gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-westminste-1aec

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: Westminster Shorter Q99

# Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 99 ## The Question and Answer **Q. 99. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the Ten Commandments?** **A. For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed:** 1. **That the law is perfect, and bindeth everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin.** 2. **That it is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures.** 3. **That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments.** 4. **That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded: so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included.** 5. **That what God forbids, is at no time to be done; what he commands, is always our duty; and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times.** 6. **That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto.** 7. **That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.** 8. **That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them.** ## Explanation This answer provides **hermeneutical principles** for interpreting the moral law. Let me explain each rule: ### Rule 1: The Law's Perfection The law demands **complete, perfect obedience** in thought, word, and deed. **Scripture:** - Matthew 5:48 - "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" - James 2:10 - "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" - Galatians 3:10 - Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in "all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" ### Rule 2: The Law's Spiritual Nature The law governs **internal attitudes**, not just external actions. **Scripture:** - Romans 7:14 - "For we know that the law is spiritual" - Matthew 5:28 - Lust in the heart is adultery - Matthew 5:22 - Anger is related to murder ### Rule 3: Interconnection of Commandments The same action may violate or fulfill multiple commandments simultaneously. Example: Adultery breaks the 7th commandment but also involves coveting (10th), dishonoring parents (5th if married to their child), and stealing (8th - stealing another's spouse). ### Rule 4: Positive and Negative Implications Every prohibition implies a positive duty; every command forbids its opposite. **Scripture:** - Ephesians 4:28 - "Let him that stole steal no more" (negative), "but rather let him labor" (positive) - Matthew 15:4-6 - Honoring parents means not cursing them ### Rule 5: Perpetual Obligation vs. Circumstantial Application Moral duties are always binding, but **timing and circumstances** vary. Example: We must always value honesty, but we don't rebuke sin at literally every moment—there's "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7). ### Rule 6: Representative Sins and Duties Each commandment names **one sin/duty representing an entire category**. **Scripture:** - Matthew 5:21-22 - Murder includes anger and contempt - Exodus 20:13-17 - Each commandment represents a class of sins ### Rule 7: Social Responsibility We must promote obedience and prevent sin **in others** according to our role. **Scripture:** - Leviticus 19:17 - "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour" - Ezekiel 3:18-19 - Watchman's duty to warn ### Rule 8: Assistance and Separation Help others obey; don't participate in their sin. **Scripture:** - 1 Timothy 5:22 - "Neither be partaker of other men's sins" - Galatians 6:1-2 - Restore those caught in sin; bear one another's burdens ## Significance These rules show that God's law is: - **Comprehensive** (covers all of life) - **Demanding** (requires perfection) - **Exposing** (reveals our sin) - **Driving us to Christ** (our only hope for righteousness) This prepares us to understand why we need the gospel—the law's demands show our inability and Christ's sufficiency.