Heidelberg Catechism / Lord's Day 21 / Q. 56
Q. 56. What believest thou concerning, “The Forgiveness of sins?”
Question. What believest thou concerning, “The Forgiveness of sins?”
Answer. That God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction (Eph. 1;7), will no more remember my sins (Jer. 31;34), neither my corrupt nature, against which I have to struggle all my life long (Rom. 7;24, 25): but will graciously, impute to me the righteousness of Christ (Rom. 3;24), that I may never be condemned before the tribunal of God (Rom. 8;1).
Proofs.
- [proof-1] Eph. 1;7.—In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.—1 John 2;2.
- [proof-2] Jer. 31;34.—I will forgive their iniquity, and will remember their sin no more.— Rom. 8;1.—Ps. 103;10-12.
- [proof-3] Rom. 7;24, 25.—O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.— Ps. 103;3.—Rom. 7;18-21.—Gal. 5;17.
- [proof-4] Rom. 3;24.—Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ.—1 Cor. 1;30.—Eph. 1;7.—2 Cor. 5;21.
- [proof-5] Rom. 8;1.—There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.— John 5;24.—John 3;18.—Rom. 8;33, 34.