The Heidelberg Catechism

Lord’s Day 32

Q86: Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace alone through Christ, without any merit of our own, why must we yet do good works?

Because Christ,

having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Holy Spirit to be his image, so that with our whole life we may show ourselves thankful to God for his benefits,1 and he may be praised by us.2

Further, that we ourselves

may be assured of our faith by its fruits,3 and that by our godly walk of life we may win our neighbours for Christ.4

Scripture References (hover over or tap to see verses)

Romans 6:13; Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 2:5-10
Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20
Matthew 7:17, 18; Galatians 5:22-24; 2 Peter 1:10, 11
Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 14:17-19; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1, 2

Q87: Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent walk of life?

By no means.

Scripture says that no unchaste person,

idolater, adulterer, thief, greedy person, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like shall inherit the kingdom of God.1

Scripture References (hover over or tap to see verses)

1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5, 6; 1 John 3:14