The Only Rule

Question #2: What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?
Answer: 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 God and enjoy Him.

-Westminster Shorter Catechism

• What is the Word of God?
• What do we mean when we say the Scriptures are the only rule God has given us?
• If the Scriptures are the only rule God has given us, then how are we to understand the work of the Holy Spirit?
• How should we approach our Bibles in light of this reality?

Made for Glory

I just started going through the Westminster Shorter Catechism with my grad students and my small group at church at the beginning of the school year. There’s a rumor floating around (that I’ve not been able to substantiate) that says the Shorter Catechism was originally designed for “children and imbeciles.” Which, of course, makes it perfect for us. (By the way, if you can verify that claim, please let me know).

As I’ve been leading us through the catechism, I’ve made a point to write down helpful study and application questions to spur group discussion. Like so:

Question #1: What is the chief end of man?
Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

• What do we mean by the “glory of God”?
• What is it to “glorify God”?
• Why ought we to glorify God?