In 1562, Elector Fredrick III of Palatinate (think modern day Germany) ordered the preparation of a new catechism for his territory. This new catechism would serve three purposes: (1) a tool for teaching children, (2) a guide for preachers, (3) and for confessional unity among the Protestant factions in the Palatinate. Frederick wanted a unifying catechism that avoided theological labels and was plainly rooted in the texts of Scripture. He commissioned a team of theological professors and ministers to draft a new catechism. Although it was a team effort, there is little doubt the chief author was Zacharias Ursinus.The Heidelberg Catechism reflects Ursinus's theological convictions and his warm irenic spirit. It was written in a weekly form with 52 Lord's Days to be studied on the Sabbath. Each Lord's Day has a section of questions and answers with the Biblical texts for reference. The truths in the pages of the catechism are timeless. Although the week that deals with infant baptism is controversial among different church backgrounds, the remainder of the document holds Biblical truths are are rich in Christian heritage and tradition. I pray that as I write about each of the Lord's Days, we can follow in the footsteps of these early reformers and "weed out" any beliefs we may hold that aren't Biblical and get back to Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura). This is a spiritual journey that I have been taking and pray that all that follow my blog may join me on this journey. Without any further explanation, lets take our first step on this journey!
Lord's Day 1
Q & A 1
Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A: That I am not my own,1 but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—2to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.3 He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,4 and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.5 He also watches over me in such a way6that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven;7 in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.8
without the will of my Father in heaven;7 in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.8
Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life9 and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.10
1 1 Cor. 6:19-20
2 Rom. 14:7-9
3 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14
4 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:2
5 John 8:34-36; Heb. 2:14-15; 1 John 3:1-11
6 John 6:39-40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:5
7 Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18
8 Rom. 8:28
9 Rom. 8:15-16; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14
10 Rom. 8:1-17
2 Rom. 14:7-9
3 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14
4 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:2
5 John 8:34-36; Heb. 2:14-15; 1 John 3:1-11
6 John 6:39-40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:5
7 Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18
8 Rom. 8:28
9 Rom. 8:15-16; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14
10 Rom. 8:1-17
Q & A 2
Q. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
A. Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are;1 second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery;2 third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.3
1 Rom. 3:9-10; 1 John 1:10
2 John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43
3 Matt. 5:16; Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:8-10; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:9-10
2 John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43
3 Matt. 5:16; Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:8-10; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:9-10
That first question is HUGE! If it would have asked, "What brings you comfort in this life?", I could have responded with several different things. A warm blanket on a cold winter night. A hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Having all my family at home at night. There are several things that make me comfortable in this life. This, however, is not what this question is asking. It is asking something so much deeper. It asks, "What is your ONLY comfort in life and in death?". That question gets to the root of our faith doesn't it? Our only comfort should be knowing that we are not our own, but we belong to our creator!
The second question and answer give us a few things we must know to live in this comfort. We must know and understand how great our depravity really is. We must know that God has set us free from this depravity. Finally, we must know that it is only God that can deliver us from such misery and we are to thank Him for doing so! Read through these scriptures and meditate on them this week.
Father, help us walk in the comfort of knowing you and the power of your salvation in our lives. In the midst of turmoil and strife, help us to know this level of deep comfort and joy in You. In Jesus name, Amen!
