Westminster Larger Catechism (Q 136-138)

Dear Church Family,

This past Sunday, we did not have Sunday school; however, two weeks ago we continued our Sunday school lessons in the Westminster Larger Catechism (WLC) in questions 136138 (dealing with the sixth and seventh commandments). Here is a brief review.

WLC 136  What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others,(2) except in case of publick justice, lawful war, or necessary defence; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labour, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarrelling, striking, wounding , and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment may be summarized under five headings:

(1) Taking away life except in cases of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 22:2-3)
(2) Neglecting to preserve life (James 2:15-16)
(3) Sinful anger and desire for revenge (Romans 12:19)
(4) Immoderate care for one’s body (Luke 21:34)
(5) Word or actions that tend to the destruction of life (Exodus 21:22-24, 28-29)

WLC 137  Which is the seventh commandment ?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

There are three questions in the WLC devoted to the seventh commandment (WLC 137-139).

WLC 138  What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
A. The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behaviour; and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; temperance, keeping of chaste company, modesty in apparel; marriage by those that have not the gift of continency; conjugal love, and cohabitation; diligent labour in our callings; shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.

The duties required in the seventh commandment may be summarized under five headings:

(1) Preservation of chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behaviors in ourselves and others (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
(2) Temperance and modesty (Job 31:1; 1 Timothy 2:9-10)
(3) Marriage for those who don’t have the gift of continency (1 Corinthians 7:2-9)
(4) Conjugal love toward one’s spouse (Proverbs 5:19-20)
(5) Shunning and resisting sexual temptation (Genesis 39:8-10)

Conclusion

As we read and study the required duties and forbidden sins of the ten commandments, we all are certainly convicted of the innumerable ways in which we do not conform to God’s law and the innumerable ways in which we transgress God’s law every day in thought, word, and deed. And, as we are convicted of our sin, we are also reminded of the two special uses of God’s law for the regenerate which we learned in WLC 97.

First, we grow in our assurance of salvation through faith in the Person and work of Christ. The law of God shows us how much we are bound to Christ for His fulfilling the law and enduring the curse of the law in our stead, and for our good. Second, we learn better how to love the Lord and to love our neighbor. The law of God provokes us to thankful obedience, to endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ.

Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am as we learn how we may offer up our thankful obedience to our Savior in all that we think, say, and do.

The Lord be with you!
Pastor Peter M. Dietsch