Geneva Catechism (81 - 90)

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Q. 81. As the day of judgment is not to be before the end of the world, how do you say that some men will then be alive, seeing it is appointed unto all men once to die? (Heb. ix.

A. Paul answers this question when he says, that those who then survive will undergo a sudden change, so that the corruption of the flesh being abolished, they will put on incorruption. (1 Cor. xv. 51; 1 Thess. iv. 17.)


Q. 82. You understand then that this change will be like death; that there will be an abolition of the first nature, and the beginning of a new nature?

A. That is my meaning.


Q. 83. Does it give any delight to our conscience that Christ will one day be the judge of the world?

A. Indeed singular delight. For we know assuredly that he will come only for our salvation.


Q. 84. We should not then tremble at this judgment, so as to let it fill us with dismay?

A. No, indeed; since we shall only stand at the tribunal of a judge who is also our advocate, and who has taken us under his faith and protection.


Q. 85. Let us come now to the third part.

A. It relates to faith in the Holy Spirit.


Q. 86. What do we learn by it?

A. The object is to let us know that God, as he hath redeemed and saved us by his Son, will also by his Spirit make us capable of this redemption and salvation.


Q. 87. How?

A. As we have purification in the blood of Christ, so our consciences must be sprinkled by it in order to be washed. (1 Peter i. 2; 1 John i. 7.)


Q. 88. This requires a clearer explanation.

A. I mean that the Spirit of God, while he dwells in our hearts, makes us feel the virtue of Christ. (Rom. viii. 11.) For when our minds conceive the benefits of Christ, it is owing to the illumination of the Holy Spirit; to his persuasion it is owing that they are sealed in our hearts. (Eph. i. 13.) In short, he alone makes room in us for them. He regenerates us and makes us to be new creatures. Accordingly, whatever gifts are offered us in Christ, we receive by the agency of the Spirit.


Q. 89. Let us proceed.

A. Next comes the fourth part, in which we confess that we believe in one Holy Catholic Church.


Q. 90. What is the Church?

A. The body and society of believers whom God hath predestined to eternal life.


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