Sunday, August 23, 2009

Heidelberg Catechism (92-95)


While I once had this memorized and have forgotten much of it, the effects remain. It is Reformed and the views on the Table have forever remained to this day. It's ethos differs from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the latter being tightly argued and defined. There is a joyful heartiness in the "Heidelberger." The picture to the right is Heidelberg, Germany.

The Heidelberg Catechism

34. Lord’s Day

Q. 92. What is the law of God?
A. God spake all these words, Exodus 20:1-17 and Denteronomy 5:6-21, saying: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Q. 93. How are these commandments divided?
A. Into two tables; [a] the first of which teaches us how we must behave towards God; the second, what duties we owe to our neighbour. [b]

Q. 94. What does God enjoin in the first commandment?
A. That I, as sincerely as I desire the salvation of my own soul, avoid and flee from all idolatry, [a] sorcery, soothsaying, superstition, [b] invocation of saints, or any other creatures; [c] and learn rightly to know the only true God; [d] trust in him alone, [e] with humility [f] and patience submit to him; [g] expect all good things from him only; [h] love, [i] fear, [j] and glorify him with my whole heart; [k] so that I renounce and forsake all creatures, rather than commit even the least thing contrary to his will. [l]

Q. 95. What is idolatry?
A. Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God, who has manifested himself in his word, to contrive, or have any other object, in which men place their trust. [a]

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