The Heidelberg Catechism in Questions and Answers (28)

Lord's Day 44

113. What doth the tenth commandment require of us?

That even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God's commandments never rise in our hearts; hut that at all times we hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.

1. What is coveting?

It is an active force of the soul that goes after a certain object.

2. Is all coveting forbidden?

No, for example, the natural desire for food and drink and the true spiritual desire for God and His favor are not forbidden.

3. What does God then require in the tenth commandment?

a. That the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God's commandments never rise in our hearts;

b. That at all times we hate all sin with our whole heart;

c. That we delight in all righteousness.

4. What does this commandment then actually demand?

Perfection, because God is perfect.

114. But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these commandments?

No, but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience; yet so, that with a sincere resolution they begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commandments of God.

1. Can anyone keep the law perfectly?

No, "for in many things we offend all" (James 3:2).

2. Can God's people do so?

No, but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience.

3. Is there then no distinction between converted and unconverted persons?

Yes, there is, for God's children shall, with a sincere resolution, begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commandments of God, and this is lacking with the unconverted.

115. Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?

First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin and righteousness in Christ; likewise, that we constantly endeavor and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us in a life to come.

1. Does the strict preaching of the law also serve to the benefit of the unconverted?

Yes, for by it they are curbed from sinfulness.

2. Is it also beneficial for God's people?

Yes, for all their lifetime they learn more and more to know their sinful nature.

3. What is the result of this?

That they thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin and righteousness in Christ.

4. What other benefits does the strict preaching of the law give?

That they constantly endeavor and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, in order to become more and more conformable to the image of God.

Lord's Day 45

116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us; and also, because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit to those only who with sincere desires continually ask them of Him and are thankful for them.

1. Are commands and prayer united with each other?

Yes, the commandment can only be observed prayerfully.

2. Are the unconverted also commanded to pray?

Yes, for example, Simon the sorcerer: "Pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22).

3. What does the catechism call prayer?

The chief part of thankfulness.

4. What further basis is given in the answer for the necessity of prayer?

That God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who with sincere desires continually ask them of Him and are thankful for them.

5. Does the Lord give them because of prayer?

No, not because of, but it is upon prayer.

117. What are the requisites of that prayer which is acceptable to God and which He will hear?

First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only, who hath manifested Himself in His Word, for all things He hath commanded us to ask of Him; secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly know our need and misery, that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of His divine majesty; thirdly, that we be fully persuaded that He, notwithstanding that we are unworthy of it, will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer, as He has promised us in His Word.

1. How does God desire to be worshipped?

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 3:24).

2. How is this expressed in the question?

That we from the heart pray to the one true God only, who hath manifested Himself in His Word, for all things He hath commanded us to ask of Him.

3. What is necessarily required for a true prayer?

That we rightly and thoroughly know our need and misery, that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of His divine majesty.

4. What is the basis for the hearing of prayer?

It is that which the Lord has, for the sake of Christ, promised in His Word.

5. Is there not some basis in the person who prays?

No, for the praying person is totally unworthy of it.

— to be continued —

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