The Heidelberg Catechism

Introduction

Lord's Day / Week 1

Question 1
What is your only comfort in life and in death?

Answer
That both concerning my soul and my body, whether I live or die¹, I am not my own,² but belong only to my most faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,³ who, with His precious blood,⁴ most fully making amends for all my sins, has delivered me from the power of the Devil,⁵ and keeps me so,⁶ that without the will of my heavenly Father, there can not so much as a hair fall from my head.⁷ Indeed, and further, that all things must serve for my salvation,⁸ wherefore He has made me sure of everlasting life⁹ by His Holy Spirit, and makes me prompt and ready from henceforth to live according to His will.¹⁰

1. Romans 14:7-9
2. 1 Corinthians 6:2, 19
3. 1 Corinthians 3:23; Titus 2:14
4. 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 1 Peter 1:18-19
5. John 8:34-36; Hebrews 2:14-16; 1 John 3:8
6. John 6:39-40; 10:27-30; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5
7. Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18
8. Romans 8:28
9. Romans 8:15-16; 2 Corinthians 21-22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14
10. Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:3

Question 2
What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

Answer
Three things.
First, how great my sin and wretchedness is.¹ Second, by what means I may be delivered from my sin.² Third, what thanks I owe to my Lord God for my deliverance.³

1. Romans 3:9-10; 1 John 1:10
2. John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43
3. Matthew 5:16; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 5:8-10

The Heidelberg Catechism was originally composed in 1563 by Zacharias Ursinus, with contributions provided by Caspar Olevianus.

This is our attempt at a modernized version of the first English translation, which was produced by William Turner in 1572, which he originally titled Catechisme for Children, thankfully made available in digital form by the University of Michigan.