Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 19 image

Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 19

0
0
0
[One of my favourite things about Heidelberg is its relentless focus on how particular Christian doctrines are actually beneficial to the Christian. Today, it takes a fairly innocuous two phrases in the Creed, and shows how both of them provide grounds for power, security, giftedness and eternal comfort in the Christian life. One sentence in particular is one of the most beautiful in the Catechism: "In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head, I confidently await the very judge who has already offered himself to the judgment of God in my place and removed the whole curse from me." Glorious.]

Q50. Why the next words:
“and is seated at the right hand of God”?

A50. Because Christ ascended to heaven
to show there that he is head of his church,
the one through whom the Father rules all things.

Q51. How does this glory of Christ our head
benefit us?

A51. First, through his Holy Spirit
he pours out gifts from heaven
upon us his members.
Second, by his power
he defends us and keeps us safe
from all enemies.

Q52. How does Christ’s return
“to judge the living and the dead”
comfort you?

A52. In all distress and persecution,
with uplifted head,
I confidently await the very judge
who has already offered himself to the judgment of God
in my place and removed the whole curse from me.
Christ will cast all his enemies and mine
into everlasting condemnation,
but will take me and all his chosen ones
to himself
into the joy and glory of heaven.

← Prev article
Next article →