Shorter Catechism - Fall

Of mans fall and misery

Q. Are you now such a one by birth, as he was by creation?
A. Alas no: I am by nature full of sin, Ps 51:5, Job 25:4-6, Rom 3:9-19 and so most miserable, Job 14:1, 2, Rom 5:14, Eph 2:1-3, Rom 3:23, 2:8, 9 and to God detestable, Ps 11:5, Gal 3:10, Mt 7:23, 25:41.

Q. What is sin?
A. The breaking of God’s commandments, by thought, word or deed, 1 Jn 3:4

Q. How many commandments are there?
A. Ten Dt 10:4 divided into two tables Dt 4:13

Q. Which be the commandments?
A. I am the Lord thy God, etc. Ex 20, Dt 5,6

Q. Do these ten command or forbid but only what is there set down in them?
A. No, they command or forbid all the kinds contained under the same thing mentioned and all the causes with occasions thereunto, 1 Jn 3:15, Mt 5:28, 32

Q. Are they a prayer?
A. No, nor so to be used: they are a rule for me to live after and to teach me my duty to God and my neighbour. Dt 6, 31:12, Ps 119:105, Ecc 12:13, Mt 22:37, 39

Q. What is your duty towards God?
A. My duty towards God is to believe in him, to fear him and to love him, etc. 2 Chr 20:20, Ecc 12:13, Mt 22:37

Q. What is your duty towards your neighbour?
A. it is to love my neighbour as myself, etc. Mt 22:39, Rom13:9

Q. Can ye keep the commandments, and not offend God nor your neighbour?
A. No: I break them every day in thought, word and deed, hating both God and my neighbour by nature, Ps 14:1-3, Rom 8:7, 1:30, 2 Cor 3:5, Tit 3:3

Q. What is then now your state, and what deserve you by thus offending God?
A. I am in the state of corruption and do deserve God’s curse, which is eternal destruction of body and soul. Dt 27:26, Mt 25:41, 46, Gal 3:10