Here you will find the questions, answers and Scripture proofs for the Shorter Catechism, together with a brief explanation.

    • Q.45/46

      Exodus 20:3, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Deuteronomy 26:7, Matthew 4 & Psalm 95:6

      The Westminster Shorter Catechism

      Q. 45. Which is the first commandment?

      A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

      Q. 46. What is required in the first commandment?

      A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.

      Scripture References:

      Exodus 20:3
      1 Chronicles 28:9
      Deuteronomy 26:7
      Matthew 4;10
      Psalm 95:6
      Psalm 29:2

      The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English:

      Q.45. What is the first commandment?

      A. The first commandment is: You shall have no other gods before me.

      Q46. What does the first commandment require?

      A. The first commandment requires us to know and recognise God as the only true God and our God, and to worship and glorify Him accordingly.

      Questions

      1. What are the three duties chiefly required in the first commandment?

      The three duties are: (1) To know God. (2) To acknowledge God. (3) To worship and glorify God.

      2. What is it we are to know regarding God?

      We are to know that God is, or that there is a God. In addition we are to know God by acknowledging Him as the only true God as He is presented in His Word.

      3. How are we to worship God?

      We are to worship God by making Him the object of our desire and our delight.

      4. How are we to glorify God?

      We are to glorify God by first recognising, in our heart, Christ as our Saviour and Lord and then living so that every action is aimed at the advancement of His glory and honour here on earth.

      5. What are some practical ways by which we worship and glorify God?

      We glorify God by putting nothing before Him in our thoughts, words, actions. By loving anything more than God, whether it is pleasure, our bodies, our loved ones, we would not be glorifying God.

      6. Can we glorify God both inwardly and outwardly?

      Yes, we can glorify God inwardly by trusting, by hoping, by delighting in Him, by thinking and meditating upon Him, by being filled with grief when we sin against Him. We can glorify God outwardly by praying, by praising, by being zealous to walk in the Spirit, by showing forth humility, and by seeking to do His will as expressed in His word. The Bible says, “Delight yourself in the Lord.” (Ps.37:4). “Trust in the Lord for ever.” (Isa. 26:4). “I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you.” (Jer. 7:23).