A Weekly Reading from the


Lord’s Day 21: The Holy Catholic Church

Lord’s Day 21

The Holy Catholic Church

Divine Deliverance

Question 54

What believest thou concerning the “holy catholic church” of Christ?

Answer

That the Son of God 1 from the beginning to the end of the world, 2 gathers, defends, and preserves 3 to himself by his Spirit and word, 4 out of the whole human race, 5 a church chosen to everlasting life, 6 agreeing in true faith; 7 and that I am and forever shall remain, 8 a living member thereof. 9

Question 55

What do you understand by “the communion of saints”?

Answer

First, that all and every one, who believes, being members of Christ, are in common, partakers of him, and of all his riches and gifts; 10 secondly, that every one must know it to be his duty, readily and cheerfully to employ his gifts, for the advantage and salvation of other members. 11

Question 56

What believest thou concerning “the forgiveness of sins”?

Answer

That God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction, will no more remember my sins, neither my corrupt nature, against which I have to struggle all my life long; 12 but will graciously impute to me the righteousness of Christ, 13 that I may never be condemned before the tribunal of God. 14

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