Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 7
If Christ has done everything necessary for our redemption, how do we actually receive the benefits of His work? Does His victory automatically save all people, or is there something required of us?
Last week, we saw the necessity of a Mediator—one who is both fully human and fully divine—to accomplish our salvation. But this raises another crucial question: If Christ has done everything necessary for our redemption, how do we actually receive the benefits of His work? Does His victory automatically save all people, or is there something required of us?
This week, the catechism leads us into the heart of the gospel: Salvation is received by faith. It is not given indiscriminately to all, nor is it earned through effort or merit. Rather, it is a gift, granted to those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer. Faith, however, is not a vague optimism or a mere acknowledgment of facts—it is a deep and personal trust in Christ alone for salvation.
This truth is both humbling and liberating. It means that salvation does not rest in our ability to perform, but in Christ’s finished work. It means that eternal life is not about what we bring to God, but about receiving what He freely offers in Christ. And it means that faith is not a human achievement, but the means by which we cling to the promises of God.
Let’s reflect on this week’s questions and answers.
Question 20
Are all men then saved by Christ, as they have perished in Adam?
No, only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Him, and receive all His benefits.1
1 Matthew 7:14; John 1:12, 3:16, 18, 36; Romans 11:16-21
Question 21
What is true faith?
It is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word;1 but also a deep-rooted assurance,2 created in me by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel,3 that not only to others, but to me also,4 forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation,5 are freely given by God, merely of grace, for the sake of Christ’s merits.
1 John 17:3, 17; Hebrews 11:1-3; James 2:19; 2 Romans 4:18-21, 5:1, 10:10; Hebrews 4:16; 3 Acts 16:14; Romans 1:16, 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 4 Galatians 2:20; 5 Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:10; 6 Romans 3:20-26; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-10
Question 22
What, then, is necessary for a Christian to believe?
All that is promised us in the Gospel,1 which the articles of our catholic, undoubted Christian faith teach us in sum.
1 Matthew 28:19; John 20:30-31
Question 23
What are these Articles?
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; a holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
This week, we see the essential response to the gospel: faith. It is not enough to acknowledge the facts of Christ’s work; we must personally trust in Him as our Savior. True faith lays hold of Christ, receives His benefits, and finds rest in His sufficiency.
The Apostles’ Creed, which the catechism cites, has served as a confession of faith for the church through the ages. It is not a collection of abstract doctrines but a testimony to the very foundation of our hope. This creed reminds us that faith is not in faith itself, but in the Triune God who has revealed Himself in Scripture and acted in history for our redemption.
Next week, we will begin exploring the Apostles’ Creed in greater depth, seeing how each article of faith deepens our understanding of the gospel and strengthens our confidence in Christ.
A Closing Prayer
Gracious Father,
We thank You for the gift of faith. You have not left us in darkness but have revealed the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, that we may trust in Him alone, resting not in our own works but in His perfect righteousness. May we live this week with assurance, joy, and a heart that overflows with gratitude for Your grace.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
Daily Bible Readings
New Testament in a Year
February 16 – Matthew 26:47-75
February 17 – Matthew 27:1-26
February 18 – Matthew 27:27-50
February 19 – Matthew 27:51-66
February 20 – Matthew 28
February 21 – Mark 1:1-20
February 22 – Mark 1:21-45
The Bible in a Year
February 16 – Numbers 5-6; Matthew 26:47-75
February 17 – Numbers 7; Matthew 27:1-26
February 18 – Numbers 8-10; Matthew 27:27-50
February 19 – Numbers 11-13; Matthew 27:51-66
February 20 – Numbers 14-15; Matthew 28
February 21 – Numbers 16-17; Mark 1:1-20
February 22 – Numbers 18-20; Mark 1:21-45
