HRCF Catechism

Question 120 Q. Why hath Christ commanded us to address God thus: “Our Father”? A. That immediately, in the very beginning of our prayer, He might excite in us a childlike reverence for and confidence in God, which are...

Question 116 Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians? A. Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us; and also, because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit to those only who with sincere...

Question 113 Q. What doth the tenth commandment require of us? A. That even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God’s commandments never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin with...

Question 112 Q. What is required in the ninth commandment? A. That I bear false witness against no man, nor falsify any man’s words; that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any...

Question 110 Q. What doth God forbid in the eighth commandment? A. God forbids not only those thefts and robberies which are punishable by the magistrate; but He comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and...

Question 108 Q. What doth the seventh commandment teach us? A. That all uncleanness is accursed of God; and that therefore we must with all our hearts detest the same, and live chastely and temperately, whether in holy...

Lord's Day 40 Question 105 Q. What doth God require in the sixth commandment? A. That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures, much less in deeds, I dishonor, hate, wound, or kill my neighbor, by myself or by...

Question 104 Q. What doth God require in the fifth commandment? A. That I show all honor, love, and fidelity to my father and mother and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good instruction and...

Question 103 Q. What doth God require in the fourth commandment? A. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained; and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently...

Question 101 Q. May we then swear religiously by the name of God? A. Yes; either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects, or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm fidelity and truth to the glory of God...

Lord's Day 36 Question 99 Q. What is required in the third commandment? A. That we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be...

Question 96 Q. What doth God require in the second commandment? A. That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word. Footnotes Deut. 4:15. Isa. 40:18. Rom...

Question 92 Q. What is the law of God? A. God spake all these words, Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5, saying: I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.I. Thou shalt...

Question 88 Q. Of how many parts doth the true conversion of man consist? A. Of two parts: of the mortification of the old, and the quickening of the new man. Footnotes Rom 6:4-6. Eph. 4:22-24. Col. 3:5. 1 Cor. 5:7...

Question 86 Q. Since then we are delivered from our misery merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we still do good works? A. Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by His blood...