Catechism denied inheritance

My journey through the broken back roads of religion made me discover that salvation involves so much more than just redemption from eternal condemnation. In fact, it comprises every aspect of life itself (Himself), including relationship, provision, healing, authority, restoration, peace, and every other glorious, divine aspect that comes to mind. And all of this is part of the New Testament inheritance of the saints (you and me). As I walked this tiresome path, I transitioned from a totally oblivious, brainwashed churchgoer to someone who became more and more secure and content with the perfect provision of Christ.

Background please!

I grew up under Dutch Reformed Church doctrine rule where the 1563 Heidelberg Catechism is held central to their faith and existence. At the age of 16 we all had to go through a rite of passage known as Catechism School and Confession where after we'd be "presented" and "confirmed" in the church (see my previous post in this regard by clicking here).

The Heidelberg Catechism is notoriously a counteract against the Catholic Church, at the same time dealing with Anabaptists and Lutherans of the time. It was a war declaration, so to speak, coerced to condemn the Catholic system as "accursed idolatry" and had no purpose conveying the Good News of Christ and His finished work.

The Catechism is a Protestant confession (war) document by nature, compiled as a series of questions and answers to be used by the anti-church for the teaching and advancing of this ideology. Interestingly, the original title as published in Germany reads: Catechism, or Christian Instruction, according to the Usages of the Churches and Schools of the Electoral Palatinate and sometimes referred to as the "Palatinate Catechism." No love. No Christ.

The picture is unrecognizably distorted

As is the case with any other man-made church doctrine (and in spite of the fact that Christ is acknowledged), the Heidelberg Catechism is focused on what man can do to ensure his (own) salvation and NOT what Christ had done perfectly, once-and-for-all to ensure life for all those who would receive Him.

The Catechism makes it clear. Everyone is reckoned to be a miserable sinner, from the moment of birth. Therefore, everyone must abide by God's law to achieve salvation. Bottom line: The law (Not Jesus) is central theme of the Catechism!

The Catechism also makes it clear that salvation entails but one thing, and one thing only and that is redemption from eternal condemnation.

What Jesus had fully accomplished is of no concern for the now, here or even the future of mankind's wellbeing.

True inheritance denied

God’s unconditional provision of righteousness in salvation is of no concern.

God’s provision of holiness in salvation is of no concern.

God’s provision of His Spirit in salvation is of no concern.

God’s provision of His life in salvation is of no concern.

God’s provision of victory in salvation is of no concern.

God’s restoration of authority in salvation is of no concern.

God’s provision of physical means in salvation (in this life) is of no concern.

God’s provision of healing in salvation is of no concern.

… and so we may list many more inheritance gifts that are recklessly disregarded and dismissed by the Catechisms … rendering …

Hopelessness induced

… rendering the precious child of God defeated, powerless and deprived once more, just the way the enemy wants it.

This is the pathetic heritage of the children of Catechism and every other church doctrine and religion in existence.

But the Good News is real

But the children of God, saved by Christ and indwelled by His Spirit have a vastly greater inheritance that stands in stark contrast to what the Catechism promotes.

If we read His Word without the hoodwink of religion, instead being led by Spirit of Christ, we discover the wealth of who He is and of our inheritance in Him …

… such as Paul prayed for in his letter to those deceived in Ephesus that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. Eph 1:17-18