How can we escape God’s punishment? God is merciful, but he is likewise just (Q. 11). Here the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) begins its second part, Of Man’s Deliverance.
Q. 12. Since, then, by the righteous judgment of God we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, what is required that we may escape this punishment and be again received into favor?
A. God wills that his justice be satisfied; therefore must we make full satisfaction to the same, either by ourselves or by another.
Jesus says, “Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Zacharias Ursinus explains: “There are two ways of making satisfaction by punishment. The one is by ourselves. This is the one which the law teaches and the justice of God requires … The other way of making satisfaction is by another. This is the method which the gospel reveals, and the mercy of God allows.” For “what the law could not do … God sending his own Son” (Romans 8:3). Which leaves the next question: can we make this satisfaction ourselves?
PREVIOUS · Q. 11
Isn’t God Merciful?
READ IT IN KOINONIA
The catechism, Ursinus’ commentary and the Bible, side by side.
App Store:
Google Play:
Web:
MEET KOINONIA
Introducing Koinonia — Faith, together.
SOURCES
Heidelberg Catechism, tr. Philip Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom, vol. III:
Zacharias Ursinus, Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, tr. G. W. Williard (1888), Q. 12:
Lord’s Day 5:
SCRIPTURE (KJV)
Genesis 2:17 · Exodus 20:5 · Exodus 23:7 · Ezekiel 18:4 · Matthew 5:26 · 2 Thessalonians 1:6 · Luke 16:2 · Romans 8:3–4 (proofs of the 1563 edition)
#Shorts #HeidelbergCatechism #Catechism #Reformed #Koinonia
source