What is a catechism?

If you’ve been around our church for a short time, you’ll have heard about our catechisms. A catechism is a document that is used for teaching, and it’s written in question and answer form. Catechisms have a long history in the Church, and they have usually been used as a way to prepare young people and converts for the Lord’s Supper. For example, when John Calvin was pastoring in Geneva, one of the requirements for children to be admitted to the Table was to recite the Genevan Catechism. Ordinarily, a catechism is structured around three things: the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. Another way to look at it is that catechism are normally divided into doctrine (the Creed) and duty (the Commandments and Lord’s Prayer). These serve as a helpful way to teach the faith and pass it on to those who come after us.

In our church, we use three different catechisms. When the Westminster Assembly met in the 1640s to write a new confession of faith, they were also tasked with writing a catechism. They ultimately produced two: the Shorter Catechism and the Larger Catechism. The Shorter Catechism is, of course, shorter, and it was intended for teaching children and laypeople. The Larger Catechism is an expanded version intended for elders and more mature Christians. We also have the Children’s Catechism which our kids learn on Wednesday night. It is a condensed version of the Shorter Catechism so that even very young children could get started learning the faith. It was produced in the 1800s by an American minister. You’ve probably heard me quote all three of these in sermons.

My intention in the coming weeks is to write some short reflections the Shorter Catechism so that you can have some devotional reflections going into Sunday worship. This week, let’s look at the first question of the Shorter Catechism.

The Chief End of Man

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

If you look back at our second sermon on Exodus 3, you’ll remember that the two most important questions we need to answer are “Who am I?” and “Who is God?” We’ll get to that second question later, but the catechism begins with the first question. Who am I? What am I here for? The answer comes in two parts.

First, our chief end or purpose is to glorify God. This stems from the fact that the chief end of everything is God’s glory. Paul says in Romans 11:36,

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

In Colossians 1:16, Paul also says that all things were created through and for Christ. This, of course, applies to all things, but especially humans.

The catechism then adds another purpose: “to enjoy him forever.” All things glorify God, but not all things enjoy God. Rocks and trees and birds do not have the capacity for joy like people do. Because we are made in the image of God, we have the unique privilege of experiencing joy. Humans have the special opportunity to have true fellowship with God. We are adopted into his household and share in the inheritance of his Son. No other creation, not even the angels in heaven, have this privilege.

What does this mean for us? Well, the central question is whether you enjoy God. We ought to seek to glorify God, but God is ultimately glorified whatever we do. Even if we reject him, he will be glorified in his justice toward the unrighteous. But he calls us to more than that. He calls us to glorify him by delighting in him.

Do you delight in God? When he calls you into his worship, do you respond with joyful faith? Or do you come slowly and hesitantly? We are supposed to be a joy-filled people who are pleased in our Creator and Redeemer. We ought to share a heart with the psalmist who says,

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. (Ps. 73:25-28)

Now, the natural question that follows is this: what if I don’t enjoy God? What if I struggle with this? How can I glorify and enjoy God? Next week, we’ll consider the answer to those questions from Shorter Catechism 2-3.

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. 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.

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Updates

1. This week, right after worship, we’ll have a brief parents’ meeting about the youth membership class. I’m going to give a quick overview of what we’ll be doing, and we need to work out a schedule.

2. Parents’ Fellowship will meet next week, August 11th, at 5 PM at the Newmans’ home.

3. Rev. Ron Horgan will be with on August 17-18.

Your friend in Christ,
Reid