Introduction We have studied the sections in the Apostles’ Creed about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. There are a few brief articles left about a number of topics. The first is about the church. Of course, we don’t believe in the church the way we believe in the Father, … Continue reading The church of Jesus (LD 21, q&a 54)
Category: Catechism
The gift of the Spirit (LD 20, q&a 53)
Introduction Last time we discussed who the Holy Spirit is. In the words of the catechism: What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit? First, he is, together with the Father and the Son, true and eternal God. Now we will talk about the work he does, and especially how he is involved with Christian … Continue reading The gift of the Spirit (LD 20, q&a 53)
Who is the Holy Spirit (LD 20, Nicene Creed)
Introduction As Christians, our focus is on our Lord Jesus Christ. The catechism took quite some time (Lord’s Days 11 to 19) to discuss his identity and his work. It says much less about the Holy Spirit. An obvious reason is that the Apostles’ Creed has only that short line: “I believe in the Holy … Continue reading Who is the Holy Spirit (LD 20, Nicene Creed)
The gracious Judge (LD 19, q&a 52)
Introduction One day the Lord Jesus will return with the clouds of heaven. He will take place on his throne and all people, both those who are alive at the time and those who have passed away, will be brought before him. He will judge them, declaring the innocence of some and condemning others to … Continue reading The gracious Judge (LD 19, q&a 52)
Christ’s work in heaven (LD 18-19, q&a 49-51)
Introduction After completing his ministry on earth, Jesus returned to heaven. He will be there until he comes back for the final stage of history. While we live our lives here on earth, what is Jesus doing? Is he simply enjoying being back with his Father, basking in heavenly glory? No, our Lord Jesus is … Continue reading Christ’s work in heaven (LD 18-19, q&a 49-51)
He is still with us (LD 18, q&a 46-48)
Introduction When Jesus rose out of the grave, his disciples were excited. They had put all of their hopes on him, and when he had died on the cross they were desperate. His resurrection meant that his work would continue. With a Master who was even more powerful than death itself, what could stop his … Continue reading He is still with us (LD 18, q&a 46-48)
The risen Lord gives life (LD 17, q&a 45)
Introduction A few days after his death and burial, Jesus came out of the grave. The tomb was empty, and angels were around to tell his followers what had happened. “He is not here, for he has risen!” This was an enormous miracle, with far-reaching consequences that Jesus’ disciples only realised gradually. But it became … Continue reading The risen Lord gives life (LD 17, q&a 45)
Jesus went down into hell (LD 16, q&a 44)
Introduction The Apostles’ Creed summarizes Jesus’ path of humiliation in three step: “He suffered, died, and was buried;” then it adds: “he descended into hell.” This statement raises questions. When did this happen? Where exactly did Jesus go? These are not easy questions. The “descent into hell” is the most puzzling article in the Apostle’s … Continue reading Jesus went down into hell (LD 16, q&a 44)
The death of death
Introduction The last two lessons were about the humiliation of the Son of God. He gave up his heavenly glory and became a man; as the Bible says, he “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7). He suffered, not unintentionally, but deliberately. The way of humiliation went very deep, to being condemned as if … Continue reading The death of death
The way of suffering (LD 15, q&a 37-39)
Introduction Pain. Grief. Depression. Hunger. Disease. Betrayal. Loneliness. Fear. People suffer in many different ways. We spend a lot of time and energy on finding ways to avoid and reduce suffering, both individually and for mankind in general. But when we turn to the Christian gospel to find a way out of suffering, we get … Continue reading The way of suffering (LD 15, q&a 37-39)