During the Reformation period, God used men of great intellect and spiritual maturity to develop the reformed doctrines. Many great works were written during this time, including the three creeds that we use today: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dordrecht. Here we take a look into the lives of the […]
December 9 Read Jeremiah 38 In spite of many objections and threats upon his life, Jeremiah continued to preach the word of the Lord. He was sentenced to death in an illegal court, but he was delivered by wicked king Zedekiah. This king then took the time to listen to Jeremiah, and even though Jeremiah’s […]
Six thousand years ago, God commanded Adam and Eve to bear children. All throughout the Old Testament, God commanded his people to tell their children of his wonderful works. In the New Testament, Christ commands that fathers teach their children the Scriptures and raise them in the instruction and discipline of God. Those commands come […]
Four hundred fifty years ago, God’s church desperately needed to be taught the doctrines of scripture. Today the church has the same urgent need. The Heidelberg Catechism was written as a tool to instruct the people in the teachings of the Bible. It has beautifully accomplished its aim with clear and logical questions and answers […]
Four hundred fifty years ago the first addition of the Heidelberg Catechism was written by Zacharias Ursinus and his faithful helper, Caspar Olevianus. The two men had been commissioned by Elector Friedrich III who aimed to influence both the temporal and the eternal life of his subjects. He wanted to teach them what it meant […]
When I got my driver’s license two years ago, I considered buying a GPS. I have never been the best with directions, often relying on “turn left at the gas station” rather than “go north 6 miles.” I worried about getting lost, but looking back, I am glad I did not make the purchase. A […]
The Heidelberg Catechism is well loved by members of the Reformed church for its personal approach, for its practical use, and for the comfort it brings. It has been preserved over the years as a precious document that sets forth the pure doctrines of the word of God. It is used not in place of […]
The Heidelberg Catechism has been a major source of comfort in the past five hundred years for believers all over the world. On the occasion of the 450th birthday of the writing of the Heidelberg Catechism, it is fitting that we explore the history behind the catechism, and the beauty, simplicity, and order of the […]
The church of the sixteenth century was in shambles. The people were distraught and fearful of a God they barely knew, and had little or no comfort that they were saved. The Roman Catholic heresy of salvation by works was creeping back into the church, and the people had no confidence in going to heaven […]
By the time you receive this issue of Beacon Lights, the Heidelberg Catechism conference marking the 450th anniversary of this confession will be history. As part of this celebration, the Protestant Reformed Theological School sponsored an essay contest on various aspects of the Catechism, which was divided into five categories: Junior High School (Grades 6–8); […]