Heidelberg Catechism

The Heidelberg Catechism

This version authorized by the Canadian and American Reformed Churches

Introduction

The second of our Doctrinal Standards is the Catechism. It is called the Heidelberg Catechism because it originated in Heidelberg, the capital of the German Electorate of the Palatinate, at the behest of the Elector, Frederick III. In order that the Calvinistic Reformation might gain the ascendency in his domain, this pious ruler charged Zacharias Ursinus, professor at the Heidelberg University, and Caspar Olevianus, the court preacher, with the preparation of a manual for catechetical instruction. The result was a new Catechism, which, after having been approved by the Elector himself and by a gathering of prominent Calvinists, was published in the beginning of the year 1563. Its immediate popularity was indicated by the fact that the same year three more editions had to be printed. Moreover, the book was made to serve a new purpose, namely, to be used as a manual for doctrinal preaching on the Lord’s Day. In the third edition the questions and answers were grouped into 52 sections, called Lord’s Days, that the entire Catechism might be explained to the churches once a year.

In the Netherlands this Heidelberg Catechism became generally and favorable known almost as soon as it came from the press, mainly through the efforts of Petrus Dathenus, who translated it into the Dutch language and added this translation to his Dutch rendering of the Genevan Psalter, which was published in 1566. In the same year Peter Gabriel set the example of explaining this Catechism to his congregation at Amsterdam in his Sunday afternoon sermons. The National Synods of the 16th century adopted it as one of the Forms of Unity, the office-bearers being required to subscribe to it and the ministers to explain it to the churches. These requirements were strongly emphasized by the great Synod of Dort in 1618-19, and are still in force in the Christian Reformed Church and some other Reformed communions. At the present day the Heidelberg Catechism still has the distinction of being the most influential and the most generally accepted of the several Catechisms of Reformation times.

Question 1

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I am not my own,[1] but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death,[2] to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.[3] He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood,[4] and has set me free from all the power of the devil.[5] He also preserves me in such a way[6] that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head;[7] indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.[8] Therefore, by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life[9] and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.[10]

[1] 1Co_6:19-20 [2] Rom_14:7-9. [3] 1Co_3:23; Tit_2:14. [4] 1Pe_1:18-19; 1Jo_1:7; 1Jo_2:2. [5] Joh_8:34-36; Heb_2:14-15; 1Jo_3:8. [6] Joh_6:39-40; Joh_10:27-30; 2Th_3:3; 1Pe_1:5. [7] Mat_10:29-31; Luk_21:16-18. [8] Rom_8:28. [9] Rom_8:15-16; 2Co_1:21-22; 2Co_5:5; Eph_1:13-14. [10] Rom_8:14.

Question 2

Q. What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

A. First, how great my sins and misery are;[1] second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery;[2] third, how I am to be thankful to God for such deliverance.[3]

[1] Rom_3:9-10; 1Jo_1:10. [2] Joh_17:3; Act_4:12; Act_10:43. [3] Mat_5:16; Rom_6:13; Eph_5:8-10; 1Pe_2:9-10.

Question 3

Q. From where do you know your sins and misery?

A. From the law of God.[1]

[1] Rom_3:20;

Question 4

Q. What does God's law require of us?

A. Christ teaches us this in a summary in Matthew 22: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.[1] This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.[2]

[1] Deu_6:5. [2] Lev_19:18.

Question 5

Q. Can you keep all this perfectly?

A. No,[1] I am inclined by nature to hate God and my neighbour.[2]

[1] Rom_3:10, Rom_3:23; 1Jo_1:8, 1Jo_1:10. [2] Gen_6:5; Gen_8:21; Jer_17:9; Rom_7:23; Rom_8:7; Eph_2:3; Tit_3:3.

Question 6

Q. Did God, then, create man so wicked and perverse?

A. No, on the contrary, God created man good[1] and in His image,[2] that is, in true righteousness and holiness,[3] so that he might rightly know God His Creator,[4] heartily love Him, and live with Him in eternal blessedness to praise and glorify Him.[5]

[1] Gen_1:31. [2] Gen_1:26-27. [3] Eph_4:24. [4] Col_3:10. [5] Psa_8:1-9.

Question 7

Q. From where, then, did man's depraved nature come?

A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise,[1] for there our nature became so corrupt[2] that we are all conceived and born in sin.[3]

[1] Gen_3:1-24. [2] Rom_5:12, Rom_5:18-19. [3] Psa_51:5.

Question 8

Q. But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined to all evil?

A. Yes,[1] unless we are regenerated by the Spirit of God.[2]

[1] Gen_6:5; Gen_8:21; Job_14:4; Isa_53:6. [2] Joh_3:3-5.

Question 9

Q. Is God, then, not unjust by requiring in His law what man cannot do?

A. No, for God so created man that he was able to do it.[1] But man, at the instigation of the devil,[2] in deliberate disobedience[3] robbed himself and all his descendants of these gifts.[4]

[1] Gen_1:31. [2] Gen_3:13; Joh_8:44; 1Ti_2:13-14. [3] Gen_3:6. [4] Rom_5:12, Rom_5:18-19.

Question 10

Q. Will God allow such disobedience and apostasy to go unpunished?

A. Certainly not. He is terribly displeased with our original sin as well as our actual sins. Therefore He will punish them by a just judgment both now and eternally,[1] as He has declared:[2] Cursed be every one who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them (Galatians 3:10).

[1] Exo_34:7; Psa_5:4-6; Psa_7:10; Nah_1:2; Rom_1:18; Rom_5:12; Eph_5:6; Heb_9:27. [2] Deu_27:26.

Question 11

Q. But is God not also merciful?

A. God is indeed merciful,[1] but He is also just.[2] His justice requires that sin committed against the most high majesty of God also be punished with the most severe, that is, with everlasting, punishment of body and soul.[3]

[1] Exo_20:6; Exo_34:6-7; Psa_103:8-9. [2] Exo_20:5; Exo_34:7; Deu_7:9-11; Psa_5:4-6; Heb_10:30-31. [3] Mat_25:45-46.

Question 12

Q. Since, according to God's righteous judgment we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, how can we escape this punishment and be again received into favour?

A. God demands that His justice be satisfied.[1] Therefore full payment must be made either by ourselves or by another.[2]

[1] Exo_20:5; Exo_23:7; Rom_2:1-11. [2] Isa_53:11; Rom_8:3-4.

Question 13

Q. Can we ourselves make this payment?

A. Certainly not. On the contrary, we daily increase our debt.[1]

[1] Psa_130:3; Mat_6:12; Rom_2:4-5.

Question 14

Q. Can any mere creature pay for us?

A. No. In the first place, God will not punish another creature for the sin which man has committed.[1] Furthermore, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin and deliver others from it.[2]

[1] Eze_18:4, Eze_18:20; Heb_2:14-18. [2] Psa_130:3; Nah_1:6.

Question 15

Q. What kind of mediator and deliverer must we seek?

A. One who is a true[1] and righteous[2] man, and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is at the same time true God.[3]

[1] 1Co_15:21; Heb_2:17. [2] Isa_53:9; 2Co_5:21; Heb_7:26. [3] Isa_7:14; Isa_9:6; Jer_23:6; Joh_1:1; Rom_8:3-4.

Question 16

Q. Why must He be a true and righteous man?

A. He must be a true man because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should pay for sin.[1] He must be a righteous man because one who himself is a sinner cannot pay for others.[2]

[1] Rom_5:12, Rom_5:15; 1Co_15:21; Heb_2:14-16. [2] Heb_7:26-27; 1Pe_3:18.

Question 17

Q. Why must He at the same time be true God?

A. He must be true God so that by the power of His divine nature[1] He might bear in His human nature the burden of God's wrath,[2] and might obtain for us and restore to us righteousness and life.[3]

[1] Isa_9:5. [2] Deu_4:24; Nah_1:6; Psa_130:3. [3] Isa_53:5, Isa_53:11; Joh_3:16; 2Co_5:21.

Question 18

Q. But who is that Mediator who at the same time is true God and a true and righteous man?

A. Our Lord Jesus Christ,[1] whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.[2]

[1] Mat_1:21-23; Luk_2:11; 1Ti_2:5; 1Ti_3:16. [2] 1Co_1:30.

Question 19

Q. From where do you know this?

A. From the holy gospel, which God Himself first revealed in Paradise.[1] Later, He had it proclaimed by the patriarchs[2] and prophets,[3] and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law.[4] Finally, He had it fulfilled through His only Son.[5]

[1] Gen_3:15. [2] Gen_12:3; Gen_22:18; Gen_49:10. [3] Isa_53:1-12; Jer_23:5-6; Mic_7:18-20; Act_10:43; Heb_1:1. [4] Lev_1:7; Joh_5:46; Heb_10:1-10. [5] Rom_10:4; Gal_4:4-5; Col_2:17.

Question 20

Q. Are all men, then, saved by Christ just as they perished through Adam?

A. No. Only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His benefits.[1]

[1] Mat_7:14; Joh_1:12; Joh_3:16-18; Joh_3:36; Rom_11:16-21.

Question 21

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word.[1] At the same time it is a firm confidence[2] that not only to others, but also to me,[3] God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation,[4] out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits.[5] This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.[6]

[1] Joh_17:3; Joh_17:17; Heb_11:1-3; Jam_2:19. [2] Rom_4:18-21; Rom_5:1; Rom_10:10; Heb_4:16. [3] Gal_2:20. [4] Rom_1:17; Heb_10:10. [5] Rom_1:1-26; Gal_2:16; Eph_2:8-10. [6] Act_16:14; Rom_1:16; Rom_10:17; 1Co_1:21.

Question 22

Q. What, then, must a Christian believe?

A. All that is promised us in the gospel,[1] which the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith teach us in a summary.

[1] Mat_28:19; Joh_20:30-31.

Question 23

Q. What are these articles?

A. 1. I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

2. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord;

3. He 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. On the third day He arose from the dead;

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

7. from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit;

9. I believe a holy catholic Christian church, the communion of saints;

10. the forgiveness of sins;

11. the resurrection of the body;

12. and the life everlasting.

Question 24

Q. How are these articles divided?

A. Into three parts: the first is about God the Father and our creation; the second about God the Son and our redemption; the third about God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.

Question 25

Q. Since there is only one God,[1] why do you speak of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

A. Because God has so revealed Himself in His Word[2] that these three distinct persons are the one, true, eternal God.

[1] Deu_6:4; Isa_44:6; Isa_45:5; 1Co_8:4-6. [2] Gen_1:2-3; Isa_61:1; Isa_63:8-10; Mat_3:16-17; Mat_28:18-19; Luk_4:18; Joh_14:26; Joh_15:26; 2Co_13:14; Gal_4:6; Tit_3:5-6.

God the Father and Our Creation Question 26

Q. What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?

A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and all that is in them,[1] and who still upholds and governs them by His eternal counsel and providence,[2] is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father.[3] In Him I trust so completely as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul,[4] and will also turn to my good whatever adversity He sends me in this life of sorrow.[5] He is able to do so as almighty God,[6] and willing also as a faithful Father.[7]

[1] Gen_1:1-31; Gen_2:1-25; Exo_20:11; Job_38:1-41; Job_39:1-30; Psa_33:6; Isa_44:24; Act_4:24; Act_14:15. [2] Psa_104:27-30; Mat_6:30; Mat_10:29; Eph_1:11. [3] Joh_1:12-13; Rom_8:15-16; Gal_4:4-7; Eph_1:5. [4] Psa_55:22; Mat_6:25-26; Luk_12:22-31. [5] Rom_8:28. [6] Gen_18:14; Rom_8:31-39. [7] Mat_6:32-33; Mat_7:9-11.

Question 27

Q. What do you understand by the providence of God?

A. God's providence is His almighty and ever present power,[1] whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures,[2] and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty,[3] indeed, all things, come not by chance[4] but by His fatherly hand.[5]

[1] Jer_23:23-24; Act_17:24-28. [2] Heb_1:3. [3] Jer_5:24; Act_14:15-17; Joh_9:3; Pro_22:2. [4] Pro_16:33. [5] Mat_10:29.

Question 28

Q. What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by His providence?

A. We can be patient in adversity,[1] thankful in prosperity,[2] and with a view to the future we can have a firm confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from His love;[3] for all creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they cannot so much as move.[4]

[1] Job_1:21-22; Psa_39:10; Jam_1:3. [2] Deu_8:10; 1Th_5:18. [3] Psa_55:22; Rom_5:3-5; Rom_8:38-39. [4] Job_1:12; Job_2:6; Pro_21:1; Act_17:24-28.

Question 29

Q. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Saviour?

A. Because He saves us from all our sins,[1] and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.[2]

[1] Mat_1:21; Heb_7:25. [2] Isa_43:11; Joh_15:4-5; Act_4:11-12; 1Ti_2:5.

Question 30

Q. Do those believe in the only Saviour Jesus who seek their salvation and well-being from saints, in themselves, or anywhere else?

A. No. Though they boast of Him in words, they in fact deny the only Saviour Jesus.[1] For one of two things must be true: either Jesus is not a complete Saviour, or those who by true faith accept this Saviour must find in Him all that is necessary for their salvation.[2]

[1] 1Co_1:12-13; Gal_5:4. [2] Col_1:19-20; Col_2:10; 1Jo_1:7.

Question 31

Q. Why is He called Christ, that is, Anointed?

A. Because He has been ordained by God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Spirit,[1] to be our chief Prophet and Teacher,[2] who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption;[3] our only High Priest,[4] who by the one sacrifice of His body has redeemed us,[5] and who continually intercedes for us before the Father;[6] and our eternal King,[7] who governs us by His Word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in the redemption obtained for us.[8]

[1] Psa_45:7 (Heb_1:9); Isa_61:1 (Luk_4:18; Luk_3:21-22. [2] Deu_18:15 (Act_3:22). [3] Joh_1:18; Joh_15:15. [4] Psa_110:4 (Heb_7:17). [5] Heb_9:12; Heb_10:11-14. [6] Rom_8:34; Heb_9:24; 1Jo_2:1. [7] Zec_9:9 (Mat_21:5); Luk_1:33. [8] Mat_28:18-20; Joh_10:28; Rev_12:10-11.

Question 32

Q. Why are you called a Christian?

A. Because I am a member of Christ by faith[1] and thus share in His anointing,[2] so that I may as prophet confess His Name,[3] as priest present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to Him,[4] and as king fight with a free and good conscience against sin and the devil in this life,[5] and hereafter reign with Him eternally over all creatures.[6]

[1] 1Co_12:12-27. [2] Joe_2:28 (Act_2:17); 1Jo_2:27. [3] Mat_10:32; Rom_10:9-10; Heb_13:15. [4] Rom_12:1; 1Pe_2:5-9. [5] Gal_5:16-17; Eph_6:11; 1Ti_1:18-19. [6] Mat_25:34; 2Ti_2:12.

Question 33

Q. Why is He called God's only begotten Son, since we also are children of God?

A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God.[1] We, however, are children of God by adoption, through grace, for Christ's sake.[2]

[1] Joh_1:1-3; Joh_1:14; Joh_1:18; Joh_3:16; Rom_8:32; Heb_1:1-14; 1Jo_4:9. [2] Joh_1:12; Rom_8:14-17; Gal_4:6; Eph_1:5-6.

Question 34

Q. Why do you call Him our Lord?

A. Because He has ransomed us, body and soul,[1] from all our sins, not with silver or gold but with His precious blood,[2] and has freed us from all the power of the devil to make us His own possession.[3]

[1] 1Co_6:20; 1Ti_2:5-6. [2] 1Pe_1:18-19. [3] Col_1:13-14; Heb_2:14-15.

Question 35

Q. What do you confess when you say: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary?

A. The eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God,[1] took upon Himself true human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,[2] through the working of the Holy Spirit.[3] Thus He is also the true seed of David,[4] and like His brothers in every respect,[5] yet without sin.[6]

[1] Joh_1:1; Joh_10:30-36; Rom_1:3; Rom_9:5; Col_1:15-17; 1Jo_5:20. [2] Mat_1:18-23; Joh_1:14; Gal_4:4; Heb_2:14. [3] Luk_1:35. [4] 2Sa_7:12-16; Psa_132:11; Mat_1:1; Luk_1:32; Rom_1:3. [5] Phi_2:7; Heb_2:17. [6] Heb_4:15; Heb_7:26-27.

Question 36

Q. What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?

A. He is our Mediator,[1] and with His innocence and perfect holiness covers, in the sight of God, my sin, in which I was conceived and born.[2]

[1] 1Ti_2:5-6; Heb_9:13-15. [2] Rom_8:3-4; 2Co_5:21; Gal_4:4-5; 1Pe_1:18-19.

Question 37

Q. What do you confess when you say that He suffered?

A. 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.[1] Thus, by His suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice,[2] He has redeemed our body and soul from everlasting damnation,[3] and obtained for us the grace of God, righteousness, and eternal life.[4]

[1] Isa_53:1-12; 1Ti_2:6; 1Pe_2:24; 1Pe_3:18. [2] Rom_3:25; 1Co_5:7; Eph_5:2; Heb_10:14; 1Jo_2:2; 1Jo_4:10. [3] Rom_8:1-4; Gal_3:13; Col_1:13; Heb_9:12; 1Pe_1:18-19. [4] Joh_3:16; Rom_3:24-26; 2Co_5:21; Heb_9:15.

Question 38

Q. Why did He suffer under Pontius Pilate as judge?

A. Though innocent, Christ was condemned by an earthly judge,[1] and so He freed us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.[2]

[1] Luk_23:13-24; Joh_19:4; Joh_19:12-16. [2] Isa_53:4-5; 2Co_5:21; Gal_3:13.

Question 39

Q. Does it have a special meaning that Christ was crucified and did not die in a different way?

A. Yes. Thereby I am assured that He took upon Himself the curse which lay on me, for a crucified one was cursed by God.[1]

[1] Deu_21:23; Gal_3:13.

Question 40

Q. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble Himself even unto death?

A. Because of the justice and truth of God[1] satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God.[2]

[1] Gen_2:17. [2] Rom_8:3; Phi_2:8; Heb_2:9; Heb_2:14-15.

Question 41

Q. Why was he buried?

A. His burial testified that He had really died.[1]

[1] Isa_53:9; Joh_19:38-42; Act_13:29; 1Co_15:3-4.

Question 42

Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?

A. Our death is not a payment for our sins, but it puts an end to sin and is an entrance into eternal life.[1]

[1] Joh_5:24; Phi_1:21-23; 1Th_5:9-10.

Question 43

Q. What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?

A. Through Christ's death our old nature is crucified, put to death, and buried with Him,[1] so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us,[2] but that we may offer ourselves to Him as a sacrifice of thankfulness.[3]

[1] Rom_6:5-11; Col_2:11-12. [2] Rom_6:12-14. [3] Rom_12:1; Eph_5:1-2.

Question 44

Q. Why is there added: He descended into hell?

A. In my greatest sorrows and temptations I may be assured and comforted that my Lord Jesus Christ, by His unspeakable anguish, pain, terror, and agony, which He endured throughout all His sufferings[1] but especially on the cross, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.[2]

[1] Psa_18:5-6; Psa_116:3; Mat_26:36-46; Mat_27:45-46; Heb_5:7-10. [2] Isa_53:1-12.

Question 45

Q. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?

A. First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, so that He could make us share in the righteousness which He had obtained for us by His death.[1] Second, by His power we too are raised up to a new life.[2] Third, Christ's resurrection is to us a sure pledge of our glorious resurrection.[3]

[1] Rom_4:25; 1Co_15:16-20; 1Pe_1:3-5. [2] Rom_6:5-11; Eph_2:4-6; Col_3:1-4. [3] Rom_8:11; 1Co_15:12-23; Phi_3:20-21.

Question 46

Q. What do you confess when you say, He ascended into heaven?

A. That Christ, before the eyes of His disciples, was taken up from the earth into heaven,[1] and that He is there for our benefit[2] until He comes again to judge the living and the dead.[3]

[1] Mar_16:19; Luk_24:50-51; Act_1:9-11. [2] Rom_8:34; Heb_4:14; Heb_7:23-25; Heb_9:24. [3] Mat_24:30; Act_1:11.

Question 47

Q. Is Christ, then, not with us until the end of the world, as He has promised us?[1]

A. Christ is true man and true God. With respect to His human nature He is no longer on earth,[2] but with respect to His divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit He is never absent from us.[3]

[1] Mat_28:20. [2] Mat_26:11; Joh_16:28;Joh_17:11; Act_3:19-21; Heb_8:4. [3] Mat_28:18-20; Joh_14:16-19; Joh_16:13.

Question 48

Q. But are the two natures in Christ not separated from each other if His human nature is not present wherever His divinity is?

A. Not at all, for His divinity has no limits and is present everywhere.[1] So it must follow that His divinity is indeed beyond the human nature which He has taken on and nevertheless is within this human nature and remains personally united with it.[2]

[1] Jer_23:23-24; Act_7:48-49. [2] Joh_1:14; Joh_3:13; Col_2:9.

Question 49

Q. How does Christ's ascension into heaven benefit us?

A. First, He is our Advocate in heaven before His Father.[1] Second, we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that He, our Head, will also take us, His members, up to Himself.[2] Third, He sends us His Spirit as a counter-pledge,[3] by whose power we seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God, and not the things that are on earth.[4]

[1] Rom_8:34; 1Jo_2:1. [2] Joh_14:2; Joh_17:24; Eph_2:4-6. [3] Joh_14:16; Act_2:33; 2Co_1:21-22; 2Co_5:5. [4] Col_3:1-4.

Question 50

Q. Why is it added, And sits at the right hand of God?

A. Christ ascended into heaven to manifest Himself there as Head of His Church,[1] through whom the Father governs all things.[2]

[1] Eph_1:20-23; Col_1:18. [2] Mat_28:18; Joh_5:22-23.

Question 51

Q. How does the glory of Christ, our Head, benefit us?

A. First, by His Holy Spirit He pours out heavenly gifts upon us, His members.[1] Second, by His power He defends and preserves us against all enemies.[2]

[1] Act_2:33; Eph_4:7-12. [2] Psa_2:9; Psa_110:1-2; Joh_10:27-30; Rev_19:11-16.

Question 52

Q. What comfort is it to you that Christ will come to judge the living and the dead?

A. In all my sorrow and persecution I lift up my head and eagerly await as judge from heaven the very same person who before has submitted Himself to the judgment of God for my sake, and has removed all the curse from me.[1] He will cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, but He will take me and all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.[2]

[1] Luk_21:28; Rom_8:22-25; Phi_3:20-21; Tit_2:13-14. [2] Mat_25:31-46; 1Th_4:16-17; 2Th_1:6-10.

Question 53

Q. What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit?

A. First, He is, together with the Father and the Son, true and eternal God.[1] Second, He is also given to me,[2] to make me by true faith share in Christ and all His benefits,[3] to comfort me,[4] and to remain with me forever.[5]

[1] Gen_1:1-2; Mat_28:19; Act_5:3-4; 1Co_3:16. [2] 1Co_6:19; 2Co_1:21-22; Gal_4:6; Eph_1:13. [3] Gal_3:14; 1Pe_1:2. [4] Joh_15:26; Act_9:31. [5] Joh_14:16-17; 1Pe_4:14.

Question 54

Q. What do you believe concerning the holy catholic Christian church?

A. I believe that the Son of God,[1] out of the whole human race,[2] from the beginning of the world to its end,[3] gathers, defends, and preserves for Himself, [4] by His Spirit and Word,[5] in the unity of the true faith,[6] a church chosen to everlasting life.[7] And I believe that I am[8] and forever shall remain a living member of it.[9]

[1] Joh_10:11; Act_20:28; Eph_4:11-13; Col_1:18. [2] Gen_26:4; Rev_5:9. [3] Isa_59:21; 1Co_11:26. [4] Psa_129:1-5; Mat_16:18; Joh_10:28-30. [5] Rom_1:16; Rom_10:14-17; Eph_5:26. [6] Act_2:42-47; Eph_4:1-6. [7] Rom_8:29; Eph_1:3-14. [8] 1Jo_3:14, 1Jo_3:19-21. [9] Psa_23:6; Joh_10:27-28; 1Co_1:4-9; 1Pe_1:3-5.

Question 55

Q. What do you understand by the communion of saints?

A. First, that believers, all and everyone, as members of Christ have communion with Him and share in all His treasures and gifts.[1] Second, that everyone is duty-bound to use his gifts readily and cheerfully for the benefit and well-being of the other members.[2]

[1] Rom_8:32; 1Co_6:17; 1Co_12:4-7, 1Co_12:12-13; 1Jo_1:3. [2] Rom_12:4-8; 1Co_12:20-27; 1Co_13:1-7; Phi_2:4-8.

Question 56

Q. What do you believe concerning the forgiveness of sins?

A. I believe that God, because of Christ's satisfaction, will no more remember my sins,[1] nor my sinful nature, against which I have to struggle all my life,[2] but He will graciously grant me the righteousness of Christ, that I may never come into condemnation.[3]

[1] Psa_103:3-4; Psa_103:10; Psa_103:12; Mic_7:18-19; 2Co_5:18-21; 1Jo_1:7; 1Jo_2:2. [2] Rom_7:21-25. [3] Joh_3:17-18; Joh_5:24; Rom_8:1-2.

Question 57

Q. What comfort does the resurrection of the body offer you?

A. Not only shall my soul after this life immediately be taken up to Christ, my Head,[1] but also this my flesh, raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul and made like Christ's glorious body.[2]

[1] Luk_16:22; Luk_23:43; Phi_1:21-23. [2] Job_19:25-26; 1Co_15:20; 1Co_15:42-46; 1Co_15:54; Phi_3:21; 1Jo_3:2.

Question 58

Q. What comfort do you receive from the article about the life everlasting?

A. Since I now already feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, [1] I shall after this life possess perfect blessedness, such as no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived-- a blessedness in which to praise God forever.[2]

[1] Joh_17:3; Rom_14:17; 2Co_5:2-3. [2] Joh_17:24; 1Co_2:9.

Question 59

Q. But what does it help you now that you believe all this?

A. In Christ I am righteous before God and heir to life everlasting.[1]

[1] Hab_2:4; Joh_3:36; Rom_1:17; Rom_5:1-2.

Question 60

Q. How are you righteous before God?

A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ.[1] Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them,[2] and am still inclined to all evil,[3] yet God, without any merit of my own,[4] out of mere grace,[5] imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ.[6] He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me,[7] if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.[8]

[1] Rom_3:21-28; Gal_2:16; Eph_2:8-9; Phi_3:8-11. [2] Rom_3:9-10. [3] Rom_7:23. [4] Deu_9:6; Eze_36:22; Tit_3:4-5. [5] Rom_3:24; Eph_2:8. [6] Rom_4:3-5; 2Co_5:17-19; 1Jo_2:1-2. [7] Rom_4:24-25; 2Co_5:21. [8] Joh_3:18; Act_16:30-31; Rom_3:22.

Question 61

Q. Why do you say that you are righteous only by faith?

A. Not that I am acceptable to God on account of the worthiness of my faith, for only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ is my righteousness before God.[1] I can receive this righteousness and make it mine my own by faith only.[2]

[1] 1Co_1:30-31; 1Co_2:2. [2] Rom_10:10; 1Jo_5:10-12.

Question 62

Q. But why can our good works not be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of it?

A. Because the righteousness which can stand before God's judgment must be absolutely perfect and in complete agreement with the law of God,[1] whereas even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.[2]

[1] Deu_27:26; Gal_3:10. [2] Isa_64:6.

Question 63

Q. But do our good works earn nothing, even though God promises to reward them in this life and the next?

A. This reward is not earned[1]; it is a gift of grace.[2]

[1] Mat_5:12; Heb_11:6. [2] Luk_17:10; 2Ti_4:7-8.

Question 64

Q. Does this teaching not make people careless and wicked?

A. No. It is impossible that those grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.[1]

[1] Mat_7:18; Luk_6:43-45; Joh_15:5.

Question 65

Q. Since then faith alone makes us share in Christ and all His benefits, where does this faith come from?

A. From the Holy Spirit,[1] who works it in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel,[2] and strengthens it by the use of the sacraments.[3]

[1] Joh_3:5; 1Co_2:10-14; Eph_2:8; Phi_1:29. [2] Rom_10:17; 1Pe_1:23-25. [3] Mat_28:19-20; 1Co_10:16.

Question 66

Q. What are the sacraments?

A. The sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by their use He might the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel.[1] And this is the promise: that God graciously grants us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life because of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.[2]

[1] Gen_17:11; Deu_30:6; Rom_4:11 [2] Mat_26:27-28; Act_2:38; Heb_10:10.

Question 67

Q. Are both the Word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Yes, indeed. The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and assures us by the sacraments that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.[1]

[1] Rom_6:3; 1Co_11:26; Gal_3:27.

Question 68

Q. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant?

A. Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.[1]

[1] Mat_28:19-20; 1Co_11:23-26.

Question 69

Q. How does holy baptism signify and seal to you that the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross benefits you?

A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing[1] and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly His blood and Spirit wash away the impurity of my soul, that is, all my sins.[2]

[1] Mat_28:19. [2] Mat_3:11; Mar_16:16; Joh_1:33; Act_2:38; Rom_6:3-4; 1Pe_3:21.

Question 70

Q. What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?

A. To be washed with Christ's blood means to receive forgiveness of sins from God, through grace, because of Christ's blood, poured out for us in His sacrifice on the cross.[1] To be washed with His Spirit means to be renewed by the Holy Spirit and sanctified to be members of Christ, so that more and more we become dead to sin and lead a holy and blameless life.[2]

[1] Eze_36:25; Zec_13:1; Eph_1:7; Heb_12:24; 1Pe_1:2; Rev_1:5; Rev_7:14. [2] Joh_3:5-8; Rom_6:4; 1Co_6:11; Col_2:11-12.

Question 71

Q. Where has Christ promised that He will wash us with His blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

A. In the institution of baptism, where He says: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.[1] He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.[2] This promise is repeated where Scripture calls baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins.[3]

[1] Mat_28:19; [2] Mar_16:16; [3] Tit_3:5; Act_22:16;

Question 72

Q. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?

A. No, only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.[1]

[1] Mat_3:11; 1Pe_3:21; 1Jo_1:7.

Question 73

Q. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?

A. God speaks in this way for a good reason. He wants to teach us that the blood and Spirit of Christ remove our sins just as water takes away dirt from the body.[1] But, even more important, He wants to assure us by this divine pledge and sign that we are as truly cleansed from our sins spiritually as we are bodily washed with water.[2]

[1] 1Co_6:11; Rev_1:5; Rev_7:14. [2] Mar_16:16; Act_2:38; Rom_6:3-4; Gal_3:27.

Question 74

Q. Should infants, too, be baptized?

A. Yes. Infants as well as adults belong to God's covenant and congregation.[1] Through Christ's blood the redemption from sin and the Holy Spirit, who works faith, are promised to them no less than to adults.[2] Therefore, by baptism, as sign of the covenant, they must be grafted into the Christian church and distinguished from the children of unbelievers.[3] This was done in the old covenant by circumcision,[4] in place of which baptism was instituted in the new covenant.[5]

[1] Gen_17:7; Mat_19:14. [2] Psa_22:11; Isa_44:1-3; Act_2:38-39; Act_16:31. [3] Act_10:47; 1Co_7:14. [4] Gen_17:9-14. [5] Col_2:11-13.

Question 75

Q. How does the Lord's Supper signify and seal to you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all His gifts?

A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup in remembrance of Him. With this command He gave these promises:[1] First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup given to me, so surely was His body offered for me and His blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the minister and taste with my mouth the bread and the cup of the Lord as sure signs of Christ's body and blood, so surely does He Himself nourish and refresh my soul to everlasting life with His crucified body and shed blood.

[1] Mat_26:26-28; Mar_14:22-24; Luk_22:19-20; 1Co_11:23-25.

Question 76

Q. What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink His shed blood?

A. First, to accept with a believing heart all the suffering and the death of Christ, and so receive forgiveness of sins and life eternal.[1] Second, to be united more and more to His sacred body through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us.[2] Therefore, although Christ is in heaven[3] and we are on earth, yet we are flesh of His flesh and bone of His bones,[4] and we forever live and are governed by one Spirit, as the members of our body are by one soul.[5]

[1] Joh_6:35, Joh_6:40, Joh_6:50-54. [2] Joh_6:55-56; 1Co_12:13. [3] Act_1:9-11; Act_3:21; 1Co_11:26; Col_3:1. [4] 1Co_6:15, 1Co_6:17; Eph_5:29-30; 1Jo_4:13. [5] Joh_6:56-58; Joh_15:1-6; Eph_4:15-16; 1Jo_3:24.

Question 77

Q. Where has Christ promised that He will nourish and refresh believers with His body and blood as surely as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup?

A. In the institution of the Lord's supper: The Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.[1] This promise is repeated by Paul where he says: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.[2]

[1] 1Co_11:23-26; [2] 1Co_10:16-17

Question 78

Q. Are then the bread and wine changed into the real body and blood of Christ?

A. No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ and is not the washing away of sins itself but is simply God's sign and pledge,[1] so also the bread in the Lord's supper does not become the body of Christ itself,[2] although it is called Christ's body[3] in keeping with the nature and usage of sacraments.[4]

[1] Eph_5:26; Tit_3:5. [2] Mat_26:26-29. [3] 1Co_10:16-17; 1Co_11:26-28. [4] Gen_17:10-11; Exo_12:11; Exo_12:13; 1Co_10:3-4; 1Pe_3:21.

Question 79

Q. Why then does Christ call the bread His body and the cup His blood, or the new covenant in His blood, and why does Paul speak of a participation in the body and blood of Christ?

A. Christ speaks in this way for a good reason: He wants to teach us by His supper that as bread and wine sustain us in this temporal life, so His crucified body and shed blood are true food and drink for our souls to eternal life.[1] But, even more important, He wants to assure us by this visible sign and pledge, first, that through the working of the Holy Spirit we share in His true body and blood as