Of the Baptist Catechism
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Question Who is the first and chiefest being?
Answer God is the first and chiefest being. 1
[1] Isaiah 44:6; 48:12; Psalm 97:9

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Is God the first of all beings?
Yes.

I am the first,
Isaiah 44:6

Is he the first cause of all beings?
Yes.

Of whom are all things,
1 Corinthians 8:6

Are all other causes subordinate to the first cause?
Yes.

O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger and the staff in their hands is mine indignation,
Isaiah 10:5

Is God the first in creation?
Yes.

He spake and it was done,
Psalm 33:9

Is he the first in providence?
Yes.

For in him we live, and move, and have our being,
Acts 17:28

Is he the first in government?
Yes.

Thy throne is established of old,
Psalm 93:2

Is he the first in the world of grace?
Yes.

All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself,
2 Corinthians 5:18

Is he first in the displays of his love?
Yes.

We love him because he first loved us,
1 John 4:19

Can we be beforehand with God?
No.

Who hath first given unto him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again,
Romans 11:35


Should God then be first in our thoughts?
Yes.

When I awake I am still with thee,
Psalm 139:18

And first in our esteem?
Yes.

Whom have I in heaven but thee,
Psalm 73:25

Should we first give ourselves unto him?
Yes.

But first gave their own selves unto the Lord,
2 Corinthians 8:5

And should he have the first fruits?
Yes.

My soul desireth the first ripe fruits,
Micah 7:1


Is God the chiefest being?
Yes.

Who is like unto thee, O Lord?
Exodus 15:11

Is he above all pretenders?
Yes.

He is a great King above all gods,
Psalm 95:3

Is he chief in heaven?
Yes.

Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord,
Psalm 89:6

Is he chief on earth?
Yes.

Thou Lord art high above all the earth,
Psalm 97:9

Is he only one of the chief?
No.

For he is the Most High,
Psalm 56:2

And will he ever retain his preeminency?
Yes.

For he is the Most High for evermore,
Psalm 92:8


Should God then be chiefly loved?
Yes.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,
Luke 10:27

And chiefly feared?
Yes.

Rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell,
Matthew 10:28

And are those happy who are interested in him?
Yes.

Happy is that people whose God is the Lord,
Psalm 144:15

From A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism

The Westminster Larger Catechism Copy a link to this section

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Question What is the chief and highest end of man?
Answer Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, 1 and fully to enjoy him forever. 2
[1] Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31
[2] Psalm 73:24–28; John 17:21–23