The Heidelberg Catechism
(1563)
Dennis Bratcher, ed.
The Heidelberg Catechism is named for its city of origin in Germany and
was first published in January 1563. The Catechism along with the
Netherlands Confession and the Canons of Dordt comprise the "Three Forms
of Unity" of the Reformed Tradition. The first edition had only 128
questions. A second edition was published later that same year and added
what is now Question 80 that condemns the "popish mass" as "an accursed
idolatry." The third edition divided the (now) 129 questions into 52
"Lord's Days" so that a section of the Catechism could be taught and
explained each Sunday. This division remains today. Modern adaptations of
the Heidelberg Catechism often include Scripture references where they are
mentioned or alluded to in the answers (these are omitted here). This
version has been slightly edited to update archaic language. –Dennis
Bratcher, ed.
The Heidelberg Catechism
1. LORD'S DAY.
Question 1. What is your only comfort in life and
death?
Answer. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my
own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his
precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from
all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of
my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all
things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy
Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing
and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
Question 2. How many things are necessary for you
to know, that you, enjoying this comfort, may live and die happily?
Answer. Three; the first, how great my sins and miseries are; the
second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries; the third,
how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance.
THE FIRST PART--OF THE MISERY OF
MAN
2. LORD'S DAY.
Question 3. From where comes knowledge of your
misery?
Answer. Out of the law of God.
Question 4. What does the law of God require of
us?
Answer. Christ teaches us that briefly, Matt. 22:37-40, "You shall love
the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all
your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great
commandment; and the second is like unto it, you shall love your neighbor
as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Question 5. Can you keep all these things
perfectly?
Answer. In no way; for I am prone by nature to hate God and my
neighbor.
3. LORD'S DAY.
Question 6. Did God then create humanity so
wicked and perverse?
Answer. By no means; but God created humanity good, and after his own
image, in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God
his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to
glorify and praise him.
Question 7. From where then comes this depravity
of human nature?
Answer. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and
Eve, in Paradise; hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we are all
conceived and born in sin.
Question 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are
wholly incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?
Answer. Indeed we are; except that we are regenerated by the Spirit of
God.
4. LORD'S DAY.
Question 9. Does not God then do injustice to
humanity, by requiring from them in his law, that which he cannot perform?
Answer. Not at all; for God made humanity capable of performing it; but
human beings, by the instigation of the devil, and their own willful
disobedience, deprived themselves and all their posterity of those divine
gifts.
Question 10. Will God allow such disobedience and
rebellion to go unpunished?
Answer. By no means; but is terribly displeased with our original as
well as actual sins; and will punish them in his just judgment temporally
and eternally, and he has declared, "Cursed is every one that does not
continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do
them."
Question 11. Is not God then also merciful?
Answer. God is indeed merciful, but also just; therefore his justice
requires that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God
be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of
body and soul.
THE SECOND PART--OF MAN'S
DELIVERANCE
5. LORD'S DAY.
Question 12. Since then, by the righteous
judgment of God, we deserved temporal and eternal punishment, is there any
way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into
favor?
Answer. God will have his justice satisfied; and therefore we must make
this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.
Question 13. Can we ourselves then make this
satisfaction?
Answer. By no means; but on the contrary we daily increase our debt.
Question 14. Can there be found anywhere, one,
who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
Answer. None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for
the sin which human beings have committed; and further, no mere creature
can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, so as to
deliver others from it.
Question 15. What sort of a mediator and
deliverer then must we seek for?
Answer. For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous; and yet more
powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God.
6. LORD'S DAY.
Question 16. Why must he be very man and also
perfectly righteous?
Answer. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature
that has sinned should likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one, who is
himself a sinner cannot satisfy for others.
Question 17. Why must he in one person be also
very God?
Answer. That he might, by the power of his Godhead sustain in his human
nature the burden of God's wrath; and might obtain for, and restore to us,
righteousness and life.
Question 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in
one person both very God and a real righteous man?
Answer. Our Lord Jesus Christ: "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
Question 19. How do we know this?
Answer. From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in
Paradise; and afterwards published by the patriarchs and prophets, and
represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and lastly,
has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son.
7. LORD'S DAY.
Question 20. Are all men then, as they perished
in Adam, saved by Christ?
Answer. No; only those who are ingrafted into him and receive all his
benefits by a true faith.
Question 21. What is true faith?
Answer. True faith is not only a certain knowledge whereby I hold for
truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also an assured
confidence, which the Holy Spirit works by the gospel in my heart; that
not only the others, but to me also remission of sin, everlasting
righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God merely of grace only
for the sake of Christ's merits.
Question 22. What is then necessary for a
Christian to believe?
Answer. All things promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our
catholic undoubted Christian faith briefly teach us.
Question 23. What are these articles?
Answer.
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried: He
descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the
Father Almighty:
7. From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
11. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. AMEN.
8. LORD'S DAY.
Question 24. How are these articles divided?
Answer. Into three parts; the first is of God the Father, and our
creation; the second of God the Son, and our redemption; the third of God
the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification.
Question 25. Since there is but one only divine
essence, why do you speak of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Answer. Because God has so revealed himself in his word that these
three distinct persons are the one only true and eternal God.
OF GOD THE FATHER
9. LORD'S DAY.
Question 26. What do you believe when you, "I
believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth"?
Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of
nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise
upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for
the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so
entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things
necessary for soul and body: and further, that he will make whatever evils
he sends upon me in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; for he
is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful
Father.
10. LORD'S DAY.
Question 27. What do you mean by the providence
of God?
Answer. The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as
it were by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all
creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren
years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and
all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.
Question 28. What advantage is it to us to know
that God has created and by his providence still upholds all things?
Answer. That we may be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity;
and that in all things that may hereafter befall us we place our firm
trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from
his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will
they cannot so much as move.
OF GOD THE SON
11. LORD'S DAY.
Question 29. Why is the Son of God called Jesus,
that is a Savior?
Answer. Because he saves us, and delivers us from our sins; and
likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any
other.
Question 30. Do those then who seek their
salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else, believe
in Jesus the only Savior?
Answer. They do not; for though they boast of him in words, yet in
deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior; for one of these two
things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior; or that
they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him
necessary to their salvation.
12. LORD'S DAY.
Question 31. Why is he called Christ that is
anointed?
Answer. Because he is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the
Holy Spirit to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, who has fully revealed to
us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption; and to be
our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of his body has redeemed us
and makes continual intercession with the Father for us; and also to be
our eternal King who governs us by his word and Spirit, and who defends
and preserves us in (the enjoyment of) that salvation he has purchased for
us.
Question 32. But why are you called a Christian?
Answer. Because I am a member of Christ by faith, and thus am partaker
of his anointing; that so I may confess his name, and present myself a
living sacrifice of thankfulness to him: and also that with a free and
good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life: and
afterwards reign with him eternally, over all creatures.
13. LORD'S DAY.
Question 33. Why is Christ called the only
begotten Son of God, since we are also the children of God?
Answer. Because Christ alone is the eternal and natural Son of God; but
we are children adopted of God, by grace, for his sake.
Question 34. Why then do we call him our Lord?
Answer. Because he has redeemed us, both soul and body, from all our
sins, not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood, and has
delivered us from all the power of the devil; and thus has made us his own
property.
14. LORD'S DAY.
Question 35. What is the meaning of these
words-"He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary"?
Answer. That God's eternal Son, who is, and continues true and eternal
God, took upon him the very nature of humanity, of the flesh and blood of
the Virgin Mary, by the operation of the Holy Spirit; that he might also
be the true seed of David like his brothers in all things, sin excepted.
Question 36. What profit do you receive by
Christ's holy conception and nativity?
Answer. That he is our Mediator; and with His innocence and perfect
holiness covers in the sight of God, my sins in which I was conceived and
brought forth.
15. LORD'S DAY.
Question 37. What do you understand by the words,
"He suffered"?
Answer. That he, all the time that he lived on earth, but especially at
the end of his life, sustained in body and soul, the wrath of God against
the sins of all mankind: that so by his passion, as the only propitiatory
sacrifice, he might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation,
and obtain for us the favor of God, righteousness and eternal life.
Question 38. Why did he suffer under Pontius
Pilate as judge?
Answer. That he, being innocent, and yet condemned by a temporal judge,
might thereby free us from the severe judgment of God to which we were
exposed.
Question 39. Is there anything more in his being
crucified than if he had died some other death?
Answer. Yes; for by that I am assured that he took on himself the curse
that lay upon me; for the death of the cross was accursed of God.
16. LORD'S DAY.
Question 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to
humble himself even unto death?
Answer. Because with respect to the justice and truth of God,
satisfaction for our sins could not be made in any other way except by the
death of the Son of God.
Question 41. Why was he also "buried"?
Answer. Thereby to prove that he was really dead.
Question 42. Since then Christ died for us, why
must we also die?
Answer. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but only an
abolishing of sin, and a passage into eternal life.
Question 43. What further benefit do we receive
from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
Answer. That by means of it, our old man is crucified, dead and buried
with him; that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign
in us; but that we may offer ourselves unto him a sacrifice of
thanksgiving.
Question 44. Why is there added, "he descended
into hell"?
Answer. That in my greatest temptations, I may be assured, and wholly
comfort myself in this, that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his inexpressible
anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies, in which he was plunged
during all his sufferings, but especially on the cross, has delivered me
from the anguish and torments of hell.
17. LORD'S DAY.
Question 45. What does the resurrection of Christ
profit us?
Answer. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, that he might
make us partakers of that righteousness that he had purchased for us by
his death; secondly, we are also by his power raised up to a new life; and
lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed
resurrection.
18. LORD'S DAY.
Question 46. How do you understand these words,
"he ascended into heaven"?
Answer. That Christ, in sight of his disciples, was taken up from earth
into heaven; and that he continues there for our interest, until he comes
again to judge the living and the dead.
Question 47. Is not Christ then with us even to
the end of the world, as he has promised?
Answer. Christ is very man and very God; with respect to his human
nature, he is no more on earth; but with respect to his Godhead, majesty,
grace and spirit, he is at no time absent from us.
Question 48. But if his human nature is not
present wherever his Godhead is, are not then these two natures in Christ
separated from one another?
Answer. Not at all, for since the Godhead is not limitable and
omnipresent, it must necessarily follow that the same is beyond the limits
of the human nature he assumed, and yet is nevertheless in this human
nature, and remains personally united to it.
Question 49. Of what advantage to us is Christ's
ascension into heaven?
Answer. First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in
heaven; secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that
he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members; thirdly,
that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, by whose power we "seek the
things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God, and
not things on earth."
19. LORD'S DAY.
Question 50. Why is it added, "and sits at the
right hand of God"?
Answer. Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end, that he
might appear as head of his church, by whom the Father governs all things.
Question 51. What profit is this glory of Christ,
our head, unto us?
Answer. First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours our heavenly graces
upon us his members; and then that by his power he defends and preserves
us against all enemies.
Question 52. What comfort is it to you that
"Christ shall come again to judge the living and the dead"?
Answer. That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head I
look for the very same person, who before offered himself for my sake to
the tribunal of God, and has removed all curse from me, to come as judge
from heaven: who shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting
condemnation, but shall translate me with all his chosen ones to himself,
into heavenly joys and glory.
OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
20. LORD'S DAY.
Question 53. What do you believe concerning the
Holy Spirit?
Answer. First, that he is true and co-eternal God with the Father and
the Son; secondly, that he is also given me, to make me by a true faith,
partaker of Christ and all his benefits, that he may comfort me and abide
with me for ever.
21. LORD'S DAY.
Question 54. What do you believe concerning the
"holy catholic church" of Christ?
Answer. That the Son of God from the beginning to the end of the world,
gathers, defends, and preserves to himself by his Spirit and word, out of
the whole human race, a church chosen to everlasting life, agreeing in
true faith; and that I am and for ever shall remain, a living member
thereof.
Question 55. What do you understand by "the
communion of saints"?
Answer. First, that all and every one, who believes, being members of
Christ, are in common, partakers of him, and of all his riches and gifts;
secondly, that every one must know it to be his duty, readily and
cheerfully to employ his gifts, for the advantage and salvation of other
members.
Question 56. What do you believe concerning "the
forgiveness of sins"?
Answer. That God, for the sake of Christ's satisfaction will no more
remember my sins, neither my corrupt nature, against which I have to
struggle all my life long; but will graciously impute to me the
righteousness of Christ; that I may never be condemned before the tribunal
of God.
22. LORD'S DAY.
Question 57. What comfort does the "resurrection
of the body" afford you?
Answer. That not only my soul after this life shall be immediately
taken up to Christ its head; but also, that this my body, being raised by
the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul, and made like unto
the glorious body of Christ.
Question 58. What comfort do you take from the
article of "life everlasting"?
Answer. That since I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy,
after this life, I shall inherit perfect salvation, which "eye has not
seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man" to
conceive, and that, to praise God therein forever.
23. LORD'S DAY.
Question 59. But what does it profit you now that
you believe all this?
Answer. That I am righteous in Christ, before God, and an heir of
eternal life.
Question 60. How are thou righteous before God?
Answer. Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; so that though my
conscience accuse me, that I have grossly transgressed all the
commandments of God, and kept none of them, and am still inclined to all
evil; notwithstanding, God, without any merit of mine, but only of mere
grace, grants and imputes to me, the perfect satisfaction, righteousness
and holiness of Christ; even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any
sin: yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which Christ
has accomplished for me; inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a
believing heart.
Question 61. Why do you say, that you are
righteous by faith only?
Answer. Not that I am acceptable to God, on account of the worthiness
of my faith; but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and
holiness of Christ, is my righteousness before God; and that I cannot
receive and apply the same to myself any other way than by faith only.
24. LORD'S DAY.
Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the
whole, or part of our righteousness before God?
Answer. Because, that the righteousness, which can be approved of
before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, and in all
respects conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best works in
this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.
Question 63. What! Do not our good works merit,
which yet God will reward in this and in a future life?
Answer. This reward is not of merit, but of grace.
Question 64. But does not this doctrine make men
careless and profane?
Answer. By no means: for it is impossible that those, who are implanted
into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of
thankfulness.
OF THE SACRAMENTS
25. LORD'S DAY.
Question 65. Since then we are made partakers of
Christ and all his benefits by faith only, from where doth this faith
proceed?
Answer. From the Holy Spirit, who works faith in our hearts by the
preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.
Question 66. What are the sacraments?
Answer. The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed of
God for this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully declare
and seal to us the promise of the gospel, that is, that he grants us
freely the remission of sin, and life eternal, for the sake of that one
sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross.
Question 67. Are both word and sacraments, then,
ordained and appointed for this end, that they may direct our faith to the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our
salvation?
Answer. Yes, indeed: for the Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel, and
assures us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation depends upon
that one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross.
Question 68. How many sacraments has Christ
instituted in the new covenant, or testament?
Answer. Two: namely, holy baptism, and the holy supper.
OF HOLY BAPTISM
26. LORD'S DAY.
Question 69. How are you admonished and assured
by holy baptism, that the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is of
real advantage to you?
Answer. Thus: That Christ appointed this external washing with water,
adding thereto this promise, that I am as certainly washed by his blood
and Spirit from all the pollution of my soul, that is, form all my sins,
as I am washed externally with water, by which the filthiness of the body
is commonly washed away.
Question 70. What is it to be washed with the
blood and Spirit of Christ?
Answer. It is to receive of God the remission of sins, freely, for the
sake of Christ's blood, which he shed for us by his sacrifice upon the
cross; and also to be renewed by the Holy Spirit, and sanctified to be
members of Christ, that so we may more and more die unto sin, and lead
holy and unblamable lives.
Question 71. Where has Christ promised us, that
he will as certainly wash us by his blood and Spirit, as we are washed
with the water of baptism?
Answer. In the institution of baptism, which is thus expressed: "Go,
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," "he that believes, and is
baptized, shall be saved; but he that does not believe, shall be damned."
This promise is also repeated, where the scripture calls baptism the
washing of regeneration, and the washing away of sins.
27. LORD'S DAY.
Question 72. Is then the external baptism with
water the washing away of sin itself?
Answer. Not at all: for the blood of Jesus Christ only, and the Holy
Spirit cleanse us from all sin.
Question 73. Why then does the Holy Spirit call
baptism "the washing of regeneration," and "the washing away of sins"?
Answer. God speaks thus not without great cause, namely, not only
thereby to teach us, that as the filth of the body is purged away by
water, so our sins are removed by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ;
but especially that by this divine pledge and sign he may assure us, that
we are spiritually cleansed from our sins as really, as we are externally
washed with water.
Question 74. Are infants also to be baptized?
Answer. Yes: for since they, as well as the adult, are included in the
covenant and church of God; and since redemption from sin by the blood of
Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the author of faith, is promised to them no
less than to the adult; they must therefore by baptism, as a sign of the
covenant, be also admitted into the Christian church; and be distinguished
from the children of unbelievers as was done in the old covenant or
testament by circumcision, instead of which baptism is instituted in the
new covenant.
OF THE HOLY SUPPER OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST
28. LORD'S DAY.
Question 75. How are you admonished and assured
in the Lord's Supper, that you are a partaker of that one sacrifice of
Christ, accomplished on the cross, and of all his benefits?
Answer. Thus: That Christ has commanded me and all believers, to eat of
this broken bread, and to drink of this cup, in remembrance of him, adding
these promises: first, that his body was offered and broken on the cross
for me, and his blood shed for me, as certainly as I see with my eyes, the
bread of the Lord broken for me, and the cup communicated to me; and
further, that he feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life, with his
crucified body and shed blood, as assuredly as I receive from the hands of
the minister, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, as
certain signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Question 76. What is it then to eat the crucified
body, and drink the shed blood of Christ?
Answer. It is only to embrace with a believing heart all the sufferings
and death of Christ, and thereby to obtain the pardon of sin, and life
eternal; but also, besides that, to become more and more united to his
sacred body, by the Holy Spirit, who dwells both in Christ and in us; so
that we, though Christ is in heaven and we on earth, are notwithstanding
"Flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone"; and that we live, and are
governed forever by one spirit, as members of the same body are by one
soul.
Question 77. Where has Christ promised that he
will as certainly feed and nourish believers with his body and blood, as
they eat of this broken bread, and drink of this cup?
Answer. In the institution of the supper, which is thus expressed: "The
Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when
he had given thanks, he broke it, and said: eat, this is my body, which is
broken for you; do this in remembrance of me. After the same manner he
also took the cup, when he had drunk, saying: this cup is the new
testament in my blood; do this, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of
me. For, as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you show the
Lord's death till he comes." This promise is repeated by the holy apostle
Paul, where he says: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the
communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the
communion of the body of Christ? For we, being many, are one bread and one
body; because we are all partakers of that one bread."
29. LORD'S DAY.
Question 78. Do then the bread and wine become
the very body and blood of Christ?
Answer. Not at all: but as the water in baptism is not changed into the
blood of Christ, neither is the washing away of sin itself, being only the
sign and confirmation thereof appointed of God; so the bread in the Lord's
supper is not changed into the very body of Christ; though agreeable to
the nature and properties of sacraments, it is called the body of Christ
Jesus.
Question 79. Why then does Christ call the bread
his body, and the cup his blood, or the new covenant in his blood; and
Paul the "communion of the body and blood of Christ"?
Answer. Christ says this with good reason, namely, not only to teach us
by it, that as bread and wine support this temporal life, so his crucified
body and shed blood are the true meat and drink, by which our souls are
fed to eternal life; but more especially by these visible signs and
pledges to assure us, that we are as really partakers of his true body and
blood (by the operation of the Holy Spirit) as we receive by the mouths of
our bodies these holy signs in remembrance of him; and that all his
sufferings and obedience are as certainly ours, as if we had in our own
persons suffered and made satisfaction for our sins to God.
30. LORD'S DAY.
Question 80. What difference is there between the
Lord's supper and the popish mass?
Answer. The Lord's supper testifies to us, that we have a full pardon
of all sin by the only sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself has
once accomplished on the cross; and, that we by the Holy Spirit are
ingrafted into Christ, who, according to his human nature is now not on
earth, but in heaven, at the right hand of God his Father, and will there
be worshipped by us: - but the mass teaches, that the living and dead have
not the pardon of sins though the sufferings of Christ, unless Christ is
also daily offered for them by the priests; and further, that Christ is
bodily under the form of bread and wine, and therefore is to be worshipped
in them; so that the mass, as bottom, is nothing else than a denial of the
one sacrifice and sufferings of Jesus Christ, and an accursed idolatry.
Question 81. For whom is the Lord's Supper
instituted?
Answer. For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins, and yet that
these are forgiven them for the sake of Christ; and that their remaining
infirmities are covered by his passion and death; and who also earnestly
desire to have their faith more and more strengthened, and their lives
more holy; but hypocrites, and such as turn not to God with sincere
hearts, eat and drink judgment to themselves.
Question 82. Are they also to be admitted to this
supper, who, by confession and life, declare themselves unbelieving and
ungodly?
Answer. No; for by this the covenant of God would be profaned, and his
wrath kindled against the whole congregation; therefore it is the duty of
the Christian church, according to the appointment of Christ and his
apostles, to exclude such persons, by the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
till they show amendment of life.
31. LORD'S DAY.
Question 83. What are the keys of the kingdom of
heaven?
Answer. The preaching of the holy gospel, and Christian discipline, or
excommunication out of the Christian church; by these two, the kingdom of
heaven is opened to believers, and shut against unbelievers.
Question 84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened
and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel?
Answer. Thus: when according to the command of Christ, it is declared
and publicly testified to all and every believer, that, whenever they
receive the promise of the gospel by a true faith, all their sins are
really forgiven them of God, for the sake of Christ's merits; and on the
contrary, when it is declared and testified to all unbelievers, and such
as do not sincerely repent, that they stand exposed to the wrath of God,
and eternal condemnation, so long as they are unconverted: according to
which testimony of the gospel, God will judge them, both in this, and in
the life to come.
Question 85. How is the kingdom of heaven shut
and opened by Christian discipline?
Answer. Thus: when according to the command of Christ, those, who under
the name of Christians, maintain doctrines, or practices inconsistent
therewith, and will not, after having been often brotherly admonished,
renounce their errors and wicked course of life, are complained of to the
church, or to those, who are thereunto appointed by the church; and if
they despise their admonition, are by them forbidden the use of the
sacraments; whereby they are excluded from the Christian church, and by
God himself from the kingdom of Christ; and when they promise and show
real amendment, are again received as members of Christ and his church.
THE THIRD PART--OF THANKFULNESS
32. LORD'S DAY.
Question 86. Since then we are delivered from our
misery, merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours, why
must we still do good works?
Answer. Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by his blood,
also renews us by his Holy Spirit, after his own image; that so we may
testify, by the whole of our conduct, our gratitude to God for his
blessings, and that he may be praised by us; also, that every one may be
assured in himself of his faith, by the fruits thereof; and that, by our
godly conversation, others may be gained to Christ.
Question 87. Cannot they then be saved, who,
continuing in their wicked and ungrateful lives, are not converted to God?
Answer. By no means; for the Holy Scripture declares that no unchaste
person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer,
robber, or any such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
33. LORD'S DAY.
Question 88. Of how many parts does the true
conversion of man consist?
Answer. Of two parts; of the mortification of the old, and the
quickening of the new man.
Question 89. What is the mortification of the old
man?
Answer. It is a sincere sorrow of heart, which we have provoked God by
our sins; and more and more to hate and flee from them.
Question 90. What is the quickening of the new
man?
Answer. It is a sincere joy of heart in God, through Christ, and with
love and delight to live according to the will of God in all good works.
Question 91. But what are good works?
Answer. Only those that proceed from a true faith, are performed
according to the law of God, and to his glory; and not such as are founded
on our imaginations, or the institutions of men.
34. LORD'S DAY.
Question 92. What is the law of God?
Answer. God spoke all these words, Exodus 20, Deut. 5, saying: I am the
Lord your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the
house of bondage.
1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself any graven image, nor the likeness
of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the
water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them; for
I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them
that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the
Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy; six days shall you labor
and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your
God; in it you shall do no manner of work, you, nor your son, nor your
daughter, your man servant, nor your maid servant, nor your cattle, nor
your stranger that is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh
day: Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
5. Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long in the
land that the Lord your God gives you.
6. You shall not kill.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor
his ass, nor any thing that is your neighbor's.
Question 93. How are these commandments divided?
Answer. Into two tables; the first of which teaches us how we must
behave towards God; the second, what duties we owe to our neighbor.
Question 94. What does God enjoin in the first
commandment?
Answer. That I, as sincerely as I desire the salvation of my own soul,
avoid and flee from all idolatry, sorcery, soothsaying, superstition,
invocation of saints, or any other creatures; and learn rightly to know
the only true God; trust in him alone, with humility and patience submit
to him; expect all good things from him only; love, fear, and glorify him
with my whole heart; so that I renounce and forsake all creatures, rather
than commit even the least thing contrary to his will.
Question 95. What is idolatry?
Answer. Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God, who has
manifested himself in his word, to contrive, or have any other object, in
which men place their trust.
35. LORD'S DAY.
Question 96. What does God require in the second
commandment?
Answer. That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship him in
any other way than he has commanded in his word.
Question 97. Are images then not at all to be
made?
Answer. God neither can, nor may be represented by any means: but as to
creatures; though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make, or
have any resemblance of them, either in order to worship them or to serve
God by them.
Question 98. But may not images be tolerated in
the churches, as books to the laity?
Answer. No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have
his people taught, not by dumb images, but by the lively preaching of his
word.
36. LORD'S DAY.
Question 99. What is required in the third
commandment?
Answer. That we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash
swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or
connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and, briefly,
that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and
reverence; so that he may be rightly confessed and worshipped by us, and
be glorified in all our words and works.
Question 100. Is then the profaning of God's
name, by swearing and cursing, so heinous a sin, that his wrath is kindled
against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and
forbid such cursing and swearing?
Answer. It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more
provoking to God, than the profaning of his name; and therefore he has
commanded this sin to be punished with death.
37. LORD'S DAY.
Question 101. May we then swear religiously by
the name of God?
Answer. Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or
when necessity requires us thereby to confirm fidelity and truth to the
glory of God, and the safety of our neighbor: for such an oath is founded
on God's word, and therefore was justly used by the saints, both in the
Old and New Testament.
Question 102. May we also swear by saints or any
other creatures?
Answer. No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the only one who
knows the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish me if
I swear falsely; which honor is due to no creature.
38. LORD'S DAY.
Question 103. What doth God require in the fourth
commandment?
Answer. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be
maintained; and that I, especially on the Sabbath, that is, on the day of
rest, diligently frequent the church of God, to hear his word, to use the
sacraments, publicly to call upon the Lord, and contribute to the relief
of the poor, as becomes a Christian. Secondly, that all the days of my
life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by
his Holy Spirit in me: and thus begin in this life the eternal Sabbath.
39. LORD'S DAY.
Question 104. What does God require in the fifth
commandment?
Answer. That I show all honor, love and fidelity, to my father and
mother, and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good
instruction and correction, with due obedience; and also patiently bear
with their weaknesses and infirmities, since it pleases God to govern us
by their hand.
40. LORD'S DAY.
Question 105. What does God require in the sixth
commandment?
Answer. That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures, much less in
deeds, I dishonor, hate, wound, or kill my neighbor, by myself or by
another; but that I lay aside all desire of revenge: also, that I hurt not
myself, nor willfully expose myself to any danger. Wherefore also the
magistrate is armed with the sword, to prevent murder.
Question 106. But this commandment seems only to
speak of murder?
Answer. In forbidding murder, God teaches us, that he abhors their
causes, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that he
accounts all these as murder.
Question 107. But is it enough that we do not
kill any man in the manner mentioned above?
Answer. No: for when god forbids envy, hatred, and anger, he commands
us to love our neighbor as ourselves; to show patience, peace, meekness,
mercy, and all kindness, towards him, and prevent his hurt as much as in
us lies' and that we do good, even to our enemies.
41. LORD'S DAY.
Question 108. What does the seventh commandment
teach us?
Answer. That all uncleanness is accursed of God: and that therefore we
must with all our hearts detest the same, and live chastely and
temperately, whether in holy wedlock, or in single life.
Question 109. Does God forbid in this
commandment, only adultery, and such like gross sins?
Answer. Since both our body and soul are temples of the Holy Spirit, he
commands us to preserve them pure and holy: therefore he forbids all
unchaste actions, gestures, words, thoughts, desires, and whatever can
entice men thereto.
42. LORD'S DAY.
Question 110. What does God forbid in the eighth
commandment?
Answer. God forbids not only those thefts, and robberies, which are
punishable by the magistrate; but he comprehends under the name of theft
all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we design to appropriate to
ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor: whether it be by force,
or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells, measures,
fraudulent merchandise, false coins, usury, or by any other way forbidden
by God; as also all covetousness, all abuse and waste of his gifts.
Question 111. But what does God require in this
commandment?
Answer. That I promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance I
can or may; and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others:
further also that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the
needy.
43. LORD'S DAY.
Question 112. What is required in the ninth
commandment?
Answer. That I bear false witness against no man, nor falsify any man's
words; that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; that I do not judge, nor
join in condemning any man rashly, or unheard; but that I avoid all sorts
of lies and deceit, as the proper works of the devil, unless I would bring
down upon me the heavy wrath of God; likewise, that in judgment and all
other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly and confess it; also
that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the honor and good
character of my neighbor.
44. LORD'S DAY.
Question 113. What does the tenth commandment
require of us?
Answer. That even the smallest inclination or thought, contrary to any
of God's commandments, never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we
hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.
Question 114. But can those who are converted to
God perfectly keep these commandments?
Answer. No: but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a
small beginning of this obedience; yet so, that with a sincere resolution
they begin to live, not only according to some, but all of the
commandments of God.
Question 115. Why will God then have the Ten
Commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep
them?
Answer. First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know
our sinful nature, and thus become the more earnest in seeking the
remission of sin, and righteousness in Christ; likewise, that we
constantly endeavor and pry to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that
we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we
arrive at the perfection proposed to us, in a life to come.
OF PRAYER
45. LORD'S DAY.
Question 116. Why is prayer necessary for
Christians?
Answer. Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires
of us: and also, because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit to those
only, who with sincere desires continually ask them of him, and are
thankful for them.
Question 117. What are the requisites of that
prayer, which is acceptable to God, and which he will hear?
Answer. First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only,
who hath manifested himself in his word, for all things, he hath commanded
us to ask of him; secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly know our need
and misery, that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of his
divine majesty; thirdly, that we be fully persuaded that he,
notwithstanding that we are unworthy of it, will, for the sake of Christ
our Lord, certainly hear our prayer, as he has promised us in his word.
Question 118. What hath God commanded us to ask
of him?
Answer. All things necessary for soul and body; which Christ our Lord
has comprised in that prayer he himself has taught us.
Question 119. What are the words of that prayer?
Answer. Our Father who is in heaven, Holy is your name. Your kingdom
come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
46. LORD'S DAY.
Question 120. Why has Christ commanded us to
address God thus: "Our Father"?
Answer. That immediately, in the very beginning of our prayer, he might
excite in us a childlike reverence for, and confidence in God, which are
the foundation of our prayer: namely, that God is become our Father in
Christ, and will much less deny us what we ask of him in true faith, than
our parents will refuse us earthly things.
Question 121. Why is it here added, "Which art in
heaven"?
Answer. Lest we should form any earthly conceptions of God's heavenly
majesty, and that we may expect from his almighty power all things
necessary for soul and body.
47. LORD'S DAY.
Question 122. Which is the first petition?
Answer. "Holy is your name"; that is, grant us, first, rightly to know
you, and to sanctify, glorify and praise you, in all your works, in which
your power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth, are clearly
displayed; and further also, that we may so order and direct our whole
lives, our thoughts, words and actions, that your name may never be
blasphemed, but rather honored and praised on our account.
48. LORD'S DAY.
Question 123. Which is the second petition?
Answer. "Your kingdom come"; that is, rule us so by your word and
Spirit, that we may submit ourselves more and more to you; preserve and
increase your church; destroy the works of the devil, and all violence
which would exalt itself against you; and also, all wicked counsels
devised against your holy word; till the full perfection of your kingdom
take place, wherein you shall be all in all.
49. LORD'S DAY.
Question 124. Which is the third petition?
Answer. "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"; that is, grant
that we and all men may renounce our own will, and without murmuring obey
your will, which is only good; that so every one may attend to, and
perform the duties of his station and calling, as willingly and faithfully
as the angels do in heaven.
50. LORD'S DAY.
Question 125. Which is the fourth petition?
Answer. "Give us this day our daily bread"; that is, be pleased to
provide us with all things necessary for the body, that we may thereby
acknowledge you to be the only fountain of all good, and that neither our
care nor industry, nor even your gifts, can profit us without your
blessing; and therefore that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures,
and place it alone in you.
51. LORD'S DAY.
Question 126. What is the fifth petition?
Answer. "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors"; that is,
be pleased for the sake of Christ's blood, not to impute to us poor
sinners, our transgressions, nor that depravity, which always cleaves to
us; even as we feel this evidence of your grace in us, that it is our firm
resolution from the heart to forgive our neighbor.
52. LORD'S DAY.
Question 127. Which is the sixth petition?
Answer. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil";
that is, since we are so weak in ourselves, that we cannot stand a moment;
and besides this, since our mortal enemies, the devil, the world, and our
own flesh, cease not to assault us, do thou therefore preserve and
strength us by the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may not be overcome
in this spiritual warfare, but constantly and strenuously may resist our
foes, till at last we obtain a complete victory.
Question 128. How do you conclude your prayer?
Answer. "For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for
ever"; that is, all these we ask of you, because thou, being our King and
almighty, art willing and able to give us all good; and all this we pray
for, that thereby not we, but your holy name, may be glorified for ever.
Question 129. What does the word "Amen" signify?
Answer. "Amen" signifies, it shall truly and certainly be: for my
prayer is more assuredly heard of God, than I feel in my heart that I
desire these things of him.
-Dennis Bratcher, Copyright ©
2018, Dennis
Bratcher, All Rights Reserved
(No copyright claims are made for the text of the original document.)
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