Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 33-44 part 2

Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 33-44 - The Ten Commandments, part 2 - Love God! 

Questions and Answers:

93.     Q – How are these commandments divided?

A – Into two tables.  The first has four commandments, teaching us what our relation to God should be.  The second has six commandments, teaching us what we owe our neighbor.

 

94.     Q – What does the Lord require in the first commandment?

A – That I, not wanting to endanger my very salvation, avoid and shun all idolatry, magic, superstitious rites, and prayer to saints or to other creatures.  That I sincerely acknowledge the only true God, trust Him alone, look to Him for every good thing humbly and patiently, love Him, fear Him, and honor Him with all my heart.  In short, that I give up anything rather than go against His will in any way.

 

95.     Q – What is idolatry?

A – Idolatry is having or inventing something which one trusts in place of or alongside of the only true God, who has revealed Himself in His Word.

 

LORD’S DAY 35

 

96.     Q – What is God’s will for us in the second commandment?

A – That we in no way make any image of God nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

 

97.     Q – May we then not make an image at all?

A – God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way.  Although creatures may be portrayed, yet God forbids making or having such images if one’s intention is to worship them or to serve God through them.

 

98.     Q – But may not images be permitted in the churches as teaching aids for the unlearned?

A – No, we shouldn’t try to be wiser than God.  He wants His people instructed by the living preaching of His Word – not by idols that cannot even talk.

 

LORD’S DAY 36

 

99.     Q – What is God’s will for us in the third commandment?

A – That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.  In a word, it requires that we use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that we may properly confess Him, pray to Him, and praise Him in everything we do and say.

 

100.   Q – Is blasphemy of God’s name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to prevent it and forbid it?

A – Yes, indeed.  No sin is greater, no sin makes God more angry than blaspheming His name.  That is why He commanded the death penalty for it.

 

LORD’S DAY 37

 

101.   Q – But may we swear an oath in God’s name if we do it reverently?

A – Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good.  Such oaths are approved in God’s Word and were rightly used by Old and New Testament believers.

 

102.   Q – May we swear by saints or other creatures?

A – No.  A legitimate oath means calling upon God as the one who knows my heart to witness to my truthfulness and to punish me if I swear falsely.  No creature is worthy of such honor.

 

LORD’S DAY 38

 

103.   Q – What is God’s will for you in the fourth commandment?

A – First, that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained, and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I regularly attend the assembly of God’s people to learn what God’s Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to God publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for the poor.  Second, that every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through His Spirit, and so begin already in this life the eternal Sabbath.