9. THEOLOGY - THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Question 1

What is the moral law?

Answer 1

The Ten Commandments.

Question 2

What laws besides the moral law did God give his people under the old covenant?

Answer 2

1. Moral
2. Civil
3. Ceremonial

Question 3

Are believers under obligation to the law today?

Answer 3

While obedience to the law is not meritorious unto salvation, it is right to abide by the law as a means of worship and glorifying God. It provides us with a mirror of our shortcomings; it points us to the mercy of Christ; it offers a glimpse at God’s character; and it enables us to advance the glory of Christ’s light in a darkened world.

Matt. 5-7 Sermon on the Mount

Question 4

What is “theonomy”?

Answer 4

The belief that civil laws are still in effect.

Question 5

Where is the law of God summed up?

Answer 5

In the Ten Commandments

Question 6

Can believers keep God’s law?

Answer 6

Yes, in the Spirit.

(Gal. 5:16) - Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.

Question 7

What is at stake in the current “Lordship Controversy”?

Answer 7

“Easy beliefism.” By claiming that Christianity boils down to nothing more than a profession, people are deluded into believing that they need only to receive Jesus as Savior but not as Lord.

Question 8

What are the means of grace?

Answer 8

Word, Sacraments, and Prayer.

Question 9

What is Christian liberty?

Answer 9

Free access to God and freedom from:
1. the curse of the law
2. bondage to Satan
3. the yoke of ceremonial law

Rom 6
…slaves of righteousness

Question 10

Who or what is the Lord of the conscience?

Answer 10

God alone.

James 4:12
“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?”

Question 11

How does Christian liberty bear on the Christian’s obligation to the state?

Answer 11

Since God intends our liberty, not to destroy, but to uphold the powers which he has ordained; we are to submit to the state.

Rom 13

Question 12

What is the regulative principle?

Answer 12

It establishes that the only elements which are true worship are those specifically identified by God through His Word.

Matt 15:9
“in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

Question 13

Who is to be worshiped?

Answer 13

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and to Him alone.

Mt 4:10
“…Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

Question 14

What are the ordinary parts or elements of worship?

Answer 14

1. Reading the Word
2. Preaching the Word
3. Singing of psalms and hymns
4. Prayer
5. Conscionable hearing of the Word
6. Sacraments & Benediction

Question 15

Are Christians under obligation to keep a Sabbath?

Answer 15

YES, though not for salvation.

Ex. 20:8

Question 16

How should the Sabbath be kept?

Answer 16

The believer should (1) prepare their hearts, (2) make arrangements to take care of work in advance, (3) rest in Christ, (4) worship privately and corporately, (5) conduct acts of mercy, and (6) abstain from worldly cares & recreations.

Question 17

Differentiate between the Continental and Westminster views of the Sabbath.

Answer 17

The Westminster = no recreations
The Continental = permits recreation as fellowship.

Question 18

Should a Christian ever take an oath or vow?

Answer 18

Yes. A lawful oath (e.g. An affirmation of something scriptural) is part of worship.

Heb 6:16
“For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.”

Question 19

What should be our attitude toward civil authorities?

Answer 19

Respect.

Rom 13

Question 20

What obligations do believers have to civil authorities?

Answer 20

• Pray for them
• Honor them
• Pay them their dues
• Obey their lawful commands
• Be subject to their authority

Question 21

By whom and for what purpose was marriage designed?

Answer 21

Marriage was ordained by God for:
1. The mutual help of husband and wife
2. The increase of mankind and the church with a holy seed
3. Preventing uncleanness.

Gen 2

Question 22

Who may lawfully be married?

Answer 22

One man and one woman, who give consent, and it is the duty of Christian to marry only in the Lord.

(2 Cor. 6:14)
Do not be bound together with unbelievers

Question 23

What is divorce?

Answer 23

Dissolving the marriage contract.

Question 24

Under what circumstances is divorce permissible?

Answer 24

Adultery (Matt. 19) & willful desertion (1 Cor. 7)

Question 25

Is divorce an option for those abused by their spouses?

Answer 25

Yes, if the Session with jurisdiction over the couple agrees that the nature of the abuse equates to willful desertion.

1 Cor. 7:15

Question 26

May those who have been divorced remarry?

Answer 26

Only if they were divorced for biblically justified reasons. In that case, they are free to remarry. Otherwise, they are engaging in adultery.

1 Cor. 7