Introduction In the previous two lessons we discussed baptism. It is a ritual of washing, showing the forgiveness of our sins. And it is a picture of being buried with Christ and rising up into the new life of the Spirit. But there is another aspect, and perhaps you have wondered why it wasn’t brought … Continue reading Circumcision of Christ (LD 27)
Category: Catechism
Born of water and the Spirit (LD 26, q&a 70)
Introduction In the previous lesson we saw that baptism is a symbolic washing. We are impure, dirty because of our sins, and the blood of Jesus makes us clean, that is, our sins are forgiven because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. But the gospel is not only about the cross of Jesus, … Continue reading Born of water and the Spirit (LD 26, q&a 70)
Washed clean (LD 26a)
Introduction Our Lord Jesus gave us two sacraments, two sacred rituals that highlight the gospel in a visible and tangible way. The first of these sacraments is baptism. When the water of baptism is sprinkled or poured on a person, this is clearly a symbolic action. It is a sign and seal of a spiritual … Continue reading Washed clean (LD 26a)
The source of faith (LD 25)
Introduction In Christianity, faith is extremely important. That is why the catechism talks about it often. In Lord’s Day 7, it said that only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ. Then it defined what faith is: knowing that God’s promises are true, and being confident that they are for … Continue reading The source of faith (LD 25)
Do good works count? (LD 24)
Introduction How are we right with God? Last time we said that the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of our Lord Jesus Christ is imputed to us. Christian believers are saved in the only way possible: by the grace of God, who gave his only Son to sacrifice himself on our behalf. At the same time, … Continue reading Do good works count? (LD 24)
Being right with God (LD 23)
Introduction In the previous lessons we studied the Apostles’ Creed. Now that we have finished this, the catechism takes a step back and reminds us why this was important. In LD 7 we said that only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ, and that this faith means that we … Continue reading Being right with God (LD 23)
A life of eternal joy (LD 22, q&a 58)
Introduction We have come to the last article of the Apostles’ Creed. It started by confessing: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth”; it concludes with the phrase: “and the life everlasting.” From where we came from to where we are going. Our life was created by God; it will … Continue reading A life of eternal joy (LD 22, q&a 58)
The body, too (LD 22, q&a 57)
Introduction I belong to my faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ. That is my only hope in life—and in death. We often try not to think about death, but with all our modern accomplishments we cannot escape it. Sooner or later, we will die; and then what? One of the greatest benefits of the Christian faith is … Continue reading The body, too (LD 22, q&a 57)
Forgiven! (LD 21, q&a 56)
Introduction If you believe in Jesus, you share in all his benefits, said the catechism. But what are those benefits? What things do you get from God when you are a believer? There are many such things; the Apostles’ Creed mentions three, and on top of the list is the forgiveness of sins. The Heidelberg … Continue reading Forgiven! (LD 21, q&a 56)
Sharing the gifts (LD 21, q&a 55)
Introduction In the previous lesson we discussed what the church is: the community of believers, gathered, defended, and preserved by our Lord Jesus Christ. But what does the church do? The Apostles’ Creed summarises it by saying: the communion of the saints. The word “saint” here simply refers to the members of Jesus’ church, to … Continue reading Sharing the gifts (LD 21, q&a 55)