Fridays with the Heidelberg

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

“Anything is possible, if you believe.”

Hmmm.

Sin has affected our minds. In order to think clearly, we need Christ. We need the wisdom of Christ. We need the Word of God.

As we look into the word of God we are confronted with a worldview that is much different than the two quotes presented at the beginning of this post. The Scriptures communicate to us a very High View of God and an accurate view of man. A view of man that points to our ignorance, our frailty, and our dependence on God. As we begin to see life through the lense of Scripture, we begin to think clearly.

We are confronted with this biblical worldview in today’s reading in the Heidelberg. God’s righteousness is “entirely perfect”. “Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.” This is why we need a Savior. We are unworthy. Our only hope is Christ.

So then the catechism asks, if we are unworthy, unable to earn God’s favor, doesn’t this promote lawlessness? No! For true faith produces good fruit. Salvation is completely a work of God. Those who are “In Christ” will “produce fruits of gratitude.”


Lord’s Day 24

62. Q. WHY CAN’T THE GOOD WE DO MAKE US RIGHT WITH GOD, OR AT LEAST HELP MAKE US RIGHT WITH HIM?
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God’s scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.

63. Q. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT THE GOOD WE DO DOESN’T EARN ANYTHING WHEN GOD PROMISES TO REWARD IT IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT?
A, This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.

64. Q. BUT DOESN’T THIS TEACHING MAKE PEOPLE INDIFFERENT AND WICKED?
A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.