Introduction In this lesson we wrap up our discussion of the Christian ethics, the teaching of right and wrong; or, in the words of Paul, how we use our freedom to walk in the way of the Spirit rather than in the way of our sinful flesh. We have followed the Ten Commandments to guide … Continue reading Freedom to be content (LD 44)
Tag: image of god
Freedom to love others (LD 40)
Introduction We have now discussed the first five of the Ten Commandments. Before we look at commandments six through ten, I’d like to briefly review what these commandments mean for us, Christians. The Ten Commandments are often called “universal moral law”, which means that they state principles of right and wrong that apply to everybody, … Continue reading Freedom to love others (LD 40)
Freedom to worship God as he is (LD 35)
Introduction The first and second commandment are closely related. So closely that in the past they were considered a single commandment together; the Roman Catholic church still calls it the “first commandment”, and they make up for it by splitting the tenth commandment into two parts. The first and second commandments belong so closely together, … Continue reading Freedom to worship God as he is (LD 35)
Welcome to your new self (LD 33, q&a 90-91)
Introduction The old self must go! That is what we learned last time about true conversion. Being a Christian is not something extra, on top of the life you would normally live. If you are a real Christian, who is (as the catechism says) grafted in Christ by true faith, there are parts of you … Continue reading Welcome to your new self (LD 33, q&a 90-91)
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)
Understanding the “image of God”
The creation narrative in Genesis 1 characterizes human beings as made “in the image” and “after the likeness” of God himself. In our very design and essence, we are closely linked to who God is: a wonderful thought! But what qualities do we have that constitute that image in us? Traditionally, there have been two … Continue reading Understanding the “image of God”