Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 17

The gospel doesn’t culminate in a tomb—it bursts out of one. And in Lord’s Day 17, the Catechism turns our eyes to the resurrection of Christ. Not as an afterthought. Not as a postscript. But as a declaration: death is defeated, and Christ lives.

And because He lives, everything changes. Hope becomes grounded. Faith becomes reasonable. And the future becomes secure.

Question 45

How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?
First, by His resurrection He has overcome death,
so that He might make us share in the righteousness
He won for us by His death.
Second, by His power we too are already now
raised to a new life.
Third, Christ’s resurrection
is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.¹

¹ Romans 4:25; 6:4–5; Ephesians 2:4–6; Colossians 3:1–4; 1 Corinthians 15:12–20

A Living Hope

When Christ rose from the dead, He didn’t just come back to life—He broke death’s hold. He shattered the final weapon sin could wield. And because of that, His resurrection is more than a miracle. It’s a victory.

The Catechism begins here: Christ’s resurrection proves that His death worked. Our sins are truly paid for. His righteousness really counts for us. And we know it because He didn’t stay in the grave.

If Christ had remained buried, we’d be left wondering. Was it enough? Was He who He claimed to be? But because He lives, we know—our hope is not in vain. The payment was received. The sentence is lifted. The tomb is empty, and grace is real.

Already Raised

It’s easy to think of resurrection as something far away—something that happens after we die. And it does. But the Catechism reminds us it also begins now.

By faith, we are united to the risen Christ. And that means resurrection life is already at work in us. We’re not just forgiven—we’re made new. Sin’s power is broken. A new Spirit leads us. We no longer walk in the darkness of the old self. We walk in the light of His risen life.

This doesn’t mean perfection. But it does mean transformation. Resurrection isn’t just a future event. It’s a present power. And every step you take in obedience, every act of faith, every moment of repentance and renewal—that’s resurrection in motion.

The Future Secured

The final benefit the Catechism names is perhaps the most tender: assurance. Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge of ours.

That means your resurrection is not a vague hope. It’s guaranteed. As surely as Christ was raised, so will you be. Not in some abstract way—but in a real, bodily, glorious, everlasting way.

One day, your eyes will open to a world made new. You will stand—redeemed, restored, raised—with Christ. And you will see that every ache, every loss, every grave was not the end.

The risen Christ is the firstfruits. You are part of the harvest.

A Closing Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus, You broke the power of death. You rose with wounds that heal, with glory that lasts, and with love that will never let me go. Thank You for rising not only for Your glory, but for my hope. Because You live, I know that my sins are forgiven, that my future is secure, and that Your life is now at work in me. Help me walk in resurrection today. Help me turn from what is dead and cling to what is alive. And when I fear the grave, remind me: You’ve already passed through it. And because You live, I will too. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

New Testament in a Year
April 27 – Luke 16:19–31
April 28 – Luke 17:1–19
April 29 – Luke 17:20–37
April 30 – Luke 18:1–14
May 1 – Luke 18:15–43
May 2 – Luke 19:1–27
May 3 – Luke 19:28–48

The Bible in a Year
April 27 – 2 Samuel 23–24; Luke 16:19–31
April 28 – 1 Kings 1–2; Luke 17:1–19
April 29 – 1 Kings 3–5; Luke 17:20–37
April 30 – 1 Kings 6–7; Luke 18:1–14
May 1 – 1 Kings 8–9; Luke 18:15–43
May 2 – 1 Kings 10–11; Luke 19:1–27
May 3 – 1 Kings 12–13; Luke 19:28–48