Introduction The name of our Saviour is “Jesus”. But we often call him “Jesus Christ”, or sometimes simply “Christ”. Technically, “Christ” is not a name but a title; so it is really “Jesus the Christ”. This title is commonly used in the New Testament: we find the name “Jesus” about 900 times, and the title … Continue reading The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)
Category: Catechism
No other name (LD 11, q&a 29-30)
Introduction “I believe in Jesus…” Just like other names, we use the name “Jesus” to single out a specific person. The man called Jesus, born 2000 years ago, who lived in Nazareth and later in Capernaum, who was a famous preacher for some years—that is the person we believe to be the Son of God. … Continue reading No other name (LD 11, q&a 29-30)
In good times and bad times (LD 10, q&a 27-28)
Introduction God the Father is our Creator. The world in which we live was designed and put together by a God who is not only almighty but also good and faithful. But our God did not stop there. He also upholds and governs it with his counsel and providence, said the catechism in LD 9. … Continue reading In good times and bad times (LD 10, q&a 27-28)
The Creator is my Father (LD 9, q&a 26)
Introduction “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” That is how the book of Genesis introduces God, who is the main character not only of the Bible but in all of reality. In the previous lesson we mentioned that all three divine Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy … Continue reading The Creator is my Father (LD 9, q&a 26)
Knowing the Triune God (LD 8, q&a 24-25)
Introduction “I believe in God.” Many people say that. They believe that there is something, someone greater than they, who is in charge of their life and must be worshiped. But who is this God? What is he like? What is my relationship to him? What does he want of me? “I believe in God.” … Continue reading Knowing the Triune God (LD 8, q&a 24-25)
What to believe? (LD 7, q&a 22)
Introduction You can only be saved if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The catechism made that very clear in q&a 20. Faith is what “grafts you into” the Saviour, that is, connects you with him on an essential level, so that his righteousness becomes your righteousness, and his holiness becomes your holiness, and … Continue reading What to believe? (LD 7, q&a 22)
True faith (LD 7, q&a 20-21)
Introduction “As by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners,so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Rom 5:19) This is the Bible’s summary of what we have studied so far in the catechism. Because of Adam’s sin, we are miserable sinners who deserve God’s wrath; but because of … Continue reading True faith (LD 7, q&a 20-21)
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 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 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)