(8–10 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss what the Westminster Shorter Catechism says about justification by faith.
(8–10 minutes, easy set-up)
Download the “What is Justification?” PDF. Print a copy for each learner.
Learning Goal: Learners will evaluate how faith in Christ has transformed their lives.
Share that the concept of justification by faithis one that can be difficult to understand. Ask: What have you memorized that has been helpful to you over the years? Explain that through the years, different Christian groups have written and memorized creeds, catechisms, and confessions of faith in order to establish doctrinal conformity. Lead learners to give examples with which they are familiar. (Possible answer: Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Baptist Faith and Message, Heidelberg Catechism) Explain that the Westminster Catechism is a confession of faith agreed upon by English, Scottish, and Irish Protestant Churches in the 1600s that is still used today. Share that there are two versions, one short and one long, that consist of 196 questions and answers. Explain that questions 70–73 address the concept of justification through faith.
Distribute copies of the “What is Justification?” PDF to learners at this time. Divide learners into four groups and assign each group one question. Instruct each group to review their assigned question and response and to prepare to explain the information to the other groups. After two minutes, call for presentations. Then discuss: How might memorization of answers or statements about justification or other biblical topics be personally helpful? (It provides guidance to truth of Scripture, serves as a summary of all that Scripture says about the subject, supports Scripture memorization, assists with understanding and teaching, and serves as a source of comfort and encouragement.) Challenge learners to acquire and read their church’s and their tradition’s doctrinal statements and to memorize the Shorter Catechism Response on the handout.