Lord's Days 39-45: 10 Q&As from the Heidelberg Catechism Every Christian Should Know

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Written By BCL

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In parts one, two, three, four, and five of this series, we shared questions and answers from Lord’s Days 1-38 of the Heidelberg Catechism. This post covers Lord’s Days 39-45.

According to historical theologian R. Scott Clark, “The Heidelberg Catechism is justly regarded as one of the finest summaries of the Christian faith ever written. First published in 1563, the catechism is used by more than a million Christians globally.”

The Heidelberg Catechism contains 129 questions and answers, divided over 52 sections (for each Sunday of the year) called Lord's Days, and consists of three main parts:

  • Our sin & misery (Q&A 1-11)

  • Our deliverance from sin (Q&A 12-85)

  • Our thankfulness to God for such deliverance (Q&A 86-129)

In this installment of 10 Q&As from the beloved Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Days 39-45, the focus is on the second part of the Ten Commandments—the duties we owe our neighbor:

Q&A 104: What does God require in the fifth commandment?

[“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” — Exod. 20:12]

That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline, and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings, since it is God's will to govern us by their hand. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 104; Lord’s Day 39)

Q&A 105: What does God require in the sixth commandment?

[“You shall not murder.” — Exod. 20:13]

I am not to dishonour, hate, injure, or kill my neighbour by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by deeds, whether personally or through another; rather, I am to put away all desire of revenge. Moreover, I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself. Therefore, also, the government bears the sword to prevent murder. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 105; Lord’s Day 40)

Q&A 107: Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbour in any such way?

No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, he commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves, to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him, to protect him from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 107; Lord’s Day 40)

Q&A 108: What does the seventh commandment teach us?

[“You shall not commit adultery.” — Exod. 20:14]

That all unchastity is cursed by God. We must therefore detest it from the heart and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 108; Lord’s Day 41)

Q&A 109: Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?

Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure and holy. Therefore he forbids all unchaste acts, gestures, words, thoughts, desires, and whatever may entice us to unchastity. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 109; Lord’s Day 41)

Q&A 110: What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

[“You shall not steal.” — Exod. 20:15]

God forbids not only outright theft and robbery but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury; we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right. In addition God forbids all greed and all abuse or squandering of his gifts. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 110; Lord’s Day 42)

Q&A 112: What is required in the ninth commandment?

[“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” — Exod. 20:16]

I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard. Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath. In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth, speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbour's honour and reputation. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 112; Lord’s Day 43)

Q&A 113: What does the tenth commandment require of us?

[“You shall not covet…” — Exod. 20:17]

That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. Rather, with all our heart we should always hate all sin and delight in all righteousness. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 113; Lord’s Day 44)

Q&A 115: If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

First, so that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. Second, so that, while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 115; Lord’s Day 44)

Q&A 116: Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us. Moreover, God will give his grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask him for these gifts and thank him for them. (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 116; Lord’s Day 45)

You can find the entire Heidelberg Catechism along with more related resources at heidelberg-catechism.com.

To learn more about the history and composition of the Heidelberg Catechism, be sure to check out this Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism by historical theologian R. Scott Clark from the heidelblog.net.

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BCL
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