Q. 126. What is the fifth petition?
Question. What is the fifth petition?
Answer. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” That is, be pleased for the sake of Christ’s blood, not to impute to us, poor sinners, our transgressions, nor that depravity which always cleaves to us (Ps. 25;7); even as we feel this evidence of thy grace in us, that is our firm resolution from the heart to forgive our neighbours (Matt. 18;35).
Proofs.
- [proof-1] Ps. 25;7.—Remember not the sins of my youth, not my transgressions; according to thy mercy remember thou me, for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.— Eph. 1;7.—Ps. 51;1, 2, 7, 9.—Rom. 4;7, 8.
- [proof-2] Matt. 18;35.—So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.—Matt. 6;14, 15.—Col. 3;13.—Gal. 5;22, 23.
Source and provenance
Citation: Heidelberg Catechism Q. 126, Wikisource 1879 Reformed Church in America translation.
Original work: Public-domain historical catechism
Digital source: Wikisource transcription
Edition status: Edition comparison pending
Proof texts: Proof lines preserved; extraction partial
Scripture refs: COL.3.13, EPH.1.7, GAL.5.22, GAL.5.23, MAT.18.35, MAT.6.14, MAT.6.15, PSA.25.7, PSA.51.1, PSA.51.2, PSA.51.7, PSA.51.9, ROM.4.7, ROM.4.8
Source provider: Wikisource
Use guidance: Use with source citation; compare edition before formal reuse