Q. 26. What believest thou when thou sayest “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth?”

Question. What believest thou when thou sayest “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth?”

Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1;3), who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them (Heb. 11;3); who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence (Eph. 1;11); is, for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father (John 20;17); on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but that he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body (1 Pet. 5;7); and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage (Rom. 8;28); for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father (Ps. 103;13).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] Eph. 1;3.—Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.—1 John 4;14.—John 17;1.
• [proof-2] Heb. 11;3.—Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.— Gen. 1;1.—Jer. 32;17.—Acts 4;24.
• [proof-3] Eph. 1;11.—He worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.— Heb. 1;3.—Ps. 148;1-6.—Ps. 103;19.—Neh. 9;6.
• [proof-4] John 20;17.—Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.—1 John 3;1.—Gal. 4;6, 7.—John 1;12.
• [proof-5] 1 Pet. 5;7.—Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.— Matt. 6;26.—Ps. 55;22.—Luke 12;22.—1 Tim. 4;10.
• [proof-6] Rom. 8;28.—And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God.— Heb. 12;9-11.—2 Cor. 4;17.
• [proof-7] Ps. 103;13.—Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.— Matt. 7;11.—Isa. 49;15, 16.—Ps. 115;3.—Ps. 136;5.