Here you will find the questions, answers and Scripture proofs for the Shorter Catechism, together with a brief explanation.

    • Q.10

      Genesis 1:27, Colossians 3:10 & Ephesians 4:24

      The Westminster Shorter Catechism

      Q. 10. How did God create man?

      A. God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.

      Scripture References:

      Genesis 1:27
      Colossians 3:10
      Ephesians 4:24
      Genesis 1:28

      The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English:

      Q.10. How did God create man?

      A. God created man, male and female, in His own image and in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, to rule over the other creatures.

      Questions

      1. What is the difference between the creation of other creatures and the creation of man?

      God simply commanded the other creatures into existence; but when man was created the Trinity decided that man should be made in the image of God.

      2. Why is this difference important?

      It is important as man is God’s only self-conscious creature that He has created. God made man in his mental and moral image. Dr. Albertus Pieters says, “It involves self-conscious reasoning power, the capacity for self-determination, and moral sense. In other words, to be a being that can say, ‘I am, I ought, I will,’ - this it is to be made in the image of God.”

      3. Why did God create man?

      Man was created by God that man should serve his Creator. God does not exist for man’s sake but man exists for God’s sake, to serve and to glorify Him forever.

      4. What kind of knowledge, righteousness and holiness did man have at his creation?

      Man’s knowledge was a perfect knowledge of God, of his duty and of many other things for which we probably strive today. Man’s righteousness was an inherent righteousness which enabled God to declare him as “very good.” Man’s holiness was the hidden root of his righteousness that was shining forth in his heart.

      5. What sort of dominion did man have over the creatures?

      God made man head of the world. He was given the right to reign over the creatures and name them. He was to rule them for God’s glory and his own good.

      6. Is the theory of Theistic evolution consistent with the teaching of Scipture?

      No. Theistic Evolution (Evolution as God’s method of Creation) is not consistent with the Scripture.

      The position of the Bible could be outlined in this way:

      1. The Bible says God created out of nothing and this creation included every thing which has or will or can exist. It all owes its being and substance as well as its form to God. Though this is bewildering to man, it is absolutely necessary if we are to hold to the Christian faith.

      2. The Bible says that God is eternal, not that matter is eternal as would be necessary for any theory of evolution.

      3. The Bible says man came into existence by a special creative act of a free, self-determined will.