Living and Dying in Joy: A Devotional Guide to the Heidelberg Catechism
Overview
Cornelis Vonk’s Living and Dying in Joy: A Devotional Guide to the Heidelberg Catechism takes its title from the catechism’s second question: “What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?” This comfort is described in the Catechism’s famous first question and answer—the comfort of knowing “that I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.” Written with warmth, sensitivity, and a wealth of pastoral insight, Vonk’s guide to the Catechism explores the Christian art of living and dying in joy, focusing on the Bible’s exposition of misery, redemption and gratitude. Coming 450 years after the Heidelberg Catechism’s first printing, this translation aids in the devotional reception of this historic, and continually relevant, symbol of the Reformed faith.
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Check out more studies on the Heidelberg Catechism.
Key Features
- Includes a foreword by Frans van Deursen
- Focuses on the Heidelberg Catechism’s biblical background
- Devotional resource for studying this important confessional document
Top Highlights
“term catechism refers to a book that teaches by means of questions and answers” (Page 1)
“Three parts: misery, redemption, and gratitude. However” (Page 3)
“But our Lord Jesus was able to bear and to endure that terrible wrath of God, because he was not only real man but also real God.” (Pages 27–28)
“To eat the flesh of the Lord and to drink his blood means to believe in him and thereby to have eternal life (John 6:53).” (Page 159)
“But the word holy can also be used in reference to a person’s heart and walk” (Page 14)
Praise for the Print Edition
Simple, informative, and practical, this devotional takes us by the hand and leads us through one of the greatest summaries of biblical truth that the Christian church has ever produced. In Rev. Vonk’s meditations you will find both sweetness and light for the soul, presented in a manner well-suited for personal devotions, family worship, or children’s classes.
—Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Of all the Reformed confessions, the Heidelberg Catechism is one of the most-loved and widely-used in the history of the Reformed churches . . . . it still serves the churches as the one of best catechetical instruments for the instruction of church members in the Christian faith and an excellent ‘rule of faith’ (regula fidei) for the ministry of the Word of God through preaching. For this reason, the translation into English of Cornelis Vonk’s abbreviated exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism is a welcome development. Consistent with Vonk’s original intention, this popular treatment of the catechism will serve well as an aid to the instruction of catechumens. . . . Clearly and simply written, pastorally wise and sensitive, and, most importantly, saturated with biblical insight—Vonk’s exposition of the Catechism is a jewel.
—Cornelis Venema, president, Mid-America Reformed Seminary, Dyer, Indiana
Product Details
- Title: Living and Dying in Joy: A Devotional Guide to the Heidelberg Catechism
- Author: Cornelis Vonk
- Editor: Jordan J. Ballor
- Translator: Nelson D. Kloosterman
- Publisher: Christian’s Library Press
- Publication Date: 2013
- Pages: 274