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The Larger Catechism of the Westminster Assembly: With Scripture References
The Larger Catechism was produced by the Westminster Assembly of 1643, whose members included the cream of the Reformed ministers in Britain – The Larger Catechism gives reasonably brief, yet wonderfully comprehensive, summaries of the main points of scriptural teaching.
45 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1648
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August 11, 2024
The Westminster Confession is a beautiful and extensive expression of biblical truth. It's a historic Reformed confession, written by English Presbyterians and still used by many Presbyterian churches. The catechisms are helpful supplements. I wish I had read and studied these earlier in life, and I intend to reread and study them several times over the rest of my life.
I read The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition ebook which includes the Confession as well as The Larger and Shorter Catechisms, The Directory of Public Worship, The Form of Presbyterian Church Government, and The Directory of Family Worship.
Notes
18. "… governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory."
Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29-31; Genesis 45:7
61. "All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible."
John 12:38-40; Romans 9:6; 11:7; Matthew 22:14; 7:21
67. "… from nothing in them moving him thereunto)[274] he doth, in his accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his Word and Spirit;[275] savingly enlightening their minds,[276] renewing and powerfully determining their wills,[277] so as they (although in themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the grace offered and conveyed therein.[278]"
[274] Titus 3:4-5 [275] John 6:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 [276] Acts 26:18; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 12; [277] Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27; John 6:45 [278] Ephesians 2:5; Philippians 2:13; Deuteronomy 30:6
68. "All the elect, and they only, are effectually called:[279] although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the Word,[280] and have some common operations of the Spirit;[281] …"
[279] Acts 13:48 [280] Matthew 22:14 [281] Matthew 7:22; Hebrews 6:4-6
79. "True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God,[342] and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance,[343] their inseparable union with Christ,[344] his continual intercession for them,[345] and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them,[346] can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace,[347] but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.[348]"
[342] Jeremiah 31:3 [343] 2 Timothy 2:19; Hebrews 13:20-21; 2 Samuel 23:5 [344] 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 [345] Hebrews 7:25; Luke 22:32 [346] 1 John 3:9; 2:27 [347] Jeremiah 32:40; John 10:28 [348] 1 Peter 1:5
109. "The sins forbidden in the second commandment are … the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever"
Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Acts 17:29; Romans 1:21-23, 25
117. "The sabbath or Lord’s day … we are to … with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day."
Exodus 20:8; 16:22, 25-26, 29; Luke 23:54, 56; Nehemiah 13:19
119. "The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are … all profaning the day by … all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations."
Jeremiah 17:24, 27; Isaiah 58:13
135. "The duties required in the sixth commandment are … all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves[721] and others[722] by resisting all … practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any;[727] by just defence thereof against violence,[728]"
[721] Ephesians 5:28-29 [722] 1 Kings 18:4 [727] 1 Samuel 24:12; 26:9-11 [728] Proverbs 24:11-12; 1 Samuel 14:45
136. "The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are … neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life …"
Matthew 25:42-43; James 2:15-16
141. "The duties required in the eighth commandment are … a provident care and study to get,[805] keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition;[806] … frugality;[809] … and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.[812]"
[805] 1 Timothy 5:8 [806] Proverbs 27:23-27; Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:12-13; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Isaiah 38:1; Matthew 11:8 [809] John 6:12; Proverbs 21:20 [812] Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 22:1-4; Exodus 23:4-5; Philippians 2:4; Matthew 22:39
172. "One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof;[1102] and in God’s account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it,[1103] and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ,[1104] and to depart from iniquity:[1105] in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians[1106]) he is to bewail his unbelief, [1107] and labor to have his doubts resolved;[1108] and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord’s supper, that he may be further strengthened.[1109]"
[1102] Isaiah 50:10; 1 John 5:13; Psalm 88; 77:1-4, 7-10; Jonah 2:4 [1103] Isaiah 54:7-10; Matthew 5:3-4; Psalm 31:22; 73:13, 22-23 [1104] Philippians 3:8-9; Psalm 10:17; 42:1-2, 5, 1 [1105] 2 Timothy 2:19; Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 66:18-20 [1106] Isaiah 40:11, 29, 31; Matthew 11:28; 12:20; 26:28 [1107] Mark 9:24 [1108] Acts 2:37; 16:30 [1109] Romans 4:11
I read The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition ebook which includes the Confession as well as The Larger and Shorter Catechisms, The Directory of Public Worship, The Form of Presbyterian Church Government, and The Directory of Family Worship.
Notes
18. "… governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory."
Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29-31; Genesis 45:7
61. "All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible."
John 12:38-40; Romans 9:6; 11:7; Matthew 22:14; 7:21
67. "… from nothing in them moving him thereunto)[274] he doth, in his accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his Word and Spirit;[275] savingly enlightening their minds,[276] renewing and powerfully determining their wills,[277] so as they (although in themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the grace offered and conveyed therein.[278]"
[274] Titus 3:4-5 [275] John 6:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 [276] Acts 26:18; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 12; [277] Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27; John 6:45 [278] Ephesians 2:5; Philippians 2:13; Deuteronomy 30:6
68. "All the elect, and they only, are effectually called:[279] although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the Word,[280] and have some common operations of the Spirit;[281] …"
[279] Acts 13:48 [280] Matthew 22:14 [281] Matthew 7:22; Hebrews 6:4-6
79. "True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God,[342] and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance,[343] their inseparable union with Christ,[344] his continual intercession for them,[345] and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them,[346] can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace,[347] but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.[348]"
[342] Jeremiah 31:3 [343] 2 Timothy 2:19; Hebrews 13:20-21; 2 Samuel 23:5 [344] 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 [345] Hebrews 7:25; Luke 22:32 [346] 1 John 3:9; 2:27 [347] Jeremiah 32:40; John 10:28 [348] 1 Peter 1:5
109. "The sins forbidden in the second commandment are … the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever"
Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Acts 17:29; Romans 1:21-23, 25
117. "The sabbath or Lord’s day … we are to … with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day."
Exodus 20:8; 16:22, 25-26, 29; Luke 23:54, 56; Nehemiah 13:19
119. "The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are … all profaning the day by … all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations."
Jeremiah 17:24, 27; Isaiah 58:13
135. "The duties required in the sixth commandment are … all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves[721] and others[722] by resisting all … practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any;[727] by just defence thereof against violence,[728]"
[721] Ephesians 5:28-29 [722] 1 Kings 18:4 [727] 1 Samuel 24:12; 26:9-11 [728] Proverbs 24:11-12; 1 Samuel 14:45
136. "The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are … neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life …"
Matthew 25:42-43; James 2:15-16
141. "The duties required in the eighth commandment are … a provident care and study to get,[805] keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition;[806] … frugality;[809] … and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.[812]"
[805] 1 Timothy 5:8 [806] Proverbs 27:23-27; Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:12-13; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Isaiah 38:1; Matthew 11:8 [809] John 6:12; Proverbs 21:20 [812] Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 22:1-4; Exodus 23:4-5; Philippians 2:4; Matthew 22:39
172. "One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof;[1102] and in God’s account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it,[1103] and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ,[1104] and to depart from iniquity:[1105] in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians[1106]) he is to bewail his unbelief, [1107] and labor to have his doubts resolved;[1108] and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord’s supper, that he may be further strengthened.[1109]"
[1102] Isaiah 50:10; 1 John 5:13; Psalm 88; 77:1-4, 7-10; Jonah 2:4 [1103] Isaiah 54:7-10; Matthew 5:3-4; Psalm 31:22; 73:13, 22-23 [1104] Philippians 3:8-9; Psalm 10:17; 42:1-2, 5, 1 [1105] 2 Timothy 2:19; Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 66:18-20 [1106] Isaiah 40:11, 29, 31; Matthew 11:28; 12:20; 26:28 [1107] Mark 9:24 [1108] Acts 2:37; 16:30 [1109] Romans 4:11
August 10, 2015
So much great material in such a short space; the Larger Catechism is a neglected theological goldmine. It is interesting to note that the Westminster divines recommended the use of the Lord's Prayer in public worship, and clearly state in the Larger Catechism that it may be used.
October 22, 2024
If the WCF is the handsome, clean-cut, straight-A student that the teacher frequently calls on, and if the WSC is the friendly and cute student favored among the little ones, then the WLC is like that quiet student (who seems to have a lot on his mind) sitting in the back corner. When you get to know him, you realize he has Arnold Schwarzenegger-like bulging biceps.
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) was my favorite, I still love this catechism, yet the larger has everything the HC has, it’s the HC on steroids.
The WLC which is an expansion the WCF and the producer of the WSC goes from the doctrine of God (it’s Nicene in its theology, see Q. 10) to the doctrine of Scripture to expositions on creation, fall, redemption, and future consummation to our response in gratitude because of the salvation we have in Christ. The WLC moves then to an expansive commentary on the Decalogue to the means of Grace (the preached word and the sacraments) and the Lord’s Prayer.
New Calvinism, go to the Larger this is Reformed theology, piety, and practice. It is not Lutheran but it seemed a bunch of Lutherites, William Perkin types carefully wrote this up. You won’t find legalism, perfectionism, nor antinomianism, but you will find the law and gospel distinction, the covenant of works and covenant of grace distinction here and the pedagogical and third use carefully taught in the Larger (see for example Q. 95). You will also find the active obedience of Christ being taught clearly. The larger is pastoral, beautiful, careful (it took 11 of the Westminster Assembly sessions) and took five months to add the Scripture proofs.
It is sad that the WLC is not mentioned more.
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) was my favorite, I still love this catechism, yet the larger has everything the HC has, it’s the HC on steroids.
The WLC which is an expansion the WCF and the producer of the WSC goes from the doctrine of God (it’s Nicene in its theology, see Q. 10) to the doctrine of Scripture to expositions on creation, fall, redemption, and future consummation to our response in gratitude because of the salvation we have in Christ. The WLC moves then to an expansive commentary on the Decalogue to the means of Grace (the preached word and the sacraments) and the Lord’s Prayer.
New Calvinism, go to the Larger this is Reformed theology, piety, and practice. It is not Lutheran but it seemed a bunch of Lutherites, William Perkin types carefully wrote this up. You won’t find legalism, perfectionism, nor antinomianism, but you will find the law and gospel distinction, the covenant of works and covenant of grace distinction here and the pedagogical and third use carefully taught in the Larger (see for example Q. 95). You will also find the active obedience of Christ being taught clearly. The larger is pastoral, beautiful, careful (it took 11 of the Westminster Assembly sessions) and took five months to add the Scripture proofs.
It is sad that the WLC is not mentioned more.
January 4, 2024
A great resource for understanding the faith - I don't agree with all their conclusions and their qualifications made eg on killing and on obedience to parents, and their ideas on the sabbath are incorrect and not how we would want to understand the sabbath anymore, however aside from these disagreements it is a valuable resource and would be great to slowly work through with other people.
November 23, 2018
Excellent.
August 30, 2019
I was not introduced to the Westminster Catechism as a child. It was not until my early adult years where I read these truths that changed my life. I am thankful that Crown and Covenant Publishing finds value in these words by providing them in this book.
Larger Catechism
This is a classic republication of The Westminster Larger Catechism that was first published in 1647. It is typeset in the beautiful Requiem font and is a pleasure to read. The book is 4 x 6-inches and fits comfortably in my hands.
The book is 230 pages and is a breeze to read. It will fit perfectly in a backpack or simply sit on a desk without taking much space. It is the perfect book for a nightstand to read a couple questions every evening.
Scripture Proofs
All 196 questions and answers are included with full scripture proofs. This makes the book a blessed companion for Bible study as you can easily look up each reference and do a deep dive into the text.
If you enjoy interacting with your books, there is enough space after each question to write simple notes and prayers. Consider using it as a journal during your devotional quiet times.
Biblical Truths
A single gold ribbon is included and is the perfect, personal touch. I plan to pass this edition to my children. These truths are worth reading and returning to in all stages of life.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Westminster Larger Catechism in exchange for an honest review.
Larger Catechism
This is a classic republication of The Westminster Larger Catechism that was first published in 1647. It is typeset in the beautiful Requiem font and is a pleasure to read. The book is 4 x 6-inches and fits comfortably in my hands.
The book is 230 pages and is a breeze to read. It will fit perfectly in a backpack or simply sit on a desk without taking much space. It is the perfect book for a nightstand to read a couple questions every evening.
Scripture Proofs
All 196 questions and answers are included with full scripture proofs. This makes the book a blessed companion for Bible study as you can easily look up each reference and do a deep dive into the text.
If you enjoy interacting with your books, there is enough space after each question to write simple notes and prayers. Consider using it as a journal during your devotional quiet times.
Biblical Truths
A single gold ribbon is included and is the perfect, personal touch. I plan to pass this edition to my children. These truths are worth reading and returning to in all stages of life.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Westminster Larger Catechism in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2010
The Westminster Catechism is exactly that: a catechism. I don't know why I expected it to be anything else. As its name implies, this one is longer than the shorter one. It seems to give longer answers to the questions--and no, I did not check all 1,303 endnotes with Scripture proofs--than the shorter version; and it covers topics in more detail.
It covers, among other things:
the chief end of man (probably the most famous question in the catechism);
the Word of God;
what man ought to believe concerning God, and man in relation to God;
the covenants between man and God--of works and of grace;
who Jesus is--including prophet, priest, and king;
what it means to be redeemed--see the "effectual calling;"
sanctification and justification;
what happens after life;
the moral law;
the Ten Commandments--what is required and what is forbidden by each;
the sacraments--baptism and Lord's supper;
and the Lord's Prayer.
I enjoyed reading it--showing me who God is is always encouraging. But it takes actually engaging the text to get something out of it. Some of the words are a bit outdated (it spelled diverse without the second "e"). Overall, I enjoyed it and I would recommend studying it. Not that I agree with everything in it--not quite there with infant baptism--but it is still worth the time that you invest.
It covers, among other things:
the chief end of man (probably the most famous question in the catechism);
the Word of God;
what man ought to believe concerning God, and man in relation to God;
the covenants between man and God--of works and of grace;
who Jesus is--including prophet, priest, and king;
what it means to be redeemed--see the "effectual calling;"
sanctification and justification;
what happens after life;
the moral law;
the Ten Commandments--what is required and what is forbidden by each;
the sacraments--baptism and Lord's supper;
and the Lord's Prayer.
I enjoyed reading it--showing me who God is is always encouraging. But it takes actually engaging the text to get something out of it. Some of the words are a bit outdated (it spelled diverse without the second "e"). Overall, I enjoyed it and I would recommend studying it. Not that I agree with everything in it--not quite there with infant baptism--but it is still worth the time that you invest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2019
A foundation of the Reformed faith in Britain and in North America. Reading again for the first time in years. Have some serious questions regarding the construction of the so-called regulative principle.
May 25, 2010
Interesting. Agree with some, and found several things that expanded my thinking. Some, of course, are not in line with my beliefs, but these were still enlightening.
November 25, 2018
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews