the geneva catechism 4 (continued)
Yes, certainly. For God does not acknowledge us as His children, except in so far as we are members of His Son.
263. Why do you not call God your God, but call Him our Father together? Each believer may indeed call Him his own Father, but in this formula Jesus Christ instructs us to pray together, to remind us that in our prayers we are to exercise charity towards our neighbours, and not only to care for ourselves.
264. What is meant by the clause "who art in heaven"? It is just the same as if I were to call Him exalted, mighty, incomprehensible.
265. To what end, and for what reason? That when we call upon Him, we may learn to lift our thoughts on high, and not to have any carnal or earthly thoughts of Him, not to measure Him by our apprehension, nor to subject Him to our will, but to adore His glorious Majesty in humility. It teaches us also to have more reliance on Him, since He is Governor and Master of all.
266. Now expound the first petition. The Name of God is His renown, with which He is celebrated among men. We pray then that His glory may be exalted above all, and in all things.
267. Do you think that His glory can increase or decrease? Not in itself. But this means that it may be manifested, as it ought to be, that all the works which God performs may appear glorious, as indeed they are, so that He Himself may be glorified in every way.
268. What do you understand by the Kingdom of God in the second petition? It consists principally of two things: that He leads His own, and governs them by His Spirit, and on the other hand casts down and confounds the reprobate who refuse to subject themselves to His rule, and so makes it clear that there is no power which can resist His power.
269. In what sense do you pray that this Kingdom may come? That day by day the Lord may increase the numbers of the faithful, that day