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Q. 4. What doth the law of God require of us?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question. What doth the law of God require of us?

Answer. Christ teaches us that briefly (in Matt. 22;37-40): “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and great commandment (Rom. 13;10); and the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matt. 7;12). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Proofs.

  • [proof-1] Rom. 13;10—Love is the fulfilling of the law. Deut. 6;5.—1 Tim. 1:5.
  • [proof-2] Matt. 7;12.—Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.—1 John ; 4;20, 21.—1 Cor. 13;1-8.

Source and provenance

Citation: Heidelberg Catechism Q. 4, 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: 1CO.13.1-1CO.13.8, 1JN.4.20, 1JN.4.21, 1TI.1.5, MAT.7.12, ROM.13.10

Source provider: Wikisource

Use guidance: Use with source citation; compare edition before formal reuse

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