Our only comfort in life and death
Last week I shared a Q&A from the Heidelberg Catechism, that summary of biblical teaching written in the 16th century. This week, I want to share the first Q&A from this historical document. It might not be as well-known to us as the Westminster Shorter Catechism’s opening question (Q: “What is the chief end of man? A: To glorify God and enjoy him forever”), but it is just as beautiful and worthwhile to memorize. One of the hymns we’ve been singing recently (“Christ our hope in life and death”) is actually based on these words:
Question 1: What is your only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.
Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.
This is comfort indeed! I belong to the triune God; the Father who cares for me in everything; the Son who saved me by dying for me; the Holy Spirit who lives in me to make me more like Jesus. Shall we believe and share this good news, this greatest comfort both for life and death?
Klaas-Jan Gunnink