Heidelberg Catechism Part II

THE SECOND PART: OF MAN’S REDEMPTION
Q. 12. Since, then, by the righteous judgment of God we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, what is required that we may escape this punishment and be again received into favor?
A. God wills that his justice be satisfied (Exod 20:5; 23:7; 34:7; Deut 7:9-11; Gen 2:17; 3:17; Rom 2:1-11): therefore must we make full satisfaction to the same, either by ourselves or by another (Rom 8:3-4;Deut 24:16; Isa 53:11; Ezek 18:4; Matt 5:26; 18:34; 2 Cor 5:14-15; 2 Thess 1:6; Luke 16:2).
Q. 13. Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?
A. By no means; but on the contrary, we daily increase our debt (Job 9:2-3; 15:15-16; Matt 6:12; Job 4:18-19; Ps 130:3; Isa 64:6; Matt 18:25; 16:26; Rom 2:5).
Q. 14. Can any mere creature make satisfaction for us?
A. None; for, first, God will not punish, in any other creature, that of which man has made himself guilty (Heb 2:14-18; Gen 3:17; Ezek 18:4); and, further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, and redeem others therefrom (Ps 130:3; Job 4:18; 15:15-16; 25:5-6; Ps 49:7-9; Nah 1:6; Heb 9:12; Rev 5:3).
Q. 15. What manner of a mediator and redeemer, then, must we seek?
A. One who is a true (Rom 1:3; 1 Cor 15:21-26; Heb 2:1†) and sinless man (Jer 23:6; 33:16; Isa 53:11; 2 Cor 5:14-16; 5:21; Heb 7:26), and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is at the same time God (Isa 7:14; Heb 7:15-17; Luke 11:22; Rom 8:3-4; Isa 9:6; Rom 9:5; Col 2:9; John 1:1; 10:30; 20:28; Heb 1:3, 6).
Q. 16. Why must he be a true and sinless man?
A. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should make satisfaction for sin (Rom 5:12-15; 1 Pet 3:18; Isa 53:3-5; Ezek 18:20; 1 Cor 15:21; Heb 2:14-16); but no man, being himself a sinner, could satisfy for others (Jer 33:15; Heb 7:26-27; Ps 49:7-8; 1 Pet 3:18).
Q. 17. Why must he be at the same time true God?
A. That by the power of his Godhead (Isa 9:6; 63:3) he might bear, in his manhood, the burden of God’s wrath (Deut 4:24; Nah 1:6; Ps 130:3; Isa 53:4-5, 11; Acts 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18), and so obtain for and restore to us righteousness and life (John 3:16; Acts 20:28; 2 Cor 5:21; Jer 23:5-6; John 1:4; 6:51; 2 Tim 1:9-10; 1 John 1:2; 4:9-10; Rev 19:15-16).
Q. 18. But who, now, is that mediator, who is at the same time true God (1 John 5:20; Rom 8:3; Gal 4:4; Isa 9:6; Jer 23:5-6; Mal 3:1) and a true, sinless man (Rom 9:5; Luke 1:42; 2:6–7; Rom 1:3;Phil 2:7; Heb 2:14, 16-17; 4:15; Isa 53:9, 11; Luke 1:35; John 8:46; Heb 7:26; 1 Pet 1:19; 2:22; 3:18)?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 1:21, 23; Isa 7:14; 1 Tim 3:16; Luke 2:11; John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 2:9), who is freely given unto us for complete redemption and righteousness (1 Cor 1:30).
Q. 19. Whence knowest thou this?
A. From the Holy Gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise (Gen 3:15), afterwards proclaimed by the holy Patriarchs (Gen 22:18; 12:3; 26:4; 28:14; 49:10–11) and Prophets (Rom 1:1-4; Heb 1:1-2; Isa 53; 42:1–4; 43:25; 49:5–6, 22–23; Jer 23:6; 31:32–33; 32:39–41; Mic 7:18-20; Acts 3:22-24; Acts 10:43), and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law (Lev 1-7; John 5:46; Heb 9:13-15; Heb 10:1, 7), and finally fulfilled by his well-beloved Son (Rom 10:4; Gal 4:4-5; Gal 3:24-25; Col 2:17; Heb 13:8).
Q. 20. Are all men, then, saved by Christ, as they have perished in Adam?
A. No; only such as by true faith are ingrafted into him, and receive all his benefits (Matt 1:21; 7:13–14, 21; 7:24; 22:14; Mark 16:16; John 1:12-13; 3:36; 17:9; Isa 53:11; Ps 2:12; Rom 11:19-20; 3:22; Heb 4:2-3; 5:9; 10:39; 11:6).
Q. 21. What is true faith?
A. It is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his Word (John 6:68-69; 17:3, 17; Jas 1:18; 2:19–20; Heb 11:1-4; Rom 2:18-20), but also a hearty trust (Rom 4:16-21; 5:1; 10:9-10; Eph 3:12; Jas 1:6; Luke 1:68; 2:14, 29-30; Heb 4:14-16) which the Holy Ghost works in me (Matt 16:17; 2 Cor 1:21-22; 4:13; John 3:5; 3:13; 6:29; Gal 5:22; Phil 1:19, 29) by the Gospel (Eph 1:13; Rom 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor 1:21; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 10:44; 16:14),that not only to others, but to me also, forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God (Heb 11:7-10; Matt 9:2; Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:10; Gal 5:11), merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits (Eph 2:7-9; Heb 10:38-39 [quotation of Hab 2:4]; Gal 2:16; 2:20; Rom 3:24-26; 5:19; Eph 2:8; Luke 1:77-78; John 20:31).
Q. 22. What is it, then, necessary for a Christian to believe?
A. All that is promised us in the Gospel (John 20:31; Matt 28:20; Mark 1:15; Acts 10:34-43; 24:14), which the articles of our catholic, undoubted Christian faith teach us in sum.
Q. 23. What are these Articles?
A. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into Hades; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Q. 24. How are these Articles divided?
A. Into three parts: The first is of God the Father and our creation (Gen 1:26-27); the second, of God the Son and our redemption (1 Pet 1:18-20); the third, of God the Holy Ghost and our sanctification (1 Pet 1:2; 1 Pet 1:21-23).
Q. 25. Since there is but one Divine Being (Deut 6:4; Isa 42:6; 44:6; 45:5; Isa 6:3; 1 Cor 8:4, 6; Eph 4:5-6), why speakest thou of three, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?
A. Because God has so revealed himself in his Word (Gen 1:1-3; 1:26; Num 6:24-26; Ps 33:6; Matt 3:16-17; 28:19; Luke 4:18; Isa 48:16; 61:1; 63:8–10; Ps 110:1; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 John 5:7; John 1:18;Rom 11:36; Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18; Titus 3:5-6; John 10:30; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26) that these three distinct Persons are the one, true, eternal God.
OF GOD THE FATHER
Q. 26. What dost thou believe when thou sayest: I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth?
A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that in them is (Gen 1-2; Exod 20:11; Ps 33:6; 90:1-2; Job 33:4; 38-39; Isa 44:24; 45:7; John 1:3; Rom 4:17; Heb 11:3; Acts 4:24; 14:15), who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence (Ps 104:2-5; 115:3; Matt 6:30; 10:29–30; Rom 11:36; Heb 1:3; John 5:17; Eph 1:11), is for the sake of Christ his Son my God and my Father (John 1:12; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5-7; Eph 1:5; 1 John 3:1), in whom I so trust as to have no doubt that he will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul (Ps 55:22; Matt 6:25-26; Luke 12:22-24); and further, that whatever evil he sends upon me in this vale of tears, he will turn to my good (Ps 23:1-2; Rom 4:21; 8:28; Heb 12:10-11); for he is able to do it, being Almighty God (Isa 46:4; Ps 115:3; Gen 18:14; Luke 12:22; Rom 8:38-39), and willing also, being a faithful Father (Rom 10:12; Matt 6:26; 7:9-11; Isa 49:15-16).
Q. 27. What dost thou understand by the Providence of God?
A. The almighty and every where present power of God (Acts 17:25-27; Matt 17:27; Ps 94:9-10; Isa 29:15-16; Jer 23:23-24; Ezek 8:12), whereby, as it were by his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth, with all creatures (Heb 1:2-3), and so governs them that herbs and grass (Ps 104:14), rain and drought (Jer 14:22), fruitful and barren years (Lev 26:4-5; Ps 145:15-16), meat and drink (Jer 5:23-24; Acts 14:17), health and sickness (John 9:2-3; Ps 71:20; Job 5:18), riches and poverty (Prov 22:2; 1 Sam 2:7; Job 1:21), yea, all things, come not by chance (Prov 16:33), but be his fatherly hand (Ps 139:16; Matt 10:29;Eph 1:11).
Q. 28. What does it profit us to know that God has created, and by his providence still upholds all things?
A. That we may be patient in adversity (Rom 5:3; Job 1:21; Ps 39:9; Jas 1:2-3), thankful in prosperity (Deut 8:10; 1 Thess 5:18), and for what is future have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from his love (Rom 5:4-6; 8:38-39; Ps 55:22; 71:7; 1 Pet 5:7), since all creatures are so in his hand that without his will they can not so much as move (Job 1:12; 2:6; 12:9-10;Matt 8:31; Acts 17:26-28; Prov 21:1).

OF GOD THE SON

Q. 29. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Saviour?
A. Because he saves us from our sins (Matt 1:21; Heb 7:24-25; 1 Tim 1:15); and no salvation is to be either sought or found in any other (Acts 4:12; Isa 43:11; John 6:68; 15:4–5; 1 Cor 3:11; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 John 5:11).
Q. 30. Do such, then, believe in the only Saviour Jesus who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or any where else?
A. No; although they may make their boast of him, yet in act they deny the only and Saviour Jesus (1 Cor 1:13, 30-31; 1 Cor 1:21-25; Gal 5:4). For either Jesus is not a complete Saviour, or they who by true faith receive this Saviour must have in him all that is necessary to their salvation (Ps 9:5; Heb 12:2; Isa 9:6;Col 1:19-20; 2:10; 2:20; John 1:16; Isa 43:11, 25; 1 John 1:7).
Q. 31. Why is he called Christ, that is, Anointed?
A. Because he is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Ghost (Heb 1:9; Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1;Luke 4:18; 3:21-22; Acts 10:38), to be our chief Prophet and Teacher (Deut 18:15; Acts 3:22; Acts 7:37;John 1:18; Matt 11:27; Luke 7:16; Acts 3:22; Isa 55:4), who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption (John 1:18; 15:15; Matt 11:27); and our only High Priest (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:21), who by the one sacrifice of his body has redeemed us (Heb 9:12; Heb 10:12, 14), and ever liveth to make intercession for us with the Father (Rom 8:34; 5:9-10; Heb 9:24; 1 John 2:1); and our eternal King (Mark 11:1-10; Matt 21:5; Zech 9:9; Ps 2:6; Luke 1:33), who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and defends and preserves us in the redemption obtained for us (Matt 28:18; John 10:28; Rev 12:10-11).
Q. 32. But why art thou called a Christian?
A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ (Acts 11:26; 1 Cor 6:15; 1 Cor 12:12-27), and thus a partaker of his anointing (1 John 2:20, 27; Isa 59:21; Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28; 3:1-5; 2 Cor 1:21-22); in order that I also may confess his name (Matt 10:32-33; Mark 8:38; Rom 10:9-10; Heb 13:15), may present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him (Rom 12:1; Rev 5:8-10; 1 Pet 2:5, 9; Exod 19:6; Rev 1:6), and may with free conscience fight against sin and the devil in this life (1 Pet 2:11; Rom 6:12-13; Gal 5:16-17; Eph 6:11; 1 Tim 1:18-19), and hereafter, in eternity, reign with him over all creatures (Matt 25:34; 2 Tim 2:12;1 Cor 16:10).
Q. 33. Why is he called God’s only-begotten Son, since we also are the children of God?
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal natural Son of God (John 1:14, 18; 3:16; Rom 8:32; 1 John 4:9; Heb 1:2); but we are children of God by adoption through grace for his sake (Rom 8:15-17; Rom 9:4; Gal 3:26;Gal 4:5-6; Eph 1:5-6; John 1:12; 1 John 1:3; John 8:58).
Q. 34. Why callest thou him our Lord (Acts 2:36; John 20:28)?
A. Because, not with silver or gold, but with his precious blood (1 Pet 1:18-19), he has redeemed and purchased us (1 Pet 2:9), body and soul, from sin and from all the power of the devil, to be his own (Col 1:13-14; Heb 2:14-15; 1 Cor 6:20; 1 Cor 7:23; Eph 1:7; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Tit 2:14).
Q. 35. What is the meaning of Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary?
A. That the eternal Son of God, who is (John 1:1; 10:30-36; 17:3–5; Acts 13:33; Ps 2:7; Rom 1:4; 1 John 5:20; Col 1:15†) and continues true and eternal God (Rom 9:5; Col 2:9; John 20:28; 1 John 5:20), took upon him the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary (John 1:14; Gal 4:4; Heb 2:14;Luke 1:27; Matt 1:18, 20), by the operation of the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35), so that he also might be the true seed of David (Ps 132:11; 2 Sam 7:12; Matt 1:1; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30; Rom 1:3), like unto his brethren in all things (Phil 2:7; Heb 2:14, 17), sin excepted (Heb 4:15; 7:26-27; 1 John 3:5).
Q. 36. What benefit dost thou receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?
A. That he is our Mediator (Heb 2:16-17; 7:26-27; 9:13–15; Jer 23:5-6; 1 Tim 2:5); and with his innocence and perfect holiness covers, in the sight of God, my sin wherein I was conceived (Ps 32:1; Rom 4:7; 1 Cor 1:30; Rom 8:3-4; Gal 4:4-5; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 1:18-19; 3:18; Isa 53:11).
Q. 37. What dost thou understand by the word Suffered?
A. That all the time he lived on earth, but especially at the end of his life, he bore, in body and soul, the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race (1 Pet 2:24; 3:18; Isa 53:4, 12; 1 Tim 2:6), in order that by his passion (Heb 5:7-8; Ps 22:14-16), as the only sacrifice (1 John 2:2; 4:10; Rom 3:25-26; 1 Cor 5:7; Eph 5:2; Heb 9:28; Heb 10:14), he might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation (Rom 8:1-4; Gal 3:13; Col 1:13; Heb 9:12-13; 1 Pet 1:18-19), and obtain for us the grace of God, righteousness, and eternal life (John 3:16; 6:51; Rom 3:25; 5:9; 6:23; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 1:7; 2:2;Heb 9:15; 10:19).
Q. 38. Why did he suffer under Pontius Pilate, as judge?
A. That he, being innocent, might be condemned by the temporal judge (Acts 3:14; 4:27-28; Matt 27:24;Luke 23:13-15; John 18:38; 19:4), and thereby deliver us from the severe judgment of God to which we were exposed (Ps 69:4; Isa 53:4-5; Rom 5:6; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13-14).
Q. 39. Is there any thing more in his having been crucified that if he had died some other death?
A. Yes; for thereby I am assured that he took on himself the curse which lay upon me (Gal 3:13), because the death of the cross was accursed of God (Deut 21:23; Gal 3:13).
Q. 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer death?
A. Because, by reason of the justice and truth of God (Gen 2:17), satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise than by the death of the Son of God (Heb 2:9, 14-15; Phil 2:8; Rom 1:32; 8:3–4).
Q. 41. Why was he buried?
A. To show thereby that he was really dead (Isa 53:9; Matt 27:60; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:52; John 19:38-42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor 15:3-4).
Q. 42. Since, then, Christ died for us, why must we also die?
A. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sin (Ps 49:7; Mark 8:37), but only a dying to sins and entering into eternal life (John 5:24; Phil 1:21, 23; Rom 7:24-25; 1 Thess 5:9-10).
Q. 43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
A. That by his power our old man is with him crucified, slain, and buried (Rom 6:6-8, 10; Col 2:12-13); that so the evil lusts of the flesh may no more reign in us (Rom 6:12), but that we may offer ourselves unto him a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Rom 12:1 [or Rom 12:1-2; 6:13; 1 Cor 6:20; 2 Cor 5:15; Eph 5:1-2; 1 John 4:19).
Q. 44. Why is it added: He descended into Hades?
A. That in my greatest temptation I may be assured that Christ, my Lord, by his inexpressible anguish, pains, and terrors which he suffered in his soul on the cross and before, has redeemed me from the anguish and torment of hell (Isa 53:8; Matt 27:46; Ps 18:4-5; 116:3; Matt 26:38; Heb 5:7; Luke 22:44; 23:43; Acts 2:27, 31; 1 Pet 3:18-20; 4:6).
Q. 45. What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ?
A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, that he might make us partakers of the righteousness which by his death he has obtained for us (1 Cor 15:16-18, 54-55; Rom 4:25; Heb 2:14-15; 1 Pet 1:3-5, 21). Secondly, we are also now by his power raised up to a new life (Rom 6:4; Col 3:3-4; Eph 2:5-6). Thirdly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection (1 Cor 15:12-14; Rom 8:11; Phil 3:20-21).
Q. 46. How dost thou understand the words, He ascended into heaven?
A. That Christ, in sight of his disciples, was taken up from the earth into heaven (Acts 1:9; Matt 26:64;Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51), and in our behalf there continues (Heb 4:14; 7:24; 9:12; Rom 8:34; Eph 4:10; Col 3:1-2), (b) until he shall come again to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11; 10:42; Matt 24:30; 25:31-46).
Q. 47. Is not, then, Christ with us even unto the end of the world, as he has promised ()? (a)
A. Christ is true man and true God: according to his human nature, he is now not upon earth (Matt 26:11;John 3:13; 16:28; 17:11; Acts 1:9-11; Acts 3:21; Heb 8:4); but according to his Godhead, majesty, grace and Spirit, he is at no time absent from us (Matt 18:20; 28:20; John 14:17-18; 16:13; Eph 4:8).
Q. 48. But are not, in this way, the two natures in Christ separated from one another, if the Manhood be not wherever the Godhead is?
A. By no means; for since the Godhead is incomprehensible and every where present (Acts 7:49; 17:27-28;Isa 66:1; 1 Kgs 8:27; Ps 139:7-10; Jer 23:23-24; Matt 24:30), it must follow that it is indeed beyond the bounds of the Manhood which it has assumed, but is yet none the less in the same also, and remains personally united to it (Eph 4:9-10; Col 2:9; John 1:14; 1:48; 3:13; 11:15; 16:28; 17:11–12; Matt 28:6; 28:20).
Q. 49. What benefit do we receive from Christ’s ascension into heaven?
A. First, that he is our Advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven (Heb 9:24; 1 John 2:1-2; Rom 8:34). Secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven, as a sure pledge that he, as the Head, will also take us, his members, up to himself (John 14:2-3; 17:24; 20:17; Eph 2:6). Thirdly, that he sends us his Spirit, as an earnest (John 14:16; 16:7; Acts 2:33; 2 Cor 1:22; 5:5), by whose power we seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth (Col 3:1; Phil 3:14, 20-21).
Q. 50. Why is it added, And sitteth at the right hand of God?
A. Because Christ ascended into heaven for this end, that he might there appear as Head of his Church (Eph 1:20-23; 5:23; Col 1:18), by whom the Father governs all things (Ps 110:1; Matt 26:64; Matt 28:18;John 5:22-23; 1 Pet 3:22).
Q. 51. What benefit do we receive from this glory of our Head, Christ?
A. First, that by his Holy Spirit he sheds forth heavenly gifts in us, his members (Eph 4:10-12; Acts 2:33); then, that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies (Ps 2:9; 110:1-2; 1 Cor 15:25-26;John 10:28-29; Eph 4:8; Rev 19:11-16).
Q. 52. What comfort is it to thee that Christ shall come again to judge the quick and the dead?
A. That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head, I look for the self-same One who has before offered himself for me to judgment of God, and removed from me all curse, to come again as Judge from heaven (Luke 21:28; Rom 8:23-24; Phil 3:20-21; Tit 2:13); who shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting condemnation (2 Thess 1:8-9; Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10), but shall take me, with all his chosen ones, to himself, into heavenly joy and glory (Matt 25:34; 1 Thess 4:16-17; [2 Thess 1:7]; Rev 21:1-7).

OF GOD THE HOLY GHOST
Q. 53. What dost thou believe concerning the Holy Ghost?
A. First, that he is co-eternal God with the Father and the Son (1 John 5:7; Gen 1:2; Isa 48:16; John 4:24; 14:7–17; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; Acts 5:3-4). Secondly, that he is also given unto me (Matt 28:19-20; 2 Cor 1:21-22), makes me by a true faith partaker of Christ and all his benefits (Gal 3:14; 4:6; Eph 1:13; 1 John 4:13; 1 Pet 1:2; 1 Cor 6:17; Rom 8:9), comforts me (Acts 9:31; John 15:26), and shall abide with me forever (John 14:16; 1 Pet 4:14; 1 John 2:27).
Q. 54. What doth thou believe concerning the Holy Catholic Church?
A. That out of the whole human race (Gen 26:4; Deut 10:14-15; Rev 5:9), from the beginning to the end of the world (Ps 71:18; Isa 59:21; 1 Cor 11:26), the Son of God (John 10:11; Acts 20:28; Eph 4:11-13; 5:23, 25; Col 1:18), by his Spirit and Word (Isa 59:21; Rom 1:16; 10:14-17; Eph 5:26), gathers, defends, and preserves (Ps 129:1-5; Matt 16:18; John 10:28-29; Isa 49:6; Acts 13:48; Eph 4:3-5) for himself unto everlasting life, a chosen communion (Rom 8:29; 9:24; Eph 1:10-13; 1 Pet 1:20-21; 2:9) in the unity of the true faith (John 10:14-16; Acts 2:42; Eph 4:3-6); and that I am, and forever shall remain, a living member of the same (Ps 23:6; 71:9, 18; John 10:28; Rom 8:10; 8:16; 8:35–37; 1 Cor 1:8-9; 2 Cor 13:5; 1 Pet 1:5; 1 John 1; 2:19; 3:14, 21).
Q. 55. What dost thou understand by the communion of saints?
A. First, that believers, all and every one, as members of Christ, have part in him and in all his treasures and gifts (1 John 1:3; 1 Cor 1:9; Rom 8:32-39; 1 Cor 6:17; 12:4-7, 12-13). Secondly, that each one must feel himself bound to use his gifts, readily and cheerfully, for the advantage and welfare of other members (Acts 2:44-47; Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 6:17; 12:13, 21; 13:5; 12-13; Phil 2:4-6; 1 Pet 2:5; 4:10; Eph 4:15-16).
Q. 56. What dost thou believe concerning the forgiveness of sins?
A. That God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction (1 John 1:7; 2:2; 2 Cor 5:19, 21), will no more remember my sins (Eph 1:7; Rom 4:7-8; Ps 32), neither the sinful nature with which I have to struggle all my life long (Jer 31:34; Ps 103:3-4, 10, 12; Mic 7:18-19; Rom 7:24-25; Rom 8:1-4); but graciously imparts to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation (John 3:18; John 5:24).
Q. 57. What comfort does the resurrection of the body afford thee?
A. That not only my soul, after this life, shall be immediately taken up to Christ its Head (Luke 16:22; 23:43; Phil 1:21-23; 2 Cor 5:8), but also that this my body, raised by the power of Christ, shall again be united with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ (1 Cor 15:52-54; Job 19:25-27; 1 John 3:2; Phil 3:21; John 5:28-29).
Q. 58. What comfort hast thou from the article of the life everlasting?
A. That, inasmuch as I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy (2 Cor 5:1-4; Rom 8:23; 14:17; 1 Pet 1:8; Ps 16:11), I shall after this life possess complete bliss, such as eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man (1 Cor 2:9 [quoting Isa 64:4]), therein to praise God forever (John 17:3; 17:24; 1 Cor 13:12; Rev 4:9-11; 5:9–14; 7:15).
Q. 59. But what does it help thee now that thou believest all this?
A. That I am righteous in Christ before God, and an heir of eternal life (Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17; 5:1-2; John 3:36; Tit 3:7).
Q. 60. How art thou righteous before God?
A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-28; 5:1-2; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9; Phil 3:9); that is, although my conscience accuse me that I have grievously sinned against all the commandments of God, and have never kept any of them (Rom 3:9), and that I am still prone always to all evil (Rom 7:23), yet God, without any merit of mine (Tit 3:5; Deut 9:6; Ezek 36:22), of mere grace (Rom 3:24; Eph 2:8-9), grants and imputes to me (Rom 4:4-5; Gen 15:6; Ps 32:1-2; 2 Cor 5:19) the perfect satisfaction (Rom 3:24-25; 1 John 2:2), righteousness, and holiness of Christ (1 John 2:1), as if I had never committed nor had any sin, and had myself accomplished all the obedience which Christ has fulfilled for me (Isa 1:18; Rom 4:24-25;2 Cor 5:21), if only I accept such benefit with a believing heart (John 3:18; Rom 3:22, 28; 10:10; Gal 3:22; Acts 16:30-31).
Q. 61. Why sayest thou that thou art righteous only by faith (Rom 3:28‡)?
A. Not that I am acceptable to God on account of the worthiness of my faith (Ps 16:2; 1 Cor 4:7; Eph 2:8-9); but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, is my righteousness before God (1 Cor 1:30-31; 2:2), and I can receive the same and make it my own in no other way than by faith only (Rom 10:10; 1 John 5:10-11; Heb 11:6; Phil 3:9).
Q. 62. But why can not our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?
A. Because the righteousness which can stand before the judgment-seat of God must be perfect throughout, and wholly conformable to the divine law (Rom 3:20; Gal 3:10; Deut 27:26; Jas 2:10); whereas even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin (Isa 64:6; Ps 143:2).
Q. 63. How is it that our good works merit nothing, while yet it is God’s will to reward them in this life and in that which is to come (Matt 5:12; 1 Tim 4:8; Heb 11:6)?
A. The reward comes not of merit, but of grace (Luke 17:10; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Rom 11:16).
Q. 64. But does not this doctrine make me careless and profane?
A. No; for it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of righteousness (Rom 6:1-2; Matt 7:18; Luke 6:43-45; John 15:5).

OF THE HOLY SACRAMENTS
Q. 65. Since, then, we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence comes this faith?
A. The Holy Ghost works it in our hearts (Eph 2:8-9; 6:23; John 3:5; Phil 1:29; 1 Cor 2:10-14) by the preaching of the holy Gospel (Rom 10:17; 1 Pet 1:23-25; Jas 1:18†; Heb 6:18), and confirms it by the use of the holy Sacraments (Matt 28:19-20; Rom 4:11; Acts 8:36, 38†; 10:47–48; 1 Cor 10:16).
Q. 66. What are the sacraments?
A. The sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals, appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof he may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the Gospel; namely, that he grants us out of free grace the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross (Gen 17:11; Rom 4:11; Lev 6:25; Deut 30:6; Ezek 20:12; 1 Sam 17:36; Isa 6:6-7; 54:9; Exod 12:13-14, 27; 13:9; Matt 26:27-28; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Heb 9:8-9, 24; 10:10).
Q. 67. Are both these, then, the Word and the Sacraments, designed to direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
A. Yes, truly; for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the Gospel, and by the holy Sacraments assures us, that our whole salvation stands in one sacrifice of Christ made for us on the cross (Rom 6:3; 1 Cor 2:2; 11:26; Gal 3:26-27).
Q. 68. How many Sacraments has Christ appointed in the New Testament?
A. Two: holy Baptism (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16; 1 John 5:6) and the holy Supper (Matt 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:23; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Cor 10:2-4).

OF HOLY BAPTISM
Q. 69. How is it signified and sealed unto thee in holy Baptism that thou hast part in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross?
A. Thus: that Christ has appointed this outward washing with water (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:38), and has joined therewith this promise (Matt 3:11; Mark 16:16; John 1:33; Rom 6:3-4), that I am washed his blood and Spirit from the pollution of my soul, that is, from all my sins, as certainly as I am washed outwardly with water whereby commonly the filthiness of the body is taken away (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; 1 Pet 3:20-21; 1 John 1:7; Eph 5:26).
Q. 70. What is it to be washed with the blood and Spirit of Christ?
A. It is to have the forgiveness of sins from God, through grace, for the sake of Christ’s blood, which he shed for us by his sacrifice on the cross (Heb 12:24; 1 Pet 1:1-2; Rev 1:5; 7:14; 22:14; Zach 13:1; Ezek 36:25-27; Eph 1:7-8); 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 unblamable lives (John 1:33; 3:5; 1 Cor 6:11; 12:13;Rom 6:4; Col 2:11-12; Heb 9:14).
Q. 71. Where has Christ promised that we are as certainly washed with his blood and Spirit as with the water of baptism?
A. In the institution of Baptism, which runs thus: Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matt 28:19). He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned (Mark 16:16).This promise is also repeated, where the Scripture calls Baptism the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) and the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16).
Q. 72. Is, then, the outward washing with water itself the washing away of sins?
A. No (Matt 3:11; 1 Pet 3:21; Eph 5:26-27); for only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7; 1 Cor 6:11).
Q. 73. Why, then, doth the Holy Ghost call baptism the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) and the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16)?
A. God speaks thus not without great cause: namely, not only to teach us thereby, that like as the filthiness of the body is taken away by water, so our sins are taken away by the blood and Spirit of Christ (Rev 1:5; 7:14; 1 Cor 6:11); but much more, that by this divine pledge and token he may assure us that we are as really washed from our sins spiritually as our bodies are washed with water (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38;Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27; John 3:5).
Q. 74. Are infants also to be baptized?
A. Yes; for since they, as well as their parents, belong to the covenant and people of God (Gen 17:7; 1 Cor 7:14; Joel 2:16; Matt 19:14), and both redemption from sin and the Holy Ghost, who works faith, are through the blood of Christ promised to them no less than to their parents (Luke 1:14-15; Ps 22:10; Isa 44:1-3; Acts 2:39; 16:31), they are also by baptism, as a sign of the covenant, be ingrafted into the Christian Church, and distinguished from the children of unbelievers (Acts 10:47; 1 Cor 12:13; 2 Cor 6:15), as was done in the Old Testament by Circumcision (Gen 17:12-14), in place of which in the New Testament Baptism is appointed (Col 2:11-13).

OF THE HOLY SUPPER OF THE LORD
Q. 75. How is it signified and sealed unto thee, in the Holy Supper that thou dost partake of the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and all his benefits?
A. Thus, that Christ has commanded me and all believers, to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup, and has joined therewith these promises (Matt 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 10:16-17; 11:23-26; 12:13): 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 with his crucified body and shed blood he himself feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life, as certainly as I receive from the hand of the minister, and taste with my mouth, the bread and cup of the Lord, which are given me as certain tokens of the body and blood of Christ.
Q. 76. What is it to eat the crucified body and drink the shed blood of Christ?
A. It is not only to embrace with a believing heart all the sufferings and death of Christ, and thereby to obtain the forgiveness of sins and life eternal (1 Cor 10:16; John 6:35, 40, 48, 50-51, 53-54), but moreover, also, to be so united more and more to his sacred body by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us (John 6:55-56; 1 Cor 12:13), that although he is in heaven (Acts 3:21; 1:9-11; 1 Cor 11:26;Col 3:1), and we on earth, we are nevertheless flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones (Eph 3:16-17; 5:30[quoting Gen 2:23]; 1 Cor 6:15-19; 1 John 3:24; 4:13), and live and are governed forever by one Spirit, as members of the same body are by one soul (John 14:23; 6:47, 57-58; 15:1-6; Eph 4:15-16).
Q. 77. Where has Christ promised that he will thus feed and nourish believers with his body and blood, as certainly as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup?
A. In the institution of the Supper, which runs thus: The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said: ‘Take, 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 supped, 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 Cor 11:23-26; Matt 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; Exod 24:8; Heb 9:20; Exod 13:9). And this promise is repeated also by St. 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 Cor 10:16-17).
Q. 78. Do, then, the bread and wine become the real body and blood of Christ?
A. No; but as the water in Baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ, nor becomes the washing away of sins itself, being only the divine token and assurance thereof (Matt 26:29; Mark 14:24; John 6:35-63;Eph 5:26†; Acts 22:16), so also in the Lord’s Supper the sacred bread does not become the body of Christ itself (1 Cor 10:16-17; 11:26-28), though agreeably to the nature and usage of sacraments (Gen 17:10-11;Exod 12:26-27, 43, 48; 13:9; Acts 7:8; Exod 24:8; Lev 16:10; 17:11; Isa 6:6-7; Titus 3:5; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21;1 Cor 10:1-4) it is called the body of Christ.
Q. 79. Why, then, doth Christ call the bread his body, and the cup his blood, or the New Testament in his blood; and St. Paul, the communion of body and blood of Christ?
A. Christ speaks thus not without great cause: namely, not only thereby that like as bread and wine sustain this temporal life, so also his crucified body and shed blood are the true meat and drink of our souls unto eternal life (John 6:51, 55-56); but much more, by this visible sign and pledge to assure us that we are as really partakers of his true body and blood, through the working of the Holy Ghost, as we receive by the mouth of the body these holy tokens in remembrance of him (1 Cor 10:16-17; 11:26; Eph 5:30, 32); and that all his sufferings and obedience are as certainly our own as if we had ourselves suffered and done all in our own persons (Rom 5:9-19; 6:5–11; 8:4).
Q. 80. What difference is there between the Lord’s Supper and the Popish Mass?
A. The Lord’s Supper testifies to us, that we have a full forgiveness of all our sins by the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself has once accomplished on the cross (Heb 7:26; Heb 9:12, 25-28; Heb 10:10, 12-14; John 19:30; Matt 26:28; Luke 22:19-20; 2 Cor 5:21); [and that by the Holy Ghost are ingrafted into Christ (1 Cor 6:17; 10:16-17; 12:13), who with his true body is now in heaven at the right hand of God his Father (Heb 1:3; 8:1-2; Matt 6:20-21), and is to be worshiped (John 4:21-24; 20:17; Luke 24:52-53; Acts 7:55-56; Col 3:1; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thess 1:9-10)]. But the Mass teaches that the living and dead have not forgiveness of sins through the sufferings of Christ unless Christ is still daily offered for them by the priests; [and that Christ is bodily under the form of bread and wine, and is therefore to be worshiped in them]. And thus the Mass at bottom is nothing else than a denial of the one sacrifice and passion of Jesus Christ (cf. Council of Trent, Thirteenth Session, chap. 5; Isa 1:11-14; Matt 4:10 [cited from Deut 6:13]; Matt 15:9; Col 2:22-23; Jer 2:13; Heb 9:12, 26; 10:12, 14) [and an accursed idolatry].
Q. 81. Who are to come unto the table of the Lord?
A. Those who are displeased with themselves for their sins, yet trust that these are forgiven them (Matt 5:3, 6; Luke 7:37-38; 15:18–19), and that their remaining infirmity is covered by the passion and death of Christ (Ps 103:3; Eph 1:7; Matt 11:28); who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and amend their life (Matt 5:5; Ps 24:3-4; 116:12–14). But the impenitent and hypocrites eat and drink judgment to themselves (1 Pet 2:11-12; 1 Cor 10:19-22; 11:28-29; 2 Cor 13:5; Titus 1:16; Ps 50:15-16).
Q. 82. Are they, then, also to be admitted to this Supper who show themselves to be, by their confession and life, unbelieving and ungodly?
A. No; for by this the covenant of God is profaned, and his wrath provoked against the whole congregation (1 Cor 10:21; 11:27–34; Isa 1:11-15; 66:3; Jer 7:21-23; Ps 50:6, 16, 21); wherefore the Christian Church is bound, according to the order of Christ and his Apostles, by the office of the keys to exclude such persons until they amend their life (Matt 7:6; 18:17–18; Titus 3:10-11; 2 Thess 3:6).
Q. 83. What is the Office of the Keys?
A. The preaching of the holy Gospel and Church discipline; by which two things the kingdom of heaven is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers (Matt 16:18-19; 18:18; John 20:22-23).
Q. 84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy Gospel?
A. In this way: that, according to the command of Christ, it is proclaimed and openly witnessed to believers, one and all (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Rom 10:17; 2 Tim 4:2), that as often as they accept with true faith the promise of the Gospel, all their sins are really forgiven them of God for the sake of Christ’s merits (Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43); and on the contrary, to all unbelievers and hypocrites, that the wrath of God and eternal condemnation abide on them so long as they are not converted (John 3:31-36; 2 Thess 1:7-9; John 20:21-23; Matt 16:19; Matt 18:15-19; 2 Sam 12; Rom 2:2-17; 2 Cor 2:15-16; 1 Tim 5:20): according to which witness of the Gospel will be the judgment of God, both in this life and in that which is to come.
Q. 85. How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Church discipline?
A. In this way: that, according to the command of Christ, if any under the Christian name show themselves unsound either in doctrine or life, and after repeated brotherly admonition refuse to turn from their errors or evil ways, they are complained of to the Church or to its proper officers (Rom 12:7-9; 1 Cor 12:28; 1 Tim 5:17), and, if they neglect to hear them also, are by them excluded from the holy Sacraments and the Christian communion, and by God himself from the kingdom of Christ (Matt 18:15-18; 1 Cor 5:3-5; 2 Thess 3:14-15; 2 John 10-11); and if they promise and show real amendment, they are again received as members of Christ and his Church (Luke 15:20-24; 2 Cor 2:5-8, 10).
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