1. Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death? A. That I am not my own, but belong - body and soul, in life and in death - to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
2. Q. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort? A. Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are; second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.
My reflections on the reading from the book...
My only comfort... This term gets at the heart of my only real security and solace in life. Neither possessions nor position can bring this security -- only the truth that I am not my own. I can endure suffering and disappointment in life, and face death and the life to come without fear, all because I belong to Christ. He is my righteousness, my wisdom, my peace with God. Yes, my sin is great, but he is a greater Savior. My life is not to be one of misery, worry, guilt, and fear, but rather one of gratitude, hope, peace, and joy.
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