An Exposition of the Assembly's
Shorter Catechism

by

John Flavel

Q32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
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.

Q. 1. Are all that be effectually called, justified?
A. Yes; God justifies all, and every soul that obeys and answers his call; Romans 8:30. Whom be called, them lie also justified.

Q. 2. What other benefits have the called in this life?
A. They are all the adopted children of God; Ephesians 1:5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ, unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Q. 3. Are those all the benefits the called receive?
A. No; they are not only justified and adopted, but also sanctified; 1 Corinthians 1:30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Q. 4. Do these three blessings come singly to the called?
A. No; they are all accompanied with multitudes of other blessings flowing from them; Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places in Christ.

Q. 5. What are the mercies flowing from justification?
A. They are great and manifold; Romans 5:1-5. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Q. 6. What are the benefits flowing from adoption?
A. Free access to God; Ephesians 3:12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. And a title to heaven; Romans 8:17. If children, then heirs.

Q. 7. What blessings accompany sanctification?
A. Union with Christ; Hebrews 11. For both he that sanctifleth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one. And right to the inheritance; Acts 20:32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Q. 8. What is the first lesson from hence?
A. That they are enemies to their own souls, who obey not the gospel call; 2 Thessalonians 1:8. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. 9. What is the second lesson from hence?
A. That the estate of believers abounds with spiritual privileges; 1 Corinthians 3:22-23. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

Q. 10. What is the third lesson from hence?
A. That all the believer’s privileges are not in hope, but some in hand; 1 John 3:1. Behold what manner of love the Father bath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.

Q. 11. What is the fourth lesson from hence?
A. The greatest sufferers for Christ have no reason to repent their call; Romans 8:18. For I reckon, that the sufferings of this presen. time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.

Q. 12. What is the last lesson from hence?
A. That we have infinite reason to bless God for the gospel, by which we are called; 2 Thessalonians 2:14. Whereunto he called you by our gospel.