PREFACE My First Catechism is a simple primer on the Christian faith in general and the Reformed Baptist faith in particular (as it is preserved and expressed in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith). The structure and outline are designed to follow that of the 1693 Baptist Catechism which has been widely influential among Baptist Churches worldwide. We have attempted to make the sequence of questions and answers as clear as possible so that they are more accessible to young children. What is Catechizing? It is systematic instruction using simple questions and answers. Catechizing has proven to be an effective means for the spiritual nurturing of children. Beginning with the 1693 Baptist Catechism and then further aided by the 1776 printing of Benjamin Beddome s A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism they have been used as a common form for expressing and committing to memory key elements of Scripture and the Baptist/Reformed system of doctrine. It would be ideal then, if children began learning the answers as they begin to talk. By doing so, they will add to their vocabulary the words that reflect biblical truth and especially the doctrines of grace. This will be a stepping stone to prepare them to later study the 1693 Baptist Catechism and the 1689 Baptist Confession as they mature. So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17) According to God s sovereign will, our hope and prayer is that as our children are taught the truths of Scripture they will be brought into the bonds of the covenant of grace through saving faith. i
Who made you? God. What else did God make? God made all things. Why did God make you and all things? For his own glory. How can you glorify God? By loving him and doing what he commands. Why are you to glorify God? Because he made me and takes care of me. 1
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Is there more than one God? No. There is only one true God. In how many Persons does this one God exist? In three Persons. Name these three Persons. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. What is God? God is a Spirit and does not have a body like men. Where is God? God is everywhere. 3
Can you see God? No. I cannot see God, but he always sees me. Does God know all things? Yes. Nothing can be hidden from God. Can God do all things? Yes. God can do all his holy will. Where do you learn how to love and obey God? In the Holy Bible alone. Who wrote the Bible? Chosen men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. 4
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Who were our first parents? Adam and Eve. How did God create man? God created man, male and female, after His own image. Of what were our first parents made? God made Adam s body out of the ground and Eve s body out of a rib from Adam. What else did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies? He gave them eternal souls. Do you have a soul as well as a body? Yes. And my soul is going to last forever. 6
How do you know your soul will last forever? Because the Holy Bible tells me so. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve? He made them holy and happy. What covenant did God make with Adam? The covenant of works. What is a covenant? A relationship that God undertakes with us and guarantees by His Word. In the covenant of works, what did God require Adam to do? To obey God perfectly. 7
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What did God promise in the covenant of works? To reward Adam with life if he obeyed God perfectly. What did God threaten in the covenant of works? To punish Adam with death if he disobeyed God. Did Adam keep the covenant of works? No. He sinned against God. What is sin? Sin is any lack of conformity to, or transgression of, the law of God. What is meant by lack of conformity? Not being or doing what God requires. 9
What is meant by transgression? Doing what God forbids. What does every sin deserve? The wrath and curse of God. What was the sin of our first parents? Eating the forbidden fruit. Who tempted Adam and Eve to this sin? Satan tempted Eve first, and then he used her to tempt Adam. How did Adam and Eve change when they sinned? Instead of being holy and happy they became sinful and miserable. 10
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Did Adam act for himself alone in the covenant of works? No. He represented the whole human race. What effect did the sin of Adam have on you and all people? We are all born guilty and sinful. How sinful are you by nature? I am corrupt in every part of my being. What is the sinful nature that we inherit from Adam called? Original Sin. 12
Can anyone go to heaven with this sinful nature? No. Our hearts must be changed before we can believe in Jesus and go to heaven. What is this change of heart called? The new birth, or regeneration. Who can change a sinner s heart? The Holy Spirit alone. Can anyone be saved through the covenant of works? No. No one can be saved through the covenant of works. 13
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