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    The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Explained, by Way of Question and Answer (1753), Ebenezer Erskine and James Fisher · PDF

    Of GOD’s POWER

    Part First

    1. 1. What is the [power] of God?

      It is that essential perfection of his nature, whereby he can do whatsoever he pleases, in heaven and earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

      Psalm 135:6

      Psalm 135:6

    2. 2. What is the object of divine power, or whereunto doth it extend?

      To all things possible, though limited, by his will, to these things only which he hath decreed to be done.

      Matthew 26:53–54

      Matthew 26:53–54

    3. 3. Is it any impeachment of God’s omnipotence, that he cannot lie, cannot deny himself?

      By no means: for, on the contrary, God is therefore omnipotent, because it is impossible for him to do evil, or depart from the infinite rectitude of his own will: “The strength of Israel will not lie.”

      1 Samuel 15:29

      1 Samuel 15:29

    4. 4. Wherein doth God manifest his infinite power?

      In creation, providence, and redemption.

    5. 5. How is the power of God manifested in creation?

      In calling those things that be not, as though they were, without the assistance and instrumentality of any whosoever.

    6. 6. How is it displayed in the conduct of providence?

      In upholding and preserving all his creatures from sinking into their original nothing; and particularly in protecting and defending his church, in midst of all the dangers and enemies, with which it is surrounded.

    7. 7. How is the power of God illustrated in the glorious work of redemption?

      By laying the chief corner-stone thereof, in the union of the human nature unto the person of the Son of God; supporting him under the inconceivable load of divine wrath, for our sins; and spoiling principalities and powers in that very nature which Satan had vanquished at first: hence is he called, the power of God, the arm of the Lord, and the man of his right hand.

    8. 8. How is the power of God denied or abused by men?

      By limiting it as Israel did; by trusting more to an arm of flesh, than to the arm of God; and by fearing the wrath of man more than the displeasure of God.

    9. 9. What improvement may faith make of the power of a promising God?

      It can fasten thereupon, for the performance of his gracious word; for resisting and conquering sin, Satan, and the world, saying, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” and for the practice of any commanded duty, however difficult, saying, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,”