Fridays with the Heidelberg

I love the church! Sadly, there are others who are not as fond of this divine institution. Even within Christian circles, it has become trendy to point out the flaws in the church and suggest newer, trendier contexts for serving the kingdom. Such revolutionary thinkers would benefit from some reflection on the Apostle’s creed (and this section of the Heidelberg Catechism, which comments on the Creed). The creed speaks of belief in “the holy catholic church”, “the communion of saints”, and “the forgiveness of sins.”

The “holy catholic church” need not scare off us protestant evangelicals. We are simply referring to the “universal” church. The bride of Christ that has been “gathered”, “protected”, and “preserved” by Christ for His own glory. Put simply, Christ loves the church, He died for the church and He will build His church. Do you love the church? Are you a member within this community of believers? Are you actively serving the other members of Christ’s body?

In 1 John we read that genuine love for Christ is evidenced by genuine love for the church. As you seek to raise your children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, teach them of the importance of the church.

Lord’s Day 21

54. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING “THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH”?
A. I believe that the Son of God through His Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.

55. Q. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY “THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS”?
A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

56. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING”THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS”?
A. I believe that God, because of Christ’s atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, in His grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.