Lord's Day 9

Up to now, the catechism has made it abundantly clear the nature of our relationship with God. Because of the fall we have incurred tremendous guilt, for which we could neither atone for and bring about forgiveness. Moreover, we are, because of the fall, corrupt in our very nature, and are helpless to change. It does us no good to be a “good person,” for our goodness is riddled with sin. Our hope then rests in the goodness and grace of someone else; our hope is in the grace of God alone to deliver us. 

At this point the catechism bursts forth with the good news of the Gospel. Did God leave us to die in our sin and misery? No. God in his wonderful mercy has provided the perfect remedy for our sad, sinful condition. God has, by His grace, entered into a covenant relationship with us; we, who were separated from God because of our sin and guild. He called us into covenant with Him, promising to be our God, to deliver us from our sin and guilt, and to bring salvation through our redeemer Jesus Christ. 

The very essence of this covenant is that it is gracious. We did not deserve it, we could not earn it. We needed to be restored into a right relationship with God, but this was beyond our reach. Out of His good pleasure, God freely offers unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the required obedience and paid the price for our sins. 

All that is required of us is that we place our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. We cease trusting in our own goodness; we trust in His life and death for our redemption. Christ, having fulfilled the legal conditions, has purchased life and salvation for all those who believe in him. When that life and salvation are passed on by faith to the believing sinner, it is offered and received as a gift of God’s grace alone. Give thanks today for God’s good and gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.