Catechism for Young Children · Question 103 of 145
Can any man keep these ten commandments perfectly?
A.No mere man, since the fall of Adam, ever did or can keep the ten commandments perfectly.
What does this answer mean?
No mere man since Adam's fall ever did or can keep the ten commandments perfectly. 'Mere man' means an ordinary man. Jesus, who is God and man, kept them perfectly for his people (question 45). This is why we need a Savior, as question 104 says.
What can we ask our children?
- Can anyone keep the ten commandments perfectly?
- What does 'mere man' mean?
- Who kept them perfectly?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 103 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 103 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 101 to 110
- Copywork for questions 101 to 110
- All Catechism for Young Children printables
Text: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism, Presbyterian Board of Publication (copyright entered 1840). Public domain (1840).
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.