Happy birthday, Heidelberg Catechism
January 19, 2010
The Heidelberg Catechism has something of a birthday today. It was composed in Heidelberg, Germany at the request of Elector Frederick III, who ruled the Palatinate, an influential German province, from 1559 to 1576. An old tradition credits Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus as co-authors. Both were certainly involved in its composition, although one of them may have had primary responsibility. All we know for sure is reported by the Elector in his preface of January 19, 1563. It was, he writes, “with the advice and cooperation of our entire theological faculty in this place, and of all superintendents and distinguished servants of the church” that he secured the preparation of the Heidelberg Catechism. The catechism was approved by a synod in Heidelberg in January 1563. A second and third German edition, each with small additions, as well as a Latin translation were published the same year in Heidelberg. Soon the catechism was divided into fifty-two sections so that one Lord’s Day could be explained in preaching each Sunday of the year.
A long-standing tradition at FPC Kosciusko has been for the minister to read the first question and answer from the Heidelberg Catechism at the graveside service of a church member. A local funeral home director told me that he has heard it so many times through the years he has memorized it, even though he is a Methodist and never heard it in church. In case you don’t know it yet, here it is…
1. What is thy only comfort in life and in death?
That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.
Also, the questions and answers explaining the phrases of the Apostles’ Creed are very helpful aids for public, gathered worship. I recommend using them occasionally after your congregation recites the Apostles’ Creed. You can find the entire Heidelberg Catechism online from Ligonier Ministries.
