Heidelberg Catechism Week 9

26. Q. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"? A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by His eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ His Son. I trust Him so much that I do not doubt He will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and He will turn to my good whatever adversity He sends me in this sad world. He is able to do this because He is almighty God; He desires to do this because He is a faithful Father.

My reflections on the reading from the book...

Kevin DeYoung highlights seven "theological points" connected to this portion of the Apostles' Creed:

1. Our heavenly Father is the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. God created the world ex nihilo, which is Latin for "out of nothing."
3. The same God who created the universe out of nothing still upholds and rules His creation by His counsel and providence.
4. This creator of the universe is my God and Father.
5. God is my Father because of Christ, His Son.
6. Therefore, we do not doubt His provision.
7. He will turn to good whatever adversity He sends me.

In a recent conversation with a friend, the topic of "the universal fatherhood of God" arose. This friend believes that everyone on the face of the earth is a child of God and has God living in him or her. But if that were true, what need have we for Christ??? DeYoung brings up the truth of Romans 8:15 ... it is only by virtue of Christ's death and resurrection we can receive "the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"