An Exposition of the Assembly's
Shorter Catechism

by

John Flavel

Q9. What are the works of Creation?
A. The work of Creation is, God's making all things of nothing, by the word of his Power, in the space of six Days, and all very good.

Q. 1. What is it to create?
A. To create, is to give a Being to that which had no Being; or to bring something out of nothing. Hebrews 11:3. Through Faith we understand that the Worlds are framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear.

Q. 2. How did God create the world?
A. By his infinite Power, executed in his word of Command. Psalm 33:6, 9. By the word of the Lord were the Heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth; for he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Q. 3. What attributes of God shine forth in the Creation?
A. The Wisdom of God shines forth gloriously, not only in their formation, but dependance upon one another, Psalm 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.

Q. 4. What may we learn from the Creation?
A. That God perfectly know all tat is in the Creature, be it never so secret. Psalm 94:8-9. Understand, O ye brutish among the people; and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

Q. 5. What's the second Instruction from Creation?
A. That God is the rightful owner of us all, and may do what he will with us. Romans 9:20. Nay, but O man, who art thou that repliest against God! Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honour, and another to dishonour?

Q. 6. What is the third Instruction from the Creation?
A. That God only is the proper Object of Worship. Jeremiah 10:11. Thus shall he say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens, and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

Q. 7. What is the fourth Instruction from hence?
A. That Christians should not fear the power of Creatures, since they derive their being and Power from God. Isaiah 54:16-17. Behold I have created the Smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy, no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.

Q. 8. What is the fifth Instruction from hence?
A. That Atheism is a sin against natural Light and Reason. Romans 1:20. For 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.

Q. 9. What is the sixth Instruction hence?
A. That God's glory is the end of all Being. Colossians 1:16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by him and for him.

Q. 10. What is the seventh Instruction hence?
A. That there is an unnatural rebellion in sin, smiting at him that made and preserves our Being. Isaiah 1:2. I have nourished and brought up Children, and they have rebelled against me.

Q. 11. What is the eighth Instruction from hence?
A. That God can in a moment revive and save the Church, when at the lowest ebb. Isaiah 65:18. Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Q. 12. What is the last Instruction from hence?
A. That it is easy with God to revive a dejected Soul. Isaiah 57:19. I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal him.