Heidelberg Catechism

The Heidelberg Catechism was written in mid sixteenth century Heidelberg by two young men in their twenties at the request of a German prince.  Its purpose was for instructing young people and guiding pastors and teachers.  It was divided into 52 sections so that part of it could be taught in churches each Sunday.

Q1 What is your only comfort in life and death?

A1 That I am not my own¹, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death², to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ³.  
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood⁴, and has set me free from all the power of the devil⁵.  
He also preserves me in such a way⁶ that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head⁷; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation⁸.  
Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life⁹ and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.¹⁰

Q2 What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

A2 First, how great my sins and misery are; ¹¹ second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery; ¹² third, how I am to be thankful to God for such deliverance.¹³
Response

Why not take some time to go through the catechism and the associated verses?

• What comforts you?
• What challenges you?
• Is there anything you need to pray about?

For the full catechism, go to www.heidelberg-catechism.com

^{1.    1 Cor 6:19-20.
2.     Rom 14:7-9.
3.     1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14.
4.     1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2.
5.     Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14, 15; 1 Jn 3:8.
6.     Jn 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5.
7.     Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18.
8.     Rom 8:28.
9.     Rom 8:15, 16; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph 1:13, 14.
10.     Rom 8:14.
11.     Rom 3:9, 10; 1 Jn 1:10.
12.     Jn 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43.
13.     Mt 5:16; Rom 6:13; Eph 5:8-10; 1 Pet 2:9, 10.}

This article was originally published in the Spring 2026 edition of the TFT magazine, Ascend. Click the button below to download your copy.