Heidelberg Catechism Part 3

This is our third look at the the Heidelberg Catechism as we work our way through the great creeds and catechisms of the faith. To read posts 1 and 2 click here and here.


Questions 26 and 27 of the Heidelberg Catechism are splendid meditations on the sovereignty of God. I'll post them in full, then we'll think about them briefly.

Q 26 What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?

A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and all that is in them, and who still upholds and governs them by His eternal counsel and providence, is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father. In Him I trust so completely as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul, and will also turn to my good whatever adversity He sends me in this life of sorrow. He is able to do so as almighty God,and willing also as a faithful Father.

Q 27 What do you understand by the providence of God?

A. God's providence is His almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come not by chance but by His fatherly hand.

The first portion of the Heidelberg Catechism is essentially a discussion of the Apostle's Creed, but it's not just a theological discussion for the sake of theological discussion. It's goal is right theological thinking for the purpose of comfort for the reader. What comforting thoughts question 26 articulates! The creator God of the universe not only made all things but holds all things together. Everything is governed by His good hand. The assumption is that God will send adversity our way, and He is able and willing to turn all adversity to our good. He will faithfully provide for all of our needs. We can trust Him.

Question 27 clarifies question 26. When we speak of providence, what do we mean? When we speak of God's providence we speak of the fact that nothing happens by chance. Everything comes from the loving hand of our heavenly father.

Do you ever struggle to believe this? I do. We must train our thinking - As D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones used to say, "We must talk to ourselves and not listen to ourselves." We can rely on the fact that God is good, and everything he brings our way will work together for our good - even the "bad." Psalm 46 has helped me to train my thinking in the last week amidst the craziness of finishing seminary and preparing to take our next ministry steps.