Heidelberg Catechism / Lord's Day 12 / Q. 32
Q. 32. But why art thou called a Christian?
Question. But why art thou called a Christian?
Answer. Because I am a member of Christ by faith (Gal. 2;20); and thus am partaker of his anointing (1 Cor. 1;21); that so I may confess his name (Matt. 10;32), and present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him (Rom. 12;1); and also, that with a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life (Eph. 6;11, 12); and afterwards reign with him eternally, over all creatures (2 Tim. 2;12).
Proofs.
- [proof-1] Gal. 2;20.—The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God.— Col. 2;6, 7.—1 Cor. 6;17.—1 Cor. 12;27.
- [proof-2] 1 Cor. 1;21.—Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.—1 John 2;27.—2 Cor. 1;21, 22.—Isa. 59.21.
- [proof-3] Matt. 10;32.—Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.—1 Pet. 2;9.—Rom. 10;9.
- [proof-4] Rom. 12;1.—I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.—1 Pet. 2;5.
- [proof-5] Eph. 6;11, 12.—Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.—Rom. 6;12, 13.—1 Pet. 5;8, 9.—1 Tim. 1;18.
- [proof-6] 2 Tim. 2;12.—If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.— Rev. 3;21.—Rev. 2;10.
