In Christian theology, assurance means that I am sure that God saves me. The catechism (q&a 21) emphasizes that faith is not mere knowledge, but “firm confidence (or assurance)”. This statement is directly aimed at the Roman Catholic teaching that “no one can know with a certainty of faith […] that he has obtained the … Continue reading Assurance of salvation
Author: arjenvreugd
Educator and Christian minister. Interest and experience in theology, mathematics, science, and linguistics.
The holy gospel (LD 6, q&a 19)
Introduction The Lord Jesus Christ is our Saviour. He is the God-man who can and does take away our sin and misery, and gives us righteousness and life. Therefore we have great hope, both in life and in death, for body and soul. At this point the Catechism stops to ask an important question (q&a … Continue reading The holy gospel (LD 6, q&a 19)
The meaning of ‘gospel’
The word “gospel” was coined in older English from “good-spell”, that is, “good message”. This is a literal translation from the Greek word used in the New Testament: evangelion, from eu “good” and angelion “message”. But the meaning of a word is not only determined by its parts. What did the original readers think when … Continue reading The meaning of ‘gospel’
The God-Man Saviour (LD 6, q&a 16-18)
Introduction In LD 5 we asked how we, sinners, can escape the punishment of hell that we deserve. The conclusion was that we need a very special Saviour. He must be a true and righteous man, and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is at the same time true God. Now … Continue reading The God-Man Saviour (LD 6, q&a 16-18)
The Chalcedonian Definition
We confess that Jesus Christ is both true man and true God. The earliest Christians already drew this conclusion, based on the testimony of the Bible. They called Jesus the theanthropos, the “God-Man”. When in the early 300s Arius denied that Jesus is God, the church famously stated in the Nicene Creed: he is “true … Continue reading The Chalcedonian Definition
The search for a Saviour (LD 5 q&a 12-15)
Introduction In the first part of the catechism, we learned that we are in trouble. Because of our sin and guilt, we deserve nothing less than hell. What do you do, when you realize you are in big trouble? You look for help. Is there any way out of this mess? Is there any way … Continue reading The search for a Saviour (LD 5 q&a 12-15)
Special offices in the Reformed churches
Essay written for the celebration of Reformation Day, 2021, and presented at Living Hope Free Reformed Church in Chatham on October 26, 2021. The Protestant Reformation criticized the church organization of the Middle Ages. Martin Luther first pointed out the abuse of power by the bishops and other clergy, but soon he opposed the system … Continue reading Special offices in the Reformed churches
The meaning of “hell”
The idea of hell is unpopular. Modern people, even many modern Christians, think it rather backward to believe in a place of eternal punishment. It’s medieval fearmongering, they say, but unfitting for the loving God we encounter in the Bible. It is true that a certain depiction of hell was popularized in the late Middle … Continue reading The meaning of “hell”
Deserved punishment (LD 4, q&a 9-11)
Introduction What do you need to know to live a truly happy life? The Catechism said: First, you need to know how great your sins and misery are—so that then you can all the better appreciate your Saviour. So in Lord’s Day 2 we talked about the purpose for which God made us—to love him … Continue reading Deserved punishment (LD 4, q&a 9-11)
Our corruption (LD 3, q&a 7-8)
Introduction Conclusion Questions Reading/listening questions Discussion questions In what way are we like Adam and Eve before their fall? In what way are we different?How do we learn to sin?Is it fair to say that we are “totally unable to do any good”?How does this teaching of “original sin” and “total depravity” help us when … Continue reading Our corruption (LD 3, q&a 7-8)