Question 2: Knowing God

Question 2: What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Answer: The word of God which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

The phrase word of God in the answer to this catechism question should be both extroardinary and precious to us. It is extraordinary because it means God has revealed himself to us using human words, words which we can easily identify as the contents of particular books, and yet those words are truly God's words, marked by all the perfection that we would expect from the God of truth. As 2 Peter 1:21 says, "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." It is precious because it is the only rule available to us to direct us toward our highest purpose - enjoying God and giving him glory. As Jesus said in John 15:21, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

There are many competing rules, ideas, and philosophies in our world. Perhaps you have already heard and seen many of them today, on the radio or on television or on a billboard. It is not wrong to encounter these things, but we must be careful what influences us. Have you devoted yourself especially to knowing word of God, the only rule that can give you ultimate direction in life?

Reference: Explanation of the Shorter Catechism by Thomas Vincent.