趙中輝/呂沛淵/譯/修訂
1問人的主要目的是什麽?
Q1:
What is the chief end of man?
答:人的主要目的是,榮耀上帝,以祂為樂,直到永遠。
A1:
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.
2問:神已經賜什麼准則,指教我們如何榮耀祂,以祂為樂?
Q2:
What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?
答:神的道記載于新舊約圣經,就是唯一的准則,指教我們如何榮耀祂、以祂為樂。
A2:
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.
3問:聖經主要的教導是什麼?
Q3:
What do the Scriptures principally teach?
答:圣經主要的教導是:人對於神所當信的真理,以及神要人當盡的本分。
A3:
The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and
what duty God requires of man.
4問:神是怎樣的神?
Q4:
What is God?
答:神是靈。祂的本體、智慧、權能、聖潔、公義、良善、真實,都是無限無量、無始無終、永無改變的。
A4:
God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom,
power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
5問:神是獨一的嗎?
Q5:
Are there more Gods than one?
答:神是獨一無二、又真又活的。
A5:
There is but one only, the living and true God.
6問:神有幾個位格?
Q6:
How many persons are there in the Godhead?
答:神有三位格:聖父、聖子、聖靈:這三位格就是同一真神,同本質、同權能、同榮耀。
A6:
There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and
glory.
7問:神的旨意是什麼?
Q7:
What are the decrees of God?
答:神的旨意,就是祂永恆裡的目的,根據祂計畫的美意;藉此,衪為自己的榮耀,預定了一切將要發生的事。
A7:
The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his
will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to
pass.
8問:神怎樣執行祂的旨意?
Q8:
How doth God execute his decrees?
答:神以創造和護理之工,來執行祂的旨意。
A8:
God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
9問:創造之工是什麼?
Q9:
What is the work of creation?
答:創造之工,是神藉著祂全能的話,在六日之內,從無中造出萬有,並且都甚好。
A9:
The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his
power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
10問:神怎樣創造人?
Q10:
How did God create man?
答:神按照祂自己的形象,造男造女;他們是在知識、仁義、聖潔中被造,受託治理一切被造之物。
A10:
God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge,
righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
11問:神的護理之工是什麼?
Q11:
What are God’s works of providence?
答:神的護理之工,就是以祂至極的聖潔、智慧、權能,保護管理衪所造的萬物,和他們一切的動作。
A11:
God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and
governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
12問:當神造人的時候,神向人施行的特別護理作為是什麼?
Q12:
What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate
wherein he was created?
答:當神造人之後,祂與人立了生命之約-------以完全順服為條件-------以死亡的痛苦為刑罰,禁止人吃分別善惡樹的果子。
A12:
When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon
condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.
13問:我們的始祖持續在他們受造的狀態中嗎?
Q13:
Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
答:我們的始祖因其自由意志,選擇犯罪得罪神,就從當初受造的狀態中墮落了。
A13:
Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the
estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
14問:罪是什麼?
Q14:
What is sin?
答:凡不遵守或違背神的律法的,都是罪。
A14:
Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
15問:我們的始祖犯了什麼罪,使他們從當初受造的狀態中墮落了?
Q15:
What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they
were created?
答:我們的始祖吃了禁果,使他們從當初受造的狀態中墮落了。
A15:
The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were
created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
16問:全人類都在亞當初次犯罪中墮落了嗎?
Q16:
Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
答:神和亞當所立的聖約,不單是為他自己,也是為了他的後裔:全人類都是按常例傳宗接代,由亞當而來,在亞當裏犯了罪,在他初次犯罪中與他一同墮落了。A16: The covenant
being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind,
descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him,
in his first transgression.
17問:墮落使人類陷入什麼狀態中?
Q17:
Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
答:墮落使人類陷入罪惡和悲慘的狀態中。
A17:
The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
18問:人墮落的狀態中,其罪惡有哪些?
Q18:
Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
答:人墮落的狀態中,其罪惡有:一、亞當初犯的罪咎、原有仁義的喪失、人性全面的敗壞(通常稱為「原罪」);二、人從罪性所發出的一切過犯。
A18:
The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of
Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his
whole nature, which is commonly called Original Sin; together with all actual
transgressions which proceed from it.
19問:人墮落的狀態中,其悲慘是什麼?
Q19:
What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
答:全人類由於墮落,喪失了與神的交通,落在神的忿怒和咒詛之下,所以應受今生一切的愁苦、死亡,以及地獄永遠的痛苦。
A19:
All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and
curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to
the pains of hell for ever.
20問:神任憑全人類都在罪惡和悲慘狀況中沈淪嗎?
Q20.
Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
答:神全然根據自己的美意,在萬古之先,揀選了一些人得永生,就設立了恩典之約,要藉著一位救贖主,拯救他們脫離罪惡和愁苦,進入蒙拯救的狀況。
A20.
God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to
everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of
the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by
a Redeemer.
21問:神選民的救贖主是誰?
Q21:
Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
答:神選民惟一的救贖主是主耶穌基督,祂從永遠就是神的兒子,降世為人,此後具有可識別的神人二性,是一位格,直到永遠。
A21:
The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the
eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man
in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
22問:基督是神的兒子,祂是如何成為人?
Q22:
How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
答:神的兒子基督成為人,乃是親自取了真實的身體和理性的靈魂,藉著聖靈的能力,在童貞女馬利亞的腹中感孕,為她所生,但是沒有罪。
A22:
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, and born of her yet without sin.
23問:基督作我們的救贖主,所執行的職分是什麼?
Q23:
What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
答:基督作我們的救贖主,在降卑與升高的境況中,執行先知、祭司、君王的職分。
A23:
Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and
of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
24問:基督如何執行先知的職分?
Q24:
How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
答:基督執行先知的職分,在於藉著衪的道和聖靈,將神的旨意啓示我們,為要叫我們得救。
A24:
Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and
Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
25問:基督如何執行祭司的職分?
Q25:
How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
答:基督執行祭司的職分,在於將衪自己一次獻上為祭,以滿足神的公義,使我們與神和好,並且又為我們不斷地代禱。
A25:
Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a
sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making
continual intercession for us.
26問:基督如何執行君王的職分?
Q26:
How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
答:基督執行君王的職分,在於使我們降服歸向祂,治理保護我們,並且克制得勝祂的和我們的一切仇敵。
A26:
Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and
defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
27問:基督的降卑在哪些方面?
Q.
27. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
答:基督的降卑在於:降生為人,卑微的生在律法之下,忍受今世的苦難、神的震怒,和被咒詛死於十架,又被埋葬,暫時服在死權之下。
A.
Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low
condition,[73] made under the law,[74] undergoing the miseries of this
life,[75] the wrath of God,[76] and the cursed death of the cross;[77] in being
buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.[78]
28問:基督的升高在於哪些方面?
Q.
28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?
答:基督的升高在於:祂第三曰從死𥚃復活,升天,坐在父神的右邊,並在末日來審判世界。
A.
Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third
day,[79] in ascending up into heaven,[80] in sitting at the right hand[81] of
God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.[82]
29問:我們如何領受基督所買贖的救恩?
Q.
29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
答:我們領受基督所買贖的救恩,是藉著祂的聖靈,將救恩有效的實施在我們身上。
A. We
are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual
application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.[83]
30問:聖靈如何將基督賣贖的救恩,實施在我們身上?
Q.
30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
答:聖靈將基督賣贖的救恩,實施在我們身上,是藉著祂在我們心𥚃作成的信心,並且藉此連結我們歸屬基督,這是發生在臨到我們的有效恩召𥚃。
A.
The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith
in us,[84] and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.[85]
31問. 有效的恩召是什么?
Q.
31. What is effectual calling?
答:有效的恩召是上帝的灵所作的工,使我们觉悟自己的罪恶和苦况,光照我们的心使我们认识基督,并更新我们的意志,劝服我们我,使我们能接受在福音中,白白赐给我们的耶稣基督。
A.
Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our
sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ,[86] and
renewing our wills,[87] he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus
Christ,[88] freely offered to us in the gospel.[89]
32問:蒙了有效恩召的人,在今生所領受的恩福有哪些?
Q.
32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
答: 蒙了有效恩召的人,確實得以在今生領受:稱義、得兒女名分、成聖、以及其他他今世與此相伴而來、隨之而來的福分。
A.
They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification,
adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do
either accompany or flow from them.[90]
Q.
33. What is justification?
33問:稱義是什麽?
A.
Justification is an act of God’s free grace,[91] wherein he pardoneth all our
sins,[92] and accepteth us as righteous in His sight,[93] only for the
righteousness of Christ imputed to us,[94] and received by faith alone.[95]
答:稱義是上帝白白恩典的行動,在其中上帝赦免我們一切的罪惡,接納我們在祂面前為義人,這唯獨因基督的義歸算給我們,而我們只是憑信心接受而已。
Q.
34. What is adoption?
得兒女名分是什麽?
A.
Adoption is an act of God’s free grace,a whereby we are received into the
number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.[96]
答:得兒女名分是上帝白白恩典的行動,藉此我們被收納為上帝的兒女,使得我們有權柄,享受上帝兒女的一切特別權益。
Q.
35. What is sanctification?
35問:「成聖」是什麽?
答:「成聖」是上帝白白恩典的工作,藉此我們全人被更新,恢復上帝的形像;並且使我們得能力,愈來愈向罪死,向義活。
A.
Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace,[97] whereby we are renewed in
the whole man after the image of God,[98] and are enabled more and more to die
unto sin, and live unto righteousness.[99]
Q.
36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from
justification, adoption, and sanctification?
36問:在今生與稱義、得兒女名分、成聖相伴而來、隨之而來的恩福,有哪些?
答:在今生與稱義、得兒女名分、成聖相伴而來、隨之而來的恩福,就是確信上帝的愛、良心的平安、在聖靈中喜樂、在恩典中長進、蒙保守恒忍到底。
A.
The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification,
adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love,[100] peace of
conscience,[101] joy in the Holy Ghost,[102] increase of grace,[103] and
perseverance therein to the end.[104]
Q.
37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
37問:信徒離世時,從基督得著什麽恩福?
答:信徒離世時,他們的靈魂就得以完全成聖,立即進入榮耀𥚃;他們的身體仍然是與基督聯合的,就安歇在墳墓𥚃,直到復活的時候。
A.
The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness,[105] and do
immediately pass into glory;[106] and their bodies, being still united in
Christ,[107] do rest in their graves, till the resurrection.[108]
38問: 信徒復活時,從基督得到了什麽恩福?Q. 38. What benefits do
believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
答:在復活之時,信徒在榮耀中復起;並在審判日,當從被主承認並宣判無罪,完全得著一切恩福,全然以上帝為樂,直到水遠。
A. At
the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory,[109] shall be openly
acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment,[110] and made perfectly
blessed in the full enjoying of God[111] to all eternity.[112]
39問:上帝所要人盡的本分是什麽?
Q.
39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?
答:上帝所要人盡的本分,就是順從衪所啓示的旨意。
A.
The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.[113]
40問:上帝起初啓示給人,要人順從的法則是什麽?
Q.
40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
答:上帝起初啓示給人 ,要人順從的法則就是道德律。
A.
The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral
law.[114]
41問:道德律是總括在什麼裏面?
Q.
41. Wherein is the moral law summarily comprehended?
答:道德律是總括在十誡裏面。
A.
The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.[115]
42問:十誡的總剛是什麽?
Q.
42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?
答:十誡的總剛,就是要盡心、盡性、盡意、盡力,愛主我們的神,並且愛鄰舍如同自己。
A.
The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our
heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our
neighbor as ourselves.[116]
43問:十誡的序言是什麽?
Q.
43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?
答:十誡的序言是:「我是耶和華你的神,曾將你從埃及地為奴之家領出來。」
A.
The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God,
which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage.[117]
44問:十誡的序言教導我們什麽?
Q.
44. What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us?
答:十誡的序言教導我們:因為耶和華是主、是我們的神、是我們的救贖主,所以我們應當遵守祂一切的誡命。
A.
The preface to the ten commandments teacheth us, that because God is the Lord,
and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his
commandments.[118]
45問:第一誡命是什麽?
Q.
45. Which is the first commandment?
答:第一誡命是:「除了我以外,你不可有別的神。」A. The first
commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.[119]
46問:第一誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
46. What is required in the first commandment?
答:第一誡命吩咐我們認識上帝,並且承認祂是獨一的真神,是我們的神,因此我們當敬拜祂、榮耀祂。
A.
The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only
true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.[120]
47問:第一誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
47. What is forbidden in the first commandment?
答:第一誡命禁止我們否認真神、或不敬拜榮耀衪為神、為我們的神;也禁止我們將敬拜和榮耀,歸給任何受造之物,因為這是唯獨歸屬於衪的。
A.
The first commandment forbiddeth the denying,[121] or not worshiping and
glorifying, the true God as God,[122] and our God;[123] and the giving of
48問:第一誡命的除了我以外,此話特別教導我們什麽?
Q.
48. What are we specially taught by these words before me in the first
commandment?
答:第一誡命的除了我以外原文:在我面前,這話教導我們:鑒察萬物的上帝,留心註意並十分憎惡另有別神的罪。
A.
These words before me in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth
all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having
any other God.[125]
49問:第二誡命是什麽?
Q.
49. Which is the second commandment?
答:第二誡命是:「不可為自己雕刻偶像,也不可作什麽形像,仿佛上天、下地和地底下, 水中的百物。不可跪拜那些像,也不可事奉它,因為我耶和華你的神,是忌邪的神。恨我的,我必追討他的罪,自父及子,直到三四代;愛我、守我誡命的,我必向他們發慈愛,直到千代。」
A.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing
that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the
water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:
for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
commandments.[126]
50問:第二誡命吩咐我們什麽?
Q.
50. What is required in the second commandment?
答:第二誡命吩咐我們:領受與遵行上帝在聖經中所規定的,一切有關敬虔的崇拜與律例,都要純然、全然的遵守。
A.
The second commandment requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and
entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his
Word.[127]
51問:第二誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
51. What is forbidden in the second commandment?
答:第二誡命禁止我們用任何形象來敬拜上帝,或用聖經所沒有指定的任何方法來敬拜祂。
A.
The second commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by images,[128] or any
other way not appointed in his Word.[129]
52問:第二誡命所舉出的理由依據是什麽?
Q.
52. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?
答:第二誡命所舉出的理由依據是:上帝在我們身上擁有主權,我們屬於祂,祂熱切要我們以正確方法敬拜祂。
A.
The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God’s sovereignty over us,[130]
his propriety in us,[131] and the zeal he hath to his own worship.[132]
53问:第三诫命是什么?
Q.
53. Which is the third commandment?
答:第三诫命是:「不可妄称耶和华你神的名,因为妄称耶和华名的,耶和华必不以他为无罪。」
A.
The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
54問:第三誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
54. What is required in the third commandment?
答:第三誡命吩咐我們:當存聖潔敬畏的心,使用上帝的名字、稱號、屬性、法則、聖道與工作。
A.
The third commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God’s names,
titles,[134] attributes,[135] ordinances,[136] Word,[137] and works.[138]
55問:第三誡命禁止我們什麽?
Q.
55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?
答:第三誡命禁止我們褻瀆與妄用凡上帝藉以彰顯自己的任何事物。
A.
The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby
God maketh himself known.[139]
56問:第三誡命所舉出的理由依據是什麽?
Q.
56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
答:第三誡命所舉出的理由依據是:雖然違犯此誡命,可能逃避從人來的刑罰,但是主耶和華我們的神,必不容他們逃脫祂公義的審判。
A.
The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of
this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not
suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.[140]
57問:第四誡命是什麽?
Q.
57. Which is the fourth commandment?
答:第四誡命是「要記念安息日,守為聖日。 六日要勞碌,作你一切工作。 但第七日是耶和華你的 神的安息日;這一日,你和你的兒女,你的僕婢和牲畜,以及住在你城裡的寄居者,不可作任何的工。 因為耶和華在六日之內造天、地、海和其中的萬物,第七日就歇息了;所以耶和華賜福安息日,定為聖日。」
A.
The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days
shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of
the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservent, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger
that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord
blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.[141]
58問:第四誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
58. What is required in the fourth commandment?
答:第四誡命吩咐我們:將上帝在聖道中所分別出來的時間,向祂謹守為聖;特別是七日中的一整日,向衪守為聖安息曰。
A.
The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he
hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy
sabbath to himself.[142]
59 問:上帝指定七曰的哪一日,為毎周的安息日?
Q.
59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly sabbath?
答:從世界起始至基督復活,上帝指定一周的第七日,為毎周的安息日;從基督復活起至世界的末了,則是七日的第一日,就是基督徒的安息日。
A.
From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed
the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath;[143] and the first day of
the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the
Christian sabbath.[144]
60問:應當如何遵守安息曰為聖?
Q.
60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?
答:遵守安息曰為聖,當天整日有聖潔的安息,連同其他六曰中,合乎上帝律法的世務、工作和娛樂,也不可做:除了必須的與憐憫的事之外,要將全部時間用在公眾與私下敬拜上帝。
A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting
all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful
on other days;[145] and spending the whole time in the public and private
exercises of God’s worship,[146] except so much as is to be taken up in the
works of necessity and mercy.[147]
61問:第四誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
答:第四誡命禁止我們:忽略或不留心守安息所當盡的本分,閒散或作犯罪的事,或以不必要的思想、言語、行為,從事我們世俗的工作及娛樂,以致褻瀆了此日。
A.
The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission, or careless performance, of the
duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is
in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our
worldly employments or recreations.[148]
62問:第四誡命所舉出的理由依據是什麽?
Q62:
What are the reasons annexed to the Fourth Commandment?
答:第四誡命所舉出的理由依據是:上帝允許我們每週以六日,作自己的工;祂要我們尊重第七日為祂自己的日子;衪自己守安息的榜樣;以及祂賜福與安息日。
A.
The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowing us six days
of the week for our own employments,[149] his challenging a special propriety
in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.[150]
63問:第五誡命是什麽?
Q.
63. Which is the fifth commandment?
答:第五誡命是:「當孝敬父母,使你的日子在耶和華你神所賜你的地上得以長久。」(出廿12)
A.
The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.[151]
64問:第五誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
答:第五誡命吩咐我們:無論是對長輩、晚輩、或平輩,總要按照個人在其所處地位與關系中,維護個人的名譽,克盡個人的職責。
A.
The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the
duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as
superiors, inferiors, or equals.[152]
65問:第五誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
答: 第五誡命禁止我們:忽視或侵犯各人在其地位與關系中的名譽與職責。
A.
The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against,
the honor and duty which belongeth to everyone in their several places and
relations.[153]
66問:第五誡命所舉出的理由依據是什麽?
Q.
66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
答:第五誡命所舉出的理由依據是:上帝應許凡遵守這誡命的人(在使上帝得榮耀、使人得益處的前提下),在世長壽與昌盛。
A.
The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and
prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good) to all
such as keep this commandment.[154]
67問:第六誡命是什麽?
Q.
67. Which is the sixth commandment?
答:第六誡命是:不可殺人。
A.
The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.[155]
68問:第六誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
68. What is required in the sixth commandment?
答:第六誡命吩咐我們:要竭力依法來保全自己及他人的生命。
A.
The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life,
and the life of others.[156]
69問:第六誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
答:第六誡命禁止我們:奪去我們自己的生命,或以不義手段奪取他人生命,或一切導致這種情況發生的事。
A.
The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life
of our neighbor, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.[157]
70问:第七诫命是什么?
Q.
70. Which is the seventh commandment?
答:第七诫命是:「不可姦淫。」
A.
The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.[158]
71問:第七誡吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
71. What is required in the seventh commandment?
答:第七誡吩咐我們:無論存心、說話、行事,都要保守自己與別人的貞潔。
A.
The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our
neighbor’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.[159]
72問:第七誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
72. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
答:第七誡命禁止我們:一切不純潔的意念、言語和行為。
A.
The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and
actions.[160]
73問:第八誡命是什麽?
Q.
73. Which is the eighth commandment?
答:第八誡命是:不可偷盜。
A.
The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.[161]
74問:第八誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
74. What is required in the eighth commandment?
答:第八誡命吩咐我們:以合乎上帝律法的方式,來獲得、增加自己和別人的財富及產業。
A.
The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth
and outward estate of ourselves and others.[162]
75問:第八誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
答:第八誡命禁止我們:以任何不義手段,實際地或可能地,減損自己或他人的財富或產業。
A.
The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our
own, or our neighbor’s wealth or outward estate.[163]
76問:第九誡命是什麽?
Q.
76. Which is the ninth commandment?
答:第九誡命是:「不可作假見證陷害人。」
A.
The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbor.[164]
77問:第九誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
答:第九誡命吩咐我們:人與人相處總要真誠,持守真理:保守自己與鄰舍的名譽:作見證時,更當如此。
A.
The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between
man and man, and of our own and our neighbor’s good name,[165] especially in
witness-bearing.[166]
78問:第九誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
答:第九誡命禁止我們:作任何不合乎真理,損害鄰舍名譽的事。
A.
The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or
injurious to our own, or our neighbor’s, good name.[167]
79問:第十誡命是什麽?
Q.
79. Which is the tenth commandment?
答:第十誡命是「不可貪戀人的房屋,也不可貪戀人的妻子、僕婢、牛驢並他一切所有的。」
A.
The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt
not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his
ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.[168]
80問:第十誡命吩咐我們作什麽?
Q.
80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
答:第十誡命吩咐我們:要對自己的景況全然知足,並以正直、仁愛的心靈,對待我們的鄰居,並他一切所有的。
A.
The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition,[169]
with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor, and all that
is his.[170]
81問:第十誡命禁止我們作什麽?
Q.
81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
答:第十誡命禁止我們:對自己的景況不滿足,對鄰舍的福利嫉妒或心懷不平,對他人所有的任何事物,有非份之想或行為。
A.
The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate,[171]
envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, and all inordinate motions and
affections to anything that is his.[172]
82問:有人能完全遵守上帝的誡命嗎?
Q.
82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
答:自從人類墮落以來,沒有一人能在今生完全遵守上帝的誡命,反倒在思想、言語和行為上,天天違背上帝的誡命。
A. No
mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the
commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.[173]
83問:違背律法的罪,都是同樣邪惡嗎?
Q.
83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
答:有些罪因其本身,或因情節加重,在上帝眼中比其他的罪更加邪惡。
A.
Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more
heinous in the sight of God than others.[174]
84問 每一個罪所當受的刑罰是什麽?
Q. 84.
What doth every sin deserve?
答:毎一個罪,在今世和來生,都當受上帝的震怒和咒詛。
A.
Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is
to come.[175]
85問:為要逃避我們因罪而當受的震怒與咒詛,上帝吩咐我們當作什麽?
Q.
85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to
us for sin?
答:為要我們逃避因罪而當受的震恕與刑罰,上帝吩咐我們當信耶穌基督-------悔改得生命--------並且殷勤使用一切外在的施恩媒介,就是基督藉以傳達救贖思福給我們的謀介。
A. To
escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith
in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life,[176] with the diligent use of all the
outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of
redemption.[177]
86 問:什麽是「相信耶穌基督」?
Q.
86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
答:「相信耶穌基督」乃是拯救的恩典,藉此我們按照福音所見證的,接受基督,並唯獨依靠祂而得救恩。
A.
Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace,[178] whereby we receive and rest upon
him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.[179]
87問:什麽是「悔改得生命」?
Q. 87.
What is repentance unto life?
笞:「悔改得生命」是拯救的恩典,藉此罪人真正覺悟己罪,領悟神在基督𥚃的憐憫,就憂傷恨惡己罪,轉離罪惡歸向上帝,並全心全意竭力順從上帝。
A.
Repentance unto life is a saving grace,[180] whereby a sinner, out of a true
sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,[181] doth,
with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God,[182] with full purpose
of, and endeavor after, new obedience.[183]
88問:基督將救贖恩福傳達給我們,所使用的外在媒介是哪些?
Q.
88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us
the benefits of redemption?
答:基督將救贖恩福傳達給我們,所使用的外在與一般媒介是,祂的定規,特別是聖經、聖禮和禱告,這些都有效的實施在選民身上,使他們得救。
A.
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits
of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer;
all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.[184]
89問:聖道怎樣產生果效,使人得救?
Q.
89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
答:上帝的靈藉著閱讀聖經,特別是傳講聖道,作為有效的媒介,使罪人認罪回轉;並在聖潔與安慰中被建造,使他們藉著相信以致得救。
A.
The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the
Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building
them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.[185]
90問:聖道該如何閱讀與聆聽,才會產生果效,使人得救?
Q.
90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to
salvation?
答:為了使聖道產生得救的果效,我們必須以殷勤、預備、禱告的心來學習;以信心和愛心來領受,存記在我們心中,實行在日常生活𥚃。
A.
That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with
diligence, preparation, and prayer;[186] receive it with faith and love, lay it
up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.[187]
91問:聖禮怎樣成為有效的救恩媒介?
Q.
91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
答:聖禮成功有效的救恩媒介,不是因為聖禮本身有功效,也不是施行著的能力,而是唯獨藉著基督所賜的恩福,和祂的靈運行,在那些以「相信」領受聖禮的人心中。
A. The
sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or
in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the
working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.[188]
92問:聖禮是什麼?
Q.
92. What is a sacrament?
答:聖禮是基督所設立的神聖禮儀,在其中可以感受到到具有的記號,將基督和新約的恩福,表明、印證、實施在信徒身上。
A. A
sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ;[189] wherein, by sensible
signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed,
and applied to believers.[190]
93問:新約的聖禮有哪些?
Q.
93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?
答:新約的聖禮有:洗禮和主的晚餐。
A.
The sacraments of the New Testament are, baptism,[191] and the Lord’s
Supper.[192]
94問:洗禮是什麽?
Q.
94. What is baptism?
答:洗禮是聖禮,在其中奉父、子、聖靈的名,以水施洗,確實表明且印證我們與基督連結,領受恩約的福氣,並且我們歸屬於主。
A.
Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,[193] doth signify and seal our
ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace,
and our engagement to be the Lord’s.[194]
95問:洗禮當向誰施行?
Q.
95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?
答:洗禮不可施行於任何有形教會以外的人,必須等到他們公開認信基督,並且順服祂,才給他們施洗;然而有形教會會員之嬰孩,都應受洗。
A.
Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church,
till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him;[195] but the
infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.[196]
96問:主的晚餐是什麼?
Q.
96. What is the Lord’s Supper?
答:主的晚餐是聖禮,是照著基督所規定的,分發與領受餅和杯,以表明主的死。按理領受聖餐的人,不憑肉體乃憑信心,領受主的身體與寶血,及祂一切的恩福,使他們的靈命得到養育,在恩典中長進。
A.
The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and
wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth;[197] and
the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith,
made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual
nourishment, and growth in grace.[198]
97問: 應當如何行,才是按理領受主的晚餐?
Q.
97. What is required for the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?
答:按理領受主的晚餐,人必須省察自己;是否凊楚分辨這是主的身體,是否憑信心領受祂為真糧,是否一為主悔改,愛主愛人,重新順服;冕得不按理吃喝,就是自取審判。
A. It
is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they
examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their
faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest,
coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.[199]
98 問:禱告是什麽?
Q.
98. What is prayer?
答:禱告是奉基督的名,承認我們的眾罪,感謝神諸般的憐憫,來向神獻上我們的心願,並祈求合乎神旨意的事。
A.
Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God,[200] for things agreeable to
his will,[201] in the name of Christ,[202] with confession of our sins,[203]
and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.[204]
99問:祌賜下什麽準則,來教導我們禱告?
Q.
99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?
答:全本聖經就是用來教導我們如何禱告;特別作為禱告準則的,是基督教導門徒的禱告,通稱為「主禱文」。
A.
The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer;[205] but the special
rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples,
commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.[206]
100 問:主禱文的前言,教導我們什麽?
Q.
100. What doth the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?
答:主禱文的前言「我們在天上的父」,教導我們:當以全然聖潔的敬畏與信靠之心,來親近神,如同兒女來到父親面前,相信祂能夠、也樂意幫助我們;並且教導我們要與他人並且為他人禱告。
A.
The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven,
teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence[207] and
confidence,[208] as children to a father,[209] able and ready to help us;[210]
and that we should pray with and for others.[211]
101 問:我們在「主禱文」的第一項祈求中,禱告什麽?
Q.
101. What do we pray for in the first petition?
答:在第一項祈求願人都尊你的名為聖中,我們禱告:求神賜力量給我們和他人,使我們在祂用以顯明自己的一切事上,榮耀祂,並求祂行作萬事,彰顯祂自己的榮耀。
A. In
the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name, we pray that God would
enable us, and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself
known;[212] and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.[213]
102 問:我們在「主禱文」的第二項祈求中,禱告什麽?
Q.
102. What do we pray for in the second petition?
答:在第二項祈求「願你的國降臨」中,我們禱告:撒旦的國度消滅,恩典的國度擴張,使我們和眾人得以進入、並蒙保守在其中;祂榮耀的國度快快來臨。
A. In
the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come, we pray that Satan’s kingdom
may be destroyed;[214] and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced,[215]
ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it;[216] and that the kingdom
of glory may be hastened.[217]
103 問:我們在「主禱文」的第三項祈求中,禱告什麽?
Q.
103. What do we pray for in the third petition?
答:在第三項祈求「願你的旨意行在地上,如同行在天上」中,我們禱告:求神賜恩,使我們能夠、且樂意在凡事上認識、遵從、順服祂的旨意,如同使者在天上所行的一樣。
A. In
the third petition, which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, we
pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and
submit to his will in all things,[218] as the angels do in heaven.[219]
Q.
104. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
104問:我們在「主禱文」的第四項祈求中,禱告什麽?
答:在第四項祈求「我們日用的飲食,今日賜給我們」中,我們禱告:求神賜下祂白白的恩典,使我們豐富領受今生所需的美善事物,享受祂的恩福。
A. In
the fourth petition, which is, Give us this day our daily bread, we pray that
of God’s free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of
this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.[220]
105問:我們在「主禱文」的第五項祈求中,禱告什麽?
Q.
105. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?
答:在第五項祈求「免我們我們的債,如同我們免了人的債」中,我們禱告:求神因基督的緣故,白白赦免我們一切的罪。我們大受激勵而如此祈求,因為我們蒙了神的恩典,才能從心𥚃饒恕人。
A. In
the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors, we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our
sins;[221] which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we
are enabled from the heart to forgive others.[222]
106問:我們在「主禱文」的第六項祈求中,禱告什麽?
Q.
106. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
答:在第六項祈求「不叫我們遇見試探,救我們脫離兇惡」中,我們禱告:求神保守我們不受試探而犯罪,或在我們受試探時,扶助並拯救我們。
A. In
the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil, we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to
sin,[223] or support and deliver us when we are tempted.[224]
107問:「主禱文」的結語,教導我們什麽?
Q.
107. What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?
答:主禱文的結語「因為國度、權柄、榮耀,全是袮的,直到永遠,阿們!」 教導我們:唯獨從神得著激勵來禱告,並且在禱告中讚美祂,將國度、權柄、榮耀都歸於祂。最後,我們說「阿們」,是要見證我們的心願,並確信我們的禱告蒙垂聽。A. The conclusion
of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, forever. Amen, teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from
God only,[225] and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and
glory to him;[226] and, in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard,
we say, Amen.[227]