Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven
Out of all the Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms written during the time of the Protestant Reformation, the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) is the most beloved. It is loved for its brevity, its faithfulness to the Bible, and its testimony to shared human experience. Written in Heidelberg, Germany by Zacharius Ursinus (1534-1583) and Caspar Olevianus (1536-1587), it touches the core of human emotion by making numerous statements throughout that affirm the promises of God. It has especially been appreciated during times of persecution, trial, and war. It was commissioned by Prince Frederick III (1515-1576) elector of the Palatinate in Southern Germany. The people of the Netherlands came to greatly appreciate this Catechism and made it part of the “Three Forms of Unity” that are affirmed in most Dutch Reformed Churches. The “Three forms of Unity” consist of: (1) The Belgic Confession, (2) The Canons of Dort, and (3) The Heidelberg Catechism.
What is unique and special about the Heidelberg Catechism? G. I. Williamson answers with the following thoughtful explanation,
“One of the unique things about the Heidelberg Catechism is that it really is two creeds in one. Or, to say it differently, there is a creed with this creed. You see, a large part of the catechism (or creed) is simply a careful explanation of the Apostles’ Creed. The Apostles’ Creed is the earliest, or most ancient, creed of the church. And right here we see one of the most important things about a creed that is true to the Bible–it remains true down through the ages. It does not need to be changed again and again, with each generation, because it deals with things that are unchanging. Thus, an accurate creed binds the generations together. It reminds us that the church of Jesus Christ is not confined to one age, just as it is not confined to any one place. In other words, there is a unity in what Christians have believed, right down through the ages. Just think of it: when we confess our faith today in the words of the Apostles’ Creed, we join with all those believers who have gone before us. Does this not demonstrate that there is indeed just one Lord and one true faith?”
G. I. Williamson, The Heidelberg Catechism, 3
Here are the first two questions–of one hundred and twenty-nine altogether–that show forth the experiential and personally relevant character of the Heidelberg Catechism. Note the emphasis on one’s “comfort” and personal assurance in the face of the many trials and tribulations of this world.
Lord’s Day 1 – With Scripture Proofs
Q. 1: What is thy only comfort in life and death?
A.: That I with body and soul, both in life and death (1), am not my own (2), but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ (3); who, with His precious blood (4), hath fully satisfied for all my sins (5), and delivered me from all the power of the devil (6); and so preserves me (7) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head (8); yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation (9), and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life (10), and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him (11).
- 1 Cor. 6:19-20
- Rom. 14:7-9
- 1 Cor. 3:23
- 1 Pet. 1:18-19
- John 1:17
- 1 John 3:8; Heb. 2:14-15
- John 6:39; John 10:28-29
- Luke 21:18; Matt. 10:30
- Rom. 8:28
- 2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5
- Rom. 8:14; Rom. 7:22
Q. 2: How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou, enjoying this comfort, mayest live and die happily?
A.: Three (1), the first, how great my sins and miseries are (2); the second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries (3); the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance (4).
- Luke 24:47
- 1 Cor. 6:10-11; John 9:41; Rom. 3:10, 19
- John 17:3
- Eph. 5:8-10
Let us, then, as students of the Bible resolve to learn the questions and answers from this historic catechism. It is an accurate summary of the teachings from the Bible. Plus, it addresses some of the most searching questions formulated by Christians who have experienced much misery and suffering. Soli Deo Gloria!
Select Bibliography:
Beeke, Joel & Sinclair Ferguson, eds. Reformed Confessions Harmonized. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1999.
Boekestein, William. The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011.
Douglas, J. D. ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1974; Revised edition, 1978.
- “Calvin, John,” by W. S. Reid
- “Calvinism,” by W. S. Reid
- “Genevan Catechism,” by W. S. Reid
- “Catechisms,” by Colin Buchanan
- “Low Countries,” by Dirk Jellema
- “Olevianus, Kaspar,” by J. G. C. Norman
- “Protestantism,” by David C. Steinmetz
- “Reformation, The,” by Robert D. Linder
- “Reformed Churches,” by W. S. Reid
- “Ursinus, Zacharias,” by Marvin W. Anderson
McKim, Donald K. ed. Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992.
- “Calvin, John,” by Hughes Oliphant Olds
- “Calvinism,” by W. Stanford Reid
- “Dutch Reformation,” by Donald Bruggink
- “Genevan Reformation,” by Robert M. Kingdon
- “Heidelberg Catechism,” by Shirley C. Guthrie
- “Olevianus, Kaspar,” by Lyle D. Bierma
- “Ursinus, Zacharius,” by Dirk Visser
Noll, Mark A., ed. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1991.
Williamson, G. I. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 1993.
Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
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