Timely Comfort From the Heidelberg Catechism

What is your only comfort in life and death?That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul,both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,and has set me free from all the power of the devil.He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Fathernot a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work togetherfor my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirithe also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and readyfrom now on to live for him.

What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who out of nothing created heaven and earthand all that is in them,and who still upholds and governs themby his eternal counsel and providence,is, for the sake of Christ his Son,my God and my Father.In him I trust so completelyas to have no doubtthat he will provide mewith all things necessary for body and soul,and will also turn to my goodwhatever adversity he sends mein this life of sorrow.He is able to do so as almighty God,and willing also as a faithful Father.

What do you understand by the providence of God?God's providence ishis almighty and ever present power,whereby, as with his hand, he still upholdsheaven and earth and all creatures,and so governs them thatleaf and blade,rain and drought,fruitful and barren years,food and drink,health and sickness,riches and poverty,indeed, all things,come to us not by chancebut by his fatherly hand.

What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by his providence?We can be patient in adversity,thankful in prosperity,and with a view to the futurewe can have a firm confidencein our faithful God and Fatherthat no creature shall separate usfrom his love;for all creatures are so completely in his handthat without his willthey cannot so much as move.