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 21 is as follows. Please take note of the biblical references given in each answer. This morning’s devotional addresses the subject of God the Holy Spirit.
Q. What do you believe concerning “the holy catholic church”?
A. I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word,1 out of the entire human race,2 from the beginning of the world to its end,3 gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life4 and united in true faith.5 And of this community I am6and always will be7 a living member.
1 John 10:14-16; Acts 20:28; Rom. 10:14-17; Col. 1:18.
2 Gen. 26:3b-4; Rev. 5:9.
3 Isa. 59:21; 1 Cor. 11:26.
4 Matt. 16:18; John 10:28-30; Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:3-14.
5 Acts 2:42-47; Eph. 4:1-6.
6 1 John 3:14, 19-21.
7 John 10:27-28; 1 Cor. 1:4-9; 1 Pet. 1:3-5.
Q. What do you understand by “the communion of saints”?
A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ
and in all his treasures and gifts.1 Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.2
1 Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 6:17; 12:4-7, 12-13; 1 John 1:3.
2 Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:20-27; 13:1-7; Phil. 2:4-8.
Q. What do you believe concerning “the forgiveness of sins”?
A. I believe that God, because of Christ’s satisfaction, will no longer remember any of my sins1 or my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life.2
Rather, by grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.3
1 Ps. 103:3-4, 10, 12; Mic. 7:18-19; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; 1 John 1:7; 2:2.
2 Rom. 7:21-25.
3 John 3:17-18; Rom. 8:1-2.
May truth and grace reside here.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 