The Baptist Catechism Q. 13

Q. 13: What is the work of Creation?

A: The work of creation is God’s making of all things of nothing, by the Word of His power, in the space of six days, and all very good.

What is creation? In a simple phrase it is the beginning of the works of God. If people categorize God’s works into creation and providence, then the logical order becomes clear. God must create something before he can act providentially on it and in it.

So, how did God create all things? First, He did it ‘of nothing.’ This means that before God created the universe there was nothing of the universe that existed. Unlike the gods of mythology or of the heresies things cults, God did not organize what was already here. In fact is is important to grasp that God didn’t organize anything. He created it as He intended for it to be. This also includes any adaptions or changes that have taken place since the creation of the world and the flood that took place afterwards.

This means that the world and all the things that are in it are not only able to adapt to potential climates and seasons that may come and go, but are also able to be trained and made into things that are better and more fruitful. This is what is means to have dominion over the earth and everything in it. Adam and his descendants were expected to expand the garden to the ends of the earth.

As God so wisely and creatively made the earth in this fashion, we should also think about the other aspects of this creative work. God’s power is shown and magnified in that he created out of the power of His word. He spoke and it was. This is important to grasp because of God had to do another work or something else to have matter and then organize it to what it is, then God’s power isn’t really perfect. There isn’t a show of power if God doesn’t simply speak it into existence.

Think about the idea of speaking into existence. God is the necessary being with existence in Himself and has the ability to give existence to other things.

Minimal effort is the point of why God created by a word, but not six days. God could have created in one second but didn’t. This is important to understand because as the argument is made for the power of God, six’s days has a different creative element. Mainly creating the rhythm of life and time. Have you ever thought about why a seven day week is the only one that really works? There isn’t anything is nature that points to a seven day week.

Years are shown by revolutions around the sun and the months are related to the moon cycles and days are shown by the rotation of the earth but there is nothing in time that points to a seven day week. This is strictly a creation ordinance. God said there would be seven days and no one, although people have tried, can make anything different.

Lastly, all things were made very good. God is good so God can only create that which is good. What is good? That which perfectly glorifies God. When God created all things, even man, it was perfectly giving glory to God.

Creation still gives glory to God but after the fall, that ability to see and hear the praises of the creator is shrouded by sin and darkness, but the creation is still trying to proclaim the greatness of God and one day, it will be taken away and recreated to do what is has been trying to do and intended to do as it was created to do.

Baptist Catechism Q. 12

Q: How does God execute His decrees?

A: God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence.

If there is a decree made by a King, it must be done. However, what may not be so apparent is how the King’s will comes to pass. If a King wishes to impose taxes on His people, there is a practical part that needs to be done. Tax collectors need to be hired and then taught and governed by the rules which the King puts forth. In this small picture, we see an example of a decree being executed by acts of creation and providence.

The act of creation is seen in that there had to be a way to collect and manage the taxes that were being imposed. Then the act of providence is what guided the collectors to know what to collect, how to collect, and what means or process to take if problems arise.

For our catechism question, the author has put the works of God in the execution of His decrees into two categories: creation and providence. If we take time to think, all of God’s actions do fall into these categories. This may sound strange or sound like I am boxing God in a tight space, but when the wrinkles are ironed out we should see this really isn’t that constricting.

First, why bother making any categories to begin with? Categories are not meant to restrain a subject which is being discussed but to create an interpretive lens in which we can better understand a subject. Categories help us grasp concepts that, in a vacuum, may be almost impossible to understand unless we can create a category.

In fact the creation of categories is essential if we are going to see if ideas contradict each other or not. The Law of non-contradiction states that a thing cannot be and not be at the same time in the same relationship. What are the categories we are dealing with? First, that of existence: be and not be. Next, of time: at the same moment, or simultaneously. And last, relationship, meaning how a thing is related to other things.

Think of it like this. While we are coming to a four-way intersection, we see a truck coming down the crossroad. What is the reaction we all have? We pump the brakes. Why? Because we know that at this time the truck is not both there and not there in relationship to us. It either is or isn’t.

Without this fundamental law of logic we cannot operate in this world and we don’t understand this law without an understanding of categories.

Next thing would be the trinity. Three persons in one being. Yes, that is a very simple definition, but is makes the point. Person and being are two different categories meaning that there is no contradiction to have multiple simultaneous persons in one being. Only when one of the categories is defined differently or another is added, let’s say a body, that the relationships change and the interpretation changes.

So while we move ahead to the next questions, we will see that to draw the categories of creation and providence, and to have just that, are not a constraints upon the work of God but a helpful lens to see the great and blessed work He has done and continues to do.

Baptist Catechism Q. 11

Q. 11. What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He has fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Here is a question that will have an effect on the rest of your system of theology. What we believe about God, or theology proper, has an effect on all other areas of our theological system. If we think about theology as a series of cogs in a machine, we can instantly begin to think about the importance that all the cogs touch each other so the machine works properly. Where one cog may be short, we need to either replace that cog or make sure our other cogs are the right size to make the connection. The main cog in the machine is the one that is connected to the motor. This would be representative of theology proper.

This then, leads into the next questions of the catechism exploring the decrees of God. This is extremely important to iron out because what we believe about the decrees of God actually and radically effects what we think about the attributes of God. It also can effect what we think about our doctrines of man, especially in relation to God.

What then is a decree? A decree is a statement of will by a superior that comes to pass because of the authority within the office of that superior. Decrees are normally associated with monarchies or kingdoms.

If a governor of a region makes a decree then that decree will and should be done in that region. However, if a King makes a decree opposite the governor, then the King’s decree is followed. This makes sense because the authority of the office of King is greater than the governor.

The Bible has many examples of Kings and emperors giving decrees that effect the course of history. Most notably is the decree of Caesar Augustus (Luke 2) that all people should go to their place of origin to be numbered and taxed, which is how Mary and Joseph got to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus and fulfill prophecy.

Our answer says that the decrees are “His eternal purpose.” What is the purpose of God? The statement “whereby for His own glory” is be the answer to that. All things that God has decreed are ultimately for His own glory. There is nothing that can detract from the infinite glory of God. While not all things is this life will be understood and seen to be glorifying to God, we can be assured that in the final analysis, all things will glorify God.

How will they do this? By revealing some part of the nature of God. Think about this. If a person who does terrible things to children and never gets caught in this life and lives a long time and then dies, has this person been given justice in this life? We would rightly say no. But God’s justice will be shown when this person is given eternal justice by the hand of God Himself, showing the perfect justice of God.

God’s purpose in creation has always been to show His glory. He did not need to create to gain more glory but he created because He is glorious. Also, because He is perfectly wise, outside of time, and all powerful, He can decree a world that accomplishes this purpose perfectly.

A last thought of application: If God has not decreed things before hand, then we cannot rest in any of the promises of God. The one that is in mind for me is Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” How can we know that all things are really for good? By knowing the the infinitely wise, infinitely powerful, not bound by time or matter, sovereign God will reveal His glory in all things. Our good is intimately bound to God’s glory which is guaranteed to be revealed in the last day.

Baptist Catechism Q. 10

Q: How many persons are there in the Godhead?

A: There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.

We are now thinking about another aspect of the being and nature of God in that God is a trinity.

In a simple definition the trinity is three persons in one being. Now in the first instance this sounds like a strange idea that isn’t logically consistent. But, if we think about the categories that are being used we will see that it is indeed logical. Person and being are two different things.

With the difficulty of this idea there should be a preface that there may be written things that don’t seem to make sense or skew the definition that is being aimed at.

So, what is the difference between person and being? Simple definitions would point to the idea that being is existence whereas person is how that being exists. This may seem difficult but it is important that we understand that person and being are bound together. In the case of God there are three persons that share the single being or existence of God.

We can be honest that this is a hard thing to understand. If we compare our existence and the things that make it, we can then look to how the trinity works. Humans exist with being, person, and a body. Our physical nature is a part of our existence in a necessary way. This is important to understand because this is why one of the hopes that the Christian has is a resurrection. A real resurrection where we are given our own body in a glorified state. Our bodies are an integral part of who we are. If this was not the case why bother with the resurrection?

This is important, we are a single existence in one person in one body. God, however, isn’t bound by a body. He is a spirit meaning that He not made of anything material and a part of this physical universe. With that said the existence of God isnt’ limited by the things that we are limited by. A multiple personality disorder is a problem in a person because we know one human being has one person in one body, but God being spirit could easily exist in three persons sharing the same existence or being, at the same time.

With the ability for the being of God to exist in three persons at the same time means that the Son, the second person, can take on flesh and be on earth without breaking up the being of God. While only one person the the trinity could be the messiah because of how humans are, God is not limited because His existence is fully shared between the the persons even if the Son is on the earth.

So how would someone try to show the Bible points to a trinity. In a simple answer we would have to see the all three persons are called God and that they are different and distinct and they work simultaneously. We know the Father is called God because it is the primary name given to Him. However for Jesus, we see that He made claims to deity by calling Himself the ‘Son of Man’ or saying something like ‘before Abraham was, I AM.’ When Ananias and Sapphira, Peter said that they didn’t lie to man but to God, and more specifically the Spirit.

Where are they held in distinction to each other, I would point to Romans 8 where throughout the Chapter we are told that the Spirit and Christ are interceding for us the Father and this is a constant thing that they do. They are interacting with each other meaning they must be distinct, but because they all God they can be in the presence of each other without one being destroyed.

One being and three persons is the nature of God and if we were to think these things through, we could also see that without the trinity, God would not have the perfections that He does or be able to do the things he does. He could not come down and live perfectly and die for the sins of His people and make a perfect payment for the penalty they deserve.

Baptist Catechism Q. 9

Q: Are there more gods than one?

A: There is but one only, living and true God.

There is a foundational question for all religions to answer: How many Divine beings are in your religion? There can be a slew of different answers but we will find that, in the end, there are three ideas: No God, many gods, or one God.

For the Christian Faith, there is only one God. There is one divine being who is a perfect being (Q:8). Now we will talk about what that means as far as the trinity goes in the next question.

So why not ‘no God?’ Ultimately, this is because logic and reason would make this an impossibility. We have something in which we live, our own universe, and therefore there are a few options as to why this is. First, all this reality could be an illusion. Second, the reality is self created. Third, the reality is eternal. And fourth, a necessary being with the power of creation made everything.

To start, if the matter and reality we live in was eternal, then time would not have the effect that it does on everything. What is important is that we know that all things go from order to disorder meaning that the things around us, although at different speeds, is decaying. If this is the case we know that because time is having an effect on it, it cannot be eternal or outside of time. Meaning that it would need to be created. This then shows another problem that without God, the universe would need to be self-created which is a logical contradiction because a thing cannot exist and not exist at the same time and in the same relationship.

As much as I would love to really tackle the illusion idea I don’t feel I could do it in a pithy manner. However I will say that if we purpose to be a full out skeptic about everything, we could make it hard to prove the non-illusion of reality. Descartes “I think therefore I am” is him trying to disprove the illusion of reality. I recommend researching that.

So to turn to the other option of many gods, or polytheism. Why is this not true? Or, why should we reject the idea of polytheism? Simply because any “god” in a polytheistic system is incapable of a being a perfect being. In fact, in most polytheistic myths, the gods battle and fall and are able to be overcome. No one god has actual sovereignty over the creation without having to be exalted to that position and then defend that position from all challengers.

Also these other gods don’t have qualities of eternality or really are spirit, as in their existence not being tied to the creation. They have parents and children and flaws and all different things like these. This is only logical because the more gods you have the more that is taken away from such a name. Just like the phrase “if everyone is special then no one is special” if everyone is a god then no one is.

So the monotheistic system is the best system that allows for a perfect necessary personal being that is above and beyond all creation. The monotheistic system allows for God to be separate and different from the creation He created. It allows God to be perfectly sovereign over all the affairs of and details of our lives and the love of the rest of the world.

This God has created the universe but we as His creation have sinned and rebelled against Him. This God who is the perfection of justice and grace has made a way that His justice can be satisfied while His love prevails in all things by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to bear the penalty of our sins so that all who trust in trust for the forgiveness of sins can be assured they have it.

Baptist Catechism Q. 8

Q: What is God?

A: God is a Spirit, infinite, etenal, and unchangable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

A quick note before we start. This is a longer post than I intend to normally do. I wasn’t sure if I should break into two or not. Thanks for reading!

Now that we have taken the time to explore how we are to know anything about God, the Catechism now takes its first turn to explore who God is and what He does. As we go through the next questions, I hope that we can come to a deeper understanding and be given an abilty to articulate these things about God.

So to start, What does it mean that God is a Spirit? This means that God is something other than matter. He is immaterial. This is something that is extremely important because if God is something other than matter, that means that it is possible for Him to have qualities that are not found within creation itself. It also means that God’s existence is fundamentally different than ours. God being a Spirit is how he is able to have the attributes that He does to the extent that He does.

The next thing is God is infinite. This means that there is no end to the being of God or of any of the attributes that we will mention later. Infinity is another way that we can say that God is a perfect being. If there were anything lacking in Him, that would mean that there is a finite boundary and it would cancel any notion that God could be infinite. This would also point to the idea that God is outside of the creation that He made, for something that is created cannot, by definition, be infinite.

Next, God is eternal. This points to the fact that one of the creations that God created and is therefore outside of, is time. God is not bound by time or is time a measure of existence that God is under. It is becuase of this that the biblical authors can say that a day is like a thousond years and a thousand years is as a day. There is nothing about time that God is under. Unlike us, who are bound to time and can’t experience anything else, God knows the beginning from the end because He is outside looking at all things.

The fouth thing is God is unchangable. This is probably one of the greatest things about God that makes Him a truly amazing Being. Unlike us, who change every second with just the mere passage of time, God, who is outside all these things cannot change because of circumstance upon Him or a decision to do so out a mere volitional whim. This idea will come back to be discussed as we ask how the incarnation does not change anything about God.

Now we apply these four ideas to a few of the attributes that are listed for us. First is God’s being. Now being, in a simple definition, is existence. Now we may be able to add a couple qualifiers to the term ‘being’ but we cannot do anything less than existence. There is no such thing as a being that does not exist.

Wisdom is the idea that God is perfect not just in knowledge but always does the best thing. There is nothing that God does that is in the least bit foolish. Also, because God is infinitely wise, even His foolishness would be wiser than man’s wisdom. This is would also point to the fact the creation works or is designed in a way that we could never conceive on our own. Creation is truly amazing.

Power is the idea that God is able to do whatever He pleases. God does whatever He pleases and there is nothing that anything in creation can do to thwart God’s plans. If there was, not only would God no longer be perfect in power but that thing, whatever it may be, would have to be the perfect power and therefore God.

Holiness is the idea that there is nothing like God, or that He is completely separate. Now when we think of holiness, we tend to think of God’s righteousness and goodness. While this is clearly a thing that sets God apart from the fallen creation, all the attributes of God make up the fullness of His holiness. Being in the presense of pure infinite glory is enough to destroy anything that does not posess the same quality.

Justice is the idea that God will always treat everything and everyone in fairness. What is good to know is that because there is nothing like God that could possibly impress God, there is no temptation to ever show partiality to anything. God always treats everyone fairly because He is the most impressive thing we creatures can think of, which means that all should be partial to Him, which means God will be impartial, or fair, to all.

Goodness is the idea that God does not do one thing that is not for the ultimate good. This wording is such that we as humans go through experiences that to us do not seem to be good. In fact they almost feel as if they are evil to us, but we must remember that the greatest good is the glory of God alone. All things will point to God’s glory whether we will see a preview on this side of life or see the full expression in heaven.

Truth is the idea that God is the source of all truth. The greatest reality that we can ever know is God. God is the anchor that fastens us to what is real in this life. It is no wonder that as our society in the U.S.A. has fallen away from God, that people have become more apt to try to redefine the reality in which they live. There is nothing true outside of God, for he has made all things and is the anchor for all things which means people are truly lost without him.

In conclusion, all the attributes of God are perfect because they are not tied to creation(Spirit), always present to the fullest(inifinite), do not end(eternal) and will never change or turn agianst us(unchangable). There is great assurance to be had when we put our faith in God, which will lead to peace of mind and rest for the soul and the the fullness of joy.

Baptist Catechism Q. 7

Q: 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.

It is important to understand that there are a lot of things the Scriptures teach us. There are also a lot of things that are not found in the Scriptures too. If we ask, does the Bible teach us how to be a painter? There are two answers to that: yes and no.

No in the case that we are not taught how to mix paint, cut in a wall, or how to use a spray rig. That information is found outside of the Bible. However, the Bible does tell how to be a painter that glorifies God in the work does. The Bible does tell us how a painter should love God and love and serve his neighbor in his painting.

So then, what does the word ‘principally’ mean? Of all the things that the Bible does teach, there is one thing that is preeminent over all things. Our greatest ‘need-to-know’ thing: how to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever.

So then, how do we learn how to do that? There are two ways. The first is to know who the God we are to glorify is and then to learn what he requires of us if we are to give Him the glory that is due to Him.

Why would it matter what we know about God? Well, if you were asked you to give your life to something, wouldn’t you want to know what that thing was. Just like if we are to ascribe the ultimate worth upon a deity, we should be asking why or what makes the is deity worthy.

Because the questions coming after this will explain more deeply, we should not get involved with the particulars of who God is. However, we should think about what we do learn from the Bible that would help us identify who the God is. For example, there are His names. These names have great importance because they do not just give a way to address God, although they do that, they also tell us something about the character and nature of God. Who is the God we are supposed to worship? What are the things I am supposed to believe about Him? He is the I Am, The First and the Last, the Provider and many more names are given to us as a picture of who God is. Natural revelation alone, as we have said before, does not give us this clear of a picture.

But after we identify who this God is, he then tells us what we should do that would bring Him the most glory. What is our duty to this God? Once again, we should state from the outset that natural revelation is not able to give us this. This is why theologians over the years have taught us about the Regulative principle and the Normative principle. For simple definitions, maybe overly simple, Regulative principle is only doing things in worship that God explicitly commands whereas Normative is focusing upon the things which are explicitly forbidden.

In reality, these two ideas can bring about similar things and can be abused in different ways. The important thing to note here is that everyone should know WHO they are giving praise to and be seeking to search the scriptures to find out HOW to properly praise this God in a way that is pleasing to Him.

This information can only known if we study and comb through the scriptures looking to what God has told us. And we can be sure to find it because if these are the principle or main things to know, the principle of perspicuity tells us that these should be the things that are plain to us, which means we will not be on a wild goose chase but a pathway to glory.

The Baptist Catechism Q. 6

Q: May all men make use of the scriptures?

A: All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.

One of the things that we should think about this is although the Bible is referred to as ‘special revelation,’ the Bible is meant to be as available to all people as natural revelation is. The Bible because is inspired by God, it is able to convert the unbeliever and build up the believer. The Bible, because it was written by human authors, is able to read and reasoned through.

Now once again it would be good to reiterate that fact that just reading the Bible alone is not enough to convert anyone but the Bible is used by the Spirit to conquer the unbelieving heart and transform it from hostile to God to loving God.

With that being said, it would be good to point to the principle of the perspicuity of scripture. The definition of perspicuity is that the main themes or messages of the Bible are clear. The Bible is not obscure or hard to understand as far as the main ideas are concerned. Most of the time if there is an unclear passage it is generally about a secondary if not a tertiary idea. As a saying goes: the main things are the plain things.

All this to say that the Bible does not hide what it is about. God is not unclear about His primary message. This means that if people who misrepresent the Bible and it’s doctrines or obscure the main doctrines of the Bible are doing a great disservice to the Bible.

First the unbelieving person who misrepresents the Bible as to disprove it has only showed the hatred of the heart for God and thereby proved the Bible. The Bible has arguments and logic that can be interacted with without having to create a straw man to do so.

The Bible is clear about the truth of the depravity of man, the need for a substitute, the perfection of Christ as that substitute, his perfect life, atoning death, vindication by resurrection, and the promise to save all who repent and put their faith in him. It is also clear about who and what God is, how He works in creation, how He works in history, and how He works in salvation. Anything that even seems to look unclear is something that is at best secondary.

This also works for anyone who would use the Bible to manipulate and control people. Although the Bible is clear, that doesn’t mean there aren’t hard things in it. Once again we should be reminded that anything seemingly obscure is most likely a secondary issue. Cult leaders tend to capture people by pointing to the unclear, saying they have the answer, and then positioning themselves to a place where they are necessary for anyone to understand the Bible or to achieve/receive salvation. This is why The Apostle John writes, “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.”‭‭(1 John‬ ‭2:27‬ ‭ESV‬‬) People at this time we’re claiming special knowledge that without them, regular people could not receive and/or could not obtain salvation. But John writes that the Spirit of God is our primary teacher of the gospel and that it is the main thing. We don’t rely on man for our salvation but Christ alone.

The last question is this. Should we study the Bible with unbelievers? On a personal note, I think this is an acceptable practice if a Christian desires to do so. The Bible is a book by which all men are commanded to read and understand and believe it. We can study with an unbeliever if we choose to but we must remember that it is only the Spirit of God that will empower the Bible to conquer and change the heart and bring salvation.

The Baptist Catechism Q.2

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A: To glorify God and enjoy him forever?

If you are familiar with historic catechisms, then you know that this was copied from the Westminster Shorter catechism. While some followers may throw a little shade on the Baptist’s for this, we should not forget that this is a very good question. As Question 1 pointed to the primacy of God, this points the purpose of man which is established by God.

I have already answered my first question which is “what is meant by the ‘chief end’ of man?” Simply this is another word for purpose. But the term ‘chief’ does point to the fact that man has other purposes, but there is a main driving purpose that supersedes all other ones.

The next question I would ponder is what does it mean to glorify God? My simple definition would be to live in such a way that God is the purpose and motivation for everything we do. This would be the thrust of 1 Corinthians 10:31 when the Apostle Paul says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” Think about eating and drinking to God’s glory and how one would do that. We eat properly and not overindulge, which is hard when we have good food and also we eat in thankfulness to God, who is the provider of every good and perfect gift. If I am not doing things according to God standard and motivated by love for God, His glory is not what is in my mind at that moment.

But the next part is how do we enjoy God? This is a very important question in our time, especially for those who would characterize God as a cosmic killjoy, making sure that we are holy and wholly miserable. is enjoying God something that we can do? Well, let’s think about how we enjoy something to begin with. back to the food analogy, how do we enjoy food? Taking a bite and savoring the flavors and goodness. As we eat, our senses of taste, sight, smell, hearing, and touch are all engaged. This is why food can be such an experience and why a lot of us try to be better at cooking.

How would this apply to the enjoyment of God. I would say that one of the ways that we enjoy God is by reading His word and savoring the good flavors that are in it by meditation. Like with food, if we take the time to savor a little we will be able to see more than we could before. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” is what the Psalmist commands us to do. Are we really savoring if we are just reading the scriptures as a mere duty?

Last, what does it mean “forever”? That our ability to both glorify and enjoy God are not bound to just this life. It isn’t you live and you die and that is the end, but there is life beyond life. Our intended purpose from God is that we live in such a way that we glorify and enjoy him not only in this life but in the life to come. All the glory we give and the enjoyment we now have are but a small preview of what is to come, where glory and enjoyment will grow moment by moment for eternity.

To read Question 1, click here.

Thoughts on Baptist Catechism (aka Keach’s Catechism) Q.1

Q. 1: Who is the first and best being?

A: God is the first and best being.

As a means to promote some family worship time we have decided that once a week we are going to work through a couple questions of the Baptist Catechism, which is also known as Keech’s Catechism. I have decided that as I work through the catechism and write things down in my journal version of the catechism, I will share some of my thoughts about the catechism.

As I think through the questions, I will simply ask definitional questions that can help us dig a little bit into the question itself. The first question being what does it mean to be the “first being?” I would think simply that this is a reference to the fact the God is the Pre-eminent one over all of creation. Isaiah 44:6 says, “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and the last; beside me there is no god.” Ultimately, God in this passage is saying that he is above all of creation in a pre-eminent sovereign way. God is the creator of all things and therefore He is above and in control of all things. I would also say that there is a sense that God is also logically first in all things. God must precede creation logically because if the universe did not exist, or have being, there must be something with the power of being within itself and the ability to create subordinate beings for the universe as we know it to exist. Something that is created does not inherently have the power of being, the main example being myself, I have being because I exist but not the power of being because do not I create being.

Second question would be, what does it mean to be the “best being?” I would define this that having all the attributes of being in perfection. God is a being, the source of being, and a perfect being. What does it mean to be a being? Mere existence is a shallow definition. God does not merely exist but how he exists is perfect. God exists in and through His attributes, both incommunicable and communicable. In His incommunicable attributes, meaning attributes only He alone has, such as power he has in perfection, which is why we say he is omnipotent. However, there are communicable attributes, meaning they can be shared, like creativity, he is perfect. This would mean not only is He creative in the sense we have amazing animals and plants and mountains, but he has the ultimate creative property in that he can create out of nothing.

My last question would be a speculation as to why the writers start with this question. Question 2 is the first question the Westminster divides wrote as their first question, which is a fine starting point. I ask this question for this reason, if you are familiar with the reformed catechisms, there is a conversational quality to them. This make sense considering catechisms are designed to help Christians know the faith in an easy to memorize, easy to remember style. My particular speculation is that the writers of the Baptist Catechism wanted to be more faithful to reformed thought as they saw fit. Reformed thought and reasoning, as John Calvin wrote in his ‘Institutes,’ that we must reason from God to man and not vice versa.

Quite honestly, I think this is the main problem of the modern church today. Far too many people deduce doctrine from man up to God. The writers may have seen this happening starting with man’s purpose (Chief end) rather than the being of God, from which man’s purpose would derive.

In conclusion, the first question points to the fact that before we ponder the meaning or purpose of life, we should consider the Author and Creator of life, which will happen in further detail in the rest of the Baptist Catechism.