On each Lord’s Day this year, we will display the 52 devotionals taken from the Heidelberg Catechism which are structured in the form of questions posed and answers given.
The Heidelberg Catechism was originally written in 1563. It originated in one of the few pockets of Calvinistic faith in the Lutheran and Catholic territories of Germany. Conceived originally as a teaching instrument to promote religious unity, the catechism soon became a guide for preaching as well.
Along with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt, it forms what is collectively referred to as the Three Forms of Unity.
The devotional for LORD’S DAY 13 is as follows. Please take note of the biblical references given in each answer. The theme for the next several weeks concerns the subject of God the Son.
Q. Why is he called God’s “only begotten Son” when we also are God’s children?
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God.1 We, however, are adopted children of God—adopted by grace through Christ.2
1 John 1:1-3, 14, 18; Heb. 1.
2 John 1:12; Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 1:5-6.
Q. Why do you call him “our Lord”?
A. Because—not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood—1 he has set us free from sin and from the tyranny of the devil,2 and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.3
1 1 Pet. 1:18-19.
2 Col. 1:13-14; Heb. 2:14-15.
3 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Tim. 2:5-6.
May truth and grace reside here.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 