I know in the midst of COVID-19 that you all were wondering about catechisms, right? Well, stick with me here. I want to share something with us that I hope will be an encouragement today.
A catechism is a handbook of instruction, usually taking the form of a series of questions and answers. They are designed to help adherents understand what is believed by a particular denomination or faith tradition. If you grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, you are probably familiar with them, but did you know that most faith traditions use catechisms in their training and discipleship efforts? Even Baptists, (although not as much). One popular Baptist catechism is the London 1689 confession; again, a series of short questions and answers (118 questions).
Catechisms go back to the earliest of the Church Fathers in Christian history, and, of course, the idea of teaching and instruction back to the Apostles themselves. One of the most famous such manuals from antiquity was a document called the Didache. Although not arranged in a question and answer format, it was an early primer of the Christian faith dated by many scholars to the First Century.
Many of the catechisms in use today come to us from the times of the Reformation and the Puritans in the 16th and 17th centuries. One such document was known as the Heidleberg Catechism. It was commissioned by Frederick III, an official in Heidleberg, Germany, and was finished in 1563 – so it’s pretty old!
Anyway, [breathe] here’s an excerpt for you to reflect upon today as you’re social distancing! Take a look at the Scripture references as you think about the hope that is ours in Christ!
As you pray today, remember our university students. Many of them are heading back to their home countries since school has been cancelled. Pray that they would find encouragement in their churches at home.
Question: What is your only hope in life and death?
Answer: That I am not my own, 1
but belong with body and soul,
both in life and in death, 2
to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. 3
He has fully paid for all my sins
with his precious blood, 4
and has set me free
from all the power of the devil. 5
He also preserves me in such a way 6
that without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head; 7
indeed, all things must work together
for my salvation. 8
Therefore, by his Holy Spirit
he also assures me
of eternal life 9
and makes me heartily willing and ready
from now on to live for him. 10
- 1 Cor 6:19, 20.
- Rom 14:7-9.
- 1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14.
- 1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2.
- Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14, 15; 1 Jn 3:8.
- Jn 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5.
- Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18.
- Rom 8:28.
- Rom 8:15, 16; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph 1:13, 14.
- Rom 8:14.
Above taken from – http://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/en/lords-days/1.html
A modern take on the London 1689 confession if you’re interested – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-baptist-catechism