Calvin Synod Herald, 2002 (103. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2002-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 The Heidelberg Catechism of the Hungarian Reformed Church summarizes the historic Christian faith. From the days of the Reformation, this document has been central to congregational life. It is taught to all young people and forms an important part of ministerial training. Historically, the catechism is used in one of two traditional services each Sunday. The material below is drawn from a series of Heidelberg Catechism sermons based on the translation developed under the direction of the late Dr. Aladar Komjáthy of Calvin Synod. The teaching cycle is organized into 52 weeks and the first two questions in the catechism form one topic which is commonly identified as Lord’s Day One. A Believer’s Only Comfort Sovereign Grace What is your only comfort, in life and in death? That I belong - body and soul, in life and in death - not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that He protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit His purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him. How many things must you know that you may live and die in the blessedness of this comfort? Three. First, the greatness of my sin and wretchedness. Second, how I am freed from all my sins and their wretched consequences. Third, what gratitude I owe to God for such redemption. I. God Values Believers A. Jesus purchased believers at the cost of His own life. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19) B. God redeems totally. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) C. No evil force can resist the Savior. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 2:8) II. God Directs the Lives of Believers A. Salvation is personal, providential, and permanent. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35) along with And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. (John 6:39) B. Everything in life conforms to God’s interest in my welfare. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31) C. Through God’s Providence there is always meaning in all of life’s events. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) III. Believers Inevitably Respond to God A. The Holy Spirit cultivates assurance in believers. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) B. Through the Holy Spirit believers become wholeheartedly committed to serving God. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14) along with And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17) IV. Three Truths Enable A Christian To Find Comfort In Sovereign Grace A. Sin and wretchedness are enormously great. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saves us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:3-8) B. God frees His people from all their sins. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only (continued on page If)
