Calvin Synod Herald, 2013 (114. évfolyam, 3-12. szám)
2013-11-01 / 11-12. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Heidelbers Catechism "Last Days" Mark 450th Year Closing The closing months of the churches’ observance of the 450th Anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism’s publication in 1563 necessitates a closer look at its teachings and its relevance for the Church today. As it reviews the Church’s confession of the Apostles’ Creed, each section by section, the concluding lessons with Questions 56 to 58 (the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting) are particularly significant for the post-Reformation Church historically, theologically and liturgically. The Gospel narratives respond to the key questions of sinful Adam’s posterity, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” and upon learning Jesus’ “hard saying” in response, “Then who can be saved?” Reformation Day - Kingdomtide Through the fifty-two Sundays of the Church Year, the worshipper is led in the first half year - from Advent and Christmastide to Eastertide and Pentecost - to meditation and inspiration upon the mighty acts of God. The second half year, from Trinity to its November end, the Christian considers “how I am to be thankful to God.” (Q. 2.) as a follower of God’s Son Jesus. The last month turns away from the consideration of a daily life pleasing to God, to a solemn emphasis on one’s promised eternal inheritance. Six big pallbearers toting the casket of someone who couldn’t be dragged alive into the church and a bagpiper mournfully playing “Amazing Grace” won’t open the gates of Heaven! The last day of October, the 31st, is Reformation Day as observed in the Hungarian Reformed churches and some other Protestant denominations (not Hallowe’en). The Sunday before it is always Reformation Sunday. That it falls on the eve of All Saints Day is no mere coincidence. It opens the last liturgical season, called “Kingdomtide,” and the last Sunday of the church year is the festival of the saints of Christ the King. Re-Formed: Getting It Right The Heidelberg Catechism was written to set the record straight about the Church’s beliefs, especially as many false doctrines and unsavory practices had crept in since the Gospels and Letters were codified in what we call the New Testament. The deformed versions of later years not only led people astray, but were used by many unholy church leaders who preyed on the sincere pious worshippers, filling their pockets and enabling the grandiose lifestyles of the clergy. Churches of the Reformation heritage must observe the beginning years with Zwingli, Calvin and Luther, but with due recognition of the connection to All Saints Day and, in the weeks following, the emphasis on each of our last days and eternal life. In these November days, when daylight fades early and dark nights are longer, we of the holy Church Militant celebrate our continued union in Christ’s body with the faithful who have joined Christ, saints of the Church Triumphant. The task is serious and solemn, but the spirit is hopeful and confident. Life ’s Bottom Line - The Final Answers The re-formed teaching of the Heidelberg Catechism takes up reformation of the errors by spelling out biblical views from the apostles’ own witness, from those who knew Jesus, neither adding nor deleting anything. ... Q. 56: What do you believe concerning the forgiveness of sins? - Ans.: That God for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction will no more remember my sins, neither the sinful nature with which I have to struggle all my life long, but graciously imparts to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation. Q. 57: What comfort does the resurrection of the body afford you? - Ans.: That not only my soul after this life shall be immediately taken up to Christ its head, but also that this my body, raised by the power of Christ, shall again be united with my soul and made like unto the glorious body of Christ. Q. 58: What comfort do you have from the article of life everlasting? - Ans.: That inasmuch as I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, I shall after this life possess complete bliss, such as eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, therein to praise God forever. The Heidelberg Catechism was written for church members to read and understand, although the ministers of the Church find it is fundamental doctrine and build upon it in their study, teaching and preaching. It is very brief and every member should have one right alongside the Bible. Yes, not 450 old - rather 450 and going! Rev. Albert W. Kovács Pulpit banner of the Reformed Church 450th Anniversary celebration - Debrecen, Hungary
