The Shorter Catechism - Q # 2

Q2: What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?

A2: The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.

1. Why do we need a rule to direct us in glorifying God? Because as sinners we are ignorant of His will and His ways. General revelation is not enough – we need the special revelation of Scripture.

Ephesians 4:18 “having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”

Romans 1:21 “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Psalms 119:130 "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

2. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the “Word of God.” They are God-breathed, therefore infallible, inerrant and authoritative. When the Catechism says that the Word of God is “Contained in the Scriptures”, it simply means that every word in the Bible is the Word of God. The Scriptures are the only place the Word of God is found today, “those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.” (WCF)

2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

2 Peter 1:21 “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

3. All doctrine and practice must be judged by the Scriptures.

Isaiah 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Test all things; hold fast what is good.”

1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

4. “All synods or councils”, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, “may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.”
The “Bible alone” or “Sola Scriptura” is a foundational teaching that was recovered by the Protestant Reformers. Holy Scripture alone is our infallible authority for all matters of faith and practice.

5. Why are the Scriptures said to be the “only rule” to show us how to glorify God? Because only God can show us how he himself wants to be glorified. Anything else is “will worship.” God must teach us how to glorify Him.

Psalms 86:11 “Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.”

Mark 7:7 “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”