The Heidelberg Catechism

<>Questions 4 and 5 are often stated in such a way as to making it seem that we are .actually able to achieve a level of perfection on our own and subsequently able to keep these two commands. But I think if people follow this to it's ultimate conclusion, this would negate what Christ has done for us in his life, which is imputed to our credit.

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Lord’s Day 2

3. From where do you know your misery?

From the Law of God.[1]

[1] Rom 3:20, 7:7

4. What does the Law of God require of us?

Christ teaches us in sum, Matthew 22: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.[1] This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.[2] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”[3]

[1] Deut 6:5; [2] Lev 19:18; Gal 5:14; [3] Lk 10:27

5. Can you keep all this perfectly?

No,[1] for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor.[2]

[1] Rom 3:10-12, 23; 1 Jn 1:8, 10; [2] Gen 6:5, 8:21; Jer 17:9; Rom 7:23, 8:7; Eph 2:3; Tit 2:3