Third Sunday

Heidelberg Catechism 
Third Sunday
Catechismus oder christlicher Vnderricht, wie der in Kirchen vnd Schulen der Churfürstlichen Pfaltz getrieben wirdt
Question 6
Question 6: Did God create man so wicked and perverse?
No; God created man good and in His own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love Him, and live with Him in eternal blessedness to praise and glorify Him.
Frage 6：Hat denn Gott den Menschen also böse und verkehrt erschaffen?
Nein; sondern Gott hat den Menschen gut und nach seinem Ebenbild erschaffen, das ist, in wahrhaftiger Gerechtigkeit und Heiligkeit, auf dass er Gott, seinen Schöpfer, recht erkennte und von Herzen liebte und in ewiger Seligkeit mit ihm lebte, ihn zu loben und zu preisen.
Key Explanations
God created humans as good (Gott hat den Menschen gut erschaffen):
Emphasizes that humans were initially created in a good and sinless state, and that God did not create evil.
Created in His own image (nach seinem Ebenbild erschaffen):
Explains that God's image includes "true righteousness and holiness," indicating that humans initially had the ability and inclination to know God, love God, and obey God.
The purpose of creation (auf dass er ... ):
Points out the lofty purpose for which God created humans: to rightly know Him, love Him wholeheartedly, live with Him eternally, and to praise and honor God. This forms a stark contrast with the fallen human condition described in questions 3-5.
Question Seven
Question 7: Why does mankind have such a corrupted nature?
It is because of the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise, whereby our nature was poisoned, so that we are all conceived and born in sin.
Frage 7：Woher kommt denn solche verderbte Art des Menschen?
Aus dem Fall und Ungehorsam unserer ersten Eltern, Adam und Eva, im Paradies, da unsere Natur also vergiftet worden, dass wir alle in Sünden empfangen und geboren werden.
Key Explanations
Fall and Disobedience (Fall und Ungehorsam):
Points out that the origin of human corrupted nature is the sinful act of our first ancestors, Adam and Eve. This is the key event of humanity's fall from the original good state described in Question 6.
Nature Poisoned (Natur also vergiftet worden):
Explains that the sin of our first parents not only affected themselves but also "poisoned" human nature, which is a hereditary corruption.
Born in Sin (alle in Sünden empfangen und geboren werden):
Emphasizes that this corrupted nature is passed on to all descendants, explaining why all people are born with a sinful nature from birth.
Question Eight
Question 8: Are we so corrupt that we are completely incapable of doing any good and inclined to all evil?
Yes; unless we are regenerated by the Spirit of God.
Frage 8：Sind wir aber dermaßen verderbt, dass wir ganz und gar untüchtig sind zu einigem Guten und geneigt zu allem Bösen?
Ja; es sei denn, dass wir durch den Geist Gottes wiedergeboren werden.
Key Explanations:
Completely incapable of doing any good (ganz und gar untüchtig sind zu einigem Guten): Emphasizes that human nature after the Fall is "completely" corrupted, powerless to do any true good in spiritual matters. This does not mean that people cannot do actions that conform to social norms or altruistic behaviors, but rather that in terms of pleasing God and fulfilling the purpose of creation mentioned in Question 6, humans are completely incapable on their own.
Inclined to all evil (geneigt zu allem Bösen): Points out that the human heart is not only powerless to do good, but is naturally inclined toward all forms of sin, which echoes Question 5's "I am by nature prone to hate God and my neighbor."
Unless...regenerated by the Spirit of God (es sei denn, dass wir durch den Geist Gottes wiedergeboren werden): Presents the only way to overcome this complete corruption. This indicates that humans cannot repair themselves or elevate themselves to a state where they can do good that pleases God; they must rely on the work of the Holy Spirit to receive new life and power, pointing to the necessity of redemption and the initiative of God's grace.
Practical Application
Humble Self-awareness
Recognizing the corruption of our nature helps us remain humble, not self-reliant or self-righteous, but acknowledging our need for God's grace and help to live a holy life.
Attitude of Gratitude
Understanding that God originally created us good, and that He is willing to regenerate us through the Holy Spirit, should inspire gratitude for God's redemptive grace.
Living in Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Since we cannot do good on our own, we should rely daily on the power of the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance and help to live a life that pleases God.
Patience and Compassion Toward Others
Understanding that all people are affected by original sin helps us have more patience and compassion for others' weaknesses and failures, not judging quickly, but treating one another with love and kindness.