Geneva Catechism (261 - 270)

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Q. 261. What is meant by the additional clause, that God is in heaven?

A. It is just the same as if I were to call him exalted, mighty, incomprehensible.


Q. 262. To what end this, and for what reason?

A. In this way we are taught when we pray to him to raise our minds aloft, and not have any carnal or earthly thoughts of him, nor measure him by our own little standard, lest thinking too meanly of him, we should wish to bring him into subjection to our will, instead of learning to look up with fear and reverence to his glorious Majesty. It tends to excite and confirm our confidence in him, when he is proclaimed to be the Lord and Governor of heaven, ruling all things at his pleasure.


Q. 263. Repeat to me the substance of the first petition.

A. By the name of God, Scripture denotes the knowledge and fame with which he is celebrated among men. We pray then that his glory may be promoted everywhere, and in all.


Q. 264. But can any thing be added to his glory, or taken from it?

A. In itself it neither increases nor is diminished. But we pray as is meet, that it may be illustrious among men- that in whatever God does, all his works may appear, as they are, glorious, that he himself may by all means be glorified.


Q. 265. What understand you by the kingdom of God in the second petition?

A. It consists chiefly of two branches-that he would govern the elect by his Spirit-that he would prostrate and destroy the reprobate who refuse to give themselves up to his service, thus making it manifest that nothing is able to resist his might.


Q. 266. In what sense do you pray that this kingdom may come?

A. That the Lord would daily increase the numbers of the faithful-that he would ever and anon load them with new gifts of his Spirit, until he fill them completely: moreover, that he would render his truth more clear and conspicuous by dispelling the darkness of Satan, that he would abolish all iniquity, by advancing his own righteousness.


Q. 267. Are not all these things done every day?

A. They are done so far, that the kingdom of God may be said to be commenced. We pray, therefore, that it may constantly increase and be carried forward, until it attain its greatest height, which we only hope to take place on the last day on which God alone, after reducing all creatures to order, will be exalted and preeminent, and so be all in all. (1 Cor. xv. 28.)


Q. 268. What mean you by asking that the will of God may be done?

A. That all creatures may be subdued into obedience to him, and so depend on his nod, that nothing may be done except at his pleasure.


Q. 269. Do you think then that any thing can be done against his will?

A. We not only pray that what he has decreed with himself may come to pass, but also that all contumacy being tamed and subjugated, he would subject all wills to his own, and frame them in obedience to it.


Q. 270. Do we not by thus praying surrender our own wills?

A. Entirely: nor do we only pray that he would make void whatever desires of ours are at variance with his own will, but also that he would form in us new minds and new hearts, so that we may wish nothing of ourselves, but rather that his Spirit may preside over our wishes, and bring them into perfect unison with God.


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