Noah Webster defines catechism as “a form of instruction by means of questions and answers, particularly in the principles of religion” (An American Dictionary of the English Language [New York: S. Converse, 1828]). In this series, I examine Benjamin Keach’s “The Youth’s Catechism,” from his Instructions for Children, to challenge readers to think deeply about their religious convictions. Keach wrote this thorough catechism for children of a mature age.
Part 1 (Natural Revelation Proves that God Exists)
Fa. Come Son, thou art grown up to a mature age; how knowst thou that there is a God?
Son. I know there is a God by his works of creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy works,” Psal. 19.1. Rom. 1.
Benjamin Keach, Instructions for children, 48, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N29515.0001.001/1:6.3?rgn=div2;view=fulltext
In this first question, the father asks his son about his knowledge of God’s existence. The son answers by pointing to the work of Almighty God in creation. Thus, the son makes an argument from natural revelation. All men should believe that God exists because of the beauty surrounding them. Psalm 19:1 states explicitly that creation declares the work of God. Matthew Henry explains,
The heavens so declare the glory of God, and proclaim his wisdom, power, and goodness, that all ungodly men are left without excuse. They speak themselves to be works of God’s hands; for they must have a Creator who is eternal, infinitely wise, powerful, and good.
Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/19-1.htm
Similarly, by the Holy Spirit’s leading, Paul writes that “the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, KJV). Creation reveals that there is a God, and man is responsible for rejecting the Almighty.
If man should know that God exists, then why does he reject the Creator? Paul answers this question clearly in Romans 1:21–25.
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Romans 1:21–25, KJV
Dear readers, I challenge you to examine creation and delight in the Creator.