The Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 7

Q&A 21

Q: What is true faith?

A: True faith is
not only a knowledge and conviction
that everything God reveals in his Word is true;1
it is also a deep-rooted assurance,2
created in me by the Holy Spirit3 through the gospel,4
that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ,5
not only others, but I too,6
have had my sins forgiven,
have been made forever right with God,
and have been granted salvation.7

1 John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1-3; James 2:19
2 Rom. 4:18-21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:14-16
3 Matt. 16:15-17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14
4 Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21
5 Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10
6 Gal. 2:20
7 Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10


Q&A 22

Q: What then must a Christian believe?

A: Everything God promises us in the gospel.1
That gospel is summarized for us
in the articles of our Christian faith-
a creed beyond doubt,
and confessed throughout the world.

1 Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:30-31


Q&A 23

Q: What are these articles?

A: I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.