Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 34

Last week we reflected on the daily rhythm of repentance—that ongoing process of dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ. But repentance never leaves us in a spiritual vacuum. It ushers us into a transformed way of living, one motivated not by the crushing weight of guilt but by the liberating power of gratitude. The Heidelberg Catechism now turns our attention to the Ten Commandments, presenting them not as rungs on a ladder we must climb to earn divine approval, but as the pathway for living as God's redeemed people.

Question 92

What is God's law?

God spoke all these words, saying: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, nor bow down to it or worship it. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet."¹

¹ Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:6–21

Question 93

How are these commandments divided?

Into two tables: the first has four commandments, teaching us how we should live in relation to God; the second has six commandments, teaching us what we owe our neighbor.²

² Matthew 22:37–39

Question 94

What does the Lord require in the first commandment?

That I, not wanting to endanger my very salvation, avoid and shun all idolatry, sorcery, superstition, and prayer to saints or to other creatures. That I rightly acknowledge the only true God, trust Him alone, look to Him for every good thing humbly and patiently, love Him, fear Him, and honor Him with all my heart. In short, that I give up anything rather than go against His will in any way.³

³ 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Matthew 4:10; John 17:3

Question 95

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is having or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.⁴

⁴ Ephesians 5:5; Philippians 3:19; Colossians 3:5

Mercy and Kindness Leads to Repentance

Many approach the Ten Commandments as divine restrictions imposed by a stern taskmaster, but notice how God introduces His law: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." Before a single prohibition is uttered, God reminds His people of His redemptive work on their behalf.

This order matters profoundly. The commandments are not chains meant to enslave us, but the charter of a people already set free. They reveal what life looks like when lived in covenant relationship with the God who rescues. The law flows from grace, not toward it. We obey not to earn God's love but because we have already received it.

The Horizontal and Vertical of God's Law

When Jesus was pressed to identify the greatest commandment, He distilled the entire law into two fundamental duties: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37–39). The Heidelberg Catechism follows this biblical framework, recognizing that the Ten Commandments naturally divide into two complementary sections.

The first table—commandments one through four—illuminates what it means to love God supremely. These commands address our vertical relationship with our Creator, teaching us how to honor Him with exclusive devotion, reverent worship, holy speech, and sacred rhythm.

The second table—commandments five through ten—reveals what it means to love our neighbor genuinely. These horizontal commands govern our relationships with parents, spouses, fellow citizens, and the broader community, showing us how divine love expresses itself in human interactions.

Together, these two tables sketch the contours of a life transformed by grace and animated by gratitude.

The Nature of Idolatry

The first commandment strikes at the root of all spiritual rebellion: "You shall have no other gods before Me." This is not divine insecurity but divine mercy. God knows that the human heart, as John Calvin observed, is a perpetual factory of idols. We are incurably religious beings who will worship something or someone, and God graciously insists that He alone is worthy of ultimate allegiance.

The Catechism's definition of idolatry cuts through centuries of confusion: it is "having or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only true God." Notice that phrase "in addition to"—even good things become idols when they compete with God for our ultimate trust and affection.

Modern Idolatry's Subtle Face

Ancient idolatry carved its gods from stone and wood, making its rebellion obvious and tangible. Contemporary idolatry operates with far greater subtlety, crafting its altars in boardrooms, bedrooms, and even church sanctuaries. An idol is simply whatever we cannot imagine living without, that which provides our deepest sense of identity, security, or significance.

Career success whispers promises of lasting fulfillment. Romantic relationships offer the illusion of complete acceptance. Financial security pledges protection against life's uncertainties. Even ministry can become idolatrous when we derive our worth from spiritual achievements rather than from Christ's finished work.

The diagnostic question remains searingly relevant: What would devastate you if you lost it? What do you instinctively turn to when life becomes overwhelming? Where do you look for the validation that your life has meaning? The honest answers often reveal our functional deities.

Law, Gospel, and Grateful Obedience

We must be clear: the law cannot save us. Only Christ can accomplish that decisive work. But for those already redeemed, the law becomes something beautiful: a gracious guide that shows us the shape of the life Jesus is forming within us. It reveals the character of God and maps the contours of human flourishing.

When we inevitably fail to keep these commandments perfectly, they serve another crucial function: driving us back to the cross where forgiveness flows freely. The gospel liberates us from the paralyzing fear of condemnation, transforming obedience from reluctant duty into joyful response. We keep God's law not because we must but because we may—not as slaves earning their freedom but as children expressing their gratitude.

A Closing Prayer

Lord God, You have set me free in Christ, breaking every chain that once bound my heart to sin and death. Teach me to live as Your redeemed child, walking in the good works You have prepared for me. Guard my heart from the subtle idols that would steal my affections—whether they be carved from stone or hidden in the recesses of my desires. Help me to love You above all things and to trust You alone for every good gift. May Your law no longer condemn me but guide me gracefully into the life of gratitude You intend. In Christ's name, Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

New Testament in a Year

August 24 – Luke 20:1–26
August 25 – Luke 20:27–47
August 26 – Luke 21:1–19
August 27 – Luke 21:20–38
August 28 – Luke 22:1–38
August 29 – Luke 22:39–71
August 30 – Luke 23:1–25

The Bible in a Year

August 24 – Proverbs 1–2; Luke 20:1–26
August 25 – Proverbs 3–4; Luke 20:27–47
August 26 – Proverbs 5–6; Luke 21:1–19
August 27 – Proverbs 7–8; Luke 21:20–38
August 28 – Proverbs 9–10; Luke 22:1–38
August 29 – Proverbs 11–12; Luke 22:39–71
August 30 – Proverbs 13–14; Luke 23:1–25