The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson

Episode: Question & Answer 22
Date: November 3, 2025
Hosted by Ligonier Ministries

Main Theme

This episode centers on Question 22 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
"How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?"
Sinclair Ferguson offers a brief but profound reflection on the doctrine of the incarnation—how Jesus Christ, fully God, became fully human, and what that means for Christians both doctrinally and devotionally.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Wording of the Catechism Answer

• Recitation of Answer (00:01):
  "Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin."
  • The catechism’s answer is read, establishing the biblical and theological basis for the episode.

2. Two Natures, One Person

• Doctrine of Christ’s Personhood:
  • Jesus is fully God and fully man—He possesses a "true body and a reasonable soul."
  • This affirms the real humanity of Christ, countering early church heresies that denied either His divinity or humanity.

3. The Miracle of the Incarnation

• Conception by the Holy Spirit:
  • Jesus was not conceived by ordinary means, but "by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary."
  • This highlights the supernatural aspect and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

4. The Sinlessness of Christ

• "Yet without Sin":
  • Uniquely, Jesus is born without sin, which is essential to His role as Savior.

5. Implications for Discipleship and Teaching

• Foundational Truth:
  • Understanding the basics of who Christ is (the "milk and meat" of doctrine) is needed before delving into deeper theological matters.
  • This has direct implications for pastoral care, teaching, and raising children in the faith.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sinclair Ferguson (reading the Catechism, 00:01):
  "Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin."

  • Captures the theological depth in a single sentence.

• Sinclair Ferguson (paraphrased commentary):
  "Before Christians can feast on the 'solid food' of doctrine, we must be nourished with the basics—the truth of Christ’s incarnation is the foundation upon which everything else is built."

  • Emphasizes spiritual progression and the significance of basic truths.

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 — Recitation of Question 22 and its answer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism
• 00:20–end — Discussion of each aspect of the answer: Jesus’ full humanity, His divinity, miraculous conception, sinlessness, and the importance of teaching others these truths

Tone and Closing

The episode maintains a warm, instructive, and reverent tone. Sinclair Ferguson speaks as a gentle pastor, making profound truths accessible and practical for listeners—whether they are new believers or seasoned teachers.

Summary Takeaway

Sinclair Ferguson’s brief exposition of Question 22 shows that understanding Christ’s incarnation is foundational not only for personal faith but also for discipleship within the church and family. As he reminds listeners, digesting these core biblical truths equips Christians to grow and to help others "enjoy the rich doctrines of Scripture."