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  Question 157. How should we read the Word of God? Answer. The Bible should be read with a high and reverent heart. That is, with a firm belief that the Bible is the Word of God and that only God can help us understand the Bible, we should read it diligently with a desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in it. Also, we should read the Bible with attention to the content and scope of the Bible, meditating on it, applying it, denying ourselves, and praying. Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid bare to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. The reason for reading the word of God through the Bible is to know God's will, and those who read to know God's will are those who are interest...

  Question 156. Is the Word of God to be read by all? Answer. Although not all are permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all are obliged to read it individually and with their families. For this purpose the Scriptures have been translated from the original languages ​​ into the languages ​​ of the peoples of each nation. John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not understand it. The word is given to all people, but there are those who hear the word and understand it, and those who do not understand it. There are two words in the Bible: ho logos and rhema. Ho logos means Christ working in the word, and rhema is the word as written in the Bible. Normally, when a believe...

  Question 155. How does the Word become effectual to salvation?  Answer. The Spirit of God, by the reading, and especially the preaching, of the Word, enlightens, convinces, and humbles sinners, drives them out of themselves, and draws them to Christ; conforms them to his image, and makes them obedient to his will; strengthens them against temptations and corruptions, establishes them by grace, and establishes their hearts in holiness and comfort through saving faith. Galatians 3:23-27 "Before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept until the faith which would be revealed. So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." The word of God is divided into the law and the gospel. The law is the word of God to sinners, tellin...

  Question 154. What are the outward or ordinary means whereby Christ communicates the benefits of his mediation to his body, the church? Answer. The outward or ordinary means whereby Christ communicates the benefits of his mediation to his body, the church, are all his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer. All these are made effectual to the salvation of the elect. Romans 6:3-5 Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Baptism is an external ceremony, but by believing in the ceremony with your heart, you attain righteousness. A ceremony that is not followed by your heart remains nothing more than a for...

  Question 153. What does God require of us to escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for the transgression of the law?  Answer. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for the transgression of the law, God requires of us repentance toward him, faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation. Romans 6:4-6 “ Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be in a resurrection like his. Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. ” God tells sinners to repent and come into the atoning death of Jesus Christ. Repentance is the death of the old man. When a beli...

  Question 152. What recompense does every sin deserve at the hand of God? Answer. Every sin, however very small, is against the sovereignty, goodness, and holiness of God, and against his righteous law, and therefore deserves his wrath and curse, both in this life and in that which is to come; and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ. Matthew 12:31-32 “ Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven them, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven them, either in this age or in the age to come. ” There are sins that can be forgiven and sins that cannot be forgiven, and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven. When those who do not believe in Jesus repent and believe that he died in union with Jesus Christ, all the sins of the world can be forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. ...

  Question 151. Which sin is more heinous than another? Answer. Sins are more aggravated in the following ways: 1. According to the persons who sinned. The more so when the offender is of advanced age, or of greater experience or grace, or of distinction in his calling, talents, position, or office, and is a leader to others, and an example worthy of imitation. 2. According to the persons who are injured. The more so when the offense is against God, his attributes, and his worship; against Christ and his grace; against the Holy Spirit, his testimony, and work; against superiors, excellent men, or those to whom we have a special relationship and promise; against the souls of some saints, especially the weak, either of the whole or of individual saints; or when it is done to the good of all or of many. 3. According to the nature and ground of the offense, whether it be committed in the law, or in many commandments, and therefore many sins are included in it; or whether it is ...