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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3 of 107

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.

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 3. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

  1. 2 Timothy 1:13

    Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (NET)

  2. 2 Timothy 3:16

    Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (NET)

What does this answer mean?

The Bible covers many subjects, and this answer names its two main lessons. First, it teaches what we are to believe about God. Second, it teaches what duty God requires of us. The catechism follows this same plan: questions 4 to 38 deal mainly with belief about God, and questions 39 onward with the duty God requires.

What can we ask our children?

  1. What are the two main things the Bible teaches?
  2. Can you name one thing the Bible teaches us to believe about God?
  3. Can you name one thing God asks us to do?

Can I print this question?

Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.

Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.

Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.

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