感謝讚美上帝護理的大能与豐盛的供應。 本網誌內的所有資源純屬學習交流之用。

2018-07-11


西敏大要理問答TheWestminster Larger Catechism (1648)

呂沛淵牧師譯



150 

1人最主要最崇高的目的是什麼
Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?

答:人最主要,最崇高的目的就是 (1) 榮耀神,(2) 完全以祂為樂,直到永遠。
Answer: Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.


2問:神的存在是如何顯明的?
Question 2: How does it appear that there is a God?

答:人心中的本性之光,和神的作為,都清楚彰顯神的存在;然而,唯有祂的聖道與聖靈,才能充分有效的將祂自己啟示給人,使他們得救。
Answer: The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.


3問:神的聖道是什麼?
Question 3: What is the Word of God?

答:新舊約聖經就是神的聖道,是信仰與順服的唯一準則。
Answer: The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.


4問:如何顯明聖經就是神的道?
Question 4: How does it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God?

答:聖經顯明自己是神的道,是藉著:
1)文體莊嚴偉大,教義純正清潔;內容各部分的合一,範圍的整全,都是要將一切榮耀歸於上帝;
2)聖經的亮光與權能,勸服罪人認罪悔改;安慰建立信徒,以致得救到底;
3)然而,唯有上帝的聖靈,藉著聖經與伴隨聖經,在人心中所作的見證,才能使人完全確信聖經就是上帝的道。
Answer: The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God; by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very Word of God.


5問:聖經主要的教導是什麼?
Question 5: What do the Scriptures principally teach?

答:聖經主要的教導是:人對於神所當信的真理,以及神要人所當盡的本分。    
Answer: The Scriptures principally teach,: What man is to believe concerning God, and: What duty God requires of man.   


6問:聖經顯明哪些有關上帝的真理?
Question 6: What do the Scriptures make known of God?

答:聖經顯明上帝是誰,祂本體的位格,祂的旨意,以及祂旨意的施行。
Answer: The Scriptures make known: What God is, the persons in the Godhead, his decrees, and the execution of his decrees.


7問:上帝是誰?
Question 7: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, everywhere present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
答:上帝是靈,祂的所是與祂的所有,在本體,榮耀,可讚,完美都是無限的;祂是全然自足,永恆,不改變,無法測透,無所不在,無所不能,無所不知,極其智慧,極其聖潔,極其公義,極其恩慈,恆久忍耐,滿有良善與真理。


8問:上帝是獨一的嗎?
Question 8: Are there more Gods than one?

答:上帝是獨一無二,又真又活的
Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.


9問:上帝有幾個位格?
Question 9: How many persons are there in the Godhead?

答:上帝有三位格:聖父,聖子,聖靈。此三位格是同一真實,永恆的上帝,同本質,同權,同榮;然而,各有位格的特性。
Answer: There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties.


10問:上帝的三位格各有何特性?
Question 10: What are the personal properties of the three persons in the Godhead?

答:上帝的三位格特性是:在永恆中,聖父生聖子,聖子由聖父而生,聖靈由聖父和聖子而出。
Answer: It is proper to the Father to beget the Son, and to the Son to be begotten of the Father, and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity.


11問:聖子和聖靈是與聖父同為上帝,是如何彰顯的?
Question 11: How does it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father?

答:聖經將唯獨屬於上帝的名稱、屬性、作為、與敬拜,也歸屬於聖子和聖靈,所以祂們是與聖父同為上帝。
Answer: The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing unto them such names, attributes, works, and worship, as are proper to God only.


12問:上帝的旨意是什麼?
Question 12: What are the decrees of God?

答:上帝的旨意,是在祂元旨計畫中的智慧,自由,聖潔的行動;祂按照此計畫彰顯祂的榮耀,自無始的永恆,已毫無改變的預定在時間裡,所發生的萬事萬物,特別是有關天使與人類。
Answer: God’s decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will, whereby, from all eternity, he has, for his own glory, unchangeably foreordained: Whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men.


13問;上帝對於天使與人類,所特別預定的旨意是什麼?
Question 13: What has God especially decreed concerning angels and men?

答:上帝按照祂永恆不變的旨意,在日期滿足的時候彰顯出來,這全然是出於祂的愛,為使祂榮耀的恩典得著稱讚,
1)祂揀選了一些天使得榮耀;
2)並在基督裡揀選人得永生,和預定得永生的媒介;
3)也根據祂全權之能,與祂那不可測度的旨意,(祂按照自己的美意將恩典賜下或保留),容讓那些因他們的罪而受苦,招致羞辱與震怒的人,使祂榮耀的公義得著稱讚。
Answer: God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, has elected some angels to glory; and in Christ has chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof: and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will (whereby he extends or withholds favor as he pleases), has passed by and foreordained the rest to dishonor and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice.


14問:上帝如何執行祂的旨意?
Question 14: How does God execute his decrees?

答:上帝按照祂毫無錯謬的預知,以及祂自由的、永不改變的旨意計畫,以創造並護理之工,來執行祂的旨意。
Answer: God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will.


15 問:上帝的創造之工是什麼?
Question 15: What is the work of creation?

答:上帝的創造之工是:起初,上帝藉著祂大能的話語,在六日之內,從無中創造了世界以及其中的萬物,並且都甚好,這一切都是為了祂自己的榮耀。
Answer: The work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning, by the word of his power, make of nothing the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good.


16問:上帝創造的天使具有哪些特性?
Question 16: How did God create angels?

答:上帝創造的天使,他們都是不朽壞、聖潔、具有卓越知識、大有能力的靈,為了是來執行祂的命令,讚美祂的聖名。但其中有些背叛上帝而墮落了。
Answer: God created all the angels spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change.


17問:上帝如何創造人?
Question 17: How did God create man?

答:上帝創造了萬物之後,創造了人,乃是造男造女;祂用地上的塵土造亞當,用亞當的肋骨造夏娃;賦予他們活潑,理性,永不朽壞的靈魂;祂按照自己的形像,在真理,仁義,聖潔中,創造他們;將祂律法刻畫在他們心中,並賜予他們遵行的能力,和治理萬物之權柄。然而,當時他們有可能會犯罪。
Answer: After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and female; formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man, endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness,and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and dominion over the creatures; yet subject to fall.


18問:上帝的護理之工是什麼?
Question 18: What are God’s works of providence?

答:上帝的護理之工,是按照祂的至聖,至智,大能,來保存與治理祂所造的萬物;並為了自己的榮耀,統管萬事萬物。
Answer: God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.


19問:上帝對天使的護理之工是什麼?
Question 19: What is God’s providence towards the angels?

答:上帝的護理之工,容許一些天使蓄意犯罪,陷入咒詛滅亡之中,不能恢復;祂限制他們所犯的一切罪,命定藉著這些事,也彰顯祂自己的榮耀祂也堅立其餘的天使,保守他們在聖潔與喜樂中;按照祂的美意,差遣這些善良的使者,來施行祂的權能,憐憫,公義。
Answer: God by his providence permitted some of the angels, wilfully and irrecoverably, to fall into sin and damnation, limiting and ordering that, and all their sins, to his own glory; and established the rest in holiness and happiness; employing them all, at his pleasure, in the administrations of his power, mercy, and justice.


20問:上帝對人在當初受造的景況時,其護理之工是什麼?
Question 20: What was the providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created?

答:上帝對人起初受造時的護理之工,是:將他安置在樂園中,使他修理看守這園子,賜他可以隨意吃園中各樣樹上的果子;又將萬物伏在他的治理下,並設立婚姻幫助他;賜恩使他與上帝相交團契;設立安息日,與他立下生命之約,以始終完全的順服為條件,將生命樹作為立約的憑據;並且禁止他吃分別善惡樹的果子,以死亡的痛苦為刑罰。
Answer: The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth; putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining marriage for his help; affording him communion with himself; instituting the sabbath; entering into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.


21問:人是不是繼續活在當初上帝造人的景況中?
Question 21: Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him?

答:我們的先祖,受到撒但的試探,妄用他們自己意志的自由,吃了那禁果而背叛上帝的誡命;因此就從當初他們受造的無罪狀態中墮落了。
Answer: Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, through the temptation of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God in eating the forbidden fruit; and thereby fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created.


22問:在亞當最初的過犯中,全人類是否都墮落了?
Question 22: Did all mankind fall in that first transgression ?

答:因為亞當是全人類的代表,所以,上帝與亞當所立的約,不只是為亞當自己,也是為了從他而出的所有後裔。因此,在亞當最初的過犯中,眾人都在他裡面與他一同犯罪,一同墮落了。
Answer: The covenant being made with Adam as a public person, not for himself only, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in that first transgression.


23問:墮落將人類帶入何種景況中?
Question 23: Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

答:墮落將人類帶入罪惡與悲慘的景況中。
Answer: The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.


24問:罪是什麼?
Question 24: What is sin?

答:凡是沒有遵行或任意違犯神的律法都是罪,律法是祂賜的規則,是給凡有理性的受造物。
Answer: Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature.


25問:人墮落後,陷入怎樣的罪惡景況中?
Question 25: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

答:人墮落後,陷入罪惡的景況,是:
(一)承擔亞當首次犯罪的罪究,
(二)喪失被造之時的原有仁義,
(三)人性全然的敗壞,並繼續傾向一切邪惡,所以對一切屬靈的良善只有厭惡,抵擋,又全然無能。這就是通常所說的「原罪」,並由此罪性產生出所有思想與行 為上的罪過。
Answer: The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually; which is commonly called original sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions.


26問:「原罪」是如何從我們的始祖傳遞到後代子孫?
Question 26: How is original sin conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity?

答:「原罪」是藉著自然生育;從我們的始祖傳遞到後代子孫, 所以,凡是從亞當夏娃藉著生育而出生的後裔,都是在罪 惡中懷胎的。
Answer: Original sin is conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity by natural generation, so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin.


27問:墮落使人類陷入何種悲慘景況中?
Question 27: What misery did the fall bring upon mankind?

答:墮落使人類招致神的不悅與咒詛,失去與神的交通團契;所以,我們生來就成為可怒之子,是撒但的奴僕,應當受今生與來世的各種刑罰。
Answer: The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God, his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature children of wrath, bond slaves to Satan, and justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that which is to come.


28問:我們的罪,在今世所遭的刑罰有哪些?
Question 28: What are the punishments of sin in this world?

答:我們的罪在今世所遭的刑罰有: (一)內在方面,例如心地昏昧,心存邪僻,生發錯誤,心裡剛硬,良心恐懼,羞恥的情慾; (二)外在方面,例如受造之物因我們緣故遭到神的咒詛;各樣邪惡臨到我們的身體,名譽,財產,關係,職業;以及死亡。
Answer: The punishments of sin in this world are either inward, as blindness of mind, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections; or outward, as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes, and all other evils that befall us in our bodies,names, estates, relations, and employments; together with death itself.


29問:在來世,我們因罪所遭的刑罰是什麼?
Question 29: What are the punishments of sin in the world to come?

答:在來世,我們因罪所遭的刑罰是:
(一)與神好得無比的同在,永遠隔絕;
(二)靈魂身體在地獄永火中,遭受最悲慘且無止息的痛苦,直到永遠。
Answer: The punishments of sin in the world to come, are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul and body, without intermission, in hell fire forever.


30問:神是否任憑全人類在罪惡和悲慘中滅亡呢?
Question 30: Does God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery ?

答:全人類因違背了第一個聖約(通常稱為「行為之約」)而陷入罪惡和悲慘中,神並未任憑他們在其中滅亡;反因祂全然的愛與憐憫,將祂的選民從其中拯救出來,藉著第二個聖約(通常稱為「恩典之約」)帶領他們進入救恩中。
Answer: God does not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery,into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant, commonly called the covenant of works; but of his mere love and mercy delivers his elect out of it, and brings them into an estate of salvation by the second covenant, commonly called the covenant of grace.


31問:神與誰立此恩典之約?
Question 31: With whom was the covenant of grace made?

答:這恩典之約是與基督(即第二亞當)所立的,並且是在基督裡與所有選民(即他的後裔)立的。
Answer: The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed.


32 問:神的恩典如何在第二個聖約中彰顯出來?
Question 32: How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant?

答:神的恩典在第二個聖約中的彰顯,在於:
(一)祂白白賜給罪人一位中保,藉此中保得著生命與拯救;
(二)在他們裡面產生得救的信心,此信心是使罪人從中保得益處的必須條件,所以祂應許並賜下祂的聖靈給所有選民,以及其他一切拯救的恩典;
(三)並且賜給他們能力,使他們學習全然聖潔並順服,以作為他們信靠並感謝神的真實證據,也作為祂揀選他們得救的道路。
Answer: The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provides and offers to sinners a Mediator, and life and salvation by him; and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, promises and gives his Holy Spirit to all his elect, to work in them that faith, with all other saving graces; and to enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth of their faith and thankfulness to God, and as the way which he has appointed them to salvation.


33問:恩典之約始終都是以同一方式來施行麼?
Question 33: Was the covenant of grace always administered after one and the same manner?

答:恩典之約並非都是以相同方式來施行,它在舊約時代的施行方式,與在新約時代的施行方式,是不同的。
Answer: The covenant of grace was not always administered after the same manner, but the administrations of it under the Old Testament were different from those under the New.


34問:恩典之約在舊約時代中是如何施行?
Question 34: How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?
答:恩典之約在舊約時代的施行,是藉著應許,先知的話,獻祭,割禮,逾越節,以及其他預表和律例;這些都是預先指明那將要來的基督。這些對於舊約當時來說,足以造就選民信靠所應許的彌賽亞;使他們藉著祂能得著完全的赦罪,與永遠的救恩。
Answer: The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all foresignify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.


35問:恩典之約在新約時代是如何施行?
Question 35: How is the covenant of grace administered under the New Testament?

答:在新約時代時,舊約預表的實體,即基督,已經展示出來;同一的恩典之約,已經且繼續不斷的施行,是藉著聖道的傳講,洗禮與聖餐的實施。在這些施恩的媒介中,恩典與拯救是以更加豐盛,更多證據,更加有效的方式,表明給萬國萬民。
Answer: Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations.


36問:恩典之約的中保是誰?
Question 36: Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?

答:恩典之約的唯一中保,是主耶穌基督,祂是上帝的永恆聖子,與聖父同本質同權能;祂在時候滿足道成肉身成為人,此後一直是神與人,具有全然區分的神人二性,在同一位格中,直到永遠。
Answer: The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, in the fulness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever.


37問:基督是上帝的兒子,祂如何成為人?
Question 37: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

答:上帝的兒子基督成為人,是自己取了真實的身體與理性的靈魂,藉著聖靈的大能,在童貞女馬利亞的腹中成孕,由她取了人性,為她所生,卻沒有罪。
Answer: Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance, and born of her, yet without sin.


38問:為何這位中保必須是神?
Question 38: Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God?

答:這位中保必須是神,因為:
1)這使得祂能維繫與保持其人性,免得落入上帝的極大忿怒與死亡權勢之下;
2)這也使得祂的受苦,順服,代禱具有無比的價值與效力;
3)並且滿足了上帝的公義,獲得祂的恩寵,買贖一群特定的子民,賜祂的聖靈給祂們,制勝他們的一切仇敵,帶給他們永遠的救恩。
Answer: It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God, and the power of death; give worth and efficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession; and to satisfy God’s justice, procure his favor, purchase a peculiar people, give his Spirit to them, conquer all their enemies, and bring them to everlasting salvation.


39問:為何這位中保必須是人?
Question 39: Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?

答:這位中保必須是人,因為如此他才能:
1)救拔我們的人性,實行對律法的順服;在我們人性中受苦,為我們代禱;與我們認同,體恤我們的軟弱;
2)並且使我們得著兒子的名分,得著安慰,坦然無懼的來到施恩寶座前。
Answer: It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.


40問:為何這位中保必須是神人二性在同一位格中?
Question 40: Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one person ?

答:這位中保必須在同一位格中具有神人二性,他才能使神人和好;如此,其神人二性各自的工作,屬於整個位格所作的,才能蒙神的悅納,成為我們的倚靠。
Answer: It was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should himself be both God and man, and this in one person, that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us, and relied on by us, as the works of the whole person.


41問:為何我們的中保,名叫耶穌?
Question 41: Why was our Mediator called Jesus?

答:我們的中保名叫耶穌,因為祂將自己的百姓,從罪惡裡拯救出來。
Answer: Our Mediator was called Jesus, because he saves his people from their sins.


42問:為何我們的中保,稱為基督?
Question 42: Why was our Mediator called Christ?

答:我們的中保稱為基督,因為祂被聖靈膏抹是沒有限量的,是如此分別為聖,完全賦予一切權柄能力,在其降卑與升高的狀態中,來執行祂教會中的「先知,祭司,君王」職分。
Answer: Our Mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure; and so set apart, and fully furnished with all authority and ability, to execute the offices of prophet, priest, and king of his church, in the estate both of his humiliation and exaltation.


43問:基督如何執行祂的先知職分?
Question 43: How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?

答:基督執行祂的先知職分,是藉著祂的聖靈與聖道,以各種施行方式,將上帝全備的旨意,啟示給每一時代的教會,有關他們蒙造就與得救恩的一切事宜。
Answer: Christ executes the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the church, in all ages, by his Spirit and Word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation.


44問:基督如何執行祂的祭司職分?
Question 44: How does Christ execute the office of a priest?

答:基督執行祂的祭司職分,在於:
1)將自己一次獻上為贖罪祭,無瑕無疵的獻與上帝,這是為了祂子民的罪,使他們與上帝和好。
2)繼續不斷的為他們代禱
Answer: Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.


45問:基督如何執行祂的祭司君王職分?
Question 45: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

答:基督執行祂的君王職分,在於:
1)將子民從世人中呼召出來歸屬祂自己,賜給他們領袖,律法,勸誡,祂以這些有形的體制來治理他們;
2)賜下救恩給祂的選民,當他們順服時,賜福賞賜他們;當他們犯罪時,管教歸正他們;在他們所受的一切試探與苦難中,祂保護托住他們;壓制並得勝他們一切的仇敵;
3)對於其餘那些不認識神,不順服福音者,祂施行公義刑罰。
Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.


46問:基督降卑的狀況為何?
Question 46: What was the estate of Christ’s humiliation?

答:基督降卑的狀況是:祂為我們的緣故,捨下自己的榮耀,取了奴僕的樣式,謙卑受孕降生,平生受苦,死於十架,死後埋葬,直到復活之前。
Answer: The estate of Christ’s humiliation was that low condition, wherein he for our sakes, emptying himself of his glory, took upon him the form of a servant, in his conception and birth, life, death, and after his death, until his resurrection.


47問:基督在其受聖靈感孕與降生中,是如何謙卑自己?
Question 47: How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?

答:基督在其受聖靈感孕與降生中謙卑自己,在於:從亙古到永遠,祂是上帝的兒子,在父懷裡的獨生子,甘願在時候滿足時,成為人子,為卑微女子所生;祂如此卑微自己,在各方面來說,都是遠超過一般的屈尊降卑。
Answer: Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her; with divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.


48問:基督在世上的生活中,是如何的謙卑自己?
Question 48: How did Christ humble himself in his life?

答:基督在世上的生活中謙卑自己,在於:
1)將自己服在律法下,完全實現了律法;
2)面對世界的侮辱,撒但的試探;
3)在肉身中經歷人性所共通的軟弱,尤其是身處貧寒。
Answer: Christ humbled himself in his life, by subjecting himself to the law, which he perfectly fulfilled; and by conflicting with the indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh, whether common to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that his low condition.


49問:基督在受死的過程中,是如何的降卑自己?
Question 49: How did Christ humble himself in his death?

答:基督在受死的過程中降卑自己,在於:
1)被猶大出賣,遭門徒離棄,被世人譏笑拒絕,遭彼拉多定罪,受逼迫者拷打;
2)並與死亡的恐怖與黑暗的權勢爭戰,經歷承擔神的震怒;
3)他捨了自己的生命,作為贖罪祭,忍受了十字架的死亡,這是痛苦,羞辱,咒詛的死亡。
Answer: Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world,condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors; having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God’s wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.


50問:在基督經歷死亡後,是如何的降卑自己?
Question 50: Wherein consisted Christ’s humiliation after his death?

答:在基督經歷死亡後,降卑自己,在於:
1)被埋葬,持續在死的狀態中,在死的權勢之下,直到第三日;
2)如此的經歷,也曾被描述為「降在陰間」
Answer: Christ’s humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which has been otherwise expressed in these words, he descended into hell.