The Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 1

Q. 1 What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I am not my own,[1] but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death,[2] to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.[3] He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil.[5] He also preserves me in such a way[6] that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head;[7] indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.[8] Therefore, by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life[9] and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.[10]

1. 1 Cor. 6:19-20
2. Rom. 14:7-9
3. 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14
4. 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:2
5. John 8:34-36; Heb. 2:14-15; 1 John 3:1-11
6. John 6:39-40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:5
7. Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18
8. Rom. 8:28
9. Rom. 8:15-16; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14
10. Rom. 8:1-17

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

First, how great my sins and misery are;[1] second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery;[2] third, how I am to be thankful to God for such deliverance.[3]

1. Rom. 3:9-10; 1 John 1:10
2. John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43
3. Matt. 5:16; Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:8-10; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:9-10