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.