Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 44

Lord's Day 44

113.     Q. What does the tenth commandment require of us?

A. That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. Rather, with all our heart we should always hate all sin and delight in all righteousness. (1)

1. Ps 19:7-14; 139:23, 24; Rom 7:7, 8.

114.      Q. But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?           

A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. 1 Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live not only according to some but to all the commandments of God. 2

1. Eccles 7:20; Rom 7:14, 15; 1 Cor 13:9; 1 Jn 1:8.  2. Ps 1:1, 2; Rom 7:22-25; Phil 3:12-16.

115.     Q. If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

A. First, so that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. 1 Second, so that, while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection. 2

1. Ps 32:5; Rom 3:19-26; 7:7, 24, 25; 1 Jn 1:9. 2. 1 Cor 9:24; Phil 3:12-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3

What is the tenth Commandment?

Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” (ESV)

The first 2 commandments require us to love the Lord God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The next 8 commandments are about loving our neighbor as ourselves.

God requires us to keep His commandments perfectly, but as question 114 asks, can we keep the law of God perfectly? No, we cannot, even the holiest of people have only a very small beginning of this obedience. Our justification is based on Christ’s righteousness and not our own thankfully. Christ’s righteousness is not subject to change; it does not get weaker or stronger over time, it is already perfect and is what God sees when he looks at believers. However, our faith is weak and subject to fluctuation. Due to the sinful condition that we remain in on this side of either Christ’s return or when we die and go to heaven, we cannot obey God’s Law perfectly.

So why, as question 115 asks, does God have His law preached so strictly? This is to strengthen our weak faith, which by the way is a gift from God in the first place.  As Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”, (ESV). This faith however is ours and we exercise it, but it fluctuates throughout our lifetime. We cannot be snatched from God’s hands, but we can fall into grievous sins. We cannot lose our salvation, but we can commit serious sins.

In studying for Sunday school this week and Chapter 14 of the Westminster Confession of Faith “Of Saving Faith” it is clear from scripture as I mentioned our justification does not change because the basis of it is Christ’s righteousness. God requires His Word to be preached so we can grow in our faith. Being strong on our faith is hard work to be sure.

“while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.”

God wants us to strive to be renewed more and more after His image.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)

Philippians 3:12–14 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

We are to live a life of repentance and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

While God requires perfect obedience to His Law, Christ has accomplished this for His people elect sinners from every tribe, nation, and tongue. Due to this we should desire to be obedient to God’s Law. The WCF says this about faith; “But the principal acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace”. Praise God He has given us the gifts to attain these things in grace and faith.

May you have a wonderful Lord’s Day tomorrow and if you do not have a place to worship please reach out and I can help you find a good church in your area.