Q87: What is repentance unto life?

Q: What is repentance unto life?

A: Repentance unto life is a saving grace, (1) whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, (2) and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, (3) doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, (4) with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience. (5)

  1. Acts 11:18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

  2. Acts 2:37-38. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  3. Joel 2:13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

  4. Jeremiah 31:18-19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

  5. 2 Corinthians 7:11. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, whatfear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
    Psalm 119:59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

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Q86: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Q: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, (1) whereby we receive (2) and rest upon him alone for salvation, (3) as he is offered to us in the gospel. (4)

  1. Hebrews 10:39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

  2. John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

  3. Isaiah 26:3-4. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
    Philippians 3:9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

  4. John 6:40. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
    Galatians 2:16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

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Q85: What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

Q: What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

A: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, (1) with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. (2)

  1. Acts 20:21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  2. Proverbs 8:1-5. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
    Proverbs 8:33-36. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
    Isaiah 55:3. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David..

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Q84: What doth every sin deserve?

Q: What doth every sin deserve?

A: Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. (1)

  1. Ephesians 5:6. Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
    Galatians 3:10. Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
    Lamentations 3:39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
    Matthew 25:41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

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Q83: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

Q: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A: Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. (1)

  1. Ezekiel 8:6. He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.
    Ezekiel 8:13. He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do.
    Ezekiel 8:15. Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.
    1 John 5:16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
    Psalm 78:17. And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.
    Psalm 78:32. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.
    Psalm 78:56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies.
    Psalm 19:13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

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Q82: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

Q: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A: No mere man, since the fall, is able, in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; (1) but doth daily break them, in thought, (2) word, (3) and deed. (4)

  1. 1 Kings 8:46. If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not), and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near.
    Ecclesiastes 7:20. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
    1 John 1:8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
    1 John 1:10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
    Galatians 5:17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

  2. Genesis 6:5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
    Genesis 8:21. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
    Romans 3:9. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.

  3. James 3:8. The tongue can no man tame: it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

  4. James 3:2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

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Q81: What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

Q: What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A: The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, (1) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, (2) and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his. (3)

  1. 1 Kings 21:4. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers: and he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat not bread.
    Esther 5:13. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the kings' gate.
    1 Corinthians 10:10. Neither murmer ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

  2. Galatians 5:26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
    James 3:14,16. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth . . . For where enying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work.

  3. Romans 7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law: for I had not known lust except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
    Romans 13:9. For this, thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself.
    Deuteronomy 5:21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his man-servant, or his maid-servant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
    Colossians 3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

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Q80: What is required in the tenth commandment?

Q: What is required in the tenth commandment?

A: The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, (1) with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his. (2)

  1. Hebrews 13:5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

  2. Romans 12:15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
    Philippians 2:4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
    1 Corinthians 13:4-6. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.

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Q78: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Q: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

A: The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, (1) or injurious to our own, or our neighbour's good name. (2)

  1. Proverbs 19:5. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
    Proverbs 6:16-19. These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness thatspeaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

  2. 1 Samuel 17:28. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
    Leviticus 19:16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.
    Luke 3:14. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
    Psalm 15:3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

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Q77: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Q: What is required in the ninth commandment?

A: The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, (1) and of our own (2) and our neighbour's good name, (3) especially in witness bearing. (4)

  1. Zechariah 8:16. These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.

  2. 1 Peter 3:16. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
    Acts 25:10. Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

  3. 3 John 12. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

  4. Proverbs 14:5. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
    Proverbs 14:25. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

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Q75: What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

Q: What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

A: The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own (1) or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate. (2)

  1. 1 Timothy 5:8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

  2. Ephesians 4:28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
    Proverbs 21:6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 2
    Thessalonians 3:7-10. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

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Q74: What is required in the eighth commandment?

Q: What is required in the eighth commandment?

A: The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves (1) and others. (2)

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
    Romans 12:17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
    Proverbs 27:23. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

  2. Leviticus 25:35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
    Philippians 2:4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
    Proverbs 13:4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
    Proverbs 20:4. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
    Proverbs 24:30-34. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

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Q72: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

Q: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A: The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, (1) words, (2) and actions. (3)

  1. Matthew 5:28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  2. Ephesians 5:4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

  3. Ephesians 5:3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints..

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Q71: What is required in the seventh commandment?

Q: What is required in the seventh commandment?
A: The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own, (1) and our neighbour's chastity, (2) in heart, (3) speech, (4) and behaviour. (5)

  1. 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.

  2. 1 Corinthians 7:2. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
    Ephesians 5:11-12. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

  3. Matthew 5:28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  4. Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
    Colossians 4:6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

  5. 1 Peter 3:2. While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

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Q69: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Q: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A: The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, (1) or the life of our neighbour unjustly, (2) or whatsoever tendeth thereunto. (3)

  1. Acts 16:28. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

  2. Genesis 9:6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

  3. Matthew 5:22. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 1
    John 3:15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
    Galatians 5:15. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
    Proverbs 24:11-12. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
    Exodus 21:18-32. And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed. And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money. If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake. And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake. If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him. If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

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Q68: What is required in the sixth commandment?

Q: What is required in the sixth commandment?
A: The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, (1) and the life of others (2)

  1. Ephesians 5:29. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.
    Matthew 10:23. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

  2. Psalm 82:3-4. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
    Job 29:13. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
    1 Kings 18:4. For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water..

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