The Shorter Catechism
of the Westminster Assembly
Explained and Proved
from Scripture

by Thomas Vincent

CII. Ques. What do we pray for in the second petition?
Ans. In the second petition, (which is, "Thy kingdom come,") we pray, That Satan's kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

Q. 1. What is meant by the kingdom of God, which, in this petition, we are to pray for the coming of?
A. By the kingdom of God, which, in this petition, we are to pray for the coming of, is meant — l. The kingdom of God's grace here in this world. "The kingdom of God is within you."— Luke 17:21. 2. The kingdom of God's glory in the other world. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God ?"— 1 Cor. 6:9.

Q. 2. What do we request, in our praying that God's kingdom of grace may come?
A. We request, in our praying that God's kingdom of grace may come— 1. That the kingdom of Satan, and all the professed enemies of God's kingdom, may be destroyed; and that all the power also of sin in ourselves and others, whereby Satan hath dominion, may be subdued. "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him."— Ps. 68:1. "He that committeth sin is of the devil. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."— 1 John 3:8. 2. In general, that the kingdom of God's grace might be advanced in the world, above all other kingdoms. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it." — Isa. 2:2. 3. In particular, that ourselves and others might be brought into this kingdom of God's grace, by the power and efficacy of God's work and Spirit in our conversion. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you."— 2 Thess. 3:1. "The Gentiles to whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God "— Acts 26:17, 15. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."— Rom. 10:1. 4. That ourselves and others, who are brought already into the kingdom of grace, may be kept in it by strengthening and establishing grace. "The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect3 stablish, strengthen, settle you."— 1 Pet. 5:10.

Q. 3. What do we request in praying that the kingdom of God's glory may come?
A. We request, in our praying that the kingdom of God's glory may come, that his kingdom of glory may be hastened, which will appear and be manifested unto the whole world at the second coming and appearance of the Lord Jesus to judgment. "He which testifieth these things, saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."— Rev. 22:20.