Westminster Shorter Catechism — Question 3

November 25th, 2025
by Derek Cozine

WSC Question 3 — What do the Scriptures principally teach?

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Teaching Our Children What Scripture Teaches Us

Parents often feel overwhelmed when they think about teaching the Bible that is 66 books filled with centuries of history across dozens of genres spread over 1,000 pages of content with hard passages and deep doctrines… How do we begin?

The Westminster Shorter Catechism gives us a wonderfully simple doorway into the whole Bible: Scripture teaches two great things: what we are to believe about God and what God requires of us.

This is not just a helpful summary but also is a lifeline for parents trying to shepherd their children. The Bible is not merely a collection of stories, moral lessons, or inspirational thoughts. It is God revealing Himself to us and forming His covenant people.

Let’s walk through what that means for families seeking to grow in grace and raise their kids up in the covenant.

1. Scripture Teaches What We Are to Believe Concerning God

Doctrine: Who God Is, What He Has Done, What He Promises

In the opening verse “In the beginning, God…” (Gen. 1:1) the Bible begins by introducing God, not humanity. The Scriptures are first about Him, not us.

What this part of Scripture includes:

God’s character (holy, just, merciful, unchanging) – Ex. 34:6–7; Ps. 145:8–9; Jas. 1:17
God’s works in creation and providence – Gen. 1–2; Ps. 104; Matt. 10:29–31
God’s plan of redemption accomplished in Christ – Eph. 1:7–10; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8
God’s covenant promises to His people – Gen. 17:7; Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:6–12

Scripture is not simply teaching us to believe there is a God, but to believe rightly about Him.

Parents cannot pass on faith in a God they do not know. So the Bible’s first great purpose is to show us the God who made us, loves us, redeems us, and calls us to Himself.

For our children, this matters immensely. Kids naturally form ideas about God from experience, imagination, culture, or fear. Scripture corrects those ideas by giving them a clear, stable picture of the true and living God.

2. Scripture Teaches the Duty God Requires of Man

Obedience: How We Are to Live as His People

After revealing Himself, God reveals how His people are to respond. This includes:

The moral law summarized in the Ten Commandments – Ex. 20:1–17; Mic. 6:8
Commands to love God and neighbor – Matt. 22:37–40
Instructions for worship – John 4:24; Heb. 10:24–25
The call to repentance and faith – Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21
The way of Christian living – Rom. 12; Gal. 5:22–23; Eph. 4–5

This is not salvation by works. PCA theology is clear: We obey because we belong to God, not to earn belonging. Grace comes first and our duties flow from grace given to us by God.

Children must understand this distinction early:
God doesn’t love us because we obey.
We obey because God already loves us in Christ.

3. Why This Division Matters for Families

A. It keeps our teaching balanced
Some parents drift toward all doctrine (truth but no application) while others drift toward all duty (rules without relationship). Scripture holds both together beautifully.

B. It helps kids understand the Bible’s big story
The Bible isn’t random. It flows from who God is to what God has done to how we are to live.

C. It keeps the gospel central
Duty cannot save. Doctrine reveals the Savior.
The catechism’s order protects us from moralism and anchors us in Christ.

D. It gives parents a simple teaching framework
Whatever passage you’re reading with your kids, ask two questions:

1. What does this teach about God?

2. What does this teach about how we should live?

This makes any family Bible time both accessible and rich.

4. Scripture Proofs

Doctrine:
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is… profitable for teaching…”
- John 20:31 – “These are written so that you may believe…”

Duty:
- Micah 6:8 – “What does the LORD require of you…?”
- 2 Timothy 3:17 – “…that the man of God may be complete.”

These two verses from 2 Timothy 3 tie doctrine and duty together perfectly.

Age-Tiered Discussion Questions for Families

Ages 3–6 (Simple & Concrete)
Who wrote the Bible? (God!)
What does the Bible tell us about God?
What is something God wants us to do?
Can we obey God on our own, or do we need Jesus to help us?

Ages 7–10 (Growing Understanding)
What are some things the Bible teaches us to believe about God’s character?
Why do you think God gives us commandments?
How can knowing who God is help us obey Him?
What’s one way you can obey God this week at home or school?

Ages 11–13 (Early Reasoning)
Why does the catechism divide Scripture into doctrine and duty?
What happens when Christians focus only on rules without knowing God?
Why is it important that doctrine (belief) comes before duty (obedience)?
How do God’s commands show us our need for Christ?

Ages 14–18 (Deeper Reflection)
How does understanding God’s character give shape to Christian ethics?
In what areas of life do you most need the Bible’s guidance right now?
How does Scripture protect you from forming a “God of your own imagination”?
Why is it dangerous to separate faith from obedience—or obedience from faith?

Conclusion

WSC Question 3 reveals a healthy division for us to keep in mind. The Bible is both revelation of God and instruction for us, both grace of God to us and guidance for our ways, both belief in God and obedience to His commands. This simple division is a beautiful gift to parents. By teaching our children who God is and how He calls us to live, we are leading them toward Christ Himself—the One who perfectly reveals God and perfectly obeyed God for our sake.

Posted in Confessions of the Faith - WSC