The Heidelberg Catechism

• The Third Part: OUR THANKFULNESS

Pastor's introduction

Shortcuts

The First Part: Our Sin and Misery (Lord's Day 1-4)

         

The Second Part: Our Deliverance (Lord's Day 5-31)

 

The Third Part: Our Thankfulness 

          Lord's Day 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,
          Lord's Day 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52

 

The Heidelberg Catechism and bible references are reproduced here with grateful thanks to the Theological College of Canadian Reformed Churches www.canrc.org.  Sermon notes and other information are by the Revd Peter G Michell M Theol., pastor of Iden Green Congregational Church. 

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 32

86

Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace alone through Christ, without any merit of our own, why must we yet do good works?

Because Christ, having redeemed us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit to be His image, so that with our whole life we may show ourselves thankful to God for His benefits,¹ and He may be praised by us.² Further, that we ourselves may be assured of our faith by its fruits,³ and that by our godly walk of life we may win our neighbours for Christ.⁴

¹ Romans 6:13; 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 2:5-10.
² Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.
³ Matthew 7:17, 18; Galatians 5:22-24; 2 Peter 1:10, 11.
⁴ Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 14:17-19; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1, 2.

87

Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent walk of life?

By no means. Scripture says that no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, greedy person, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like shall inherit the kingdom of God.¹

¹ 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5, 6; 1 John 3:14.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 33

88

What is the true repentance or conversion of man?

It is the dying of the old nature and the coming to life of the new.¹

¹ Romans 6:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-10.

89

What is the dying of the old nature?

It is to grieve with heartfelt sorrow that we have offended God by our sin, and more and more to hate it and flee from it.¹

¹ Psalm 51:3, 4, 17; Joel 2:12, 13; Romans 8:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 7:10.

90

What is the coming to life of the new nature?

It is a heartfelt joy in God through Christ,¹ and a love and delight to live according to the will of God in all good works.²

¹ Psalm 51:8, 12; Isaiah 57:15; Romans 5:1; 14:17.
² Romans 6:10, 11; Galatians 2:20.

91

But what are good works?

Only those which are done out of true faith,¹ in accordance with the law of God,² and to His glory,³ and not those based on our own opinion or on precepts of men.⁴

¹ John 15:5; Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:6.
² Leviticus 18:4; 1 Samuel 15:22; Ephesians 2:10.
³ 1 Corinthians 10:31.
⁴ Deuteronomy 12:32; Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 20:18, 19; Matthew 15:7-9.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 34

92

What is the law of the LORD?

God spoke all these words, saying: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

¹ Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21.

93

How are these commandments divided?

Into two parts. The first teaches us how to live in relation to God; the second, what duties we owe our neighbour.

¹ Matthew 22:37-40.

94

What does the LORD require in the first commandment?

That for the sake of my very salvation I avoid and flee all idolatry,¹ witchcraft, superstition,² and prayer to saints or to other creatures.³ Further, that I rightly come to know the only true God,⁴ trust in Him alone,⁵ submit to Him with all humility⁶ and patience,⁷ expect all good from Him only,⁸ and love,⁹ fear,¹⁰ and honour Him¹¹ with all my heart. In short, that I forsake all creatures rather than do the least thing against His will.¹²

¹ 1 Cor 6:9, 10; 10:5-14; 1 Jn 5:21
² Lev 19:31; Deut 18:9-12
³ Mt 4:10; Rev 19:10; 22:8, 9
⁴ Jn 17:3
⁵ Jer 17:5, 7
⁶ 1 Pet 5:5, 6
⁷ Rom 5:3, 4; 1 Cor 10:10; Phil 2:14; Col 1:11; Heb 10:36
⁸ Ps 104:27, 28; Is 45:7; Jas 1:17
⁹ Deut 6:5; (Mt 22:37)
¹⁰ Deut 6:2; Ps 111:10; Prov 1:7; 9:10; Mt 10:28; 1 Pet 1:17
¹¹ Deut 6:13; (Mt 4:10); Deut 10:20
¹² Mt 5:29, 30; 10:37-39; Acts 5:29

95

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is having or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.¹

¹ 1 Chron 16:26; Gal 4:8, 9; Eph 5:5; Phil 3:19.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 35

96

What does God require in the second commandment?

We are not to make an image of God in any way,¹ nor to worship Him in any other manner than He has commanded in His Word.²

¹ Deut 4:15-19; Is 40:18-25; Acts 17:29; Rom 1:23.
² Lev 10:1-7; Deut 12:30; 1 Sam 15:22, 23; Mt 15:9; Jn 4:23, 24.

97

May we then not make any image at all?

God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Creatures may be portrayed, but God forbids us to make or have any images of them in order to worship them or to serve God through them.¹

¹ Ex 34:13, 14, 17; Num 33:52; 2 Kings 18:4, 5; Is 40:25.

98

But may images not be tolerated in the churches as "books for the laity"?

No, for we should not be wiser than God. He wants His people to be taught not by means of dumb images¹ but by the living preaching of His Word.²

¹ Jer 10:8; Hab 2:18-20. ² Rom 10:14, 15, 17; 2 Tim 3:16, 17; 2 Pet 1:19.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 36

99

What is required in the third commandment?

We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing,¹ perjury,² or unnecessary oaths,³ nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.⁴ Rather, we must use the holy Name of God only with fear and reverence,⁵ so that we may rightly confess Him,⁶ call upon Him,⁷ and praise Him in all our words and works.⁸

¹ Lev 24:10-17.
² Lev 19:12.
³ Mt 5:37; Jas 5:12.
⁴ Lev 5:1; Prov 29:24.
⁵ Ps 99:1-5; Is 45:23; Jer 4:2.
⁶ Mt 10:32, 33; Rom 10:9, 10.
⁷ Ps 50:14, 15; 1 Tim 2:8.
⁸ Rom 2:24; Col 3:17; 1 Tim 6:1.

100

Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?

Certainly,¹ for no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.²

¹ Lev 5:1.
² Lev 24:16.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 37

101

But may we swear an oath by the Name of God in a godly manner?

Yes, when the government demands it of its subjects, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to God's glory and for our neighbour's good. Such oath-taking is based on God's Word¹ and was therefore rightly used by saints in the Old and the New Testament.²

¹ Deut 6:13; 10:20; Jer 4:1, 2; Heb 6:16.
² Gen 21:24; 31:53; Josh 9:15; 1 Sam 24:22; 1 Kings 1:29, 30

102

May we also swear by saints or other creatures?

No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely.¹ No creature is worthy of such honour.²

¹ Rom 9:1; 2 Cor 1:23.
² Mt 5:34-37; 23:16-22; Jas 5:12.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 38

103

What does God require in the fourth commandment?

First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained¹ and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of God² to hear God's Word,³ to use the sacraments,⁴ to call publicly upon the LORD,⁵ and to give Christian offerings for the poor.⁶ Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through His Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal sabbath.⁷

¹ Deut 6:4-9; 20-25; 1 Cor 9:13, 14; 2 Tim 2:2; 3:13-17; Tit 1:5.
² Deut 12:5-12; Ps 40:9, 10; 68:26; Acts 2:42-47; Heb 10:23-25.
³ Rom 10:14-17; 1 Cor 14:26-33; 1 Tim 4:13.
⁴ 1 Cor 11:23, 24.
⁵ Col 3:16; 1 Tim 2:1.
⁶ Ps 50:14; 1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8 & 9.
⁷ Is 66:23; Heb 4:9-11.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 39

104

What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline,¹ and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings,² since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.³

¹ Ex 21:17; Prov 1:8; 4:1; Rom 13:1, 2; Eph 5:21, 22; 6:1-9; Col 3:18-4:1.
² Prov 20:20; 23:22; 1 Pet 2:18.
³ Mt 22:21, Rom 13:1-8; Eph 6:1-9; Col 3:18-21.

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 40

105

What does God require in the sixth commandment?

I am not to dishonour, hate, injure, or kill my neighbour by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by deeds, whether personally or through another;¹ rather, I am to put away all desire of revenge.² Moreover, I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself.³ Therefore, also, the government bears the sword to prevent murder.⁴

¹ Gen 9:6; Lev 19:17, 18; Mt 5:21, 22; 26:52.
² Prov 25:21, 22; Mt 18:35; Rom 12:19; Eph 4:26.
³ Mt 4:7; 26:52; Rom 13:11-14.
⁴ Gen 9:6; Ex 21:14; Rom 13:4.

106

But does this commandment speak only of killing?

By forbidding murder God teaches us that He hates the root of murder, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge,¹ and that He regards all these as murder.²

¹ Prov 14:30; Rom 1:29; 12:19; Gal 5:19-21; Jas 1:20; 1 Jn 2:9-11.
² 1 Jn 3:15.

107

Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbour in any such way?

No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves,¹ to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him,² to protect him from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.³

¹ Mt 7:12; 22:39; Rom 12:10.
² Mt 5:5; Lk 6:36; Rom 12:10, 18; Gal 6:1, 2; Eph 4:2; Col 3:12;
³ Ex 23:4, 5; Mt 5:44, 45; Rom 12:20

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 41

108

What does the seventh commandment teach us?

That all unchastity is cursed by God.¹ We must therefore detest it from the heart² and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage.³

¹ Lev 18:30; Eph 5:3-5.
² Jude 22, 23.
³ 1 Cor 7:1-9; 1 Thess 4:3-8; Heb 13:4

109

Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?

Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure and holy. Therefore He forbids all unchaste acts, gestures, words, thoughts, desires,¹ and whatever may entice us to unchastity.²

¹ Mt 5:27-29; 1 Cor 6:18-20; Eph 5:3, 4.
² 1 Cor 15:33; Eph 5:18

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 42

110

What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

God forbids not only outright theft and robbery¹ but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury;² we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right.³ In addition God forbids all greed⁴ and all abuse or squandering of His gifts.⁵

¹ Ex 22:1; 1 Cor 5:9, 10; 6:9, 10.
² Deut 25:13-16; Ps 15:5; Prov 11:1; 12:22; Ezek 45:9-12; Lk 6:35.
³ Mic 6:9-11; Lk 3:14; Jas 5:1-6.
⁴ Lk 12:15; Eph 5:5.
⁵ Prov 21:20; 23:20, 21; Lk 16:10-13

111

What does God require of you in this commandment?

I must promote my neighbour's good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.¹

¹ Is 58:5-10; Mt 7:12; Gal 6:9, 10; Eph 4:28

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 43

112

What does the tenth commandment require of us?

I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard.¹ Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath.² In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth,³ speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbour's honour and reputation.⁴

¹ Ps 15; Prov 19:5, 9; 21:28; Mt 7:1; Lk 6:37; Rom 1:28-32.
² Lev 19:11, 12; Prov 12:22; 13:5; Jn 8:44; Rev 21:8.
³ 1 Cor 13:6; Eph 4:25.
⁴ 1 Pet 3:8, 9; 4:8

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 44

113

What does the tenth commandment require of us?

That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. Rather, with all our heart we should always hate all sin and delight in all righteousness.¹

¹ Ps 19:7-14; 139:23, 24; Rom 7:7, 8

114

But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience.¹ Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live not only according to some but to all the commandments of God.²

¹ Eccles 7:20; Rom 7:14, 15; 1 Cor 13:9; 1 Jn 1:8.
² Ps 1:1, 2; Rom 7:22-25; Phil 3:12-16

115

If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

First, so that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.¹ Second, so that, while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.²

¹ Ps 32:5; Rom 3:19-26; 7:7, 24, 25; 1 Jn 1:9.
² 1 Cor 9:24; Phil 3:12-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 45

116

Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us.¹ Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.²

¹ Ps 50:14, 15; 116:12-19; 1 Thess 5:16-18.
² Mt 7:7, 8; Lk 11:9-13

117

What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him?

First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray.¹ Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God.² Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word.³

¹ Ps 145:18-20; Jn 4:22-24; Rom 8:26, 27; Jas 1:5; 1 Jn 5:14, 15; Rev 19:10.
² 2 Chron 7:14; 20:12; Ps 2:11; 34:18; 62:8; Is 66:2; Rev 4.
³ Dan 9:17-19; Mt 7:8; Jn 14:13, 14; 16:23; Rom 10:13; Jas 1:6

118

What has God commanded us to ask of Him?

All the things we need for body and soul,¹ as included in the prayer which Christ our Lord Himself taught us.

¹Mt 6:33; Jas 1:17

119

What is the Lord's prayer?

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.¹

¹ Mt 6:9-13; Lk 11:2-4

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 46

120

Why has Christ commanded us to address God as Our Father?

To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer that childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be basic to our prayer: God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith than our fathers would refuse us earthly things.¹

¹ Mt 7:9-11; Lk 11:11-13

121

Why is there added, Who art in heaven?

These words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty in an earthly manner,¹ and to expect from His almighty power all things we need for body and soul.²

¹ Jer 23:23, 24; Acts 17:24, 25. ² Mt 6:25-34; Rom 8:31, 32

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 47

122

What is the first petition?

Hallowed be Thy Name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know Thee,¹ and sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth.² Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life - our thoughts, words, and actions - that Thy Name is not blasphemed because of us but always honoured and praised.³

¹ Jer 9:23, 24; 31: 33, 34; Mt 16:17; Jn 17:3.
² Ex 34:5-8; Ps 145; Jer 32:16-20; Lk 1:46-55, 68-75; Rom 11: 33-36.
³ Ps 115:1; Mt 5:16

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 48

123

What is the second petition?

Thy kingdom come. That is: So rule us by Thy Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to Thee.¹ Preserve and increase Thy church.² Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against Thee, and every conspiracy against Thy holy Word.³ Do all this until the fullness of Thy kingdom comes, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.⁴

¹ Ps 119:5, 105; 143:10; Mt 6:33.
² Ps 51:18; 122:6-9; Mt 16:18; Acts 2:42-47.
³ Rom 16:20; 1 Jn 3:8.
⁴ Rom 8:22, 23; 1 Cor 15:28; Rev 22: 17, 20

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 49

124

What is the third petition?

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. That is: Grant that we and all men may deny our own will, and without any murmuring obey Thy will, for it alone is good.¹ Grant also that everyone may carry out the duties of his office and calling² as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.³

¹ Mt 7:21; 16:24-26; Lk 22:42; Rom 12:1, 2; Tit 2:11, 12.
² 1 Cor 7:17-24; Eph 6:5-9.
³ Ps 103:20, 21

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 50

125

What is the fourth petition?

Give us this day our daily bread. That is: Provide us with all our bodily needs¹ so that we may acknowledge that Thou art the only fountain of all good,² and that our care and labour, and also Thy gifts, cannot do us any good without Thy blessing.³ Grant, therefore, that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it only in Thee.⁴

¹ Ps 104:27-30; 145:15, 16; Mt 6:25-34.
² Acts 14:17; 17:25; Jas 1:17.
³ Deut 8:3; Ps 37:16; 127:1, 2; 1 Cor 15:58.
⁴ Ps 55:22; 62; 146; Jer 17:5-8; Heb 13:5, 6

Top

Next

LORD'S DAY 51

126

What is the fifth petition?

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. That is: For the sake of Christ's blood, do not impute to us, wretched sinners; any of our transgressions, nor the evil which still clings to us,¹ as we also find this evidence of Thy grace in us that we are fully determined wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbour.²

¹ Ps 51:1-7; 143:2; Rom 8:1; 1 Jn 2:1, 2.
² Mt 6:14, 15; 18:21-35

Top

LORD'S DAY 52

127

What is the sixth petition?

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. That is: In ourselves we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment.¹ Moreover, our sworn enemies - the devil,² the world,³ and our own flesh⁴ - do not cease to attack us. Wilt Thou, therefore, uphold and strengthen us by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, so that in this spiritual war⁵ we may not go down to defeat, but always firmly resist our enemies, until we finally obtain the complete victory.⁶

¹ Ps 103:14-16; Jn 15:1-5.
² 2 Cor 11:14; Eph 6:10-13; 1 Pet 5:8.
³ Jn 15:18-21.
⁴ Rom 7:23; Gal 5:17.
⁵ Mt 10:19, 20; 26:41; Mk 13:33; Rom 5:3-5.
⁶ 1 Cor 10:13; 1 Thess 3:13; 5:23

128

How do you conclude your prayer?

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. That is: All this we ask of Thee because, as our King, having power over all things, Thou art both willing and able to give us all that is good,¹ and because not we but Thy holy Name should so receive all glory for ever.²

¹ Rom 10:11-13; 2 Pet 2:9.
² Ps 115:1; Jer 33:8, 9; Jn 14:13

129

What does the word Amen mean?

Amen means: It is true and certain. For God has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of Him.¹

¹ Is 65:24; 2 Cor 1:20; 2 Tim 2:13

The Heidelberg Catechism and bible references are reproduced here with grateful thanks to the Theological College of Canadian Reformed Churches www.canrc.org.  Sermon notes and other information are by the Revd Peter G Michell M Theol., pastor of Iden Green Congregational Church.