The Benefits of Catechisms

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  (Rom 12:2)

​As a young believer, one of the ways I learned a tremendous amount about God and the Bible was through the reading of historical confessions of faith, such as the 1611 and 1689 London Baptist Confessions of Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith.  I also learned a great deal through the reading of historic catechisms such as the Westminster and Heidelberg catechisms.  One of those I was very blessed by was a Baptist catechism compiled by the 19th century British preacher, Charles Spurgeon.  And in light of the past five Daily Thoughts, I thought I would share my experience with all of you and every day, over the next eighty-two days, take us through each question of Spurgeon’s catechism.  I was greatly blessed the first time I went though it.  I am sure I will be doubly blessed going through it again. If you are not familiar with reading catechisms, you can download Charles Spurgeon’s here.  Many Christians tend to shy away from catechisms, believing they’re a hangover from Roman Catholicism.  But throughout Church history catechisms and catechizing have been used to teach not only children but adults as well.  The word "catechize" simply means to instruct systematically, especially through questions, answers, and explanations.  And scripture makes clear that sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit transforms our minds first, which then leads to a transformation of character.  In Romans 12:2 scripture says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Sanctification occurs by first having our minds informed, and then the Holy Spirit does the rest.  Thus, I hope you will join me in being transformed by the renewal of our minds through the word of God.