Published by Dwayne on 29 May 2006 at 04:54 pm
Baptist Catechism: Question 1
Today is the first day of my postings as I blog through the Baptist Catechism on Mondays. Again, I will state that this is primarily for me, but I trust that it will be of some benefit for you as well. Also, I want to mention again that the text that I will be using can be found here. So…….here we go!
Question:Â Who is the first and chiefest being?
Answer: God is the first and chiefest being? (Isaiah 44:6; 48:12; Psalm 97:9)
There are many other good catechisms that I can think of….The Shorter Catechism, The Catechism for Boys and Girls. There are a few good ones out there. But the question upon which the Baptist Catechism begins is but the highest of subjects to be discussed. Granted, it is most excellent to know that our duty is to "glorify God and enjoy Him for ever." However, when one begins with God, one has set himself or herself a sure foundation.Â
The answer to the question, "who is the first and chiefest being?" asserts many things….of which a few I will comment on. First, this answer asserts that God is chief in existence. For Him to be the chiefest of beings means that He does in fact exist and is not, after all, a figment of an imagination. He is not the creation of any man, but He Himself is the Creator of all creation. Nothing existed before Him, for He is more than infinite, He is eternal. In other words, in Him there is no beginning, He simply was, is, and always will be. Everything on this earth will pass away, God will still be here.Â
Second, this answer asserts that God is indeed chief among many. This is especially evident in the story of Abraham. Abram was called out of the land of Ur to follow and worship One God. Today, some follow Buddha, some Mohammed, some Oprah, but God is the first and chiefest being and there is none above Him. He is above all. Indeed, they will all pass away and be found incomplete in the end. God, who has revealed Himself in His Word, is One. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One." He is the only One, He is the chiefest One who can bring us into His presence and deliver us from our sin.
Third, this answer asserts that God is indeed chief among priority. This is merely the logical conclusion of this answer. If the Lord our God is One and He is the only One, then, for those who have trusted in Christ, He must be chiefest in priority in our lives. It is not enough to merely proclaim that He is the first and chiefest being. Our lives must reflect this message that we proclaim.
Who is the first and chiefest being? God is the first and chiefest being!
Father, we confess that you are chiefest in all your attributes. You and you alone are worthy and deserving of all honor, glory, and praise. We ask for forgiveness of our grotesque sins when we offend the chiefest of benigs. When we offend your honor and your name. May we, by Your grace, live a life that proclaims the chiefest news. It is in the matchless name of Jesus Christ we pray…..Amen.
Rick Mansfield on 29 May 2006 at 9:04 pm #
“Chiefest” is an odd word, isn’t it? How old is the Baptist Catechism?
Dwayne on 29 May 2006 at 9:21 pm #
Rick ~ Thanks for stopping by! “Chiefest” is an odd word. While the text that Dr. Nettles and Dr. Orrick uses is from the 1813 Charleston Assoc. However, Dr. Nettles explains in his book that this catechism is much older. Mid 1600s I believe, as far as origination is concerned. Most of my influence and learning on this catechism has come from conversations with Dr. Orrick and reading Dr. Nettles’ introduction to this catechism. His is perhaps the best I have read. Dagg and Boyce both held this catechism in high esteem. You are right in the fact the “chiefest” is an odd word - but I believe that it is an appropriate word nonetheless. Of course, my son when he first learned this question/answer was about 2-2 1/2 and said that God was the first and “cheapest” being!! It took much explaining for his little mind to grasp the concept. While it is certainly not a full understanding, I think he eventually got it! Blessings!
Rick Mansfield on 29 May 2006 at 9:54 pm #
Dwayne, thanks for the history lesson. Maybe you’ll be the one to update the Baptist Catechism for a modern audience.
Tony Kummer on 30 May 2006 at 9:40 am #
Bethlehem Baptist (Piper) publishes a slightly updated version of this catechism. They use the phrase “Who is the first and best of beings?” With my son we used cheifest and tied that to the idea that God is boss - he is in charge.
Great post.
Dwayne on 30 May 2006 at 11:13 am #
Tony ~ I am familiar with Piper’s updated version. I bought everyone in my church a copy as we studied through parts of this catechism on Sunday nights. However, most did not like it as much because it did not follow Dr. Orrick’s cd. I think for them, having the text and the “jingle” helped them to memorize the catechism and recall it for later use. Piper’s update is still good, but I still prefer the 1813 Charleston. Thanks for the comment!
Tony Kummer on 30 May 2006 at 2:45 pm #
Agree. Dr. Orrick CD settled it for me also. His 2 Cds on the Psalms (NKJV) is making it hard to use my ESV on those Psalms I’ve memorized.
BTY: I just fininshed the Nettles book on Catechisms. It is the best Christian Ed. book I have ever read - It far exceeds all the Children’s Ministry books and mags I’ve read. I am amazed how completely churches have give up (and forgotten) the old ways of teaching children. Keep up the good work down in Kentucky!