Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's
Day 25, question 65. Since then, we are made partakers
of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence comes this
faith? The Holy Ghost works faith in
our hearts by the preaching of the Holy Gospel and confirms
it by the use of the holy sacraments. Question 66, what are the sacraments? The sacraments are visible holy
signs and seals appointed of God for this end, that by the
use thereof he may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise
of the gospel, namely, that of free grace he grants us the forgiveness
of sins and everlasting life for the sake of the one sacrifice
of Christ accomplished on the cross. Question 67. Are both the word and the sacraments
designed to direct our faith to the sacrifice of Christ on
the cross as the only ground of our salvation? Yes, truly,
for the Holy Ghost teaches in the Gospel and assures us by
the Holy Sacraments that our whole salvation stands in the
one sacrifice of Christ made for us on the cross. And finally,
question 68, how many sacraments has Christ instituted in the
New Testament? Two, Holy Baptism and the Holy
Supper. Question 66, in many ways, is
one of my favorite questions in the Heidelberg Catechism because
it gives such a clear definition of the gospel, that of free grace.
He grants us the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life
for the sake of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the
cross. And yet I have to admit that
question 67 also appeals to me because it speaks to us of how
the Word, the Bible, but also the preached Word and the sacraments
have the same goal. What are they doing? They are
pointing us to Christ. They're not meant to replace
Christ. They're not meant to substitute for Christ in any
way. On the contrary, they are just ways of highlighting Christ. And I think we have a similar
approach in the Emden Catechism of 1554, written by the Polish
reformer, John Alasko. Question 54 is about the goal
of the sacraments, and this is what it says. First, they set
before our eyes, signify and seal in the clearest possible
manner the promise of the Holy Gospel regarding the unmerited
pardon of our sins, as well as our fellowship with the righteousness
of Christ, in order to stir up and strengthen our faith in the
good favor of God and the merits of Christ. Secondly, they admonish
us regarding our duty toward God and our neighbor and move
us to live a life of gratitude by faithfulness towards and obedience
of. His will. What is the great goal
of the sacraments? It's to point us to Christ and
to seal that promise of the gospel on our heart.
