Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 90 of 107
How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
A.That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 90. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching at my doors day by day, waiting beside my doorway. (NET)
- 1 Peter 2:1-2
1So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, (NET)
- Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law. (NET)
- Hebrews 4:2
For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in with those who heard it in faith. (NET)
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10
and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved. (NET)
- Psalm 119:11
In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you. (NET)
- Luke 8:15
But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after hearing the word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance. (NET)
- James 1:25
But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
For the word to do us good, we must come to it with diligence, preparation and prayer. We must receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives. The answer shows what to do before, during and after hearing God's Word.
What can we ask our children?
- How can we prepare for church on Sunday?
- What does it mean to lay up God's Word in our hearts?
- What is one thing from the Bible you can practice this week?
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.
- Memory card for question 90 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 90 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 81 to 90
- Copywork for questions 81 to 90
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
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.