Lord's Days 9-16: 10 Q&As from the Heidelberg Catechism Every Christian Should Know
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In part one of this series, we looked at 10 questions and answers from Lord’s Days 1-8 of the Heidelberg Catechism. This post covers Lord’s Days 9-16.
According to historical theologian R. Scott Clark, “The Heidelberg Catechism is justly regarded as one of the finest summaries of the Christian faith ever written. First published in 1563, the catechism is used by more than a million Christians globally.”
The Heidelberg Catechism contains 129 questions and answers, divided over 52 sections (for each Sunday of the year) called Lord's Days, and consists of three main parts:
Our sin & misery (Q&A 1-11)
Our deliverance from sin (Q&A 12-85)
Our thankfulness to God for such deliverance (Q&A 86-129)
Here are 10 questions and answers from Lord’s Days 9-16 of the beloved Heidelberg Catechism that every believer will benefit from knowing (and hopefully memorizing!):
Q&A 26: What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty,Creator of heaven and earth?
That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and all that is in them, and who still upholds and governs them by his eternal counsel and providence, is, for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father. In him I trust so completely as to have no doubt that he will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul, and will also turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this life of sorrow. He is able to do so as almighty God, and willing also as a faithful Father. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 26; Lord’s Day 9)
Q&A 27: What do you understand by the providence of God?
God's providence is his almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 27; Lord’s Day 10)
Q&A 29: Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Saviour?
Because he saves us from all our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 29; Lord’s Day 11)
Q&A 31: Why is he called Christ, that is, Anointed?
Because he has been ordained by 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; our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of his body has redeemed us, and who continually intercedes for us before the Father; and our eternal King, who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in the redemption obtained for us. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 31; Lord’s Day 12)
Q&A 32: Why are you called a Christian?
Because I am a member of Christ by faith and thus share in his anointing, so that I may as prophet confess his name, as priest present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him, and as king fight with a free and good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and hereafter reign with him eternally over all creatures. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 32; Lord’s Day 12)
Q&A 33: Why is he called God's only-begotten Son, since we also are children of God?
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are children of God by adoption, through grace, for Christ's sake. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 33; Lord’s Day 13)
Q&A 35: What do you confess when you say: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary?
The eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took upon himself true human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Thus he is also the true seed of David, and like his brothers in every respect, yet without sin. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 35; Lord’s Day 14)
Q&A 37: What do you confess when you say that he suffered?
During all the time he lived on earth, but especially at the end, Christ bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. Thus, by his suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice, he has redeemed our body and soul from everlasting damnation, and obtained for us the grace of God, righteousness, and eternal life. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 37; Lord’s Day 15)
Q&A 40: Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even unto death?
Because of the justice and truth of God satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 40; Lord’s Day 16)
Q&A 43: What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
Through Christ's death our old nature is crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves to him as a sacrifice of thankfulness. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 43; Lord’s Day 16)
You can find the entire Heidelberg Catechism along with more related resources at heidelberg-catechism.com.
To learn more about the history and composition of the Heidelberg Catechism, be sure to check out this Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism by historical theologian R. Scott Clark from the heidelblog.net.
Related Articles:
Lord's Days 1-8: 10 Q&As from the Heidelberg Catechism Every Christian Should Know
4 Reasons Why Every Christian Needs a Deeply Historical Faith
8 Covenants in the Bible and What They Mean for You Personally Today
10 Words Every Christian Should Know (and Be Able to Explain)