As I write this article, American cities are shutting down in an effort to stem the tide of COVID-19. Churches, like Omaha Bible Church, are livestreaming to a congregation worshipping from home.

And, if all that isn’t strange enough, Al Roker is presenting the weather forecast from his kitchen. In this present-day craziness it could be easy to become uneasy.

But, that’s why we hold every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Our certain hope and rest and comfort is found in Christ alone as the authors of the Heidelberg Catechism (HC), who were in the midst of their own major league crisis, knew well.

So eminent is this truth, the authors of the HC made true and lasting comfort in Christ the design and substance of their catechism.  

The first question of the catechism sets the tone for the next 128 questions that follow, “What is your only comfort in life and death?”

I’ve already given you the simplest answer, Christ. But let’s use the answer provided by the Heidelberg to expand our understanding.

That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Are you already in a better mental state? You can rest in Christ because he has “fully paid for all my sins.” Is this not the source of our true crisis in life, our sin, and separation from God?

What incredible news that Jesus the Christ has satisfied God’s just wrath regarding our sin. Christ has also “set me free,” having redeemed me, the sinner.

He also sovereignly “preserves me” with not even a hair falling from my head apart from the Father’s will.

Lastly, the Spirit of Christ “assures me of eternal life” making me ready, willing, and able through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to live for him. I don’t know about you, but my shoulders just relaxed.

What an amazing Savior and Lord we have in Christ! He satisfies, redeems, preserves, and assures the believer. He has done these very things for all believers across the ages, regardless of circumstances.

Like any good catechism, creed or confession, the HC drives the reader to Scripture. So, please go and check out www.heidelberg-catechism.com and look at Lord’s Day 1 where you’ll find the above question, answer, and specific citations from Scripture for your study and meditation. 

Your comfort in this world does not depend upon you holding onto God; rather, it’s God holding onto you. He is holding you and he will not let go. Praise the Lord!