Westminster Shorter Catechism Topical Outline
by Peter Bringe w/some links to our Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC) Q&A study page
Introduction (Q1-3): The Word of God is the rule given to direct us how to fulfill our chief end, which is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, by teaching us:
I. What man is to believe concerning God (Q4-38)
A. The nature of God (4-6)
B. The decrees of God (7-38)
Definition (7-8)
1. Creation (9-10)
2. Providence (11)
3. Special Providence, i.e. God’s Covenant with Man (12-38)
i. Covenant of life/works (12-19)
Definition (12)
a. Sin of Adam (13-16)
b. Estate of sin and misery (17-19)
ii. Covenant of grace (20-38)
Definition (20)
a. Redemption Accomplished (21-28)
1. Christ’s person (21-22)
2. Christ’s work (23-28)
b. Redemption Applied (29-38)
1. Union with Christ (29-31)
2. Benefits of redemption (32-38)
II. What duty God requires of man (Q39-107)
Definition (39)
A. Duty to obey God’s moral law (40-84)
Definition (40)
1. The Ten Commandments (41-81)
2. Breaking the Ten Commandments (82-84)
B. Duty to escape God’s wrath and curse (85-107)
Definition (85)
1. Faith in Jesus Christ (86)
2. Repentance unto life (87)
3. Use of the means whereby Christ gives us the benefits of redemption (88-107)
Definition (88)
i. Word (89-90)
ii. Sacraments (91-97)
iii. Prayer (98-107)
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