(Third Part: Of Thankfulness—Questions 86-129)
113. What is required in the tenth commandment?
- That not even the least inclination or thought against any of God’s commandments ever enter into our heart; but that, with our whole heart, we continually hate all sin, and take pleasure in all righteousness.
114. Can those who are converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?
- No: but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience; yet so, that with earnest purpose they begin to live, not only according to some, but according to all the commandments of God.
115. Why then doth God so strictly enjoin upon us the ten commandments, since in this life no one can keep them?
- First, that all our life long, we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and so the more earnestly seek forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ; secondly, that we may continually strive, and beg from God the grace of the Holy Ghost, so as to become more and more changed into the image of God, till we attain finally to full perfection after this life.
(Third Part: Of Thankfulness—Questions 86-129)
116. Why is Prayer necessary for Christians?
- Because it is the chief part of the thankfulness which God requires of us; and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to such, as earnestly and without ceasing, beg them from Him, and render thanks unto Him for them.
117. What belongs to such prayer, as God is pleased with and will hear?
- First, that from the heart we call only upon the one true God, who has revealed Himself to us in His word, for all that He has commanded us to ask of Him; secondly, that we thoroughly know our need and misery, so as to humble ourselves before the face of His Divine Majesty; thirdly, that we be firmly assured, that withstanding our unworthiness He will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer, as He has promised us in His word.
118. What has God commanded us to ask of Him?
- All things necessary for soul and body, which Christ our Lord has comprised in the prayer taught us by Himself.
119. What is the Lord’s Prayer?
- Our Father which art in heaven: Hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(Third Part: Of Thankfulness—Questions 86-129)
120. Why has Christ commanded us to address God thus: Our Father?
- To awaken in us, at the very beginning of our prayer, that filial reverence and trust toward God, which are to be the ground of our prayer; namely, that God has become our Father through Christ, and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith, than our parents refuse us earthly things.
121. Why is it added: Who art in heaven?
- That we may have no earthly thought of the heavenly majesty of God; and may expect from His almighty power all things necessary for body and soul.
(Third Part: Of Thankfulness—Questions 86-129)
122. What is the first petition?
- Hallowed be Thy name. That is: Enable us rightly to know Thee, and to hallow, magnify and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth; and likewise so to order our whole life, in thought, word and work, that Thy name may not be blasphemed, but honored and praised on our account.
otice how this whole definition turns on the word knowledge. Without the knowledge of God and his benefits, we have no reverence or love, and thus no piety. How can we know Him whom we seldom pray to, or read his word to us? Can we rely on feelings alone? Notice too the connection between piety and obedience, rather, notice the connection between the lack of these two qualities in the final words of this quote.
By piety I mean that union of reverence and love to God which the knowledge of his benefits inspires. For, until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that nought is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; nay, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity. — John Calvin, Institutes, 1.2.1.
(Third Part: Of Thankfulness—Questions 86-129)
123. What is the second petition?
- Thy kingdom come. That is: So govern us by Thy word and Spirit, that we submit ourselves unto Thee always more and more; preserve and increase Thy Church; destroy the works of the devil, every power that exalteth itself against Thee, and all wicked devices formed against Thy holy word, until the full coming of Thy kingdom, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.
