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)
Tag: Holy Spirit
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)
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)
The church of Jesus (LD 21, q&a 54)
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)
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)
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)
Risen or raised?
“Jesus rose from the dead.”“God raised Jesus from the dead.” Which of these statements is the most correct? In the first sentence, the intransitive verb “rise” is used. Jesus is the one acting here: he himself came out of death. But in the second sentence, we have the transitive verb “raise”. God the Father is … Continue reading Risen or raised?
Heaven and earth meet (LD 14, q&a 35-36)
Introduction In the last several lessons we discussed the identity of our Redeemer. He is Jesus, Saviour; he is Christ, the Anointed One; he is the only-begotten Son of the Father, and he is our Lord. As we continue along in the Apostles’ Creed, we now discuss his work and life. Traditionally, we divide the … Continue reading Heaven and earth meet (LD 14, q&a 35-36)