08 August 2009

Lord's Day 32 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 32

Today we begin the third section of the catechism where we learn how the law shows us how we should live a life of gratitude in our salvation.

Scripture Readings: 1 John 3:10-15; 5:1-5

Question 86. Since then we are redeemed from our sin and misery by grace through Christ
without any merit of our own, why must we do good works?
Answer. Because just as Christ has redeemed us with his blood he also renews us through his Holy Spirit according to his own image, so that with our whole life we may show ourselves grateful to God for his goodness and that he may be glorified through us; and further, so that we ourselves may be assured of our faith by its fruits and by our godly living may win our neighbors to Christ.

Question 87. Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and unrepentant
ways?
Answer. Certainly not. Scripture says: "Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers,...thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers none of these will inherit the kingdom of God."

For discussion and reflection:

How does this view differ from the Roman Catholic view?
How do we avoid the temptation of falling back into some kind of works righteousness?

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