Written in the middle of the 16th century, the Heidelberg Catechism is a concise and incisive statement of practical Christian faith. It was written in the form of question and answer and used to tradition new converts in the faith.
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 Saviour 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) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)
What amazing words! I would love to memorize them for times when I am faint-hearted. Thank you.
Yes, indeed, our only comfort, as stated in the Heidelberg Catechism, is a wonderful confession. It is so personal, so cogent and concise. May we in every situation of life be boyed up knowing this comfort. May you, Ray David and Rhonda, and all our friends at St. George’s, continue to rest in this comfort.
Love, John and Margaret Helder
I memorized this as a young teenager in the Christian Reformed Church…now many years later it comes back to me. How wonderful to know that not a hair falls from our head without our Heavenly Father’s consent!