THE SHORTER CATECHISM: Why I hope our officers will learn it.
Well, you don’t have to learn it. True enough. But if you do, you will “get more” out of church because you will be a better officer with something more to give to the church. You would also understand more of Scripture, since the SC is based on Scripture, Old and New Testaments. You & I will be better equipped to give answers to the hope that we have in Christ Jesus, too.
What is the Shorter Catechism? It’s part of our confessions in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. In the EPC, we don’t have 8, 9, 10, or 11 confessions and creeds to pick from, like a salad bar, we simply have one confession made into three parts: The Westminster Standards. Standards are as follows: The Westminster Confession, the Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism.
When the SC asks, “What is the primary duty of man? We say, “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Well, what does that really mean? Does God need more glory? How do you enjoy God more, go out and buy a six pack? (Hmmm, don’t think so.) First, God doesn’t lack any glory - the Trinity is perfect: Mt.5:48. When we glorify God in our hearts and actions, we are the beneficiaries and others are blessed. Second, when we enjoy God, (that is God Himself; not his creation only); we “taste and see that the Lord (Himself) is good. Psalm 34:8.” By the way, a foretaste of Heaven is enjoying God now; if you don’t start now, you won’t have to enjoy Him in the next life either.
“But I am discouraged and cold of heart towards Jesus Christ.” It’s good when we can confess that, now we pray that to God: “Lord, lift up thou the light of thy countenance upon us.” Psalm 4:6-7. ( And, if you can’t say exactly how you were saved, you need to pray in agreement with: Romans 3:9-26.)
By the way, I am learning the SC now; I would love some accountability partners from the officers to learn it with me. That’s a friendly challenge. Let’s say by Labor Day we’ve got a hold on it. Deal? (Hey, members who would like to become officers, you are in on this too.)
