The Trinity is a difficult doctrine to grasp. Difficult to wrap our minds around but essential for Christians to affirm. This essential doctrine is the focus of today’s reading in the HC. So what is the doctrine of the Trinity?
Kevin DeYoung, in his book on the Heidelberg Catechism, summarizes this doctrine in seven concise statements;
1- There is only one God
2- The Father is God
3- The Son is God
4- The Holy Spirit is God
5- The Father is not the Son
6- The Son is not the Holy Spirit
7- The Holy Spirit is not the Father
He writes that we must safeguard each one of these statements and do so "without denying any of the other six.(pg. 50)"
I would encourage you to read through this week's section of the Heidelberg with your families and then spend some time finding verses that affirm each of the 7 statements listed above.
This week's reading is typed out below, or you can click here to view the entire Catechism along with Scripture references.
Lord’s Day 8
24. Q. HOW ARE THESE ARTICLES DIVIDED?
A. Into three parts: God the Father and our creation; God the Son and our deliverance; God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
25. Q. SINCE THERE IS BUT ONE GOD, WHY DO YOU SPEAK OF THREE: FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT?
A. Because that is how God has revealed Himself in His Word; these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Fridays with The Heidelberg
Lord’s Day 7
The term “gospel-centered” has become a very helpful descriptive to help define how we are to accurately understand the Scriptures as well as how to view life as Christians in any day and age. The gospel ought to affect how husbands relate to their wives, how parents raise their children, how employees relate to their employer and co-workers, etc. The message of the gospel is not only for conversion but for all aspects of salvation; justification, sanctification, and glorification. The HC models for us such gospel-centered focus.
Up to this point, along with many other doctrinal truths, we have come to grips with the universal affect of Adam’s sin and marveled at the person and work of Christ. And so, if Adam’s sin had universal affects and Christ’s work on the cross is sufficient, are all saved (i.e. universalism)? No. The HC states that not all will be saved. Only those who place their faith in Christ will be saved. And what is the object of our faith? Saving faith is defined as a knowledge, conviction and assurance of the message of the gospel, which is concisely and helpfully communicated in the Apostles’ Creed (the answer to Q. 23).
Regarding the Apostles’ Creed, please do not panic when you read the following statements;
“He descended to hell” and “the holy catholic church.”
I am comfortable in understanding “He descended to hell” as an indicator that Christ possessed the complete nature of humanity; that His true body died. Others will disagree, but I do not think that Christ physically went to hell.
Also, “the holy catholic church” refers to the church universal rather than the Roman Catholic Church.
Lord’s Day 7
20. Q. ARE ALL SAVED THROUGH CHRIST JUST AS ALL WERE LOST THROUGH ADAM?
A. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His blessings.
21. Q. WHAT IS TRUE FAITH?
A. True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in His Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.
22. Q. WHAT THEN MUST A CHRISTIAN BELIEVE?
A. Everything God promises us in the gospel. That gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith-a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world.
23. Q. WHAT ARE THESE ARTICLES?
A. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The term “gospel-centered” has become a very helpful descriptive to help define how we are to accurately understand the Scriptures as well as how to view life as Christians in any day and age. The gospel ought to affect how husbands relate to their wives, how parents raise their children, how employees relate to their employer and co-workers, etc. The message of the gospel is not only for conversion but for all aspects of salvation; justification, sanctification, and glorification. The HC models for us such gospel-centered focus.
Up to this point, along with many other doctrinal truths, we have come to grips with the universal affect of Adam’s sin and marveled at the person and work of Christ. And so, if Adam’s sin had universal affects and Christ’s work on the cross is sufficient, are all saved (i.e. universalism)? No. The HC states that not all will be saved. Only those who place their faith in Christ will be saved. And what is the object of our faith? Saving faith is defined as a knowledge, conviction and assurance of the message of the gospel, which is concisely and helpfully communicated in the Apostles’ Creed (the answer to Q. 23).
Regarding the Apostles’ Creed, please do not panic when you read the following statements;
“He descended to hell” and “the holy catholic church.”
I am comfortable in understanding “He descended to hell” as an indicator that Christ possessed the complete nature of humanity; that His true body died. Others will disagree, but I do not think that Christ physically went to hell.
Also, “the holy catholic church” refers to the church universal rather than the Roman Catholic Church.
Lord’s Day 7
20. Q. ARE ALL SAVED THROUGH CHRIST JUST AS ALL WERE LOST THROUGH ADAM?
A. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His blessings.
21. Q. WHAT IS TRUE FAITH?
A. True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in His Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.
22. Q. WHAT THEN MUST A CHRISTIAN BELIEVE?
A. Everything God promises us in the gospel. That gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith-a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world.
23. Q. WHAT ARE THESE ARTICLES?
A. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Today our focus will be on Questions 16-19 of the Heidelberg. Up to this point, the HC has communicated a very high view of God as well as an accurate view of man. These two essential distinctives unfortunately are lacking in so many of the "gospel" messages of our day.
It is accurate to say that in order to fully grasp the good news, we must first understand the bad news. The previous five readings provide such an approach(click here to review).
The first 15 questions have been directing us down a gospel-centered path that leads straight to the person and work of Christ. Our only hope in life and death is the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news is about Christ, the God-man, our mediator, who took on flesh to set us free from our sin. To God be the glory!
Lord's Day #6
16. Q. WHY MUST HE BE TRULY HUMAN AND TRULY RIGHTEOUS?
A. God's justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.
17. Q. WHY MUST HE ALSO BE TRUE GOD?
A. So that, by the power of His divinity, He might bear the weight of God's anger in His humanity and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
18. Q. AND WHO IS THIS MEDIATOR-TRUE GOD AND AT THE SAME TIME TRULY HUMAN AND TRULY RIGHTEOUS?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.
19. Q. HOW DO YOU COME TO KNOW THIS?
A. The holy gospel tells me. God Himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, He proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets, and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; finally, He fulfilled it through His own dear Son.
It is accurate to say that in order to fully grasp the good news, we must first understand the bad news. The previous five readings provide such an approach(click here to review).
The first 15 questions have been directing us down a gospel-centered path that leads straight to the person and work of Christ. Our only hope in life and death is the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news is about Christ, the God-man, our mediator, who took on flesh to set us free from our sin. To God be the glory!
Lord's Day #6
16. Q. WHY MUST HE BE TRULY HUMAN AND TRULY RIGHTEOUS?
A. God's justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.
17. Q. WHY MUST HE ALSO BE TRUE GOD?
A. So that, by the power of His divinity, He might bear the weight of God's anger in His humanity and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
18. Q. AND WHO IS THIS MEDIATOR-TRUE GOD AND AT THE SAME TIME TRULY HUMAN AND TRULY RIGHTEOUS?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.
19. Q. HOW DO YOU COME TO KNOW THIS?
A. The holy gospel tells me. God Himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, He proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets, and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; finally, He fulfilled it through His own dear Son.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Necessity of Family Worship
"Family worship time is the most important thing I do in my life." This coming from a man (Dr. Joel Beeke) who among other things is; a seminary president, a pastor, an author and on the editorial staff of several publications. Yet, as he looks at all of the responsibilities that God has placed before him, he identifies his role as husband and father of greatest importance.
Recently, Dr. Beeke delivered an address at the 2011 Desiring God Pastors Conference on the subject of Family Worship. Along with the quote above, many statements in his message challenged my thinking and motivated me to pursue fidelity in my role as the spiritual leader in the home.
I would anticipate that many who are reading this post regularly engage in family worship. For others, perhaps you desire to cultivate such an environment but do not know where to start or what it should look like. Maybe a six word summary of the 75 minute message might help;
Read the Bible, Pray and Sing.
Your family will be eternally grateful for your efforts in leading in these three areas. If you have time, read through the transcript or watch the video of Leading Family Worship. I think you will find it helpful.
Click here to access the transcript as well as the Audio/Video of the message.
Recently, Dr. Beeke delivered an address at the 2011 Desiring God Pastors Conference on the subject of Family Worship. Along with the quote above, many statements in his message challenged my thinking and motivated me to pursue fidelity in my role as the spiritual leader in the home.
I would anticipate that many who are reading this post regularly engage in family worship. For others, perhaps you desire to cultivate such an environment but do not know where to start or what it should look like. Maybe a six word summary of the 75 minute message might help;
Read the Bible, Pray and Sing.
Your family will be eternally grateful for your efforts in leading in these three areas. If you have time, read through the transcript or watch the video of Leading Family Worship. I think you will find it helpful.
Click here to access the transcript as well as the Audio/Video of the message.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Fridays with The Heidelberg
There is a lot packed into this week’s section of the Heidelberg. Among other rich doctrinal truths; God’s justice, hell, the condition of man, the atonement and the person of Christ are referred to within these four short Q & A’s. One observation;
The answer to 13 is helpful on many levels. We are reminded that any effort to save ourselves leads us further and further away from God. It also provides a helpful understanding for the eternality of hell. Many bristle at the thought of God’s wrath. They argue that a loving God would never allow man to suffer forever and ever for only a lifetime of sins. What is forgotten though within this perspective is that man continues in his sinful rebellion against God even in hell. They are increasing their guilt every day.
Lord’s Day 5
12. Q. ACCORDING TO GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT WE DESERVE PUNISHMENT BOTH IN THIS WORLD AND FOREVER AFTER: HOW THEN CAN WE ESCAPE PUNISHMENT AND RETURN TO GOD’S FAVOR?
A. God requires that His justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of His justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or another.
13. Q. CAN WE PAY THIS DEBT OURSELVES?
A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.
14. Q. CAN ANOTHER CREATURE -ANY AT ALL- PAY THIS DEBT FOR US?
A. No. To begin with, God will not punish another creature for what a human is guilty of. Besides, no mere creature can bear the weight of God’s eternal anger against sin and release others from it.
15. Q. WHAT KIND OF MEDIATOR AND DELIVERER SHOULD WE LOOK FOR THEN?
A. One who is truly human and truly righteous, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.
This Sunday, our church will be observing the Lord’s Supper. Let’s let the Heidelberg prepare our hearts for the communion table.
If you are looking for a song to sing with your family, perhaps In Christ Alone would be appropriate based on the subject matter above. Click here for the lyrics and an audio sample.
The answer to 13 is helpful on many levels. We are reminded that any effort to save ourselves leads us further and further away from God. It also provides a helpful understanding for the eternality of hell. Many bristle at the thought of God’s wrath. They argue that a loving God would never allow man to suffer forever and ever for only a lifetime of sins. What is forgotten though within this perspective is that man continues in his sinful rebellion against God even in hell. They are increasing their guilt every day.
Lord’s Day 5
12. Q. ACCORDING TO GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT WE DESERVE PUNISHMENT BOTH IN THIS WORLD AND FOREVER AFTER: HOW THEN CAN WE ESCAPE PUNISHMENT AND RETURN TO GOD’S FAVOR?
A. God requires that His justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of His justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or another.
13. Q. CAN WE PAY THIS DEBT OURSELVES?
A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.
14. Q. CAN ANOTHER CREATURE -ANY AT ALL- PAY THIS DEBT FOR US?
A. No. To begin with, God will not punish another creature for what a human is guilty of. Besides, no mere creature can bear the weight of God’s eternal anger against sin and release others from it.
15. Q. WHAT KIND OF MEDIATOR AND DELIVERER SHOULD WE LOOK FOR THEN?
A. One who is truly human and truly righteous, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.
This Sunday, our church will be observing the Lord’s Supper. Let’s let the Heidelberg prepare our hearts for the communion table.
If you are looking for a song to sing with your family, perhaps In Christ Alone would be appropriate based on the subject matter above. Click here for the lyrics and an audio sample.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Article of Interest
Take some time during this busy week to read the following resource compliments of Paul David Tripp;
Parenting: It’s Never an Interruption
Parenting: It’s Never an Interruption
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