The Heidelberg Catechism

Lord’s Day 9Question 26

Reformed Church in America English, 1879

About this text

Text public domain · U.S.

1879 Reformed Church in America Q&A text with inline proof references. Source: Wikisource scan transcription.

This English edition was published in the United States in 1879, before the current U.S. public-domain cutoff. Rights evidence. Verified 2026-07-14.

26

What believest thou when thou sayest “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth?”

That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1;3), who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them (Heb. 11;3); who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence (Eph. 1;11); is, for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father (John 20;17); on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but that he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body (1 Pet. 5;7); and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage (Rom. 8;28); for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father (Ps. 103;13).