Christians Celebrating the Passover? (Ursinus)

Z. Ursinus, "Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism" It is a trend in some Christian circles and churches to host and celebrate Jewish feasts or meals that are connected to the Passover.  You don't have to look too hard online to see what I mean.  I suppose it's one thing to watch a video or read …

Law, Gospel, and Conversion (Ursinus)

In Reformed theology, the law and gospel are distinguished, yet God uses both in his sovereign way.  Zacharius Ursinus, the primary author of the Heidelberg Catechism, understood this well.  After talking about how the Holy Spirit is the primary agent in a sinner's conversion, he talks about the instrumental causes of conversion (that is, the …

Good Works in the Christian Life

Since I’ve been studying and writing on the law, justification, and sanctification, I wanted to use Zacharius Ursinus’ Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism to explain how Reformed theology talks about good works in the Christian life.  On this topic, Ursinus has a helpful exposition of Q/A 86 of the Heidelberg Catechism.  The question is this: …

The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism for Kids

Here's an excellent book to introduce kids to the story behind the Heidelberg Catechism: The Quest for Comfort by William Boekestein.  In around 30 pages, Boekestein gives a brief and readable background of how the Heidelberg Catechism came to be.  The main storyline deals with the lives of Caspar Olevianus, Zacharias Ursinus, and Elector Frederick …

The Law/Gospel Distinction: A Staple in Reformed Theology

This is a reblog from October, 2009. We've posted on this before, but it is something that needs to be said more than a few times: the law/gospel distinction is right there in the fabric of old-school Reformed theology.  Though some people don't like it, won't teach it, and think it is Lutheran, it is …