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)
Category: Catechism
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)
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)
The image of God (LD 3, q&a 6)
Introduction I am not able to keep God’s law perfectly. Without my saviour, I am a miserable sinner, in the power of the devil. This is true for me, for you, for all people. I am inclined by nature to hate God and my neighbour. That was the teaching of Lord’s Day 2—see the previous … Continue reading The image of God (LD 3, q&a 6)
The law of love (LD 2, q&a 3-5)
Introduction “What do you need in order to know to live and to die in the joy of the comfort that you belong to Jesus?” The catechism asked this in q&a 2. Its answer was: “First, how great my sins and misery are.” Only if we know how miserable we would be without Jesus, can … Continue reading The law of love (LD 2, q&a 3-5)
God, our Saviour (LD 1, part 2)
Introduction Have you noticed that the catechism, in its first question and answer, does not mention “God”? It easily could have; it could have said: “My only comfort is that I belong to God…” Instead, it talks about Jesus Christ as our Saviour. As we read on, the catechism also mentions “my heavenly Father” and … Continue reading God, our Saviour (LD 1, part 2)
My only comfort (LD 1, part 1)
Introduction What are you living for? What makes your life meaningful? What keeps you going? As long as things go well, we may avoid thinking about this. Especially while you are young and healthy. But sooner or later, we all face discomfort, suffering, sickness, loss. Then we cannot escape those questions. Then we need something … Continue reading My only comfort (LD 1, part 1)