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

by Thomas Vincent

XLVIII. Ques. What are we especially taught by these word, "Before me," in the first commandment ?
Ans. These words, "Before me," in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of; and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other god.

Q. 1. How doth it appear that God seeth all things?
A. It doth appear that God seeth all things, because God is everywhere present, and is infinite in understanding. "Can any hide himself in secret places, that I shall not see him? saith the Lord: do not I fill heaven and earth ?" — Jer. 23:24. "His understanding is infinite."— Ps. 147:5.

Q. 2. Why doth God take such notice of, and is so displeased with, the sin of having any other god?
A. Because the sin of having any other god is a great affront to the holy and jealous eye of God, who will not give his glory to another. "If we have stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out?" — Ps. 44:20-21. "I am the Lord; that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another neither my praise to graven images."— Isa. 42:8.