Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 1

Lord’s Day 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism begins with a question that goes straight to the heart of the Christian life: What is your only comfort in life and in death? This opening invites us to meditate on where we place our ultimate trust. Against the lesser gods of power, prestige, possessions, relationships, and more, the Heidelberg Catechism points us to an eternal truth: that we belong, body and soul, to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. The catechism presents this not just theological knowledge but a deeply personal truth—one that can and should shape how we face every joy, sorrow, and challenge. As we begin the first full week of 2025 and reflect on this first Lord’s Day, we’re reminded that our ultimate comfort is not found in our circumstances or achievements, but in the unshakable reality of Christ’s saving work and His loving care for us.

Question 1:

What is your only comfort in life and in death?

That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death,¹ am not my own,² but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ,³ who with His precious blood⁴ has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil;⁵ and so preserves me,⁶ that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head;⁷ indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation.⁸  Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life,⁹ and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.¹⁰

¹ Romans 14:7-9; ² 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; ³ 1 Corinthians 3:23; Titus 2:14; ⁴1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7, 2:2; ⁵ John 8:34-36; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; ⁶ John 6:39-40, 10:27-30; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5; ⁷ Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18; ⁸ Romans 8:28; ⁹ Romans 8:15-16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; ¹⁰ Romans 8:14

The second question of Lord’s Day 1 builds on this foundation by asking what we must know to live and die in this comfort. The answer is simple and three-fold: first, the depth of our sin and misery; second, the magnitude of God’s grace in delivering us through Christ; and third, the life of gratitude we are called to live in response. This question reminds us that true comfort comes from seeing ourselves and God rightly. Only when we grasp the gravity of our sin can we fully appreciate the wonder of His grace, and only when we rest in His grace can we truly live lives of joyful gratitude. This is the rhythm of the Christian life: understanding our need, marveling at God’s provision, and walking in response to His love. It’s a cycle that shapes not just what we believe but how we live every day.

Question 2:

How many things are necessary for you to know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

Three things: first, the greatness of my sin and misery;¹ second, how I am redeemed from all my sins and misery;² third, how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption.³

¹ Romans 3:9-10; 1 John 1:10; ² John 17:3; Acts 4:12, 10:43; ³ Matthew 5:16; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 5:8-10; 1 Peter 2:9-10

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As the new year and this week begins, we come before You in awe and gratitude, reminded that our only comfort in life and in death is that we belong to You. Thank You for the unshakable assurance that we are not our own but are held in the hands of our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who has fully paid for our sins and freed us from the power of the enemy.

Lord, help us to truly grasp what we need to know to live and die in this comfort. Open our eyes to the weight of our sin and misery so that we might see more clearly the beauty of Your grace in Jesus. Teach us to live lives marked by gratitude, not out of duty, but as a joyful response to Your love.

Strengthen us to rest in this truth when life feels uncertain, and remind us daily that we are secure in Your care, both now and forever. May this comfort shape how we live, how we serve, and how we love others for Your glory.

In the name of Jesus, our only comfort and hope, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

Here are two suggested Bible reading plans for 2025:

New Testament in a Year

• January 5 - Matthew 5:1-26
• January 6 - Matthew 5:27-48
• January 7 - Matthew 6:1-18
• January 8 - Matthew 6:19-34
• January 9 - Matthew 7
• January 10 - Matthew 8
• January 11 - Matthew 9:1-17

The Bible in a Year

• January 5 - Genesis 12-14; Matthew 5:1-26
• January 6 - Genesis 15-17; Matthew 5:27-48
• January 7 - Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6:1-18
• January 8 - Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6:19-34
• January 9 - Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7
• January 10 - Genesis 25-26; Matthew 8:1-17
• January 11 - Genesis 27-28; Matthew 8:18-34