13; Jam 1:22-25

24. Are there any mistakes in the Bible?No, the Bible is inerrant, so if it seems to have a contradiction or mistake, the problem is with us and not God.Psa 19:7-9; 119:160, 2 Tim 3:16-17

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QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD

25. How many Gods are there? There is only one God.Gen 1:1; Ex 15:11; Deut 6:4; Isa 44:6; 45:5-6, 21-22; Acts 17:24-31

26. How many persons exist in the one God?God is a Trinity of three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.Matt 3:16-17; 28:19; John 1:1-2; 1 Cor 2:10-11; 12:4-6; 2 Cor 13:14; Eph 4:4-6; Col 1:15-17; 2:9; Heb 1:1-3; 1 Pet 1:2; Rev 22:12

27. Did anyone create God?No, God is completely self-sufficient and eternal. Ps 90:2; 102:25-27; Rev 1:8; 4:8

28. Can you see God?No, God is an invisible spirit.Deut 4:10-19; Ps 139:11-12; John 4:24; 2 Cor 3:17; Heb 4:13

29. Where is God?God is everywhere.Ps 139:1-16; Prov 15:3; Zech 4:10

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30. What does God know?God knows everything.Ps 11:4-5; 139:1-16; Prov 5:21; Rom 11:33-36

31. What can God do?God can do anything he wants.Gen 18:14; Ps 33:6-9; Jer 32:17, 27; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:3

32. What is God’s character like?God is holy, righteous, loving, merciful, truthful, and wise.Ex 34:6-7; Ps 36:5-6; 48:10; Dan 9:14; John 3:33;Rom 11:33-36; 1 Cor 1:9; 2 Cor 1:18; Heb 11:6; 1 John 1:5-10; 4:7-16

33. Does God ever change?No, he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Num 23:19; Ps 102:25-27; Heb 13:8

34. What is God’s sovereignty?His unrivaled rule over all things in absolute authority and perfect control.Ps 46:1-11; Pro 16:33; 21:1; Isa 46:8-11; Acts 4:24; 1 Tim 6:15-16; Rev 6:10

35. What is God’s decree?His sovereign determination of everything that will ever happen.Num 23:19; Ps 2:7; 33:11; 110:4; Prov 19:21; Isa 14:24; 46:8-11; Dan 4:34-35; 9:24-27; Acts 2:23; Rom 8:28-30; 11:36; Eph 1:3-12; 3:11

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36. What is God’s providence?His constant care of creation to sustain it, govern it, and bring about his purposes.Job 37:15-16; Ps 65:9-13; 135:7; 145:15-17; 147:9; Prov 16:33; 21:1; Matt 5:45; 6:26, 30; Acts 17:28

37. What is God’s righteousness?His pervasive goodness and faithfulness in everything he thinks, feels, says, and does.Deut 7:9-10; Ezra 3:11; Ps 11:7; 25:8; 100:5; 106:1; 118:1-4; 145:17; Isa 45:21-23; Dan 9:14; Rom 1:16-17; 3:21-26; 1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor 1:18; 1 Pet 2:2-3

38. What is God’s judgment?His just evaluation of peoples’ hearts and lives which will ultimately result in their salvation or damnation.Ex 34:7; Ps 7:7; 96:10-13; 98:8-9; Isa 3:13; Matt 25:31-33; Acts 17:30-31; Rom 2:1-11; 3:19; 14:10-12; Heb 10:30-31; Rev 20:11-15

39. What is God’s grace?His delight in showing mercy to undeserving sinners by blessing instead of condemning them.Ex 33:19; 34:6-7; Deut 4:31; 2 Chr 30:9; Neh 9:17, 31; Ps 116:5; Isa 63:7; 64:4; Lam 3:21-23; Joel 2:12-13; Rom 3:23-24; Eph 1:3-10; 2:4-10; 1 Pet 5:10

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORIGINAL STATE

40. Who were the first people God created? Adam and Eve.Gen 1:26-28; 2:20; 3:20

41. Why do we call them our first parents? Because all people are descended from them. Gen 3:20; 5:1-4

42. In what condition did God create Adam and Eve?He created them good and complete so that they could fulfill their great purpose of glorifying God.Gen 1:26-31

43. In what condition did God create the rest of creation? All creation was good and complete.Gen 1:1-31

44. What was the relationship between Adam and Eve?God made them husband and wife, equal in worth yet distinct in roles so that they could complement each other beautifully and bring God glory.Gen 1:26-31; 2:1-25; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:22-33

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45. What were the distinct roles of Adam and Eve?Adam was the head of his wife, directly responsible to God for the character and direction of his family, and Eve was a suitable helper designed to be a perfect match for her husband.Gen 1:26-31; 2:1-25; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:22-33

46. What does Adam’s headship mean for all people?Since all people are descended from Adam and part of his family, his representative headship extends over all of us.Gen 3:22-24; 5:1-3; Rom 5:12-21; 1 Cor 15:21-22, 45-49

47. Where did Adam and Eve live?In the Garden of Eden, a perfect environment for them to know and enjoy God.Gen 2:8-15

48. What was God’s first command to Adam and Eve?God commanded that they were free to eat fruit from every tree except from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.Gen 2:16-17

49. What did God say would happen to Adam and Eve if they disobeyed his command?

They would die. Gen 2:17; Rom 6:23

50. What does God’s first command teach us about people?People can only experience life in submission and obedience to God.Gen 2:16-17; Deut 8:3; Isa 45:22; John 15:5-11

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FALL

Part 151. Did Adam and Eve stay good and complete?

No, they fell from their original state by sinning against God and eating the forbidden fruit.Gen 3:6

52. What is sin?Sin is rebellion against God.1 Sam 15:22-23; Ps 51:4; Jer 33:8; 1 John 3:4

53. Who tempted Adam and Eve to sin?Satan, the serpent, tempted Eve who then tempted Adam. Gen 3:1-6; John 8:44; 2 Cor 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2

54. Who is Satan?Satan is God’s enemy who loves to steal, kill, and destroy.Gen 3:1-6; 1 Chr 21:1; Job 1:9-19; 2:4-8; Matt 4:1-11; John 8:44; 10:10; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:1-2

55. Where did Satan come from?Satan was first a glorious angel who rebelled against God and became a wicked demon.Isa 14:12-15; Eze 28:14-18; Luke 10:18; Jude 1:6-7; Rev 12:3-4, 9

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56. Is Satan as strong as God?No, Satan is a creation of God under the power of God’s word. Ps 33:6; Zech 3:2; Col 1:13-16; 2 Thes 2:8; Rev 20:1-3, 10

57. What happened to Adam and Eve when they followed Satan and sinned against God?

Their spirits became dead to God, and their bodies were given over to corruption, decay, and eventual death.Gen 3:8, 19, 24; Eze 11:19; 36:26; Eph 2:1-3

58. What effect did the sin of Adam have on us?When our representative head fell, the entire human race fell, so we are all born lost to God and infected with a sinful, fleshly nature.Gen 5:3; 6:5-6; Luke 19:10; John 3:3-7; Rom 3:10-18; 23; 5:12-21; Eph 2:1-3

59. What effect did the sin of Adam have on creation?God gave the creation over to corruption and decay and made it a place of difficulty, disaster, and death.Gen 3:17-19; Rom 5:12-21; 8:20-21

Part 260. What was the great flood?

After the fall, the entire earth became so corrupt with sin that God’s heart was grieved, and he decided to destroy the earth with water and start over with a new family.Gen 6:5-9:17

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61. Who was Noah?The man God chose to preserve through the great flood by instructing him to build an ark for his family’s salvation and the continuation of animal life.Gen 6:8-22; Heb 11:7

62. Did God’s work through Noah solve the problem of sin on earth?

No, because Noah and his family were also infected with a sinful, fleshly nature that they passed on to their descendants.Gen 9:18-29; 11:1-9

63. What does it mean to live by the flesh?To understand ourselves only according to our physical relationship to this world and not by a spiritual relationship with God.John 3:6; 8:15; Rom 7:5-6; 8:5-8; Eph 2:1-3; Phil 3:19; 1 John 2:15-16

64. What does living by the flesh do to our desires?It makes us desire unworthy, earthly things more than we desire God.Eph 2:3; Rom 7:5-6; 8:5-8; Col 3:2

65. What are the works of the flesh?The works of the flesh are sins of thought, word, and deed that include all kinds of immorality, impurity, idolatry, selfishness, and fighting.Rom 1:24-32; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 4:19; 5:11; Col 3:5

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66. Can you trust your heart?No, because of sin the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick.Prov 12:15; 14:12; 21:2; Jer 17:9; Rom 1:22; 8:7; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 4:17-18

67. What does sin deserve?The eternal judgment and wrath of God. Rom 1:18; 6:23; Eph 5:6; Col 3:5-6

68. What is hell?Hell is a place of fiery torment where Satan, his demons, and unrepentant sinners will spend eternity separated from God under his wrath.Matt 10:28; 23:33; Luke 12:5; 2 Pet 2:4-9; Rev 20:10, 15

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QUESTIONS ABOUT ISRAEL

Part 169. Who were the patriarchs?

The original fathers of the nation of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s twelve sons.Acts 7:8; Rom 9:5; 15:8

70. What is a covenant?A solemn, binding commitment between two parties with responsibilities to uphold and consequences for not doing so.Gen 15:8-21; 31:43-55; Ex 20:1-24:11

71. Who was Abraham?The man God chose to be the father of our faith by calling him out from this world, promising him great blessing, and guiding him as a friend.Gen 12:1-4; 15:5-6; 22:16-18; Jam 2:23

72. What is the Abrahamic Covenant?The covenant God made with Abraham to give him numerous descendants, the promised land, and a great name that would be a blessing to all nations.Gen 12:1-3; 15:8-21; 22:17-18

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73. Who was Isaac?The son of Abraham and his wife Sarah who God gave them in their old age and chose for the continuation of his covenant promises.Gen 21:12

74. Who was Jacob?The son of Isaac and his wife Rebekah who God chose to father the nation of Israel by blessing him, giving him twelve sons, and changing his name to Israel.Gen 28:10-15; 32:24-30

75. Who were the twelve sons of Jacob?Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.Gen 29:31-30:24; 35:16-18

76. What happened to Jacob’s descendants?They traveled to Egypt to survive from famine where they settled, multiplied, and eventually became slaves.Gen 47:1-12, 27; Ex 1:7-14

Part 277. Who was Moses?

The man God chose to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt and establish them as his holy nation.Ex 3:6-12

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78. How did God save Israel from slavery in Egypt?God triumphed gloriously over the Egyptians by pouring out ten plagues upon them, parting the Red Sea for Israel’s escape, and drowning Pharaoh’s army under its crashing waves.Ex 7:14-15:21

79. What was Passover?On the tenth plague, God struck down the first born of every house of Egypt, but he passed over the houses of Israel because he had commanded them to smear the blood of a spotless lamb on their doorposts as a sign of his salvation.Ex 11:1-13:16

80. What is the Mosaic Covenant?The covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai to be their God and uniquely bless or curse them according to their obedience to his law.Ex 20:1-24:1-11

81. What was the priesthood?The line of men God chose from the tribe of Levi to serve as mediators between himself and the people through various observances and sacrifices.Ex 28:1-43; 29:44; 30:30; Num 17:1-11

82. What was the sacrificial system?Because God knew from the start that Israel would break his law, he prescribed a gracious system of animal sacrifices to appease his wrath and continue his relationship with the people.Lev 1:1-6:7; 16:1-34

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83. What was the tabernacle? An intricately designed tent for sacrificial worship which God instructed Israel to build in the wilderness.Ex 25:1-31:11

84. What was the Holy of Holies?The inner most room of the tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant sat and the glory of God’s presence dwelled.Ex 26:31-34; Heb 9:1-5

85. What was the Ark of the Covenant?A sacred, untouchable, golden box that contained three symbols of God’s relationship with Israel: a jar of manna, the ten commandments, and Aaron’s staff that budded.Ex 25:10-16; Num 4:5-15; 2 Sam 6:1-8; Heb 9:3-4

86. What was the Mercy Seat?The golden cover on top of the ark where once per year the high priest would sprinkle sacrificial blood to make atonement for himself and the sins of the people.Ex 25:17-22; Heb 9:5

87. What was the Day of Atonement?The one day of the year on which the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement on the Mercy Seat and would also lay his hands on the scape goat to symbolically carry away the sins of the people.Lev 16:1-34; Heb 7:27; 9:6-7

88. Who was Joshua?The man God chose after Moses died to lead Israel to take possession of the promised land.Josh 1:1-9

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89. Why did God make Israel a nation?God intended Israel to live in relationship with him and shine the light of his glory to all nations.Gen 12:1-3; 1 Kgs 10:1-9; 1 Chr 16:8-36; Ps 96:1-13; 100:1-5; 102:15-16; Isa 62:1-3; Jer 4:1-2; 33:9; Eze 36:23

90. Did Israel fulfill God’s purpose for them as a nation?No, they grumbled against God, disobeyed his law, and worshiped idols from the beginning.Ex 15:23-24; 16:1-3; 32:1-35; 1 Sam 8:7-8; Isa 65:2-5; Acts 7:51-53

Part 391. Who was David?

The man God chose to be king of Israel after Israel sinfully demanded a human king and their first king, Saul, was rejected.1 Sam 16:1-13; Acts 13:22

92. What are the Psalms?Songs written by David and other inspired authors that express ideal dependence and devotion to the Lord and point to the perfect fulfillment of these ideals in Jesus.Ps 1:1-6; 2:1-12; 3:1-8

93. What is the Davidic Covenant?The covenant God made with David to build a house for him and establish the throne of one of his descendants forever.2 Sam 7:8-16; Acts 2:29-30; 13:23

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94. Who was Solomon?David’s son who first appeared to fulfill God’s plan for Israel through his glorious, peaceful rule but who was exposed as a failure by his foolish participation in immorality and idolatry.1 Kings 3:1-11:43

95. What was the temple?The glorious place of worship Solomon built as a house for the Lord in Jerusalem that replaced the tabernacle and had a new Holy of Holies.1 Kgs 6:1-8:66

96. What was the divided kingdom?After Solomon died, Israel was torn into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, who both went down a path of increasing idolatry and eventual destruction.1 Kgs 11:26-12:24; 2 Kgs 17:1-23; 25:1-21; 2 Chr 36:11-21

97. What was the exile?God became so disgusted with Israel and Judah’s sin that he eventually judged them by allowing wicked nations to conquer them, destroy the temple, and remove them from the promised land.2 Kgs 17:1-23; 25:1-21; 2 Chr 36:11-21; Isa 1:1-31; Jer 3:1-11:17; Lam 1:1-2:22

98. What is the New Covenant?The covenant God made with Israel to restore them fully by cleansing them of their sins, changing their hearts, and being their God in his kingdom forever.Isa 40:1-66:24; Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:22-36; 37:21-28

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99. Who is the Messiah?The Anointed One, the descendant of David, who will rule in perfect righteousness forever and fulfill all God’s promises and purposes for Israel and the world.Ps 2:1-12; 45:1-17; 110:1-7; Isa 49:5-6; Eze 37:24-25

100. Did God ever allow his people to return from exile?Yes, because God is so gracious and committed to his own reputation, he eventually allowed Israel to return to the promised land and rebuild as a nation.Deut 30:1-10; 2 Chr 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-11; Jer 29:10-14; Eze 36:20-24

101. What do we learn from all God’s dealings with Israel?Sin is so bad that even the people with the greatest earthly advantages are desperately lost apart from God’s saving grace.Isa 64:6; Rom 9:1-8

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Part 1102. What are the Ten Commandments?

Ten rules that God gave to Israel from Mount Sinai. Ex 20:1-17; Deut 5:1-21

103. What do we learn about God from the Ten Commandments?

They teach us about God’s good character and his moral standards for all people.Deut 4:7-8; 6:1-2; 10:12-22; 2 Chr 6:41; Neh 9:13-14; Ps 119:17, 39, 62, 68, 96, 137; 175; Prov 9:9-10

104. What do we learn about ourselves from the Ten Commandments?

That we are terrible transgressors of God’s law with no defense before his righteous judgment.Rom 3:19-20; Gal 2:15-19

105. What is the first commandment?The first commandment is: You shall have no other God’s before me.Ex 20:3; Deut 5:7

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106. What does the first commandment teach us?That God is jealous for his own worship so we must not value or desire anything more than him.Ex 34:14; Deut 4:23-24; 6:14-15; Jam 4:4-5

107. What is the second commandment?The second commandment is: You shall not make for yourselves any idols to worship or serve.Ex 20:4-6; Deut 5:8-10

108. What does the second commandment teach us?That God is the living God so we must not reduce him or replace him with things that are deaf, dumb, and dead.Deut 4:15-19; Ps 96:4-5; 97:5-7; Isa 44:6-20; Acts 17:24-25

109. What is the third commandment?The third commandment is: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.Ex 20:7; Deut 5:11

110. What do we learn from the third commandment?That God loves his reputation so we must not defame him by misrepresenting his name or treating it with dishonor.Lev 19:12; Eze 36:21-23

111. What is the fourth commandment?The fourth commandment is: Remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy.Ex 20:8-11; Deut 5:12-15

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112. What do we learn from the fourth commandment?That God is a God of rest and provision so we should set aside time just for him and trust him with our needs.Gen 2:1-3; Ps 37:7; 46:10; Phil 4:6-7; Heb 4:3-11

113. What is the fifth commandment?The fifth commandment is: Honor your father and mother. Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16

114. What do we learn from the fifth commandment?That God loves honor and submission so we must treat our parents and all our authorities with the respect their God-given roles deserve.Lev 19:32; Eph 6:1; Col 3:20

Part 2115. What is the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment is: You shall not murder. Ex 20:13; Deut 5:17

116. What do we learn from the sixth commandment?That God is the giver and sustainer of life so we must not presume upon his authority by hating or harming others.Gen 9:5-6; Lev 19:18; Job 1:21; Matt 5:21-26

117. What is the seventh commandment?The seventh commandment is: You shall not commit adultery. Ex 20:14; Deut 5:18

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118. What do we learn from the seventh commandment?That God loves covenant faithfulness so we must not entertain unfaithful thoughts or act in unfaithful ways.Matt 5:27-32

119. What is the eighth commandment?The eighth commandment is: You shall not steal. Ex 20:15; Deut 5:19

120. What do we learn from the eighth commandment?That God owns everything and governs their stewardship so we should not take for ourselves what he has entrusted to others.Lev 19:11, 13; Ps 50:10-11; Eph 4:28

121. What is the ninth commandment?The ninth commandment is: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.Ex 20:16; Deut 5:20

122. What do we learn from the ninth commandment?That God loves honesty and truth so we must not lie to one another or about one another.Lev 19:11-12, 16; Prov 6:16-19; 12:19, 22; Eph 4:15; 29-31; 1 John 3:18

123. What is the tenth commandment?The tenth commandment is: You shall not covet. Ex 20:17; Deut 5:21

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124. What do we learn from the tenth commandment?That God is all we need so we should be satisfied in him and not envious of worldly things.Ps 16:8-11; 73:23-26; 103:1-5; Matt 6:23-34; Phil 4:19

125. What is the greatest of all God’s commandments?You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37-38

126. What is the second greatest commandment? You shall love your neighbor as yourself.Lev 19:34; Matt 7:12; 22:39; Rom 13:9-10

127. Is anyone able to be right with God by obeying God’s commandments?

No, our sinful, fleshly nature makes it impossible for us to obey God’s commandments properly.Rom 1:18-3:20; 7:5-25; Gal 3:10; Jam 2:10-11

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QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

Part 1128. Who is Jesus?

Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of God, the Lord and Savior of all the earth.Isa 9:6-7; Luke 2:11; Acts 2:32-36; Rom 1:1-4; 10:9; Phil 2:9-11

129. How was Jesus born?Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary and born in a humble stable in Bethlehem.Isa 7:14; Mic 5:2; Matt 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; 2:1-20

130. What does Jesus’ birth teach us about his nature?Jesus is fully God and fully human, two perfect natures in one unique person.Matt 3:16-17; 17:1-6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-4, 14; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28; Rom 1:1-4; Col 1:15-17; 2:9; Heb 1:2-3; 2:9-18; Rev 22:12-13

131. How did Jesus live?Jesus perfectly glorified God because he lived a sinless, holy life in spiritual relationship with his Heavenly Father.Luke 23:47; John 4:34; 8:46; 17:4; Heb 4:15; 10:5-9; 1 Pet 1:18-19; 2:22

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132. Who was John the Baptist?The prophet God chose to prepare the way for Jesus by announcing the Messiah’s coming, preaching repentance, and baptizing those who believed.Isa 40:1-5; Mal 3:1; 4:5-6; Matt 3:1-12; 11:7-14; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18

133. What was Jesus’ ministry?When Jesus was about thirty years old, he was baptized by John and empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel, teach about the kingdom of God, and perform many miraculous signs.Matt 3:13-17; 4:13-17, 23-25; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 3:21-23; 4:16-21; 7:21-23; John 20:30-31; Acts 2:22

134. What is the gospel?The good news that in Jesus, God has brought victory and deliverance to earth and that by trusting in Jesus and his work of redemption, people can be saved from their sins and included in God’s kingdom forever.Isa 40:9-11; 52:7-55:13; 61:1-11; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:16; Acts 2:14-40; 8:35; 10:34-43; 13:32-41; Rom 1:16-17; 1 Cor 15:1-8; 2 Cor 5:17-21; 1 Pet 1:24-25; 1 John 5:11-12

135. Who were the twelve disciples of Jesus?The men Jesus chose to follow him daily, to learn from him directly, and to serve as his apostles by authoritatively representing him to others.Matt 4:18-22; 9:9; Mark 1:16-20; 2:14; 3:13-20; Matt 28:18-20; John 1:35-51; Acts 1:1-8

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136. What were the names of the twelve disciples of Jesus?Simon Peter, James and John the sons of Zebedee, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew also called Nathanael, Matthew also called Levi, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus also called Judas, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed the Lord.Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-6; John 1:35-51

Part 2137. What was Jesus’ triumphal entry?

On the Sunday before Passover, he officially presented himself as Israel’s Messiah by riding a donkey into Jerusalem to the temple while the Jews celebrated.Ps 24:1-10; 118:19-29; Zech 9:9; Mal 3:1; Matt 21:1-17; John 12:12-19

138. Was Jesus ultimately received as Israel’s Messiah?No, at Passover, he was rejected and killed by the Jewish religious leaders with the help of an angry mob and the Roman authorities.Matt 26:47-27:66; Mark 14:43-15:47; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 1:11; 3:19; 18:1-19:42; Acts 2:22-23; 4:10

139. How did Jesus die?Though he was innocent, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, slandered, beaten, condemned, and crucified suffering tremendous pain and sorrow at the hands of wicked men.Ps 22:1-21; Isa 53:1-12; Matt 26:47-27:66; Mark 14:43-15:47; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 18:1-19:42; Acts 2:22-23; 4:10

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140. Why did Jesus die?Because of God’s amazing sacrificial love, he sent Jesus to die on the cross for us to pay the penalty our sins deserve.Luke 24:44-48; John 3:14-18; Rom 3:21-26; 5:7-8; 1 Cor 15:3-4; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 4:9-10

141. What is substitutionary atonement?When Jesus died, he served as a substitute for sinners to satisfy God’s just wrath against them.Isa 53:5; Mark 10:45; Rom 3:21-26; 5:7-8; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Thes 5:9-10; 1 Pet 2:24

142. Did Jesus stay dead?No, it was impossible for death to hold him, so he rose again on the third day.Matt 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-48; John 20:1-17; Acts 2:24, 32; 1 Cor 15:4

143. Why did Jesus rise from the dead?To vindicate his identity and his sacrifice, to be the firstborn from among the dead for all his people, and to reign as their indestructible Savior and Lord.Psa 22:22-24; Isa 53:12; Matt 28:18; Acts 2:36; Rom 1:4; 1 Cor 15:12-25, 45-57; Col 1:18; 1 Tim 3:16; Heb 7:15-25; Rev 21:1-22:21

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Part 3144. What did Jesus do on earth after he rose from the dead?

He showed himself to more than five hundred witnesses, gave proofs of his resurrection, and taught his disciples about the kingdom of God.Luke 24:27, 36-49; Acts 1:1-3; 1 Cor 15:5-8

145. Did Jesus stay on earth after he rose from the dead?No, after forty days he commissioned his apostles to make disciples of all nations and ascended in the sky back to heaven.Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 9-10

146. What happened at Pentecost?Shortly after Jesus ascended, he baptized his followers with the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, the apostles began to preach the gospel with boldness, and the church began to spread.Acts 1:8; 2:47

147. Who was Paul?The man Jesus chose to be his lead apostle in the task of proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles.Acts 9:15; 15:12; 1 Cor 15:8-11; Gal 1:15-17

148. How did Jesus call the apostle Paul into his service?Paul, first known as Saul, was a zealous Pharisee who hated and persecuted Christians, but Jesus personally confronted him and converted him into his service.Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:4-23; Gal 1:11-17

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149. Where is Jesus now?Jesus is in heaven, seated at the right hand of God in glorious authority and power.Ps 110:1; Matt 28:18; Luke 22:69; Eph 1:19-23; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3-4; Rev 1:9-18

150. Will Jesus return to earth?Yes, Jesus will descend from heaven in the sky at the appointed time to rescue his people, pour out the wrath of God on the wicked, and establish the kingdom of God on earth.Matt 24:30-31; Mark 8:38; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thes 4:16-17; 1 Pet 1:8-9; Rev 1:7; 19:11-21; 22:20

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QUESTIONS ABOUT SALVATION

Part 1151. What does it mean to be saved?

To be rescued from sin and the punishment it deserves and brought into a secure relationship with God forever.Rom 5:1-2; 8:1-39; Eph 1:3-14; 2:4-22; Col 1:13-14

152. How can we be saved?By repenting of our sin and trusting Jesus as our Savior and Lord.Isa 45:22; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:31-32; Rom 10:9-13;Acts 2:37-38; 16:31; 20:21; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Tim 2:19; 1 John 1:9

153. What does it mean to repent of sin?To turn away from our sin and follow Jesus.Isa 55:6-7; Mark 3:8; 8:34-38; Act 26:19-20; 2 Cor 7:10-11

154. What does it mean to trust Jesus as Savior?To believe that he did everything needed for our salvation and to rely on him, and him only, to make us right with God.Acts 10:43; 16:31; Gal 2:16-21; Eph 2:8-9

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155. What does it mean to trust Jesus as Lord?To believe that he is the ruler of God’s kingdom and to submit to him, and him only, as our ultimate authority.Matt 28:18; Act 2:34-36; 17:31; Eph 1:19-23; Col 1:15-20; Rev 11:15

156. What does every saved person receive?Eternal life and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is the seal of the New Covenant and a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.Jer 31:33-34; Eze 36:22-27; John 3:16; Acts 5:32; 10:47; 15:7-9; Rom 8:9-11; 2 Cor 1:21-22; Gal 2:20; Eph 1:13-14

157. What is eternal life?The indestructible, spiritual life that God gives in the moment a person believes the gospel.John 3:3-8, 16; Rom 8:10; 1 John 5:12

Part 2158. What is sovereign grace?

The powerful grace that God bestows on all his elect to do everything needed to save them completely.Jer 31:31-34; Rom 3:21-26; 8:28-39; 2 Cor 4:6; 5:17; Eph 1:3-12; 2:4-10; Tit 3:4-7; 2 Pet 1:3-4

159. What is election?God’s free choice before the creation of the world of every person who he would eternally save in Christ.John 15:19; Rom 8:29-30; 9:6-21; Eph 1:3-5; 11; Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 2:10; Tit 1:1

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160. What is redemption?God’s perfect payment through the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of his people which enables his gracious plan of election to unfold without any compromise of his justice.Mark 10:45; John 3:16; 10:14-17; Rom 3:21-26; 4:25; 5:8; 2 Cor 5:14-15, 21; Gal 2:20; 3:13-14; 1 Thes 5:9-10; Heb 2:17; 9:22-28; 10:11-18; 1 Peter 2:24; Rev 5:9-10

161. What is calling?The movement of the Holy Spirit upon an elect person’s heart to give the preaching of the gospel intimate, individual significance producing conviction of sin and culminating in faith in Christ.John 6:44; 10:27; Acts 13:47-48; Rom 8:29-30; 10:14-17; 1 Cor 1:23-24; Gal 1:15

162. What is regeneration?The moment a person being called is spiritually awakened by the the Holy Spirit to see and love Jesus for who he really is.

John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 2 Cor 4:6; 5:17; Eph 2:1-10; Tit 3:4-7; 1 Pet 1:3

163. What is conversion?The changing of a person’s will from resistance and rebellion to faith and repentance that results from regeneration.Matt 4:17; 18:3; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:36-41; 15:3; 16:30-33; Rom 10:8-13; 1 Thes 1:4-7; Heb 10:19-22; 11:6

164. What is justification?God’s legal declaration that a converted person is forgiven of sin and credited with the righteousness of Jesus.Rom 3:23-24, 28-30; 4:3-8, 22-25; 8:33; 2 Cor 5:21

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165. What is adoption?God’s reception of a justified person into his family as his child with full relational benefits and guaranteed eternal inheritance.John 1:12-13; Rom 8:15-23; Gal 4:1-7; 1 John 3:1-2

166. What is sanctification?The Holy Spirit’s life-long, transforming work in a child of God to grow that person in holy thoughts, feelings, and actions.Rom 8:29; 12:1-2; Eph 2:10; 1 Thes 4:1-7; 2 Tim 2:21-22; Heb 12:6-15

167. What is preservation?The Holy Spirit’s sustaining work in a child of God to maintain that person’s saving faith through all of life.Matt 7:21-23; John 3:16; 6:37-40; 10:25-30; Rom 8:29-30; 1 Cor 1:4-8; 15:1-2; Eph 1:13-14; Phil 1:6; Col 1:21-23; 1 Thes 5:23-24; Heb 3:6, 14; 1 Pet 1:3-5

168. What is glorification?God’s final perfecting work in all his children, spiritually and physically, so that they are in sinless relationship with him and glorious bearers of his image.John 5:28-29; 11:24-26; Rom 8:29-30; 6:3-8; 1 Cor 13:9-13; 15:16-20, 51-58; Eph 5:25-27; Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev 20:4-6; 21:1-4; 22-27; 22:14, 17

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169. Can a truly saved person lose his salvation?No, because the truly saved are chosen by God, redeemed by Jesus, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and promised to inherit the kingdom.John 3:16; 6:37-40; 10:27-29; Rom 8:28-39; Eph 1:13-14; Phil 1:6; 1 Pet 1:3-5; 1 John 5:12-13

170. What should be the heart response of a person who God has saved?

A saved person should love God, worship him, and be thankful for his sovereign grace over his life.Matt 22:38; John 9:35-38; Rom 12:1-2; Eph 5:18-20; Col 3:14-17; 1 Pet 1:6-9; Rev 5:9-14; 7:9-12

Part 3171. Can a person think he is saved when he is not?

Yes, many people who claim to be saved do not truly trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.Matt 7:21-23; 13:24-30; Mark 4:5-7, 16-19; 2 Tim 3:13; 1 John 1:6; 2:19

172. Can you know that you are truly saved?Yes, God wants his children to live in the freedom of a secure relationship with him.John 6:37; 8:36; Rom 8:28-39; 1 John 5:13

173. How can you know that you are truly saved?By abiding in Christ, trusting God’s promises, and prayerfully examining my heart, mind, and life.2 Cor 13:5; Phil 2:12-13; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Pet 1:10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:28; 5:13

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174. How should you examine your heart?By considering whether I have a genuine love for Jesus and his people and a real relationship with God as my Heavenly Father.Rom 8:14-17; 1 John 2:9-10, 15; 3:10; 4:7, 12, 20-21; 5:2

175. How should you examine your mind?By considering whether I have an accurate understanding and firm conviction concerning Jesus and his gospel of grace.Gal 1:6-9; Col 2:18-3:2; Tim 4:3-4; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 1 John 2:22-23; 4:15; 5:1

176. How should you examine your life?By considering whether I have authentic fruit of repentance from sin and obedience to Jesus.Luke 6:43-45; Gal 5:22-23; 1 John 1:6-7; 2:3-6; 29; 3:6-7, 10, 24; 5:2

177. If you know that you are truly saved, how should you live?

I should strive with all my might for my practice in life to match my status in Christ.Gal 5:25-26; Col 3:12-17; 1 Thes 4:1-7; 1 Pet 5:8-9; 2 Pet 1:5-9

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH

Part 1178. What is the church?

The spiritual body of people consisting of everyone who is truly saved and bound together by the Holy Spirit.Matt 16:16-18; Gal 3:27-29; Eph 1:22-23; 2:12-3:6

179. What are the three offices that Jesus holds for the church?

Prophet, Priest, and King.Deut 18:15-19; Ps 2:6; 110:4; Acts 3:22; Heb 5:6; Rev 19:16

180. How does Jesus function as Prophet?He is the incarnate Word of God who perfectly reveals to us the character and will of the Father.Deut 18:15-19; Matt 28:19; John 1:1-4; 14-18; 3:31-34; 14:9-10; Heb 1:1-3; 1 John 1:1-4

181. How does Jesus function as Priest?He is the one mediator between God and man who atoned for our sins through his sacrificial death and lives forever to intercede on our behalf.Acts 4:12; Rom 8:34; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 2:17; 7:23-28; 9:11-12; 1 John 2:1-2

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182. How does Jesus function as King?He is the ruler of God’s kingdom who wins the hearts of his people and leads and protects them forever.Ps 110:3; Isa 33:22; Matt 28:18-20; 1 Cor 15:25; Phil 2:9-11; Col 1:13-22; Rev 11:15; 19:16

183. Why is Jesus called “the last Adam”?Because Jesus serves as a new representative head for his people who has reversed the consequences of Adam’s sin and accomplished a definitive work of righteousness on their behalf.Rom 5:12-21; 1 Cor 15:21-22, 45-49

184. Why is the church called “the bride of Christ”?Because Jesus loves the church and will return as a groom to receive her unto himself.Eze 16:62-63; Hos 2:18-20; Matt 25:1-13; Eph 5:22-32; Rev 19:7

185. Why is the church called “the body of Christ”?Because Jesus is united to his people and leads them as a head leads the body.Acts 9:4; 22:7-8; 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 4:11-14; Col 3:15

186. Why is the church called “God’s house”?Because Jesus has brought his people into the family of God and he dwells in them by the Holy Spirit.John 14:23; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:4-5; Rev 3:20

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Part 2187. What is a local church?

A specific fellowship of professing Christians who live in accountability to one another, who are driven by the Great Commission, and who gather regularly to worship God through observing the ordinances, prayer, praise, and the preaching of God’s Word.Matt 16:15-19; 18:15-20; 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-37; Rom 16:3-5; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Eph 4:1-3; Col 3:12-17; 4:15; 20:7; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 2 Tim 4:1-2; Heb 10:23-25; 13:15-17

188. What is the Great Commission?The command Jesus gave his followers immediately before he ascended to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded.Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8-9

189. What are the two ordinances that Jesus gave to the church?

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.Matt 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26

190. What is baptism?The immersion under water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of a person who confesses Jesus as Savior and Lord.Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38-41; 19:1-5; Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12; 1 Pet 3:21

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191. What is the meaning of baptism?It is a picture of being cleansed from sin and united with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection.Acts 2:38-41; 19:1-5; Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12; 1 Pet 3:21

192. What is the Lord’s Supper?The partaking of bread and the fruit of the vine as a time of communion between Jesus and his followers.Matt 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26

193. What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper?It reminds us of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus on our behalf and proclaims the Lord’s death until he comes.Matt 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26

194. Does baptism or the Lord’s Supper save a person?No, they are important matters of obedience and faith-strengthening pictures of the gospel, but a person is saved by grace through faith in Christ alone.John 6:40; 11:25-26; Acts 10:43-48; Rom 3:28; 4:1-3; Eph 2:8-9; 1 John 5:1

195. Why is prayer important in a local church?Because God wants the church to be a house of prayer and is eager to respond to the petitions of his people.Isa 56:7; Matt 7:7-11; 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46; John 14:13-14; Rom 8:15-17: 1 Tim 2:8

196. How should prayer be done in the local church?Prayers should be sincere, bold expressions of corporate praises, confessions, thanksgivings, and requests.Rom 5:1-2; Eph 5:20; 1 Thes 5:16-18; 1 Tim 2:1-2; Heb 10:19-22

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197. Why is praise important in a local church?Because God is worthy of our praise, loves the praises of his people, and created speech, music, and art to be used for his glory.Ps 33:1-3; 96:1-2; 145:1-12; 147:1, 7; 148:1-14; 149:1-9; 150:1-6; Eph 5:19-20; Col 3:16-17

198. How should praise music be done in the church?We should sing a variety of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that rejoice in the gospel and teach sound doctrine.Eph 5:19-20; Phil 4:4; Col 3:16-17; Tit 2:1

199. Why is preaching important in a local church?Because the preaching of God’s Word exalts his authority over our lives and is the primary means by which people are changed, nourished, and instructed.Ps 1:1-3; 19:7-11; 111:10; 119:105; Pro 1:7; Isa 55:10-11; Luke 8:21; 11:28; Col 1:28-29; Heb 4:12-13; Jam 1:25; 1 Pet 2:2

200. How should God’s Word be preached in the church?It is to be faithfully read, explained, and applied to believers in light of the gospel with diligence, conviction, and sensitivity.Neh 8:1-8; Luke 4:16; Act 2:42; 18:11; 1 Cor 2:1-5, 12-13; Col 1:28-29; 1 Thes 2:1-13; 1 Tim 4:11-13; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-4:4; Tit 1:9; 2:1, 7-8

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Part 3201. What is a church member?

A person recognized and received by a local church based on repentance and trust in Jesus.Matt 16:15-19; 18:15-20; 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 4:4; Rom 1:7; 2 Cor 2:8; 13:11; 1 Thes 1:1-5; 1 Tim 5:1-2; Heb 10:23-25

202. What does a healthy church member look like?A healthy church member has a growing personal relationship with Jesus and a spirit of unity, commitment, service, and love toward the church family.John 15:1-12; Rom 12:16; 1 Cor 1:10; Gal 5:13; 1 Pet 3:8; 4:10; 2 Pet 1:5-8; Heb 2:1-3; 10:23-25

203. Why is accountability important in a local church?Because the reputation of Jesus, the health of the church, and the credibility of professing Christians is at stake in the choices of church members.Eze 20:14; Rom 2:21-24; Matt 18:17; 2 Pet 2:1-3

204. What is church discipline?A loving process given by Jesus for confronting sin, promoting repentance, and seeking reconciliation.Matt 18:15-20; Gal 6:1; Heb 12:11

205. What are the stages of church discipline?Individual accountability before God, one-on-one confrontation, bringing in two or three others, telling the church, and removal from fellowship.Ps 11:4; Matt 18:15-20; Luke 21:34; Gal 5:23; 1 Tim 1:18-20; 1 John 1:6-9; 2 John 1:7

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206. What is the heart and hope of church discipline?That each step will lead to repentance and reconciliation for the good of the individuals involved and the greater church family.Matt 18:15; Gal 6:1; 1 Tim 1:20

207. What are spiritual gifts?Spiritual abilities given by Jesus through the Holy Spirit to Christians for building up the church and bringing glory to God.Rom 1:11-12; 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12:1-31; 14:1-40; Eph 4:1-16; 1 Pet 4:10-11

208. How should spiritual gifts function in the church?All members should serve according to their unique gifts in unity, humility, and love.1 Cor 12:12-21; 13:1-13; 14:26, 40

209. What are the two offices of the local church? Pastors and deacons.Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1-13

210. What are pastors (elders)?Under-shepherds of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who serve the church by leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for the flock.Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1-4

211. What are the biblical qualifications for pastors?Pastors must be mature men in Christ who are respectable, faithful in the home, able to teach sound doctrine, and called by the church to serve.1 Tim 3:1-7; 2 Tim 2:24-26; 4:3-5; Tit 1:5-9; Jam 3:1

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212. How should a church respond to its pastors?Church members should be eager to respond to their pastors’ leadership and exhortations understanding that their pastors are called by God and will give an account for the watch-care over their souls.1 Thes 5:12-13; Heb 13:7; 17; 1 Pet 5:5-7

213. What are deacons?Under-stewards of Jesus and the pastors who serve the church by organizing ministry to tangible needs among the body.Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim 3:8-13

214. What are the biblical qualifications for deacons?Deacons likewise must be mature in Christ, respectable, faithful in the home, and called by the church to serve.Acts 6:3; 1 Tim 3:8-13

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PERSONAL HOLINESS

Part 1215. What is personal holiness?

Living my life for the Lord so that I am set apart for him and glorifying to him.Lev 19:2; 20:7-8; Deut 6:5; Rom 12:1-2; 13:12-14; 1 Cor 6:20; 10:31; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; Eph 4:1-3; Phil 2:12-13; Jam 4:8; 2 Tim 2:21; 1 Pet 1:14-16; 2:12

216. Why should we strive for personal holiness?Because we love the Lord who is worthy of our devotion, is a rewarder of those who seek him, and has warned us of the deceitfulness of sin.Gen 15:1; Deut 6:5; Ps 19:7-11; Prov 11:18; Matt 5:3-12, 46; 6:1-34; 22:37; Mark 9:41; Rom 2:6-8; 12:1-2; 2 Cor 5:14-15; Eph 6:7-8; Col 3:23-24; Heb 2:1-4; 3:12-14; 6:1-12; 10:35-36; 11:6, 26; Rev 22:12

217. What are spiritual disciplines?Individual practices that promote growth in holiness and should be a regular part of my personal relationship with Jesus.Matt 6:1-32; Col 3:5-17; Eph 4:15-5:21; 1 Tim 4:7-8; 2 Pet 1:5-11; 3:11, 14, 18

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218. What are some important spiritual disciplines?Reading the Bible, prayer, confession, obedience, church commitment, serving, giving, and evangelizing.Matt 6:9-13; 28:18-20; 2 Cor 9:7; Gal 5:13; 2 Tim 3:14-17; Heb 10:24-25; Jam 4:17; 1 Pet 1:14; 1 John 1:9

219. Why is it important for you to read the Bible?Because God wants to reveal himself to me daily, speak to me directly, and grow me personally by his Word.2 Sam 22:29-31; Isa 55:8-12; 2 Tim 3:14-17; Heb 1:1-2; 4:12-13; Jam 1:25

220. Are you able to understand the Bible when you read it?Yes, because the Holy Spirit helps believers who come to God’s Word humbly and expectantly.John 16:13-14; Rom 8:26; 1 Cor 2:7-16; 2 Cor 3:16-18; 4:3-6

221. Are you able to understand the Bible perfectly?No, because I am not glorified yet, so I should be careful about my conclusions and recognize that I will grow in my understanding of God’s Word over time.1 Cor 3:1-2; 13:9-12; 2 Pet 1:12-13; 3:18

222. What should you do when you realize that something in your life is not in line with the Bible?

I should confess my sin, repent from it, and walk in obedience to God’s Word.Neh 9:2; Ps 32:1-11; 51:1-19; Prov 28:13; Acts 19:18-19; Rom 8:12-14; Jam 1:22-25; 1 John 1:6-9

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Part 2223. What is prayer?

Prayer is talking to God as a dependent child to a loving Father.Gen 20:17; Ex 8:30; Matt 6:6; Mark 14:36; Luke 11:1; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6; Col 1:11-12; 1 Thes 5:17; Jam 5:13-16

224. What is the Lord’s Prayer?“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 lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”Matt 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4

225. What is the first request of the Lord’s Prayer? Hallowed be your name.Matt 6:9; Luke 11:2

226. What do we learn from the first request of the Lord’s Prayer?

To pray for God himself to be honored and sanctified in our hearts and lives.Ps 46:10; Isa 25:1; 61:10; Eze 20:9; Mal 1:6; John 17:1; 1 Pet 3:15

227. What is the second request of the Lord’s Prayer? Your kingdom come.Matt 6:10; Luke 11:2

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228. What do we learn from the second request of the Lord’s Prayer?

To pray for the gospel to continue to spread on earth and for Christ to return and establish his kingdom.Isa 11:9; Hab 2:14; Matt 9:37-38; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 18:1-8; 2 Cor 10:15-16; 2 Pet 3:9; Rev 22:20

229. What is the third request of the Lord’s Prayer? Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Matt 6:10

230. What do we learn from the third request of the Lord’s Prayer?

To pray for ourselves and others to live obedient lives that truly reflect God’s character and will.1 Sam 15:22-23; Ps 110:3; Jer 31:33-34; Eze 36:25-27; 1 Cor 10:31; Rom 6:1-23; 12:1-2; Gal 5:22; 1 Pet 1:14-16

231. What is the fourth request of the Lord’s Prayer? Give us this day our daily bread.Matt 6:11; Luke 11:3

232. What do we learn from the fourth request of the Lord’s Prayer?

To pray for our daily physical and spiritual needs trusting God to provide according to his good will.Ex 16:11-36; Deut 8:3-4; Ps 1:3; Jer 17:7-8; Matt 6:25-34; 7:7-11; John 7:38; 14:13-14; 2 Cor 9:8; Phil 4:6-7, 19; Jam 5:13-18

233. What is the fifth request of the Lord’s Prayer?Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matt 6:12; Luke 11:4

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234. What do we learn from the fifth request of the Lord’s Prayer?

To pray for forgiveness concerning our sins as we forgive others concerning their sins.Matt 6:14-15; 7:1-2; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13; Jam 2:13

235. What is the sixth request of the Lord’s Prayer? Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matt 6:13; Luke 11:4

236. What do we learn from the sixth request of the Lord’s Prayer?

To pray for protection from temptation and for victory in temptation.Matt 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 21:36; 22:40, 46; 1 Cor 10:12-13; 16:13; 1 Pet 5:8

Part 3237. Why should we love the church?

Because Jesus loves the church and has united all Christians by the bond of his Holy Spirit.1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:17-19; 4:1-6; 5:25-32; Phil 2:1-11; 1 John 4:7-21

238. What should our commitment to a local church look like?We should faithfully participate in weekly gatherings, genuinely seek edifying relationships, and joyfully work for the well-being and growth of the body.Act 2:41-47; 4:32-35; Rom 12:9-16; 14:19; 15:1-7; Heb 10:24-25; 1 Pet 4:8-9

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239. How should you give to your local church?I should invest my time, talents, and treasure in the work of my church.Matt 25:14-46; Rom 15:24; 1 Cor 12:4-7; 2 Cor 8:1-15; 9:1-15; Gal 5:13; 6:9; Eph 2:10; 4:12; Heb 6:10-12; 1 Pet 4:8-10

240. If you are a true Christian, do you have any spiritual gifts?

Yes, Jesus has given spiritual gifts to all his people.Rom 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12:7-31; Eph 4:7-12; 1 Pet 1:10-11

241. How do you grow in understanding your spiritual gifts?By seeking ways to serve and edify others, being mindful of what efforts are effective, and humbly receiving the input of my pastors and other mature Christians.Rom 1:11; 12:3-5; 15:2-6; Gal 5:13; Heb 13:16-17

242. How should you use your spiritual gifts?I should commit myself to serve in the church happily and humbly however God has gifted me.Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 12:15-26; 13:1-13; Jam 4:6

243. What is a tithe?A guideline for giving in which ten percent of any money I receive is joyfully given back to the Lord.Num 18:26; Deut 26:12; 2 Chr 31:5-6; Mal 3:8-10; 2 Cor 9:6-7

244. How else should you give?I should always be ready to share with others as I encounter various needs in daily life.Prov 3:27; Matt 5:42; 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37; Rom 12:13; 1 Cor 16:1-3; 2 Cor 8:1-5

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245. Why should you live a life of giving?Because I should store up treasure in heaven, not on earth, for where my treasure is there my heart will be also.Matt 6:1-4; 19-21; 10:40-42; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:35; 12:33-34; 2 Cor 9:6-11

246. What is evangelism?Sharing the gospel of Jesus with people who don’t know him and inviting them to respond in faith and repentance.Matt 28:18-20; Mark 1:14-15, 38; Luke 9:1-2; Acts 2:14-40; 8:5; 10:25-48; 18:4-5; 20:21; 28:23; Rom 10:11-15; 15:20-21; 1 Cor 1:22-24; 2 Cor 4:5-6; 5:20-21; Col 1:28-29; 1 Thes 1:4-5

247. How should you evangelize?I should seek opportunities to explain the good news to others and be ready to witness about my personal faith in Jesus.Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 3:11-26; 8:5, 25-40; 18:24-36; 2 Cor 4:13-15; Col 4:3-6; 1 Pet 3:15-16

248. What should you do if you are persecuted for your Christian witness?

I should rejoice and be glad because there is great honor and reward in suffering for the sake of Jesus.Matt 5:10-12; Acts 5:41; 1 Pet 3:14; Jam 1:2-4

249. How should you respond to your enemies?I should love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. Prov 24:17; Matt 5:43-48; Rom 12:14-21; 1 Pet 3:9-17

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250. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?To be so full of faith and joy in God that I have spiritual power, boldness, and insight to live for the Lord and glorify him.Neh 8:10; Ps 19:7-11; Isa 61:1-3; Jer 31:33-34; Eze 36:26-27; Mic 3:8; Zech 4:6; Luke 1:67-75; 4:1-21; Acts 4:8-13; 31-33; 6:5-10; 9:17-22; 11:22-24; 13:52; Gal 5:16-26; Eph 5:17-20; Phil 4:4-9; Col 3:15-17

251. What is the fruit of the Spirit?Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.Gal 5:22-23

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QUESTIONS ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY AND THE HOME

Part 1252. Why did God create both men and women?

Because men and women can glorify God by how their distinct roles work together and reflect God’s character.Gen 1:26-28; 2:18; Eph 5:22-33; 1 Cor 10:31

253. How can the complementary roles of men and women reflect God’s character?

When men and women work together as God designed, they reflect the equal worth, unity of purpose, and distinct roles within the Trinity itself.John 1:1-2; 5:30; 8:28-29; 16:12-15; 17:1-5; Eph 5:22-33; 1 Pet 2:23; 3:1-7

254. How should we understand the worth of men and women?

Both men and women are of equal worth to God and society because both are created in God’s image and vital to his plan.Gen 1:26-28; 2:21-22; Rom 8:14-17; Gal 3:25-29

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255. Why did God give men and women the unique bodies that they have?

Because our bodies are an intentional part of God’s good design for us, consistent with the roles he has revealed for men and women.Gen 1:26-28; 2:7, 18, 21-22; Ps 139:13-16; Rom 1:24-27; Eph 5:22-33; 1 Tim 2:8-15; 1 Pet 3:1-7

256. What should a boy strive to be when he grows up? A mature man of God.Josh 1:9; 1 Cor 16:13-14; 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 2:22; 3:14-17; Tit 2:2, 6-8, 11-14

257. What is a mature man of God?A Spirit-filled man who is eager to lead, provide for, and protect women and children with appropriate love, courage, and gentleness.2 Sam 23:8-39; Eph 5:18-33; 1 Cor 16:13-14; 1 Tim 2:8-15; Tit 2:2; 1 Pet 3:7

258. What should a girl strive to be when she grows up? A mature woman of God.1 Tim 2:9-10; 2 Tim 2:22; Tit 2:3-5, 11-14

259. What is a mature woman of God?A Spirit-filled woman who is eager to receive, support, and nurture the worthy leadership, protection, and provision of men with enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and discernment.Gen 2:18; Prov 31:10-31; 1 Cor 11:8-9; Eph 5:18-24; 1 Tim 2:9-15; Tit 2:3-5; 1 Pet 3:1-6

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260. How does sin tempt people to distort their God-given roles as men and women?

Sin tempts people to reject God’s design and jealously grasp for roles not intended for them.Rom 1:18-32; 1 Cor 6:9-20; 1 Thes 4:3-8

Part 2261. What is marriage?

A lifelong covenant between a man and woman in which they vow before God and society to live in loving commitment to each other and are therefore joined together by God as one flesh.Gen 2:22-24; Mal 2:14-16; Matt 19:4-9; Mark 10:6-12; Rom 7:2-3; Heb 13:4; 1 Cor 7:39

262. What does it mean for a husband and wife to be one flesh?

Their lives are bound together in God’s sight so that they are free to enjoy and edify one another intimately and responsibly.Gen 2:24; Song 2:16; 4:1-16; 6:3; 7:10; Matt 19:4-9; Mark 10:6-12; Rom 7:2; 1 Cor 7:4; 39; Eph 5:28-33; Heb 13:4

263. What is the great purpose of marriage?To reflect the covenant relationship between Christ and his church.Ps 45:1-17; Song 2:4; Isa 61:10-11; 62:5; Hos 2:19-23;Matt 9:14-15; 25:1-13; John 3:26-30; Eph 5:22-33; Rev 19:6-9

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264. What are other purposes of marriage?To give companionship, enjoyment, and protection for each spouse and to produce children for the glory of God.Gen 1:28; 2:18-25; Song 1:2-4; 4:1-16; Mal 2:15; 1 Cor 7:1-2, 9; Eph 5:28-33; Heb 13:4

265. What is the main responsibility of the husband? To love his wife just as Christ loves the church. Eph 5:25-33; Col 3:19

266. What is the main responsibility of the wife?To submit to her husband as the church is to submit to Christ. Eph 5:22-24; Col 3:18

Part 3267. What is a family?

A family is the most basic institution in society that ideally consists of a father, a mother, and the children God has given them.Gen 1:26-30; 2:18-25; Deut 6:4-25; Ps 127:1-5; Mal 2:14-16; 1 Tim 3:5

268. Who is the head of the home?The father is the head of the home because he is directly responsible to God for the character and direction of his family.Gen 2:16-22; 3:17-19; Deut 6:1-25; Josh 24:14-18; Eph 5:23; 6:4; 1 Tim 3:4-5

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269. What is the role of the father as head of the home?To be a Christ-like, servant-leader to his family and to bring up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.Josh 1:6-9; Prov 12:7; 1 Cor 16:13-14; Eph 5:25-33; 6:4; Col 3:21; 1 Tim 3:4-5; Heb 11:7-8, 21; 12:7-11; 1 Pet 3:7

270. How does sin tempt fathers to distort their God-given role in the home?

Sin tempts fathers to forsake their responsibility as Christ-like, servant-leaders and either domineer in unloving ways or cower in laziness and passivity.Gen 3:16-17; 4:23-24; 12:11-20; 26:6-7; 1 Sam 2:22-36; 3:11-13; 1 Kgs 11:1-11; 16:30-33; 21:1-16

271. What is the role of the mother in the home?To respectfully support her husband and to help him manage the home in a God-glorifying way.Gen 2:18; Prov 19:14; 31:10-31; Eph 5:22-24; 1 Pet 3:1-6

272. How does sin tempt mothers to distort their God-given role in the home?

Sin tempts mothers to forsake their responsibility as supportive, discerning helpers and either act in neglectful weakness or undermining disrespect and manipulation.Gen 3:16-17; 27:1-40; 1 Kgs 21:1-16; Prov 14:1; 21:9; 25:24; Acts 5:2

273. What is the role of the children in the home?To honor and obey their parents as unto the Lord and to learn and grow with thankfulness.Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16; Prov 1:8-9; 2:1-22; 3:1-12; 4:10-13; 5:1-2; 7:1-3; 10:1; 13:1; 23:22-25

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274. How does sin tempt children to distort their God-given role in the home?

Sin tempts children to be dishonoring and unthankful so that they disobey and whine.Deut 27:16; Rom 1:30

275. What are the consequences of a family that gives into temptation and distorts God’s design?

The home increasingly becomes a place of conflict and frustration on a path of brokenness and separation.Prov 3:33; 14:11-12; 17:1; 21:12

276. What is the only hope for a family?God’s grace is able to heal and help any family to function properly and glorify him.Ex 34:6-7; Josh 1:6-9; Prov 24:3-5; Joel 2:12-13; Acts 3:19; 1 Cor 6:11; 2 Cor 9:8; Eph 2:8-10; 4:1-3, 20-32; Phil 4:19; 1 John 1:7-9

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QUESTIONS ABOUT CIVIL GOVERNMENT

277. What is civil government?The authorities that God has instituted over a society. Rom 13:1-6; 1 Pet 2:13-14

278. What is the responsibility of civil government?To promote peace and freedom among its citizens through a commitment to personal rights, the just maintaining of law and order, and the protection of military might.Deut 16:18-20; Neh 4:6-23; Ps 72:1-20; Prov 16:10-13; 29:4, 12-14; Eze 33:1-6; Rom 13:1-6; 1 Tim 2:1-2

279. Why is freedom a moral priority?Because God’s goal in both creation and redemption is that people be free to live in direct accountability before him without undue interference from human institutions.Gen 2:15-17; 12:1-3; 1 Sam 8:1-22; Matt 25:14-30; John 8:36; 1 Cor 7:22; Gal 5:1; 1 Tim 2:1-3; 1 Pet 2:16

280. What is a citizen?A person who lives in the jurisdiction of a civil government and is responsible to it.Acts 17:26; Rom 13:1-6; 1 Tim 2:1-2; Tit 3:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13-17

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281. What is the responsibility of a Christian citizen?To pray for our civil authorities, to obey the law, and to seek the common good even as we wait for the kingdom of God.Gen 39:1-6; 20-23; Prov 11:11; Jer 29:7; Matt 22:37-39; Acts 17:26; Rom 13:1-10; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Tim 2:1-2; Tit 3:1-2; 1 Pet 2:9-17

282. Is there ever a time to disobey civil government?Yes, we should not obey laws that are in clear conflict with God’s Word.Ex 20:1-17; 1 Kgs 18:4; Dan 3:16-18; 6:10; Acts 4:19; 5:29

283. Why does the Bible say that Christians are sojourners and aliens in this world?

Because we are citizens of the kingdom of God and our true King is Jesus.Phil 3:20-21; Col 1:13; Heb 11:14-16; 1 Pet 2:9-11; Rev 22:20

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QUESTIONS ABOUT LAST THINGS

284. What happens to people when they die?Their earthly bodies return to dust, but their conscious spirit continues.Gen 3:19; Luke 22:42-43; 23:46; John 11:25-26; Phil 1:22-24; Heb 9:27; Rev 6:9-10

285. What happens to the spirits of the lost when they die?They go to hell where they dwell in torment, separated from God awaiting the final judgment.Luke 16:22-24; Rev 20:11-15

286. What happens to the spirits of the saved when they die?They go to Heaven where they dwell in the peaceful presence of Christ awaiting their glorified, resurrection bodies.Luke 22:42-43; Phil 1:22-24; 1 Thes 4:13-16; Rev 20:4

287. What is the Day of the Lord?A time of salvation and judgment that will happen at the second coming of Jesus in which he will rescue his people, pour out God’s fierce wrath on earth, and establish his kingdom.Isa 13:6-13; Eze 30:1-3; Joel 3:9-18; Zeph 1:7, 14; Mal 4:5; Matt 24:27-31; 1 Thes 4:13-5:10; 2 Pet 3:2-13; Rev 6:12-17; 19:11-21

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288. What is the rapture?At the second coming, Jesus will suddenly gather and glorify his people, the living and the dead, to be in his presence forevermore.Matt 24:30-31, 38-42; 1 Cor 15:51-52; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thes 4:16-17

289. What is the millennial reign of Christ?A future one-thousand year period of time after the second coming in which Satan is bound by God and Jesus reigns on earth over his kingdom.Rev 20:1-6

290. What will ultimately happen to Satan and his demons?At the end of the millennium, God will allow Satan one final rebellion only to defeat him and throw him into hell with his demons forevermore.Matt 25:41; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6; Rev 20:7-10

291. What is the final judgment?At the end of the millennium, all the lost will be raised from the dead to stand before the judgment of God and receive his verdict over their lives.Matt 12:36; Luke 12:2-5; Acts 17:30-31; Rom 2:5-8; Rev 20:11-15

292. What will happen to the lost at the final judgment?They will be condemned according to their sinful works, sentenced to an eternity of fiery torment, and thrown into hell forever.Matt 7:22-23; 25:30, 41, 46; Mark 9:43, 48; Rom 2:8; Rev 14:9-11; 20:11-15

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293. What will happen to the saved at the final judgment?Their names will be found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, so they will not be condemned but will continue in everlasting life.Matt 25:46; Rom 8:1-4, 33-34; Rev 11:18; 20:11-22:5

294. Will the saved have their works judged at all?Yes, though the saved will not be condemned in their sins, Christ will evaluate the quality of their works in order to determine eternal rewards.Matt 6:19-20; Luke 19:12-26; Rom 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:9-10; Rev 11:18

295. What is the new heaven and earth?At the end of history, God will recreate heaven and earth into a perfect paradise for him to dwell with his people.Isa 65:17-18; 66:22; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-22:5

296. What will be the greatest thing about the new heaven and earth?

God himself will be there sharing his glorious goodness with his people forever and ever.Ps 16:11; 84:10-12; Jer 31:33-34; 32:38; Eze 11:19-20; 37:26-28; Rom 5:1-2; 8:38-39; 1 Cor 13:12; 1 Thes 4:17; Heb 12:22-24; Rev 11:15; 21:3-4, 23; 22:1-5

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A Puritan Catechism. Compiled by C. H. Spurgeon. [on-line]. Accessed April 23, 2018. Available from http://baptistdocuments.tripod.com; Internet.

Allison, Gregg R. The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2016.

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Bunyan, John. Instruction for the Ignorant. 1675 [on-line]. Accessed April 23, 2018. Available from http://www.reformed.org; Internet.

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Piper, John, and Wayne Grudem, editors. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006.

Sutcliff, John. The First Principles of the Oracles of God: Represented in a Plain and Familiar Catechism for the Use of Children. In Teaching Truth, Training Hearts: The Study of Catechisms in Baptist Life, Tom J. Nettles, 109-123. Lincroft, NJ: Calvary Press, 1998.

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