Fifth Commandment

In this issue of the FGB, The Fifth Commandment, James Durham introduces this subject by a brief discussion of the relationship between the two tables of the Ten Commandments. John Calvin then explains God’s doctrine of authority. Following that, we learn from the Westminster Assembly about the many and diverse duties required by the Fifth Commandment and the surprising list of sins against it. Thomas Watson describes in detail what honoring one’s parents includes. Children’s duties to their parents and God’s promise to faithful children are the focus of William Plumer’s article. In a second article, Thomas Watson takes up the subject of honoring “other” fathers, that is, other authorities in our life. Reformer Pierre Viret describes reasons why it is appropriate to disobey our “fathers.” Then Jonathan Edwards explores the many ways our obedience honors our Heavenly Father. Arthur Pink moves our hearts by describing Jesus keeping the Fifth Commandment while dying in agony on cross. Lastly, Octavius Winslow speaks of the glory of Christ in His submission to parental authority.