Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 21

Lord’s Day 21 reminds us that to believe in the church is to believe something extraordinary: that Christ is gathering a people for Himself, that those people are forgiven and united, and that we are part of something far larger than we can see.

Question 54

What do you believe concerning “the holy catholic church”?
I believe that the Son of God,
through His Spirit and Word,
out of the entire human race,
from the beginning of the world to its end,
gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself
a community chosen for eternal life
and united in true faith.

And of this community I am
and always will be
a living member.¹

¹ Matthew 16:18; 28:19–20; Acts 2:42–47; Ephesians 4:1–6

Question 55

What do you understand by “the communion of saints”?
First, that believers one and all,
as members of this community,
share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts.

Second, that each member
should consider it a duty
to use these gifts
readily and joyfully
for the service and enrichment of the other members.²

² Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 12–27; 13:1–7; Philippians 2:1–4

Question 56

What do you believe concerning “the forgiveness of sins”?
I believe that God,
because of Christ’s atonement,
will never hold against me
any of my sins
nor my sinful nature
which I need to struggle against all my life.

Rather, in His grace
God grants me the righteousness of Christ
to free me forever from judgment.³

³ Psalm 103:3, 10–12; Micah 7:18–19; Romans 7:21–25; 8:1–4; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; 1 John 1:7–9

A Church That Christ Builds

The church is not a human invention. It is not the product of strategy, history, or preference. It is the people of God—called, gathered, and preserved by the Son Himself.

The Catechism lifts our vision. From the beginning of the world to its end, Christ is building His church. He does it through His Word and Spirit, not by power or persuasion. He chooses, He gathers, He keeps.

And He doesn’t fail.

Even when the church looks weak or fractured, He is still at work. And if you belong to Him, you are part of that people—not just locally, but universally. Not just now, but forever.

You are not attending church. You are part of the church.

What It Means to Belong

Belonging to the church means more than showing up on Sundays. It means being united by faith to Christ—and, through Him, to each other.

That’s what the communion of saints means. It’s not a mystical phrase. It’s a living reality. Every believer shares in Christ. His grace is yours. His gifts are yours. And through the Spirit, we are called to share them—for one another’s good.

This turns church life from obligation to opportunity. You aren’t just a recipient. You are a contributor. Your gifts matter. Your presence matters. Your service matters.

No part of the body is unnecessary. And no one is meant to follow Jesus alone.

Forgiven and Free

The Catechism ends this Lord’s Day with something every believer needs to hear again and again: you are forgiven.

Because of Christ, your sins are not counted against you. Your sinful nature—though real and present—is not your identity. Judgment no longer hangs over your head. The righteousness of Christ covers you, and the grace of God keeps you.

This is not a temporary status. It’s a permanent reality. You may struggle, but you are not condemned. You may fall, but you are not forsaken.

The forgiveness of sins is not a vague hope. It is a finished work.

A Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me into Your church—not as a spectator, but as a living member of Your body. You are the one who gathers, preserves, and keeps Your people, and I am held by You. Thank You for joining me to others and giving me gifts to serve them. Teach me to use what I’ve been given for their good and Your glory. And most of all, thank You for the forgiveness of my sins. Because of You, I am free from guilt, covered in righteousness, and secure in grace. Let me live today as one who truly belongs—to You, to Your church, and to the communion of saints. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

New Testament in a Year
May 25 – John 6:25–59
May 26 – John 6:60–71
May 27 – John 7:1–24
May 28 – John 7:25–52
May 29 – John 8:1–30
May 30 – John 8:31–59
May 31 – John 9:1–12

The Bible in a Year
May 25 – 1 Chronicles 17–19; John 6:25–59
May 26 – 1 Chronicles 20–22; John 6:60–71
May 27 – 1 Chronicles 23–25; John 7:1–24
May 28 – 1 Chronicles 26–27; John 7:25–52
May 29 – 1 Chronicles 28–29; John 8:1–30
May 30 – 2 Chronicles 1–3; John 8:31–59
May 31 – 2 Chronicles 4–6; John 9:1–12