The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson

Episode: Question & Answer 20
Date: October 30, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Question 20 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?" Dr. Sinclair Ferguson unpacks the catechism’s answer, focusing on the doctrine of God’s sovereign grace and the covenant of grace. The discussion highlights how God, out of His mere good pleasure, chose to deliver some from sin and misery, bringing them into salvation through a Redeemer, and explores what this means for Christian discipleship and teaching.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Predicament: Estate of Sin and Misery

• Opening Recitation (00:02):
  • Dr. Ferguson cites the catechism question and answer verbatim.
  • Question 20: “Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?”
  • Answer: “God, having out of his mere good pleasure from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.”
• This establishes the human condition—without intervention, all would remain lost.

2. God’s Initiative in Salvation

• God did not leave all mankind to perish but, from eternity, elected some to life.

• [00:22] Dr. Ferguson emphasizes that God’s motivation was “out of his mere good pleasure”—not obligation, nor response to anything in people.

  “It wasn’t something that we earned… He did it simply out of His own graciousness and love.” (Dr. Ferguson, 00:24)

3. The Covenant of Grace

• God “did enter into a covenant of grace”—a central biblical theme.
• The covenant of grace is God’s arrangement to redeem sinners through a chosen Mediator, Jesus Christ.
• Dr. Ferguson draws a comparison to a parent making promises to their child, highlighting the initiative and reliability of God’s grace.

4. The Role of the Redeemer

• Salvation comes not just by decree but by a Redeemer who enacts and fulfills this deliverance.
• The episode touches on how the rest of the catechism unfolds the identity and work of the Redeemer.

5. Application: Teaching and Discipling Others

• Dr. Ferguson stresses the importance of helping others "digest the basics" of biblical truth.

• The episode urges listeners, whether pastors, teachers, or parents, to introduce both the foundational and deeper doctrines to lead others toward spiritual maturity.

  “It’s as though the catechism gives us the milk first, but then leads us on to the meat of doctrine, so we can help others grow strong in the Lord.” (Dr. Ferguson, 01:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Ferguson (00:24):

  “It wasn’t something that we earned… He did it simply out of His own graciousness and love.”

• Dr. Ferguson (01:12):

  “It’s as though the catechism gives us the milk first, but then leads us on to the meat of doctrine, so we can help others grow strong in the Lord.”

• Summary of Redemption Plan:

  “God brings people out of sin and misery—He doesn’t leave us there. The whole message of grace is that He comes down to us…” (Paraphrased, 01:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 – Recitation of Question 20 and its answer
• 00:22 – Explanation of God’s good pleasure and election
• 00:35 – Introduction of the covenant of grace
• 01:12 – Application to teaching and discipleship

Conclusion

This concise yet substantial episode explains how, according to the catechism, God’s initiative and grace provide the ground for salvation. Dr. Ferguson encourages listeners to both cherish these truths and help others move from “milk to meat” in their understanding of Scripture. The episode sets the stage for deeper exploration of Christ’s redeeming work in future installments, providing teachers and leaders with the framework to disciple others in the fundamentals and riches of biblical doctrine.