The Heidelberg Catechism in Questions and Answers (8)

Lord's Day 12

31. Why is He called Christ, that is, anointed?

Because He is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Ghost, to he our chief Prophet and Teacher, who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption; and to be our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of His body, has redeemed us, and makes continual intercession with the Father for us; and also to be our eternal King, who governs us by His Word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in (the enjoyment of) that salvation, He has purchased for us.

1. What is the subject matter of this Lord's Day? It is about the name Christ, the official name of the Mediator, and about the Christians.

2. What is the meaning of the name Christ? It is a Greek name and means Anointed; in the Hebrew language it is Messiah.

3. By whom was He anointed? He was appointed by God the Father and anointed with the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 61).

4. In what does this anointing consist? In an appointment from eternity with regard to His divine nature, and qualification in time with regard to His human nature.

5. Unto how many offices was He anointed? Unto three, namely, Prophet, Priest, and King.

6. By whom in the Old Testament was He typified in His offices? By the anointed prophets, priests, and kings, such as Elisha, Aaron, and David.

7. For what purpose was He anointed as Prophet? It was to reveal the secret counsel and will of God regarding our complete redemption.

8. Why was He anointed as Priest? Because He with the one sacrifice of His body has delivered His church, and with His intercession continually intercedes for them with the Father.

9. Why is He called a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek? Because He is the only and eternal Priest.

10. Why was He anointed as King? To rule His people with His Word and Spirit, and by the acquired deliverance protect and preserve them.

11. Does Christ also minister His offices at the present? Yes, from heaven.

32. But why art thou called a Christian?

Because I am a member of Christ by faith, and thus am partaker of His anointing; that so I may confess His name, and present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to Him; and also that with a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life, and afterwards reign with Him eternally, over all creatures.

1. Where was the name Christian first given, and how did that happen? In Antioch believers were first called Christians out of enmity.

2. In general, who are they that are called Christians? All those who have received Christian baptism.

3. Who are true Christians? Those who by a true faith are members of Christ

4. What does it signify to be partaker of His anointing? It is to share in the anointing of Christ, for the elect are anointed in Him.

5. What does a Christian do as prophet? He confesses His Name.

6. What does he do as priest? He presents himself a living sacrifice of thanksgiving to Him.

7. What does he do as king? With a free and good conscience, he fights against sin and Satan in this life.

8. What is a free and good conscience? A free conscience is a conscience that knows of being delivered from the curse of the law, and a good conscience is a conscience that is sincere in its desires to serve God.

9. What will be the end of all strife? To afterwards reign with Him over all creatures (2 Timothy2:12).

— to be continued —

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