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The Heidelberg Catechism (11)

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The Heidelberg Catechism (11)

(Explained for Children)

5 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

We have discussed the first of the twelve articles, which was also the first part of these articles. Now we will proceed to the second part, which is called “ Of God the Son and Our Redemption.” It begins with the second article, and it is about the names of the Son of God. The first name mentioned is Jesus.

Question 29: Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is a Savior?

Answer: Because He saveth us, and delivereth us from our sins; and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other.

All of us have names. That is necessary, otherwise it would be difficult to call to someone. Generally our names do not have a particular meaning. In former days the names often had meanings. Think only of Eve, which means “mother of all living.” Samuel means “asked of God.” Judah means “the praise of the Lord.”

The name “Jesus” also has meaning. It is a name which has much meaning. It means “Savior.” This name was given Him by God the Father. You probably know that the angel Gabriel said to Mary in Nazareth, “Thou shalt call His name JESUS.” The angel said this also to Joseph in a dream. By this name God the Father told what the work of His Son would be, and why He sent His Son upon earth. Jesus came on earth to save sinners.

What is it to save a sinner? It is to save one who is most miserable and to make him greatly blessed. Because of sin we have all become most miserable; indeed, we have become children of the devil. Our evil hearts do what he desires. The devil does not want people to be saved, but he desires them to remain most miserable, yes, eternally miserable. However, if one may become a child of God, he becomes greatly blessed. Then he is saved. Do you remember the only comfort spoken of in Lord's Day 1? There it stated what it is when one is saved. It is the work of the Lord Jesus to make children of the devil to be children of God.

Something more is said in our answer. To save is also to deliver from sins. Sin is the greatest evil in our hearts. Because of the sins which we do, we have become so miserable. But the Lord Jesus can deliver us from our sins. He had to do much to be able to do so, for He gave His life for this. We will hear about this later.

Question 30: Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?

Answer: They do not; for though they boast of Him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior; for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior or that they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in Him necessary to their salvation.

There are people who do seek salvation elsewhere, or through other people. Indeed, many think that one is highly favored if they have many riches, for then they can purchase whatever they desire. They do not consider that one day they must die, and then what benefit are all those riches?

There are also those who seek salvation through others, through God's children who lived in former times, such as Mary or Peter and the other apostles, who are called saints. Especially the church of Rome seeks salvation through others, and therefore they pray to Mary and other saints.

There are also people who seek salvation of themselves. How is that possible? They think that they can provide for their own salvation, that they themselves can earn salvation, or at least part of it.

Now the question is, Do these people truly believe in the Lord Jesus, the only Savior? No, because they deny Him in this way. This means that they do not desire Him nor seek Him as the only Savior. With their mouths they speak of Him as the Savior, but yet they think that they themselves can earn something for it. They believe that if they do good deeds they will certainly come into heaven. Then it is as if Jesus has not done everything necessary to save sinners, and that He is not a complete Savior. It is as if He has not done enough. How sad it is to think this!

We of ourselves cannot do anything good. If the Lord Jesus had not done everything, no one would ever be saved. He is truly a complete Savior. His children receive everything that is needed in order to be saved. Therefore they may receive Him as a complete Savior. They do this with their heart, by a true faith. This was mentioned in Lord's Day 7. Do you still remember the example of an empty hand, the hand of faith?

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van zondag 1 augustus 2004

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's

The Heidelberg Catechism (11)

Bekijk de hele uitgave van zondag 1 augustus 2004

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's