Catechism Question 98
Knowing all of these things, what is your only comfort in life and death?
That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, from this day forth, to live unto him.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This is the final question in the catechism! To close out this instruction in our faith, we have used question 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism (it is also question 1 of the New City Catechism). They used this question and answer as a preview of questions and answers that were to follow. Here we use it as a review of what has preceded.
The answer reveals a heart that has understood and been transformed by all we have studied. As we have looked at the great truths of our faith – our guilt, the grace of God seen in the Gospel, and our gratitude and growth in response to God’s grace – we are captivated by God and filled with comfort and confidence in the face of life’s storms.
Rather than laying out the specific statements in this answer, it is recommended that we simply memorize the answer and let its words soak into our hearts until we are filled with the confidence and comfort expressed in the answer. For this reason, we are not including the other various materials normally following each question (except for a closing hymn). These points have been discussed throughout the catechism and need not be reiterated here. May God make the words of this classic question and answer true in each of our lives, so that we may glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and thus find true comfort in life and in death!
Suggested Worship Song:
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery (Matt Boswell, Michael Bleecker, Matt Papa)
(This beautiful modern hymn reminds us of the great mystery of our faith, and how it pierces even through death. As we sing it receive comfort – in life and death.)
VERSE 1
Come behold the wondrous mystery
In the dawning of the King
He the theme of heaven’s praises
Robed in frail humanity
In our longing, in our darkness
Now the light of life has come
Look to Christ, who condescended
Took on flesh to ransom us
VERSE 2
Come behold the wondrous mystery
He the perfect Son of Man
In His living, in His suffering
Never trace nor stain of sin
See the true and better Adam
Come to save the hell-bound man
Christ the great and sure fulfillment
Of the law; in Him we stand
VERSE 3
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Christ the Lord upon the tree
In the stead of ruined sinners
Hangs the Lamb in victory
See the price of our redemption
See the Father’s plan unfold
Bringing many sons to glory
Grace unmeasured, love untold
VERSE 4
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Slain by death the God of life
But no grave could e’er restrain Him
Praise the Lord; He is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when he comes
What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when he comes