The following was taken from a catechism by John Owen. A catechism is a summary of doctrine in the form of questions and answers.
Owen worked diligently for the instruction and benefit of his flock by catechising from house to house. “The Lesser Catechism” was designed for the instruction of children;—“The Greater,” was intended for individuals more advanced in years.
Of the Privileges of Believers (from The Greater Catechism):
Q. 1. What are the privileges of those that thus believe and repent?
A. First, union with Christ; secondly, adoption of children; thirdly, Christian liberty; fourthly, a spiritual, holy right to the seals of the new covenant; fifthly, communion with all saints; sixthly, resurrection of the body unto life eternal.
Q. 2. What is our union with Christ?
A. An holy, spiritual conjunction unto him, as our head, husband, and foundation, whereby we are made partakers of the same Spirit with him, and derive all good things from him.
Q. 3. What is our adoption?
A. Our gracious reception into the family of God, as his children, and co-heirs with Christ.—John 1:12; Rom. 8:15, 17; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5.
Q. 4. How come we to know this?
A. By the especial working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, sealing unto us the promises of God, and raising up our souls to an assured expectation of the promised inheritance.—Rom. 8:15, 17; Eph. 4:30; 1 John 3:1; Rom. 8:19, 23; Tit. 2:13.
Q. 5. What is our Christian liberty?
A. An holy and spiritual freedom from the slavery of sin, the bondage of death and hell, the curse of the law, Jewish ceremonies, and thraldom of conscience, purchased for us by Jesus Christ, and revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
Q. 6. Are we, then, wholly freed from the moral law?
A. Yes, as a covenant, or as it hath any thing in it bringing into bondage,—as the curse, power, dominion, and rigid exaction of obedience; but not as it is a rule of life and holiness.
Q. 7. Are we freed by Christ from the magistrate’s power and human authority?
A. No; being ordained of God, and commanding for him, we owe them all lawful obedience.—Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13-15.
The Works of John Owen: Two Short Catechisms, The Greater Catechism (Chapter 21), Originally published in 1645.
