---
title: "Question 56: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment? | Westminster Shorter Catechism"
description: "Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 56: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment? The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men,"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-56-what-is-the-reason-annexed-to-the-third-commandment/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=165"
---

# Question 56: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment? | Westminster Shorter Catechism

The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.

Scripture proofs: 1 Sam. 2:12, 17, 22, 29; 1 Sam. 3:13; Deut. 28:58-59.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=165)

## Related reading

- [What does “Reformed” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-reformed/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-19-law-of-god/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 39: What is the duty which God requireth of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-39-what-is-the-duty-which-god-requireth-of-man/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 91: What is the duty which God requireth of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-91-what-is-the-duty-which-god-requireth-of-man/)
- [Question 55](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-55-what-is-forbidden-in-the-third-commandment/)
- [Question 57](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-57-which-is-the-fourth-commandment/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-56-what-is-the-reason-annexed-to-the-third-commandment/