The Christian’s Only Comfort is the sermonic exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism by Theodore VanderGroe (1705–1784), a prominent divine of the Dutch Further Reformation. VanderGroe’s exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism could be considered his magnum opus, and in some ways, it was esteemed as highly by the godly in the Netherlands as The Christian’s Reasonable Service of Wilhelmus à Brakel. In this able exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism, we find the unmistakable characteristics of the Dutch Further Reformation: it is steeped in Scripture; it is very pastoral; and it promotes a robust, comprehensive form of Reformed piety.

The church needs good theology that engages the head, heart, and hands. This four-volume work combines rigorous historical and theological scholarship with application and practicality—characterized by an accessible, Reformed, and experiential approach. In this volume, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley explore the first two of eight central themes of theology: revelation and God.

"Here is catechesis at its best, instructing the student of theology, providing pastors with a sermon-enriching manual, and giving growing Christians a resource book that will both inform and nourish them, as well as provide endless theological enjoyment!" — Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries The aim of systematic theology is to engage not only the head but also the heart and hands. Only recently has the church compartmentalized these aspects of life—separating the academic discipline of theology from the spiritual disciplines of faith and obedience. This multivolume work brings together rigorous historical and theological scholarship with spiritual disciplines and practical insights—characterized by a simple, accessible, comprehensive, Reformed, and experiential approach. In this volume, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley unpack the work and role of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology) and salvation (soteriology). The authors examine the Holy Spirit's role in the history of salvation, the order of salvation, and the believers' experience of salvation. As readers consider the interrelationship between the Spirit and salvation, they are invited to explore the direct activity of the Lord in their lives for their salvation.

For 450 years, churches throughout the world have been using the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) to instruct God’s people in foundational Christian doctrine. When Elector Frederick III (1515–1576) commissioned the preparation of a manual for instructing the youth and guiding the pastors and teachers of his domain, he could not have imagined the profound effect it would have on future generations of Christians. The most widely used, most influential Reformation catechism, the “Heidelberger” shines forth the blessed truths of the gospel in 129 questions and answers, beginning with the memorable, ever-enduring subject of our “only comfort in life and in death.” In A Faith Worth Teaching , edited by Jon Payne and Sebastian Heck, an array of faithful pastor-scholars celebrate the Heidelberg Catechism on its 450th anniversary with a collection of essays on its dynamic history, rich theology, and fruit-bearing practice that will be an encouragement to pastors and laypersons alike. Table of Contents: Foreword: the Heidelberg Catechism: the Secret of its Success - Herman J. Selderhuis Part 1: The History and Background of the Heidelberg Catechism 1. The History and People Behind the Heidelberg Catechism - Lyle D. Bierma 2. The Heidelberg Catechism in the United States - D. G. Hart Part 2: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Means of Grace 3. Holding Firmly to the Heidelberger: The Validity and Relevance of Catechism Preaching - Joel R. Beeke 4. Preaching the Catechism Today - Joel R. Beeke 5. “Washed from All My Sins”: The Doctrine of Baptism in the Heidelberg Catechism - Sebastian Heck 6. “As Certainly As I See and Taste”: The Lord’s Supper and the Heidelberg Catechism – Jon D. Payne Part 3: Christian Doctrine and the Heidelberg Catechism 7. Gathered, Protected, and Preserved: The Church in the Heidelberg Catechism - Michael S. Horton 8. Grace and Gratitude: Justification and Sanctification in the Heidelberg Catechism - Cornelis P. Venema 9. The Christology of the Heidelberg catechism - Mark Jones 10. “Prophet, Doctor Jesus”: the Son of God as “Our High Priest and Teacher” in the Heidelberg Catechism - Victor E. d’Assonville 11. The Spirit-Filled Catechism: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Holy Spirit - Daniel R. Hyde Part 4: The Heidelberg Catechism As Catechetical Tool 12. The Heidelberg Catechism Among the Reformed Catechisms - W. Robert Godfrey 13. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Catechetical Tool - Willem Verboom 14. Scholasticism in the Heidelberg Catechism? - Willem van ’t Spijker

This eBook edition has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical Notes is a three volume set written by Philip Schaff. The book classifiers and explains many different statements of belief and articles of faith throughout the Christian history. Schaff deals with the history of the creeds, starting with the Ecumenical creeds, and moving to Greek and Roman creeds, then Old Catholic Union creeds, and finally to the Evangelical creeds and Modern Protestant creeds.

What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong- body and soul, in life and in death- to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Known for its characteristic warm-hearted and rich theology, the Heidelberg Catechism has long served the Calvinist churches in Europe to educate and strengthen its parishioners in the faith. George Washington Bethune penned these lectures in his duty as a minister to "explain the Catechism which she [the Church] has adopted, systematically, and regularly before her congregations on the Sabbath day." Dr. Bethune performed this duty with "ripeness of intellectual powers, a classic beauty of style, and the riches of a library well stored." Printed in 10 point type from Ted Cortez Publishing.