Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash
This morning, we read this in our worship service. It is from the Heidelburg Catechism. I realized as I read it, that it was very fitting for this group. These words are very comforting aren’t they?
Q.What is your only comfort in life and death?
A. That I am not my own,1
but belong with body and soul,
both in life and in death,2
to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.3He has fully paid for all my sins
with his precious blood,4
and has set me free
from all the power of the devil.5He also preserves me in such a way6
that without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head;7
indeed, all things must work together
for my salvation.8Therefore, by his Holy Spirit
he also assures me
of eternal life9
and makes me heartily willing and
ready from now on to live for him.101 1 Cor 6:19, 20.
2 Rom 14:7-9.
3 1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14.
4 1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2.
5 Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14, 15; 1 Jn 3:8.
6 Jn 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5.
7 Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18.
8 Rom 8:28.
9 Rom 8:15, 16; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph 1:13, 14.
10 Rom 8:14.
Did you know it was written in 1563? It was a few decades after Martin Luther posted his theses on Whittenburg door. The Reformation was in full bloom in various parts of Europe. There was also plenty of persecution! This question was crucial. It is no less crucial in this day and age.
Do you need comfort? Meditate on these words that have stood the test of time…along with the Scripture that accompanies them. You will find comfort for your soul.
For more on the history of the Heidelburg Catechism, click here.
That’s our greatest hope. We belong to Him. PTL.
this is what you call timeless amanda. can you imagine? it was written in the 1500’s!
Hi Martha! That does give a lot of hope, just knowing that we belong to Him and He loves us and is always with us. Blessings to you!
As i read it on sunday, I felt very comforted, gayl:)