The Heidelberg Catechism, crafted in 1563, is a treasured Reformed confession that unpacks essential Christian doctrines through a question-and-answer format. It offers believers clarity and comfort in their faith.

This article is part of our ongoing series exploring each Lord’s Day. Read the full series here.

Lord’s Day 21 (Questions 54–56) centers on the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, and the forgiveness of sins, highlighting Christ’s work through His Spirit in building and sustaining His people. Below, we explore each question, summarizing its significance and tying it to the theme of Christ’s redemptive work in His church.

What Do You Believe Concerning the Holy Catholic Church?

Question 54: What do you believe concerning the holy catholic church?
Answer: That the Son of God, from the beginning to the end of the world, gathers, defends, and preserves to Himself by His Spirit and Word, out of the whole human race, a church chosen to everlasting life, agreeing in true faith; and that I am and forever shall remain a living member thereof.

Summary: This question affirms that Christ, through His Spirit and Word, gathers and preserves His universal church across all time, uniting believers in true faith (Ephesians 1:22–23, ESV). The believer’s eternal membership in this church is a gift of grace, reflecting the theme of Christ’s sovereign work in building His redeemed community.

What Do You Understand by the Communion of Saints?

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; second, 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.

Summary: The communion of saints describes believers’ shared participation in Christ’s riches (e.g., grace, salvation) and their duty to use Spirit-given gifts to serve one another (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV). This question emphasizes the unity and mutual support within the church, reinforcing the theme of Christ’s work in fostering a living, interconnected body.

What Do You Believe Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins?

Question 56: What do you believe concerning the forgiveness of sins?
Answer: That God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction, will no more remember my sins, nor my sinful nature, against which I have to struggle all my life long; but will graciously impute to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may never come into condemnation.

Summary: This question underscores the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s atoning work, assuring believers that God imputes Christ’s righteousness to them, freeing them from condemnation (Romans 8:1, ESV). It ties to the theme by showing how Christ’s redemption secures the church’s purity and hope.

For Reflection

Lord’s Day 21 reveals Christ’s church as the anchor of our faith. His Spirit gathers us, unites us in communion, and seals our forgiveness, echoing the redemptive hope in His sacrifice. Take these truths to heart: pray for strength to trust His grace, serve His church, and rest in His forgiveness.