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)
Tag: baptism
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)
The Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of Christian doctrine used throughout the Western church. Legend has it that each of the twelve apostles wrote one of its articles; but the actual history of the creed is complicated. (A detailed study of its development can be found in J.N.D. Kelly, Early Christian Creeds.) The Apostles’ Creed … Continue reading The Apostles’ Creed
PreCon 01: Getting started
Your public profession The goal of this class is to prepare you for your public profession of faith. You will stand up in front of God and his church, and declare that you believe in you Saviour, Jesus Christ. You will make a life-long vow to dedicate your life to him. This is the most … Continue reading PreCon 01: Getting started