I remember somebody telling me, if you want to define justification, it's just as if I'd never sinned, justified, right?

And I remember thinking, that's quite clever.

And then thinking, but it's not clever enough.

But many Christians think that's what justification is, means your sins are forgiven.

And it does mean that. But if that were all justification is, means your sins are forgiven, and it does mean that. But if that were

all justification meant, then in a way you're back with Adam in the Garden of Eden. It's as though

God is giving you a second chance to keep what the Westminster Assembly calls the covenant of works.

You're on your own, pal. And so I think it's so helpful

that the Westminster Confession and the catechisms emphasize that, yes, on the one hand, it's the

pardon of your sins, but it's also you are now accounted righteous in Christ for Christ's sake.

That was part of Sinclair Ferguson's answer when I asked him if he had a favorite question

from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and he selected a question on justification. Have you read the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and he selected a question on justification.

Have you read the Westminster Shorter Catechism or used a Catechism before?

That will be our topic today on this special edition of Renewing Your Mind.

Well, I am glad that you're joining us today because just before Ligonier's first ever conference

in Southeast Asia earlier this year, I was able to sit down with Sinclair Ferguson, the vice

chairman of Ligeneer Ministries, and one of our teaching fellows, to help introduce us to

both the brilliance and the beauty of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Why?

Because this year, we have published a newly typeset and designed edition of this enduring catechism.

It remains a valuable tool for every generation.

And if you'd like a copy, we'll send you one when you donate before midnight tonight

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