 Section 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Heidelberg Catechism by Zacharias Ersonis and Kaspar Olavianis. Note, this Catechism is fully based on the Scriptures. The references to Scripture are indicated in parentheses with a letter. For example, the letter A points to the texts A placed after the answer. 1. Lord's Day Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death? Answer. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, A, am not my own, B, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, C, who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, D, and delivered me from all the power of the devil, E, and so preserves me, F, that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head, G, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, H, and therefore by his spirit he also assures me of eternal life, I, and makes me sincerely willing and ready henceforth to live unto him, J. A. Romans 14, 7 and 8. B. 1 Corinthians 6, 19. C. 1 Corinthians 3, 23, Titus 2, 14. D. 1 Peter 1, 18 and 19. 1 John 1, verse 7. 1 John 2, verses 2 and 12. E. Hebrews 2, 14. 1 John 3, 8. John 8, 34 to 36. F. John 6, 39. John 10, 28. 2 Thessalonians 3, 3. 1 Peter 1, 5. G. Matthew 10, 29 to 31. Luke 21, 18. H. Romans 8, 28. I. 2 Corinthians 1, 20 to 22. 2 Corinthians 5, 5. Ephesians 1, 13 and 14. Romans 8, 16. J. Romans 8, 14. 1 John 3, 3. Question 2. How many things are necessary for thee to know that thou, enjoying this comfort, mayest live and die happily? Answer 3. A. The first how great my sins and miseries are. B. The second how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries. C. The third how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance. D. A. Matthew 11, 28 to 30. Luke 24, 46 to 48. 1 Corinthians 6, 11. Titus 3, 3 through 7. B. John 9, 41. John 15, 22. C. John 17, 3. Acts 4, 12. Acts 10, 43. D. Ephesians 5, 8 to 11. 1 Peter 2, 9 and 10. Romans 6, 1 and 2, 12 and 13. The first part of the misery of man. Two lords' day. Question 3. Whence knowest thou thy misery? Answer. Out of the law of God. A. A. Romans 3, 20. Question 4. What does the law of God require of us? Answer. Christ teaches us that briefly, Matthew 22, 37 to 40, The Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and the great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law in the prophets. A. Deuteronomy 6, 5. Leviticus 19, 18. Mark 12, 30. Luke 10, 27. Question 5. Canst thou keep all these things perfectly? Answer. In no wise, A. For I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor, B. A. Romans 3, 10, 20, 23. 1 John 1, 8 and 10. B. Romans 8, 7. Ephesians 2, 3. Titus 3, 3. Genesis 6, 5. Genesis 8, 21. Jeremiah 17, 9. Romans 7, 23. 3. Lord's Day. Question 6. Did God then create man so wicked and perverse? Answer. By no means, but God created man good, A. And after his own image, B. In true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to glorify and praise him. A. Genesis 1, 31. B. Genesis 1, 26 to 27. C. Colossians 3, 9 and 10. Ephesians 4, 23 and 24. 2 Corinthians 3, 18. Question 7. Whence then precedes this depravity of human nature? Answer. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise, A. Hence our nature has become so corrupt that we are all conceived and born in sin, B. A. Genesis 3, Romans 5, 12, 18 and 19. B. Psalm 51 verse 5, Genesis 5, 3. Question 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable of doing any good and inclined to all wickedness? Answer. Indeed we are, A. Except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God, B. A. Genesis 8, 21. John 3, 6. Genesis 6, 5. Job 14, 4. Job 15, 14, 16 and 36. Isaiah 53, 6. B. John 3, 3 and 5. 1 Corinthians 12, 3. 2 Corinthians 3, 5. 4. Lord's Day Question 9. Does not God then do injustice to man by requiring from him and his law that which he cannot perform? Answer. Not at all, A. For God made man capable of performing it but man by the instigation of the devil, B. and his own willful disobedience, C. deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts. A. Ephesians 4, 24. Ecclesiastes 7, 29. B. John 8, 44. 2 Corinthians 11, 3. Genesis 3, 4. C. Genesis 3, 6. Romans 5, 12. Genesis 3, 13. 1 Timothy 2, 13 and 14. Question 10. Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished? Answer. By no means, but is terribly displeased, A. with our original as well as actual sins, and will punish them in his just judgment temporarily and eternally, B. As he has declared, quote, cursed is everyone that continue with not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them, end, quote, C. A. Genesis 2, 17. Romans 5, 12. B. Psalm 5, 5. Psalm 50, 21. Nahum 1, 2. Exodus 20, verse 5. Exodus 34, 7. Romans 1, verse 18. Ephesians 5, 6. Hebrews 9, 27. C. Deuteronomy 27, 26. Galatians 3, 10. Question 11. Is not God then also merciful? Answer. God is indeed merciful, A. but also just, B. Therefore his justice requires that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of body and soul. A. Exodus 34, 6 and 7. Exodus 20, verse 6. B. Psalm 7, 9. Exodus 20, verse 5. Exodus 23, verse 7. Exodus 34, verse 7. Psalm 5, 5 and 6. Nahum 1, verses 2 and 3. The second part of man's deliverance. 5. Lord's Day. Question 12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment. Is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor? Answer. God will have his justice satisfied, A. and therefore we must make this full satisfaction either by ourselves or by another, B. A. Genesis 2, 17. Exodus 20, verse 5. Exodus 23, verse 7. Ezekiel 18, verse 4. Matthew 5, 26. 2 Thessalonians 1, 6. Luke 16, 2. B. Romans 8, 3 and 4. Question 13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction? Answer. By no means, but on the contrary, we daily increase our debt. A. A. Job 9, 2 and 3. Job 15, 15 and 16. Job 4, 18 and 19. Psalm 130, verse 3. Matthew 6, 12. Matthew 18, 25. Matthew 16, 26. Question 14. Can there be found anywhere one who is a mere creature able to satisfy for us? Answer. None, for first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed, A. And further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin so as to deliver others from it, B. A. Ezekiel 18, 4. Genesis 3, 17. Hebrews 2, 14 to 17. B. Nahum 1, 6. Psalm 130, verse 3. Question 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for? Answer. For one who is very man and perfectly, A. Righteous, B. And yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also very God, C. A. 1 Corinthians 15, 21. Jeremiah 33, 16. Isaiah 53, 9. 2 Corinthians 5, 21. B. Hebrews 7, 16 and 26. C. Isaiah 7, 14. Isaiah 9, 6. Romans 9, 5. Jeremiah 23, 5 and 6. Jeremiah 23, 6. Luke 11, 22. 6. Lord's Day Question 16. Why must he be very man and also perfectly righteous? Answer. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should likewise make satisfaction for sin, A. And one who is himself a sinner cannot satisfy for others. B. A. Ezekiel 18, 4 and 20. Romans 5, 12, 15 and 18. 1 Corinthians 15, 21. Hebrews 2, 14 to 16. 1 Peter 3, 18. Isaiah 53, 3 through 5, 10 and 11. B. Hebrews 7, 26 and 27. Psalm 49, 7 and 8. 1 Peter 3, 18. Question 17. Why must he and one person be also very God? Answer. That he might, by the power of his Godhead, A. Sustain in his human nature, B. The burden of God's wrath, C. And might obtain for and restore to us righteousness and life, D. A. Isaiah 9, 6. Isaiah 63, 3. B. Isaiah 53, 4 and 11. C. Deuteronomy 4, 24. Nahum 1, 6. Psalm 130, verse 3. D. Isaiah 53, 5 and 11. Acts 2, 24. 1 Peter 3, 18. John 3, 16. Acts 20, 28. John 1, 4. Question 18. Who then is that mediator who is in one person both very God, A. And a real, B. Righteous man, C. Answer. Our Lord Jesus Christ, D. Quote, Who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, E. A. 1 John 5, 20. Romans 9, 5. Romans 8, 3. Galatians 4, 4. Isaiah 9, 6. Jeremiah 23, 6. Malachi 3, 1. B. Luke 1, 42. Luke 2, 6 and 7. Romans 1, 3. Romans 9, 5. Philippians 2, 7. Hebrews 2, 14, 16 and 17. Hebrews 4, 15. C. Isaiah 53, 9 and 11. Jeremiah 23, 5. Luke 1, 35. John 8, 46. Hebrews 4, 15. Hebrews 7, 26. 1 Peter 1, 19. 1 Peter 2, 22. 1 Peter 3, 18. D. 1 Timothy 2, 5. Hebrews 2, 9. Matthew 1, 23. 1 Timothy 3, 16. Luke 2, 11. E. 1 Corinthians 1, 30. Question 19. Whence knowest thou this? Answer. From the Holy Gospel which God himself first revealed in Paradise, A, and afterwards published by the patriarchs, B, and prophets, C, and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law, D, and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son, E. A. Genesis 3, 15. B. Genesis 22, 18. Genesis 12, 3. Genesis 49, 10 and 11. C. Isaiah 53, Isaiah 42, 1 through 4. Isaiah 43, 25. Isaiah 49, 5, 6, 22 and 23. Jeremiah 23, 5 and 6. Jeremiah 31, verses 32 and 33. Jeremiah 32, 39 to 41. Micah 7, 18 to 20. Acts 10, 43. Romans 1, 2. Hebrews 1, 1. Acts 3, 22 to 24. Acts 10, 43. John 5, 46. D. Hebrews 10, 1 and 7. Colossians 2, 7. John 5, 46. E. Romans 10, 4. Galatians 4, 4 and 5. Galatians 3, 24. Colossians 2, 17. 7. Lord's Day. Question 20. Are all men then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ? Answer. No. A. Only those who are engrafted into him and receive all his benefits by a true faith. B. A. Matthew 7, 14. Matthew 22, 14. B. Mark 16, 16. John 1, 12. John 3, 16, 18 and 36. Isaiah 53, 11. Psalm 2, verse 12. Romans 11, 17, 19 and 20. Romans 3, 22. Hebrews 4, 2 and 3. Hebrews 5, 9. Hebrews 10, 39. Hebrews 11, 6. Question 21. What is true faith? Answer. True faith is not only a certain knowledge whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in His word. A. But also an assured confidence. B. Which the Holy Ghost. C. Works by the Gospel in my heart. D. That not only to others but to me also. Remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation. E. Are freely given by God merely of grace only for the sake of Christ's merits. F. A. James 2, 19. B. 2 Corinthians 4, 13. Ephesians 2, 7 to 9. Ephesians 3, 12. Galatians 2, 16. Hebrews 11, 1 and 7 through 10. Hebrews 4, 16. James 1, 6. Matthew 16, 17. Philippians 1, 19. Romans 4, 16 to 21. Romans 5, 1. Romans 1, 16. Romans 10, 10 and 17. Romans 3, 24 and 25. C. Galatians 5, 22. Matthew 16, 17. 2 Corinthians 4, 13. John 6, 29. Ephesians 2, 8. Philippians 1, 19. Acts 16, 14. D. Romans 1, 16. Romans 10, 17. 1 Corinthians 1, 21. Acts 10, 44. Acts 16, 14. E. Romans 1, 17. Galatians 3, 11. Hebrews 10, 10 and 38. Galatians 2, 16. F. Ephesians 2, 8. Romans 3, 24. Romans 5, 19. Luke 1, 77 and 78. Question 22. What is then necessary for a Christian to believe? Answer. All things promised us in the Gospel, A. Which the articles of our Catholic undoubted Christian faith briefly teach us. A. John 20, 31. Matthew 28, 19. Mark 1, 15. Question 23. What are these articles? Answer. 1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth. 2. And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our Lord. 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary. 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. 5. The third day he rose again from the dead. 6. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father, Almighty. 7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Ghost. 9. I believe a holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints. 10. The forgiveness of sins. 11. The resurrection of the body. 12. And the life everlasting. 8. Lord's Day. Question 24. How are these articles divided? Answer. Into three parts. The first is of God the Father and our creation. The second of God the Son and our redemption. The third of God the Holy Ghost and our sanctification. Question 25. Since there is but one only Divine Essence, A. Why speakest thou of Father, Son and Holy Ghost? Answer. Because God has so revealed himself in his word, B. That these three distinct persons are the one only true and eternal God. A. Deuteronomy 6.4. Ephesians 4.6. Isaiah 44.6. Isaiah 45.5. 1 Corinthians 8.4.6. B. Isaiah 61.1. Luke 4.18. Genesis 1.2.3. Psalm 33.6. Isaiah 48.16. Psalm 110.1. Matthew 3.16.17. Matthew 28.19. 1 John 5.7. Isaiah 6.1.3. John 14.26. John 15.26. 2 Corinthians 13.13. Galatians 4.6. Ephesians 2.18. Titus 3.5.6. Of God the Father. 9. Lord's Day. Question 26. What believest thou when thou sayeth, I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth? Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who of nothing made heaven and earth and all that is in them, A. who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence, B. is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father, C. on whom I rely so entirely that I have no doubt but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body, D. and further that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage, E. for he is able to do it being Almighty God, F. and willing being a faithful Father, G. A. Genesis 1 and 2. Job 33.4. Job 38 and 39. Psalm 33.6. Acts 4.24. Acts 14.15. Isaiah 45.7. B. Matthew 10.29. Hebrews 1.3. Psalm 104.27-30. Psalm 115.3. Matthew 10.29. Ephesians 11. C. John 1.12. Romans 8.15. Galatians 4.5-7. Ephesians 1.5. D. Psalm 55.23. Matthew 6.25-26. Luke 12.22. E. Romans 8.28. F. Romans 10.12. Luke 12.22. Romans 8.23. Isaiah 46.4. Romans 10.12. G. Matthew 6.25-34. Matthew 7.9-11. 10. Lord's Day Question 27. What does thou mean by the providence of God? Answer. The Almighty and everywhere present power of God, A. whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs, B. heaven, earth, and all creatures, so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, C. fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, D. riches and poverty, E. yea and all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand, F. A. Acts 17.25-28. Jeremiah 23.23-24. Isaiah 29.15-16. Ezekiel 8.12. B. Hebrews 1.3. C. Jeremiah 5.24. Acts 14.17. D. John 9.3. E. Proverbs 22.2. F. Matthew 10.20. Proverbs 16.33. Question 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still uphold, all things? Answer. That we may be patient in adversity, A. thankful in prosperity, B. and that in all things which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, C. that nothing shall separate us from his love, D. since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move, E. A. Romans 5.3. James 1.3. Psalm 39.9. Job 1.21.22. B. Deuteronomy 8.10. 1 Thessalonians 5.18. C. Psalm 55.22. Romans 5.4. D. Romans 8.38.39. E. Job 1.12. Job 2.6. Acts 17.25.28. Proverbs 21.1. Of God the Son. 11. Lord's Day. Question 29. Why is the Son of God called Jesus? That is a Savior. Answer. Because he saveth us and delivereth us from our sins, A. and likewise because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other. A. Matthew 1.21. Hebrews 7.24.25. B. Acts 4.12. Question 30. Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints themselves or anywhere else? Answer. They do not, for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior, A. For one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior, or that they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation. A. 1 Corinthians 1.13.30.31. Galatians 5.4. B. Hebrews 12.2. Isaiah 9.6. Colossians 1.19.20. Colossians 2.10. 1 John 1.7.16. 12. Lord's Day. Question 31. Why is he called Christ? That is anointed. Answer. Because he is ordained of God the Father and anointed with the Holy Ghost, A. To be our chief prophet and teacher, B. Who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption, C. And to be our only High Priest, D. Who by the one sacrifice of his body has redeemed us, E. And makes continual intercession with the Father for us, F. And also to be our eternal King, who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in that salvation he has purchased for us, G. A. Hebrews 1.9. Psalm 45.8. Isaiah 61.1. Luke 4.18. B. Deuteronomy 18.15. Acts 3.22. Acts 7.37. Isaiah 55.4. C. John 1.18. John 15.15. D. Psalm 110.4. E. Hebrews 10.12.14. Hebrews 9.12.14. And 28. F. Romans 8.34. Hebrews 9.24. 1 John 2.1. Romans 5.9. And 10. G. Psalm 2.6. Zechariah 9.9. Matthew 21.5. Luke 1.33. Matthew 28.18. John 10.28. Revelation 12.10.11. Question 32. But why art thou called a Christian? A. Because I am a member of Christ by faith, B, and thus am partaker of his anointing, C, so that I may confess his name, D, and present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him, E, and also that with a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life, F, and afterwards I reign with him eternally over all creatures, G. A. Acts 11.26. B. 1 Corinthians 6.15. C. 1 John 2.27. Acts 2.17. D. Matthew 10.32. Romans 10.10. Mark 8.38. E. Romans 12.1. 1 Peter 2.5.9. Revelation 5.8.10. Revelation 1.6. F. 1 Peter 2.11. Romans 6.12.13. Galatians 5.16.17. Ephesians 6.11. 1 Timothy 1.18.19. G. 2 Timothy 2.12. Matthew 25.34. 13. Lord's Day Question 33. Why is Christ called the only begotten Son of God, since we are also the children of God? Answer. Because Christ alone is the eternal and natural Son of God, A, but we are children adopted of God by grace for his sake, B. A. John 1.1.3.14.18. Hebrews 1.1.2. John 3.16. 1 John 4.9. Romans 8.32. B. Romans 8.15.17. John 1.12. Galatians 4.6. Ephesians 1.5.6. Question 34. Wherefore calls thou him our Lord? Answer. Because he hath redeemed us both soul and body from all our sins, not with silver or gold, but with his precious blood, and has delivered us from all the power of the devil, and thus has made us his own property. A. 1 Peter 1.18.19. 1 Peter 2.9. 1 Corinthians 6.20. 1 Corinthians 7.23. 1 Timothy 2.6. John 20.28. 14. Lord's Day Question 35. What is the meaning of these words? He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary. Answer. That God's eternal Son, who is, and continues, A. True and eternal God, B. Took upon him the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary, C. By the operation of the Holy Ghost, D. That he might also be the true seat of David, E. Like unto his brethren in all things, F. Sin accepted. G. A. Romans 1.4. Romans 9.5. B. 1 John 5.20. John 1.1. John 17.3. Romans 1.3. Colossians 1.15. C. Galatians 4.4. Luke 1.31. 42.43. D. John 1.14. Matthew 1.18. and 20. Luke 1.32. and 35. E. Psalm 132.11. Romans 1.3. 2 Samuel 7.12. Acts 2.30. F. Philippians 2.7. Hebrews 2.14.17. G. Hebrews 4.15. Question 36. What prophet dost thou receive by Christ's holy conception and nativity? Answer. That he is our mediator, A., and with his innocence and perfect holiness covers in the sight of God my sins wherein I was conceived and brought forth, B. A. Hebrews 7.26. 27. Hebrews 2.17. B. 1 Peter 1.18. 19. 1 Peter 3.18. 1 Corinthians 1.30. 31. Romans 8.3.4. Isaiah 53.11. Psalm 32.1. 15. Lord's Day Question 37. What dost thou understand by the words, He suffered? Answer. That he, all the time he lived on earth, but especially at the end of his life, sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sins of all mankind, A. So that by his passion as the only propitiatory sacrifice, B., he might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation, C., and obtain for us the favor of God, righteousness, and eternal life, D. A. Isaiah 53.4. 1 Peter 2.24. 1 Peter 3.18. 1 Timothy 2.6. B. Isaiah 53.10.12. Ephesians 5.2. 1 Corinthians 5.7. 1 John 2.2. 1 John 4.10. Romans 3.25. Hebrews 9.28. Hebrews 10.14. C. Galatians 3.13. Colossians 1.13. Hebrews 9.12. 1 Peter 1.18. 19. D. Romans 3.25. 2 Corinthians 5.21. John 3.16. John 6.51. Hebrews 9.15. Hebrews 10.19. Question 38. Why did he suffer under Pontius Pilate as judge? Answer. That he, being innocent and yet condemned by a temporal judge, A., might thereby free us from the severe punishment of God to which we were exposed, B. A. John 18.38. Matthew 27.24. Acts 4.27.28. Luke 23.14.15. John 19.4. B. Psalm 69.4. Isaiah 53.4.5. 2 Corinthians 5.21. Galatians 3.13. Question 39. Is there anything more in his being crucified than if he had died some other death? Answer. Yes there is, for thereby I am assured that he took on him the curse which lay upon me, A., for the death of the cross was a curse of God, B. A. Galatians 3.13. B. Deuteronomy 21.23. 16. Lord's Day Question 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself, even unto death? Answer. Because with respect to the justice and truth of God, A., satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise than by the death of the Son of God, B. A. Genesis 2.17. B. Romans 8.3.4. Hebrews 2.9.14.15. Question 41. Why was he also buried? Answer. Thereby to prove that he was really dead, A. A. Matthew 27.59.60. Luke 23.52.53. John 19.38.42. Acts 13.29. Question 42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die? Answer. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, A., but only an abolishing of sin and a passage into eternal life. B. A. Mark 8.37. Psalm 49.7. B. John 5.24. Philippians 1.23. Romans 7.24. Question 43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross? Answer. That by virtue thereof our old man is crucified, dead, and buried with him, A. That so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us, B. But that we may offer ourselves unto him a sacrifice of thanksgiving, C. A. Romans 6.6. B. Romans 6.6.8.11.12. Colossians 2.12. C. Romans 12.1. Question 44. Why is there added, he descended into hell? Answer. That in my greatest temptations I may be assured and wholly comfort myself in this that my Lord Jesus Christ by his inexpressible anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies in which he was plunged during all his sufferings, A., but especially on the cross has delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell, B. A. Psalm 18.5.6. Psalm 116.3. Matthew 26.38. Hebrews 5.7. Isaiah 53.10. Matthew 27.46. B. Isaiah 53.5. 17. Lord's Day. Question 45. What does the resurrection of Christ profit us? Answer. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us partakers of that righteousness which he had purchased for us by his death, A. Secondly, we are also by his power raised up to a new life, B. And lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection, C. A. 1 Corinthians 15.16. Romans 4.25. 1 Peter 1.3. B. Romans 6.4. Colossians 3.1.3. Ephesians 2.5.6. C. 1 Corinthians 15.12.20.21. Romans 8.11. 18. Lord's Day. Question 46. How dost thou understand these words? He ascended into heaven. Answer. That Christ, inside of his disciples, was taken up from earth into heaven, A. And that he continues there for our interest, B, until he comes again to judge the quick and the dead, C. A. Acts 1.9. Matthew 26.64. Mark 16.19. Luke 24.51. B. Hebrews 7.25. Hebrews 4.14. Hebrews 9.24. Romans 8.34. Ephesians 4.10. Colossians 3.1. C. Acts 1.11. Matthew 24.30. Question 47. Is not Christ then with us, even to the end of the world, as he has promised? A. Answer. Christ is very man and very God. With respect to his human nature, he is no more on earth, B. But with respect to his Godhead, Majesty, Grace, and Spirit, he is at no time absent from us. C. A. Matthew 28.20. B. Hebrews 8.4. Matthew 26.11. John 16.28. John 17.11. Acts 3.21. C. John 14.17.19. John 16.13. Matthew 28.20. Ephesians 4.8.12. Question 48. But if his human nature is not present, wherever his Godhead is, are not then these two natures in Christ separated from one another? Answer. Not at all, for since the Godhead is illimitable and omnipresent, A. It must necessarily follow that the same is beyond the limits of the human nature he assumed, B. And yet is nevertheless in this human nature and remains personally united to it. A. Acts 7.49. Jeremiah 23.24. B. Colossians 2.9. John 3.13. John 11.15. Matthew 28.6. Question 49. Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension into heaven? Answer. First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven, A. Secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members, B. Thirdly, that he sends us his spirit as an earnest, C. By whose power we, quote, seek the things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God and not things on earth, end quote. D. A. 1 John 2.1. Romans 8.34. B. John 14.2. John 17.24. John 20.17. Ephesians 2.6. C. John 14.6.7. Acts 2.1.4. And 33. 2 Corinthians 1.22. 2 Corinthians 5.5. D. Colossians 3.1. Philippians 3.14. 19. Lord's Day. Question 50. Why is it added, and sitteth at the right hand of God? Answer. Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end, that he might appear as head of his church, A. By whom the Father governs all things, B. A. Ephesians 1.20.21.23. Colossians 1.18. B. Matthew 28.18. John 5.22. Question 51. What prophet is this glory of Christ? Answer. First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly graces upon us his members, A. And then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies, B. A. Acts 2.33. Ephesians 4.8. B. Psalm 2.9. Psalm 110.1.2. John 10.28. Ephesians 4.8. Question 52. What comfort is it to thee that Christ shall come again to judge the quick and the dead? Answer. That in all my sorrows and persecutions with uplifted head I look for the very same person who before offered himself for my sake to the tribunal of God and has removed all curse from me to come as judge from heaven, A. Who shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, B. But shall translate me with all his chosen ones to himself into heavenly joys and glory, C. A. Luke 21.28. Romans 8.23. Philippians 3.20. Titus 2.13. 1 Thessalonians 4.16. B. 2 Thessalonians 1.6.8.10. Matthew 25.41.43. C. Matthew 25.34. 2 Thessalonians 1.7. End of Section 1. Section 2 of the Heidelberg Catechism. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Heidelberg Catechism by Zacharias Ersonis and Kaspar Olavianis. Section 2. Of God the Holy Ghost. Twenty Lords Day. Question 53. What does thou believe concerning the Holy Ghost? Answer. First, that he is true and co-eternal God with the Father and the Son, A. Secondly, that he is also given me, B., to make me by a true faith, partaker of Christ and all his benefits, C., that he may comfort me, D., and abide with me forever, E. A. 1 John 5.7. Genesis 1.2. Isaiah 48.16. 1 Corinthians 3.16. 1 Corinthians 6.19. Acts 5.3.4. B. Galatians 4.6. Matthew 28.19.20. 2 Corinthians 1.21.22. Ephesians 1.13. C. Galatians 3.14. 1 Peter 1.2. 1 Corinthians 6.17. D. Acts 9.31. John 15.26. E. John 14.16. 1 Peter 4.14. 21 Lords Day. Question 54. What believest thou concerning the Holy Catholic Church of Christ? Answer. That the Son of God, A., from the beginning to the end of the world, B., gathers, defends, and preserves, C., to himself by his spirit and word, D., out of the whole human race, E., a church chosen to everlasting life, F., agreeing in true faith, G., and that I am and forever shall remain, H., a living member thereof, I. A., Ephesians 5.26. John 10.11. Acts 20.28. Ephesians 4.11.13. B., Psalm 71.17.18. Isaiah 59.21. 1 Corinthians 11.26. C., Matthew 16.18. John 10.28.30. Psalm 129.1-5. D., Isaiah 59.21. Romans 116. Romans 10.14.17. Ephesians 5.26. E., Genesis 26.4. Revelation 5.9. F., Romans 8.29.30. Ephesians 1.10.13. G., Acts 2.46. Ephesians 4.3-6. H., Psalm 23.6. 1 Corinthians 1.8.9. John 10.28. 1 John 2.19. 1 Peter 1.5. I., 1 John 3.14. 19-21. 2 Corinthians 13.5. Romans 8.10. Question 55. What do you understand by the Communion of Saints? Answer. First, that all and everyone who believes being members of Christ are in common partakers of Him and all of His riches and gifts. A. Secondly, that everyone must know it to be His duty readily and cheerfully to employ His gifts for the advantage and salvation of other members. B. A. 1 John 1.3. 1 Corinthians 1.9. Romans 8.32. 1 Corinthians 12.12.13. 1 Corinthians 6.17. B. 1 Corinthians 12.21. 1 Corinthians 13.1.5. Question 56. What believest thou concerning the forgiveness of sins? Answer. That God, for the sake of Christ's satisfaction, will no more remember my sins, neither my corrupt nature, against which I have to struggle all my life long. A. But will graciously impute to me the righteousness of Christ. B. That I may never be condemned before the tribunal of God. C. A. 1 John 2.2. 1 John 1.7. 2 Corinthians 5.19.21. B. Jeremiah 31.34. Psalm 103.3.4. Psalm 103.10.12. Micah 7.19.23-25. C. Romans 8.1-4. John 3.18. John 5.24. 22. Lord's Day Question 57. What comfort does the resurrection of the body afford thee? Answer. That not only my soul, after this life, shall be immediately taken up to Christ its head. A. But also, that this my body, being raised by the power of Christ, shall be united with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ. B. A. Luke 16.22. Luke 23.43. Philippians 1.21.23. B. 1 Corinthians 15.53.54. Job 19.25.26. 1 John 3.2. Philippians 3.21. Question 58. What comfort takeest thou from the article of Life Everlasting? Answer. That, since I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, A. After this life, I shall inherit perfect salvation, which, quote, I has not seen nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, end quote, to conceive, and that to praise God therein forever, B. A. 2 Corinthians 5.2.3. B. 1 Corinthians 2.9. John 17.3. 23. Lord's Day Question 59. But what does it profit thee, now that thou believest all this? Answer. That I am righteous in Christ before God, and in air of eternal life, A. A. Habakkuk 2.4. Romans 117. John 3.36. Question 60. How are thou righteous before God? Answer. Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ, A. So that, though my conscience accuse me that I have grossly transgressed all the commandments of God and kept none of them, B. And I am still inclined to all evil, C. Notwithstanding God without any merit of mine, D. But only of mere grace, E. Grants and imputes to me, F. The perfect satisfaction, G. Righteousness and holiness of Christ, H. Even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin, Y. As if I had fully accomplished all that obedience, which Christ has accomplished for me, I. In as much as I embrace such benefit with a believing heart, J. A. Romans 3.21-25 and 28. Romans 5.1-2. Galatians 2.16. Ephesians 2.8-9. Philippians 3.9. B. Romans 3.9. C. Romans 7.23. D. Titus 3.5. Deuteronomy 9.6. Ezekiel 36.22. E. Romans 3.24. Ephesians 2.8. F. Romans 4.4.5. 2 Corinthians 5.19. G. 1 John 2.2. H. 1 John 2.1. I. 2 Corinthians 5.21. J. Romans 3.22. John 3.18. Question 61. What sayest thou that thou art righteous by faith only? Answer. Not that I am acceptable to God on account of the worthiness of my faith, but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ is my righteousness before God. A. And that I cannot receive and apply the same to myself any other way than by faith only. B. A. 1 Corinthians 130. 1 Corinthians 2.2. B. 1 John 5.10. 24. Lord's Day Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God? Answer. Because that the righteousness which can be approved of before the tribunal of God must be absolutely perfect. A. And in all respects conformable to the divine law, and also that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. B. A. Galatians 3.10. Deuteronomy 27.26. B. Isaiah 64.6. Question 63. What do not our good works merit which yet God will reward in this and in a future life? Answer. This reward is not of merit but of grace. A. A. Luke 17.10. Question 64. But does not this doctrine make men careless and profane? Answer. By no means, for it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by a true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. A. A. Matthew 7.18. John 15.5. Of the Sacraments. 25. Lord's Day Question 65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith. Whence does this faith proceed? Answer. From the Holy Ghost. A. Who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the Gospel and confirms it by the use of the Sacraments. B. A. Ephesians 2.8.9. Ephesians 6.23. John 3.5. Philippians 1.29. B. Matthew 28.19.20. 1 Peter 1.22.23. Question 66. What are the Sacraments? Answer. The Sacraments are wholly visible signs and seals appointed of God for this end that by the use thereof he made the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the Gospel. That is, that he grants us freely the remission of sin and life eternal for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross. A. Genesis 17.11. Romans 4.11. Deuteronomy 30.6. Leviticus 6.25. Hebrews 9.7.9.24. Ezekiel 20.12. Isaiah 6.6.7. Isaiah 54.9. Question 67. Are both Word and Sacraments then ordained and appointed for this end that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation? A. Answer. Yes indeed, for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the Gospel and assures us by the Sacraments that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross. A. Romans 6.3. Galatians 3.27. Question 68. How many Sacraments has Christ instituted in the New Covenant or Testament? A. Answer. Two. Namely, Holy Baptism and the Holy Supper. A. Holy Baptism. 26. Lord's Day. Question 69. How art thou admonished and assured by Holy Baptism that the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is of real advantage to thee? A. Answer. Thus, that Christ appointed this external washing with water, A. adding thereto this promise, B. That I am as certainly washed by his blood and spirit from all the pollution of my soul, that is from all my sins, C. As I am washed externally with water by which the filthiness of the body is commonly washed away. A. Matthew 28.19. B. Matthew 28.19. Acts 2.38. Matthew 3.11. Mark 16.16. John 1.33. Romans 6.3.4. C. 1 Peter 3.21. Mark 1.4. Luke 3.3. Question 70. What is it to be washed with the blood and spirit of Christ? Answer. It is to receive of God the remission of sins freely for the sake of Christ's blood which he shed for us by his sacrifice upon the cross, A. And also to be renewed by the Holy Ghost and sanctified to be members of Christ, that so we may more and more die unto sin and lead holy and unblameable lives, B. A. Hebrews 12.24. 1 Peter 1.2. Revelation 1.5. Revelation 7.14. Zechariah 13.1. Ezekiel 36.25. B. John 1.33. John 3.5. 1 Corinthians 6.11. 1 Corinthians 12.13. Romans 6.4. Colossians 2.12. Question 71. Where has Christ promised us that he will as certainly wash us by his blood and spirit as we are washed with the water of baptism? Answer. In the institution of baptism, which is thus expressed, quote, Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, end quote, Matthew 28, 19. And, quote, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned, end quote, Mark 16, 16. This promise is also repeated where the Scripture calls baptism, quote, the washing of regenerations, end quote, and the washing away of sins, Titus 3.5, Acts 22.16. A. A. Titus 3.5, Acts 22.16. 27. Lord's Day. Question 72. Is then the external baptism with water, the washing away of sin itself? Answer. Not at all, A. For the blood of Jesus Christ only and the Holy Ghost cleanse us from all sin, B. A. Matthew 3.11, 1 Peter 3.21, Ephesians 5.26 and 27. B. 1 John 1.7, 1 Corinthians 6.11. Question 73. Why then does the Holy Ghost call baptism, the washing of regeneration, and the washing away of sins? Answer. God speaks thus not without great cause, to wit, not only thereby to teach us that as the filth of the body is purged away by water, so our sins are removed by the blood and spirit of Jesus Christ, A. But especially that by this divine pledge and sign, he may assure us that we are spiritually cleansed from our sins as really as we are externally washed with water, B. A. Revelation 1.5, Revelation 7.14, 1 Corinthians 6.11. B. Mark 16.16, Galatians 3.27. Question 74. Are infants also to be baptized? Answer. Yes. For since they, as well as the adult, are included in the Covenant and Church of God, A. And since redemption from sin, B. By the blood of Christ and the Holy Ghost, the author of faith, is promised to them no less than to the adult, C. They must therefore by baptism, as a sign of the Covenant, be also admitted into the Christian Church, and be distinguished from the children of unbelievers, D. As was done in the Old Covenant or Testament by Circumcision, E. Instead of which baptism is instituted, F. In the New Covenant. A. Genesis 17.7, B. Matthew 19.14, C. Luke 1.15, Psalm 22.10, Isaiah 44.1-3, Acts 2.39, D. Acts 10.47, E. Genesis 17.14, F. Colossians 2.11-13. Of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ. 28. Lord's Day Question 75. How art thou admonished and assured in the Lord's Supper, that thou art a partaker of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross, and of all his benefits? Answer. Thus, that Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread and to drink of this cup in remembrance of him, adding these promises. A. First, that his body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and his blood shed for me, as certainly as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me, and the cup communicated to me. And further, that he feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life with his crucified body and shed blood, as assuredly as I receive from the hands of the minister, and taste with my mouth the bread and the cup of the Lord, as certain signs of the body and blood of Christ. A. Matthew 26.26-28. Mark 14.22-24. Luke 22.19-20. 1 Corinthians 10.16-17. 1 Corinthians 11.23-25. 1 Corinthians 12.13. Question 76. What is it then to eat the crucified body and drink the shed blood of Christ? Answer. It is not only to embrace with believing heart all the sufferings and death of Christ, and thereby to obtain the pardon of sin and life eternal, A. But also, besides that, to become more and more united to his sacred body, B., by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us, so that we, though Christ is in heaven, C., and we on earth, are notwithstanding, quote, flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone, D., and that we live and are governed forever by one spirit, E., as members of the same body are by one soul. A. John 6.35-40. 47-54. B. John 6.55-56. C. Colossians 3.1. Acts 3.21. 1 Corinthians 11.26. D. Ephesians 3.16. Ephesians 5.29.30.32. 1 Corinthians 6.15.17.19. 1 John 3.24. 1 John 4.13. John 14.23. E. John 6.56-58. John 15.1-6. Ephesians 4.15-16. Question 77. Where has Christ promised that he will as certainly feed and nourish believers with his body and blood, as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup? Answer. In the institution of the Supper which is thus expressed, A. Quote, The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he break it and said, Eat, this is my body which is broken for you, this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had soft, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, this do ye as often as ye drink it in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." 1 Corinthians 11.23-26. This promise is repeated by the Holy Apostle Paul where he says, The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread and one body, for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10.16-17. A. 1 Corinthians 11.23-25. Matthew 26.26-28. Mark 14.22-24. Luke 22.19-20. 1 Corinthians 10.16-17. 29. Lord's Day. Question 78. Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ? Answer. Not at all. A. But as the water in baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ, neither is the washing away of sin itself, being only the sign and confirmation thereof appointed of God. B. So the bread and the Lord's Supper is not changed into the very body of Christ. C. Though agreeably to the nature and properties of sacraments. D. It is called the body of Christ Jesus. A. Matthew 26.29. B. Ephesians 5.26. Titus 3.5. C. Mark 14.24. 1 Corinthians 10.16-17. 26-28. D. Genesis 17.10-11.14-19. Exodus 12.11-13. 27.43-48. Exodus 13.9. 1 Peter 3.21. 1 Corinthians 10.1-4. Question 79. Why then doth Christ call the bread His Body, and the cup His Blood, or the New Covenant in His Blood, and Paul the Communion of Body and Blood of Christ? Answer. Christ speaks thus not without great reason, namely, not only thereby to teach us that as bread and wine support this temporal life, so His crucified Body and Shed Blood are the true meat and drink, whereby our souls are fed to eternal life. A. But more especially by these visible signs and pledges to assure us that we are as really partakers of His true Body and Blood by the operation of the Holy Ghost as we receive by the mouths of our bodies these holy signs in remembrance of Him. B. And that all His sufferings and obedience are as certainly ours as if we had in our own persons suffered and made satisfaction for our sins to God. A. John 6.51-55. B. 1 Corinthians 10.16-17. 30. Lord's Day Question 80. What difference is there between the Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass? Answer. The Lord's Supper testifies to us that we have a full pardon of all sin by the only sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which He Himself has once accomplished on the cross. A. And that we by the Holy Ghost are engrafted into Christ. B. Who, according to His human nature, is now not on earth but in heaven at the right hand of God His Father. C. And will there be worshiped by us. D. But the Mass teaches that the living and dead have not the pardon of sins through the sufferings of Christ unless Christ is also daily offered for them by the priests and further that Christ is bodily under the form of bread and wine and therefore is to be worshiped in them so that the Mass at bottom is nothing else than a denial of the one's sacrifice and sufferings of Jesus Christ and in a cursed idolatry. E. A. Hebrews 7 27. Hebrews 9 12 and 25 through 28. Hebrews 10. 10 and 12 through 14. John 19 30. Matthew 26 28. Luke 22 19 and 20. B. 1 Corinthians 6 17. 1 Corinthians 10 16. C. Hebrews 8 1 and 2. John 20 17. D. Matthew 6 20 and 21. John 4 21 through 24. Luke 24 52. Acts 7 55 and 56. Colossians 3 1. Philippians 3 20 and 21. 1 Thessalonians 1 10. Hebrews 9 6 through 10. E. Hebrews 9 26. John 10 12 14 and 19 through 31. Question 81. For whom is the Lord's Supper instituted? Answer. For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins and yet trust that these are forgiven them for the sake of Christ and that their remaining infirmities are covered by his passion and death and who also earnestly desire to have their faith more and more strengthened and their lives more holy and their lives more sacred and such as turn not to God with sincere hearts eat and drink judgment to themselves. A. A. 1 Corinthians 10 19 through 22. 1 Corinthians 11 28 and 29. Question 82. Are they also to be admitted to this Supper who by confession and life declare themselves unbelieving and ungodly? Answer. For by this the covenant of God would be profaned and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation. A. Therefore it is the duty of the Christian Church according to the appointment of Christ and his Apostles to exclude such persons by the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven till they show amendment of life. A. 1 Corinthians 11 20 and 34. Isaiah 1 11 through 15. Isaiah 66 3. Jeremiah 7 21 through 23. Psalm 50 verse 16. 31 Lord's Day. Question 83. What are the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven? Answer. The preaching of the Holy Gospel in Christian discipline or excommunication out of the Christian Church. By these two the Kingdom of Heaven is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers. Question 84. How is the Kingdom of Heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the Holy Gospel? Answer. Thus, when according to the command of Christ it is declared and publicly testified to all and every believer that whenever they receive the promise of the Gospel by a true faith all their sins are really forgiven them of God for the sake of Christ's merits and on the contrary when it is declared and testified and such as do not sincerely repent that they stand exposed to the wrath of God and eternal condemnation so long as they are unconverted. A. According to which testimony of the Gospel God will judge them both in this and in the life to come. A. Matthew 16 18 and 19. Matthew 18 15 through 19. John 20 21 through 23. Question 85. How is the Kingdom of Heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline? Answer. Thus, when according to the command of Christ those who under the name of Christians maintain doctrines or practices inconsistent therewith and will not after having been often brotherly admonished renounce their errors and wicked course of life are complained of to the church or to those who are there unto appointed to the church. And if they despise their admonition are by them forbidden the use of the sacraments whereby they are excluded from the Christian church and by God himself from the Kingdom of Christ and when they promise and show real amendment are again received as members of Christ and his church. A. Matthew 18 15 through 18. 1 Corinthians 5 2 through 5 and 11. 2 Thessalonians 3 14 and 15. 2 Corinthians 2 6 through 8. End of section 2.