A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q.9. What is the work 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.

1. Did God create the world? Yes: in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, Gen. 1:1. Did he create everything in the world? Yes: for without him was not any thing made that was made, John 1:3. John 12:7-9. Did he create the world by his word? Yes: for through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, Heb. 11:3. Did all things come into being by that word? Yes: for by the word of God the heavens were of old, 2 Pet. 3:5. And are they thereby preserved in being? Yes: by the same word they are kept in store, ver. 7. Did God find any difficulty in making the world? No: for he spake and it was done; he said, Let there be light, and there was light, Ps. 33:9. Gen. 1:3.Did he need assistance in it? No: for he stretcheth forth the heavens alone, and spreadeth abroad the earth by himself, Isa. 44:24.

2. Did he make all out of nothing? Yes: for the things which are seen were not made of the things which do appear, Heb. 11:13. Did he bring light out of darkness? Yes: for God commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 2 Cor. 4:6. And order out of confusion? Yes: for the earth was without form and void, Gen. 1:2. Did he make all in six days? Yes: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, Exod. 20:11. Did God make all well? Yes: God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, Gen. 1:31. Did he make all firm? Yes: he hath made a decree which shall not pass, Ps. 148: 6. And all for himself? Yes: the Lord has made all things for himself, Prov. 16:4.

3.Did God make all things by Jesus Christ? Yes: for by him also he made the worlds, Heb. 1:2. and created all things by Jesus Christ, Eph. 3:9. Col. 1:16. John 1:3. Did God manifest his own perfections in the work of creation? Yes: for the heavens declare the glory of God, Ps. 19:1. Must we give him the glory of this work? Yes: we must worship him that made the heaven and the earth, Rev. 14:7. Must we give him thanks for his creatures? Yes: every creature of God is good, and to be received with thanksgiving, 1 Tim. 4:4. May we be encouraged by the work of creation to trust in God? Yes: My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth, Ps. 121: 2.

4. Did God create the angels? Yes: He maketh his angels spirits, Heb. 1:7. Are they attendants upon him? Yes: thousand thousands minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before him, Dan. 7:10. Are they employed for the good of the saints? Yes: they are sent forth to minister for them which shall be heirs of salvation, Heb. 1:14. Have true believers communion with them in faith, hope, and love? Yes: for we are come to an innumerable company of angels, Heb. 12:22.

5. Did all the angels continue in their integrity? No: there were angels that left their first state, Jude 6. Is it probable that they who fell, fell by pride? Yes: for they that are lifted up with pride, fall into the condemnation of the devil, l Tim. 3:6. Were they punished for their sin? Yes: God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, 2 Pet. 2:4.