What is the best way to grow in our knowledge of the faith? Bible studies? Devotional books? Online sermons?
For hundreds of years, the church has made use of a simple tool called a catechism. A catechism is a summary and explanation of religious doctrine, presented in a question and answer format. Our reforming forefathers made extensive use of catechisms, and all the major protestant churches produced them.
My favourite is called The Heidelberg Catechism, and it was written by two young German Calvinists in the late 16th Century. It is a clear and careful summary of the Reformed faith. The document manages to be evangelical, devotional and pastoral all at once, as you can see from the brilliant opening question -
Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
Is a catechism really useful in the modern world? Is it the sort of thing that would appeal to Joe Average? Some years ago I was leading a small home group in Campbelltown. There were just three of us - myself, a truck driver and his wife. For something different, we decided to work our way through the Heidelberg Catechism.
There was no real plan or prep for the study. We’d just read out a question and answer, we’d look up the proof texts, and then we’d discuss what we’d just heard. We did this for about six months and worked through about a third of the catechism. Everyone agreed it was one of the best bible studies they’d ever been part of - highly enjoyable, stimulating and edifying.
The Heidelberg Catechism is a great treasure from our Reformed heritage. It is well worth rediscovering.
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