Heidelberg Catechism 60
Question: How are you righteous before God?
Answer: Only by true faith is Jesus Christ. Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them, and am still inclined to all evil, yet God, without any merit of my own, out of mere grace, imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ. He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me, if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.
A reminder that our confidence, our assurance is not found inward, it is not found in the piety or theological savvy we may display. No, rather it is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is an accomplished, historical act; we can add nothing, we must only accept this gift with faith.
Question: How are you righteous before God?
Answer: Only by true faith is Jesus Christ. Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them, and am still inclined to all evil, yet God, without any merit of my own, out of mere grace, imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ. He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me, if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.
A reminder that our confidence, our assurance is not found inward, it is not found in the piety or theological savvy we may display. No, rather it is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is an accomplished, historical act; we can add nothing, we must only accept this gift with faith.
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