A Commentary on the Baptist Catechism

Jim Orrick has always had an astounding ability to plumb profound theological depths and present them with beautiful clarity and lasting impact. That has never been more evident than in his commentary on the Baptist catechism. The faithful explanation of each phrase in this proven instrument of discipleship will be an invaluable resource to students, pastors, and families who use the catechism as a tool for learning, training, or devotion. Readers will be especially blessed to see how he applies the catechism’s expression of biblical truth to contemporary issues. What a marvelous blend of theology, history, and doxology!

Charles Spurgeon said of John Bunyan, “Prick him anywhere—his blood is Bibline, the very essence of the Bible flows from him.” I can justly say, “Prick Orrick anywhere; his blood is bibline.” Bible verses—fitly chosen for glorious subjects—flow from the pen of the author abundantly, naturally, and fittingly as he gives exposition to the economic answers that constitute the Baptist Catechism. Jim also understands how rightly to use simple vocabulary, transparent syntax, apt analogy, and memorable illustration in service of truth [right now, I am thinking about the difference between a dead snake and a living snake!] His commentary elucidates the depth of meaning contained in the Catechism so that the overall coherence and rich fullness of this historic document serves as trustworthy guide to biblical understanding and transformation of life through the renewing of the mind. Elders and other teachers in each local church should read this book and use it to teach the Baptist Catechism to the whole congregation, not just children and young people.

Jim Orrick has provided a fantastic resource for the church. A thorough knowledge of sound doctrine is the foundation upon which believers grow in faith, hope, and love to God and men. Orrick explains the catechism accurately according to Scripture, making this resource a valuable tool for use in family worship, Sunday school classes, and discipleship classes. Catechisms are a time-tested method of instruction in biblical orthodoxy for children, new converts, and for all Christians who would benefit from being refreshed in the essential teachings of the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. I am very thankful for this important work and hope it gets a wide reading.

Like Orrick, I was introduced to the Baptist Catechism by Thomas Nettles. Since then, there’s not been a sermon I’ve preached that hasn’t been informed by the Catechism. It has also shaped how I disciple. In fact, I don’t know of a greater discipleship tool. In this regard, for fifteen years, I watched my colleague Orrick disciple countless students with the Catechism. Now, for the first time, a commentary on the Catechism has been written. Orrick was the one to write it. I couldn’t be more excited about it. It offers explanation (along with illustrations and applications) for all 114 questions and answers to the Catechism. It is written for pastors, teachers, fathers leading family worship, and all Christians. And its written by someone who has invested his life mastering the material and being mastered by it. This is a resource I will use for the rest of my ministry.

We are living in an exciting age when many are rediscovering historic documents of the Christian faith such as the Baptist Catechism. Jim Scott Orrick has already made a significant contribution by creatively employing music to bring the wisdom of the Baptist Catechism to a wider audience, enabling families to engage with its teachings in a memorable way. I hope that many more will make use of this valuable exposition as Orrick explains the biblical and theological background of each of the questions and answers. Fathers would especially do well to utilize this work as they seek to incorporate the tool of catechesis into family worship. I hope many fathers bless their children by making full use of this wonderful resource.

My long-time friend and ministry colleague, Jim Scott Orrick, has made another rich contribution to our Baptist tradition with this unique commentary on the Baptist Catechism. With his typical expressions of Scriptural wisdom and homespun wit, he has made learning the precious truths of our Faith both edifying and entertaining (in the true sense of the word and a Godly sort of way). His method of explaining, expounding, expanding, and illustrating every phrase of every answer to every question will hook your interest and, like a ‘sherpa,’ lead you into a clearer understanding of what we believe, a deeper appreciation for it, and a firmer resolution to live it out. If the Catechism was a sporting event, Orrick would be the play-by-play announcer, color commentator, and ‘breaking it down’ analyst all in one voice. And his manner of speaking and writing is “popular” in the sense of being accessible and acceptable to the masses—both the scholar and the layman, the mature and the novice, “from the least of these to the greatest.” As Mark exclaimed about Jesus’s commentary, you will say also of Orrick’s, “And the common people heard him gladly.” This is a book, not only for doctrinal learning, but also an invaluable resource for personal growth in grace, use in family worship, church and group studies, counseling, and a user’s guide for practicing what we believe.