Daily Heidelberg Catechism
11.04.202507:58
Lord’s Day 19
Q50. Why is it added, “and sits at the right hand of God”?
A. 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.
Q51. What profit is this glory of Christ, our Head, unto us?
A. First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly graces upon us his members; and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.
Q52. What comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come again to judge the living and the dead”?
A. 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
Lord’s Day 20
Q53. What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit?
A. 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 forever.
Q50. Why is it added, “and sits at the right hand of God”?
A. 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.
Q51. What profit is this glory of Christ, our Head, unto us?
A. First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly graces upon us his members; and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.
Q52. What comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come again to judge the living and the dead”?
A. 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
Lord’s Day 20
Q53. What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit?
A. 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 forever.
30.03.202507:57
Lord’s Day 50
Q125. Which is the fourth petition?
A. “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.
Lord’s Day 51
Q126. Which is the fifth petition?
A. “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.
Lord’s Day 52
Q127. Which is the sixth petition?
A. “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, be pleased to preserve and strengthen us by the power of your 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.
Q128. How do you conclude your prayer?
A. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever”; that is, all these we ask of you, because you, being our King and almighty, are 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 forever.
Q129. What does the word “Amen” signify?
A. “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.
Q125. Which is the fourth petition?
A. “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.
Lord’s Day 51
Q126. Which is the fifth petition?
A. “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.
Lord’s Day 52
Q127. Which is the sixth petition?
A. “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, be pleased to preserve and strengthen us by the power of your 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.
Q128. How do you conclude your prayer?
A. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever”; that is, all these we ask of you, because you, being our King and almighty, are 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 forever.
Q129. What does the word “Amen” signify?
A. “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.
25.03.202508:57
Lord’s Day 38
Q103. What does God require in the fourth commandment?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 39
Q104. What does God require in the fifth commandment?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 40
Q105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?
A. 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, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.
Q106. But this commandment seems only to speak of murder?
A. In forbidding murder, God teaches us that he abhors the causes thereof, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that he accounts all these as murder.
Q107. But is it enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?
A. 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.
Q103. What does God require in the fourth commandment?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 39
Q104. What does God require in the fifth commandment?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 40
Q105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?
A. 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, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.
Q106. But this commandment seems only to speak of murder?
A. In forbidding murder, God teaches us that he abhors the causes thereof, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that he accounts all these as murder.
Q107. But is it enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?
A. 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.
18.03.202508:54
Lord’s Day 29
Q78. Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ?
A. 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 agreeably to the nature and properties of sacraments it is called the body of Christ.
Q79. 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”?
A. Christ speaks thus not without great reason: namely, not only thereby to teach us that as bread and wine support this temporal life, so his crucified body and shed blood are the true meat and drink whereby 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.
Q78. Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ?
A. 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 agreeably to the nature and properties of sacraments it is called the body of Christ.
Q79. 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”?
A. Christ speaks thus not without great reason: namely, not only thereby to teach us that as bread and wine support this temporal life, so his crucified body and shed blood are the true meat and drink whereby 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.
14.03.202518:46
The Heidelberg Catechism on a 30-day cycle corresponding to the days of the month. There will be no post on the 31st day of the month. In months with fewer than 30 days, the remaining days will be omitted.
05.04.202507:57
Lord’s Day 8
Q24. How are these articles divided?
A. 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.
Q25. Since there is but one only divine essence, why do you speak of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
A. Because God has so revealed himself in his Word, that these three distinct persons are the one true eternal God.
Of God the Father
Lord’s Day 9
Q26. What do you believe when you say, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?
A. 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.
Q24. How are these articles divided?
A. 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.
Q25. Since there is but one only divine essence, why do you speak of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
A. Because God has so revealed himself in his Word, that these three distinct persons are the one true eternal God.
Of God the Father
Lord’s Day 9
Q26. What do you believe when you say, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?
A. 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.
28.03.202508:57
Of Prayer
Lord’s Day 45
Q116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
A. 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.
Q117. What are the requisites of that prayer which is acceptable to God and which he will hear?
A. First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only, who has manifested himself in his Word, for all things he has 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.
Q118. What has God commanded us to ask of him?
A. All things necessary for soul and body, which Christ our Lord has comprised in that prayer he himself has taught us.
Q119. What are the words of that prayer?
A. Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in 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 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Lord’s Day 45
Q116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
A. 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.
Q117. What are the requisites of that prayer which is acceptable to God and which he will hear?
A. First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only, who has manifested himself in his Word, for all things he has 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.
Q118. What has God commanded us to ask of him?
A. All things necessary for soul and body, which Christ our Lord has comprised in that prayer he himself has taught us.
Q119. What are the words of that prayer?
A. Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in 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 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
24.03.202508:56
Lord’s Day 36
Q99. What is required in the third commandment?
A. 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.
Q100. 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?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 37
Q101. May we then swear religiously by the name of God?
A. 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.
Q102. May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?
A. 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.
Q99. What is required in the third commandment?
A. 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.
Q100. 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?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 37
Q101. May we then swear religiously by the name of God?
A. 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.
Q102. May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?
A. 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.
17.03.202508:54
Of the Holy Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Lord’s Day 28
Q75. How are you admonished and assured in the Lord’s Supper that you are a partaker of that one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross, and of all his benefits?
A. 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 me 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.
Q76. What is it then to eat the crucified body, and drink the shed blood of Christ?
A. It is not 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.
Q77. 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?
A. 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, Take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come.”
Lord’s Day 28
Q75. How are you admonished and assured in the Lord’s Supper that you are a partaker of that one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross, and of all his benefits?
A. 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 me 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.
Q76. What is it then to eat the crucified body, and drink the shed blood of Christ?
A. It is not 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.
Q77. 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?
A. 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, Take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come.”
03.04.202507:57
The Second Part: Of Man’s Deliverance
Lord’s Day 5
Q12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor?
A. God will have his justice satisfied; and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.
Q13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A. By no means; but on the contrary, we daily increase our debt.
Q14. Can there be found anywhere one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A. None; for first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed; and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it.
Q15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A. For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous; and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God.
Lord’s Day 6
Q16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
A. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one who is himself a sinner cannot satisfy for others.
Q17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
A. 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.
Q18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God and a real righteous man?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
Q19. From where do you know this?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 5
Q12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor?
A. God will have his justice satisfied; and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.
Q13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A. By no means; but on the contrary, we daily increase our debt.
Q14. Can there be found anywhere one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A. None; for first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed; and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it.
Q15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A. For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous; and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God.
Lord’s Day 6
Q16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
A. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one who is himself a sinner cannot satisfy for others.
Q17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
A. 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.
Q18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God and a real righteous man?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
Q19. From where do you know this?
A. 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.
27.03.202508:57
Lord's Day 44
Q113. What does the tenth commandment require of us?
A. 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.
Q114. But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these commandments?
A. 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 the commandments of God.
Q115. Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?
A. 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 pray 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.
Q113. What does the tenth commandment require of us?
A. 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.
Q114. But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these commandments?
A. 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 the commandments of God.
Q115. Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?
A. 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 pray 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.
20.03.202508:55
Lord’s Day 31
Q83. What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?
A. 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.
Q84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel?
A. 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 men both in this and in the life to come.
Q85. How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline?
A. 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.
Q83. What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?
A. 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.
Q84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel?
A. 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 men both in this and in the life to come.
Q85. How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline?
A. 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.
16.03.202513:31
Lord’s Day 27
Q72. Is then the external baptism with water the washing away of sin itself?
A. Not at all; for the blood of Jesus Christ only, and the Holy Spirit, cleanse us from all sin.
Q73. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism “the washing of regeneration,” and “the washing away of sins”?
A. God speaks thus not without great cause: to wit, 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.
Q74. Are infants also to be baptized?
A. 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.
Q72. Is then the external baptism with water the washing away of sin itself?
A. Not at all; for the blood of Jesus Christ only, and the Holy Spirit, cleanse us from all sin.
Q73. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism “the washing of regeneration,” and “the washing away of sins”?
A. God speaks thus not without great cause: to wit, 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.
Q74. Are infants also to be baptized?
A. 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.
01.04.202507:57
Lord’s Day 1
Q1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to 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 Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yes, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, from now on, to live unto him.
Q2. How many things are necessary for you to know, that you, enjoying this comfort, may live and die happily?
A. 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
Lord’s Day 2
Q3. From where do you know your misery?
A. Out of the law of God.
Q4. What does the law of God require of us?
A. Christ teaches us that in summary: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Q5. Can you keep all these things perfectly?
A. In no way; for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor.
Q1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to 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 Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yes, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, from now on, to live unto him.
Q2. How many things are necessary for you to know, that you, enjoying this comfort, may live and die happily?
A. 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
Lord’s Day 2
Q3. From where do you know your misery?
A. Out of the law of God.
Q4. What does the law of God require of us?
A. Christ teaches us that in summary: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Q5. Can you keep all these things perfectly?
A. In no way; for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor.
26.03.202508:57
Lord’s Day 41
Q108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?
A. 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.
Q109. Does God forbid in this commandment only adultery and such like gross sins?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 42
Q110. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
A. 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 weight, measure, fraudulent merchandise, bad coin, usury, or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, all abuse and waste of his gifts.
Q111. But what does God require in this commandment?
A. 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, that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.
Lord’s Day 43
Q112. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. 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, speak, and maintain the truth, and that I advance my neighbor’s good name as well as my own.
Q108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?
A. 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.
Q109. Does God forbid in this commandment only adultery and such like gross sins?
A. 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.
Lord’s Day 42
Q110. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
A. 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 weight, measure, fraudulent merchandise, bad coin, usury, or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, all abuse and waste of his gifts.
Q111. But what does God require in this commandment?
A. 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, that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.
Lord’s Day 43
Q112. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. 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, speak, and maintain the truth, and that I advance my neighbor’s good name as well as my own.
19.03.202508:55
Lord’s Day 30
Q80. What difference is there between the Lord’s Supper and the popish Mass?
A. 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 through 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, at bottom, is nothing else than a denial of the one sacrifice and sufferings of Jesus Christ, and an accursed idolatry.
Q81. For whom is the Lord’s Supper instituted?
A. For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins, and yet trust 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.
Q82. Are they also to be admitted to this supper who, by confession and life, declare themselves unbelieving and ungodly?
A. No; for that were to profane the covenant of God; and to provoke God’s wrath 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.
Q80. What difference is there between the Lord’s Supper and the popish Mass?
A. 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 through 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, at bottom, is nothing else than a denial of the one sacrifice and sufferings of Jesus Christ, and an accursed idolatry.
Q81. For whom is the Lord’s Supper instituted?
A. For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins, and yet trust 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.
Q82. Are they also to be admitted to this supper who, by confession and life, declare themselves unbelieving and ungodly?
A. No; for that were to profane the covenant of God; and to provoke God’s wrath 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.
15.03.202508:54
Of Holy Baptism
Lord’s Day 26
Q69. How are you admonished and assured by holy baptism that the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is of real advantage to you?
A. 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, from all my sins, as I am washed externally with water, by which the filthiness of the body is commonly washed away.
Q70. What is it to be washed with the blood and Spirit of Christ?
A. 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.
Q71. 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?
A. 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 believes not shall be damned.” This promise is also repeated where the Scripture calls baptism “the washing of regeneration” and “the washing away of sins.”
Lord’s Day 26
Q69. How are you admonished and assured by holy baptism that the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is of real advantage to you?
A. 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, from all my sins, as I am washed externally with water, by which the filthiness of the body is commonly washed away.
Q70. What is it to be washed with the blood and Spirit of Christ?
A. 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.
Q71. 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?
A. 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 believes not shall be damned.” This promise is also repeated where the Scripture calls baptism “the washing of regeneration” and “the washing away of sins.”
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