Classic Studies on the Heidelberg Catechism (16 vols.)

by Otto Thelemann; George Richards; The German Reformed Church of the United States of America

and

7 more

Publishers:

James I. Good; John Mayer; C. Scribner; M. Kieffer & Co.; Zondervan

and

9 more

, 1563–1920

Overview

The Heidelberg Catechism, one of the most famous volumes on Christian truth produced in the times of the Reformation, consists of 52 sections called Lord’s Days, and comprises 129 questions and answers. It is preeminently a book of comfort, addressing itself to the heart as well as the intellect, and is still a foundational work for thousands of churches across the globe. The Classic Studies on the Heidelberg Catechism collection presents many of the defining late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century studies on the Heidelberg Catechism. Thanks to such notable authors as Henry J. Kuiper, George W. Richards, and Otto Thelemann, Classic Studies on the Heidelberg Catechism interprets, translates, and contextualizes the history of the Catechism and the important doctrines contained therein. The collection’s 16 volumes and nearly 5,000 pages have had an enduring impact on the understanding of the Catechism and its impact on the Reformed faith. This exceptional library provides easy access to a wealth of significant scholarship.

Key Features

• In-depth studies on the Heidelberg Catechism
• English, German, and Latin editions of the Catechism
• Notable authors from a variety of backgrounds
• Completely searchable content linked to your favorite Bible translation and your other books

Product Details

• Title: Classic Studies on the Heidelberg Catechism
• Volumes: 16
• Pages: 4,497

Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 1: Sermons on Sin and Grace (Lord’s Days 1–7)

• Editor: Henry J. Kuiper
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 1936
• Pages: 112

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The purpose of this volume (as of the entire series of which it is part) is threefold: to provide devotional material for home reading; to serve as an aid to preachers who, to a great extent, prepare and deliver doctrinal discourses; and to present a systematic, yet popular treatment of the fundamental beliefs, to which evangelical believers adhere. These sermons exhibit a great variety of thought combined with the essential unity of convictions. Volume one, Sermons on Sin and Grace, contains the following:

• “The Christian’s Only Comfort in Life and Death,” by Harry J. Hager
• “The Knowledge of Our Sins and Misery,” by Henry Schultze
• “The Origin and Extent of Our Misery,” by Henry J. Triezenberg
• “Our Guilt,” by Diedrich H. Kromminga
• “The Cry of the Sinner for Deliverance,” by Peter A. Hoekstra
• “Man’s Only and All-Sufficient Mediator,” by John S. Ter Louw
• “Saving Faith,” by Emo F. J. Van Halsema

Henry J. Kuiper (1885–1962) was the editor of the Christian Reformed Church weekly the Banner from 1944 to 1956. His numerous works include The Three Points of Common Grace, Worldly Amusements in the Light of Scripture, and Meditations and Reflections.

Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 2: Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed (Lord’s Days 8–24)

• Editor: Henry J. Kuiper
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 1937
• Pages: 296

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The purpose of this volume (as of the entire series of which it is part) is threefold: to provide devotional material for home reading; to serve as an aid to preachers who, to a great extent, prepare and deliver doctrinal discourses; and to present a systematic, yet popular treatment of the fundamental beliefs, to which evangelical believers adhere. These sermons exhibit a great variety of thought combined with the essential unity of convictions. Volume two, Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed, contains the following:

• “Our Faith in the Triune God,” by Rev. Benjamin H. Spalink
• “Part 1: God the Father,” by Henry Keegstra
• “Part 2: I Believe in God the Father,” by Jacob H. Bruinooge
• “The Providence of God,” by Ralph Bronkema
• “The Name Jesus,” by James M. Ghysels
• “Part 1: The Anointed Savior,” by Peter Van Dyk
• “Part 2: The Christ and the Christian,” by Gerrit J. Vande Riet
• “Jesus, God’s Only Son, Our Lord,” by Jacob Prins
• “The Virgin Birth of Christ, Our Savior,” by John Bovenkerk
• “The Suffering of Our Lord,” by John J. Hiemenga
• “Part 1: Jesus’ Death and Burial,” by William Van Peursem
• “Part 2: Christ’s Descent into Hell,” by John Vander Ploeg
• “The Resurrection of Christ,” by Edward J. Masselink
• “The Ascension of Christ,” by Anthony Karreman
• “Part 1: Christ at the Right Hand of God,” by Henry J. Veldman
• “Part 2: The Revelation of Christ in His Glory,” by Adam Persenaire
• “The Holy Spirit of God,” by Henry Beets
• “Part 1: The Elect Church of Christ Jesus,” by Ralph Danhof
• “Part 2: The Communion of Saints,” by Daniel Zwier
• “Jesus, Our Resurrection and Life,” by William Goulooze
• “Justification by Faith,” by Karel W. Fortuin
• “The Doctrine of Good Works,” by Nicholas Boer

Henry J. Kuiper (1885–1962) was the editor of the Christian Reformed Church weekly the Banner from 1944 to 1956. His numerous works include The Three Points of Common Grace, Worldly Amusements in the Light of Scripture, and Meditations and Reflections.

Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 3: Sermons on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Lord’s Days 25–31)

• Editor: Henry J. Kuiper
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 1938
• Pages: 136

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The purpose of this volume (as of the entire series of which it is part) is threefold: to provide devotional material for home reading; to serve as an aid to preachers who, to a great extent, prepare and deliver doctrinal discourses; and to present a systematic, yet popular treatment of the fundamental beliefs, to which evangelical believers adhere. These sermons exhibit a great variety of thought combined with the essential unity of convictions. Volume three, Sermons on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, contains the following:

• “The Word and the Sacraments as Means of Grace,” by Sebastian Stuyk
• “The Washing Away of Sin by the Blood of Christ,” by John C. DeKorne
• “Are Infants Also to Be Baptized,” by Henry Verduin
• “In Memoriam,” by James Wayer
• “What Mean Ye By These Signs?” by Jacob T. Hoogstra
• “Tests For the Proper Celebration of the Lord’s Supper,” by Leonard Verduin
• “The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven,” by John Gritter

Henry J. Kuiper (1885–1962) was the editor of the Christian Reformed Church weekly the Banner from 1944 to 1956. His numerous works include The Three Points of Common Grace, Worldly Amusements in the Light of Scripture, and Meditations and Reflections.

Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 4: Sermons on the Ten Commandments (Lord’s Days 34–44)

• Editor: Henry J. Kuiper
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 1951
• Pages: 175

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The purpose of this volume (as of the entire series of which it is part) is threefold: to provide devotional material for home reading; to serve as an aid to preachers who, to a great extent, prepare and deliver doctrinal discourses; and to present a systematic, yet popular treatment of the fundamental beliefs, to which evangelical believers adhere. These sermons exhibit a great variety of thought combined with the essential unity of convictions. Volume four, Sermons on the Ten Commandments, contains the following:

• “The First Commandment,” by Edward B. Pekelder
• “The Proper Form of Worship,” by John Weidenaar
• “Naming the Name of God,” by John O. Schuring
• “The Use of the Oath,” by Herman Kuiper
• “Meaning and Observance of the Sabbath” by William Masselink
• “The Fifth Commandment,” by Watson Groen
• “The Sixth Commandment,” by J. J. Steigenga
• “The Sacred Marriage Relations,” by George Goris
• “The Eighth Commandment,” by C. P. Dame
• “The Ninth Commandment,” by J. M. VandKieft
• “The Tenth Commandment,” by Peter Holwerda

Henry J. Kuiper (1885–1962) was the editor of the Christian Reformed Church weekly the Banner from 1944 to 1956. His numerous works include The Three Points of Common Grace, Worldly Amusements in the Light of Scripture, and Meditations and Reflections.

Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 5: Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer (Lord’s Days 45–52)

• Editor: Henry J. Kuiper
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 1956
• Pages: 138

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The purpose of this volume (as of the entire series of which it is part) is threefold: to provide devotional material for home reading; to serve as an aid to preachers who, to a great extent, prepare and deliver doctrinal discourses; and to present a systematic, yet popular treatment of the fundamental beliefs, to which evangelical believers adhere. These sermons exhibit a great variety of thought combined with the essential unity of convictions. Volume four, Sermons on the Ten Commandments, contains the following:

• “Prayer,” by H. Wm. Pyle
• “How Should We Call Upon,” by Henry Baker
• “The Basic Petition of the Lord’s Prayer,” by John Dolfin
• “Thy Kingdom Come,” by William H. Rutgers
• “Thy Will Be Done,” by Henry Evenhouse
• “The Model Prayer for Earthly Needs,” by Lubbertus Oostendorp
• “The Rediscovery of Forgiveness,” by Richard C. Oudersluys
• “The Concluding Petition and the Doxology of the Lord’s Prayer,” by Martin Monsma

Henry J. Kuiper (1885–1962) was the editor of the Christian Reformed Church weekly the Banner from 1944 to 1956. His numerous works include The Three Points of Common Grace, Worldly Amusements in the Light of Scripture, and Meditations and Reflections.

Expository Lectures on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 1

• Author: George W. Bethune
• Publisher: Sheldon & Compnay
• Publication Date: 1866
• Pages: 491

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These lectures, prepared in popular form, are free from the stiffness of theological formulas, and will prove interesting to all classes of readers. While the Catechism had been so widely received and engaged the attention of so many commentators in Europe, George W. Bethune was one of the first Americans to produce a popular exposition of it. Volume one contains an introduction and 22 lectures.

These lectures are a very valuable addition to the literature of the Heidelberg Catechism and of systematic theology. They are admirable examples of the way in which doctrinal preaching can be made attractive and profitable. With no obtrusion of the scholastic and formal elements of the system, they go over the ground thoroughly and systematically, and with constant reference to the Christian character and life.

—American Presbyterian Review

George W. Bethune (1805–1862) studied theology at Princeton University, and in 1827 was appointed pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church, Rhinebeck, New York. In addition to being a popular hymn writer, he author numerous works, including The Fruits of the Spirit, Orations and Discourses, and Lays of Love and Faith.

Expository Lectures on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 2

• Author: George W. Bethune
• Publisher: Sheldon & Compnay
• Publication Date: 1866
• Pages: 535

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These lectures, prepared in popular form, are free from the stiffness of theological formulas, and will prove interesting to all classes of readers. While the Catechism had been so widely received and engaged the attention of so many commentators in Europe, George W. Bethune was one of the first Americans to produce a popular exposition of it. Volume two contains 24 lectures, a detailed index, and a bibliography of works on the Heidelberg Catechism.

George W. Bethune (1805–1862) studied theology at Princeton University, and in 1827 was appointed pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church, Rhinebeck, New York. In addition to being a popular hymn writer, he authored numerous works, including The Fruits of the Spirit, Orations and Discourses, and Lays of Love and Faith.

Tercentenary Monument: In Commemoration of the Three Hundredth Anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism

• Publisher: M. Kieffer & Co.
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 574

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The essays contained in this volume were read before a General Convention of the Church, held in 1863, in honor of the three-hundredth anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism. A full account of this tercentenary commemoration is found in the “History of the Convention,” which forms the first part of the book. The second part of the book contains 20 theological, historical, and biographical essays related to the Catechism. Essays include:

• “Undying Life in Christ,” by J. W. Nevin
• “The City and University of Heidelberg,” by C. B. Hundeshagen
• “The Swiss Reformers,” by Dr. Herzog
• “Melanchthon and the Melanchthon Tendency,” by Dr. Ebrard
• “Sketches from the History of the Heidelberg Catechism in the Land of Its Birth,” by C. Ullmann
• “A Brief History of the Heidelberg Catechism in the Netherlands,” by G. D. J. Schotel
• “Frederick III: Elector of the Palatinate,” by B. S. Schneck
• “The Authors of the Heidelberg Catechism,” by T. C. Porter
• “Creed and Cultus,” by H. Harbaugh
• “The Genius and Mission of the German Reformed Church,” by Theodore Appel
• “The Organic Structure of the Heidelberg Catechism,” by Thomas G. Apple
• “The Theological System in Which the Heidelberg Catechism Rests,” by M. Kieffer
• “The Heidelberg Catechism in Its Relation to Other Confessions,” by E. V. Gerhart
• “The Heidelberg Catechism in the Reformed Church of Holland and America,” by Thomas De Witt
• “The Authority of the Heidelberg Catechism,” by G. B. Russel
• “The Educational System of Religion Underlying the Heidelberg Catechism,” by D. Gans
• “Catechetics and Catechetical Instruction,” by B. Bausman
• “The Fortunes of the Heidelberg Catechism in the United States,” by J. H. A. Bomberger
• “The History of the Theological Seminary of the German Reformed Church,” by B. C. Wolff

The Catechism is illumined from all sides: its character, history, and influence are thoroughly exhibited.

—American Presbyterian and Theological Review

An Aid to the Heidelberg Catechism

• Author: Otto Thelemann
• Publisher: James I. Good
• Publication Date: 1896
• Pages: 512

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Thelemann’s exposition on the Heidelberg Catechism is a faithful representation of the doctrines and truths which constitute the heritage of the Reformed churches, and to which most of these churches are still devoted in faithful allegiance and loyalty of heart. The type of doctrine which is characteristic of the Reformed churches in all lands has been the means of making heroes and martyrs in the warfare of faith, and these truths, consecrated by the sufferings and blood of many faithful witnesses, are left to the church as a priceless legacy. The Reformed church will hold in undying remembrance the labors of Zwingli and Calvin, Frederick the Pious and his co-laborers, and of the host of those who have labored to establish the church upon the immovable foundation of the pure Word of God. An Aid to the Heidelberg Catechism provides practical exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism; the text of the questions and answers is based upon that of the first edition of the catechism published in 1563, adapted in its phraseology to modern modes of speech. It also includes an important appendix which provides a succinct and informing history of the Catechism.

The work furnishes an admirable guide to one of the noblest of all confessional books. In this excellent translation English readers now have an opportunity of making themselves thoroughly acquainted with it. It will be to the loss of our common Protestantism if a document which gives so vital an expression to the great doctrines of the Reformed Churches is left unstudied and unappreciated.

—Critical Review of Theological and Philosophical Literature

The Aid is soundly evangelical. Not too deep or technical for intelligent laymen, and every point fortified by apt proofs from the scriptures, its widest use will ground the church in the Word of God as the fountain of its life.

—Presbyterian and Reformed Review

Otto Thelemann was superintendent of churches in Lippe, Germany. His other works include Calvin’s Life and Friedrich Adolf Lamp: His Life and Theology.

Expository Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism

• Author: Ferdinand S. Schenck
• Publisher: Board of Publication and Bible School Work of the Reformed Church in America
• Publication Date: 1920
• Pages: 213

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Expository Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism contains Ferdinand S. Schenck’s expository sermons on the first six Lord’s Days of the Catechism and on the twenty-third to the thirty-fourth Lord’s Days. These Lord’s Days cover what may be described as the distinctive truths of the Catechism. As he states in the preface, “The Heidelberg Catechism is finely adapted for preaching, as it is not a mere intellectual statement of the truths of our religion, but it describes the experience of these truths in the hearts and lives of the believers.”

Ferdinand S. Schenck (1790–1860) was professor of pastoral theology and sacred rhetoric at the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick. His works include The Oratory and Poetry of the Bible, Modern Practical Theology, and Christian Evidences and Ethics.

The Heidelberg Catechism in German, Latin and English with an Historical Introduction

• Publisher: Charles Scribner
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 227

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This volume contains a critical standard edition of the Heidelberg Catechism in the original German, and Latin, together with a revised English translation and modern German translation. The introduction provides a succinct but full account of the origin and formation of the Catechism, its reception in the different branches of the Protestant Church, and its fortunes in Europe and America; and compares its genius and theology with that of other Reformed and Lutheran confessions, both of earlier and later date.

It is the most elegant and complete edition of the Catechism ever published.

—Mercersburg Review

The able historical introduction, prefixed to this volume, goes over the ground with a fullness and exactness, that leaves little to be desired.

—American Presbyterian Review

Notes on the Heidelberg Catechism for Parents, Teachers, and Catechumens

• Author: A. C. Whitmer
• Publisher: Grant, Faires & Rogers
• Publication Date: 1878
• Pages: 323

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The Heidelberg Catechism belongs to the Reformed Church of Europe and America. Its teachings are not an individual opinion, but an authoritative explanation of Christian doctrine and duty. The Catechism has a very interesting historical background, not merely as a whole but in its particular questions and answers, and can be rightly understood only in the light of this history. In this highly readable commentary on the Catechism, A. C. Whitmer provides illuminating notes for each question and answer.

Every page manifests a close and careful study of the Catechism. The treatment exhibits sound judgment and a spirit of moderation.

—Mercersburg Review

Adam Carl Whitmer was editor of Child’s Treasury and the author of numerous works, including Child’s Catechism on the Bible, The Reformation, and Notes on the Litany.

Heidelberg Catechism

• Publisher: Central Publishing House
• Publication Date: 1907
• Pages: 135

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Intended for those new to the faith, this volume contains a short history of the Heidelberg Catechism, an introduction to the Christian faith, and the Tercentenary text of the Catechism that is appended with selected Bible passages and hymns. Perfect for Sunday school classes, youth groups, and small group study, Heidelberg Catechism is a quick reference guide to the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

The Heidelberg Catechism: The German Text, with a Revised Translation and Introduction

• Author: Alexander Smellie
• Publisher: Andrew Melrose
• Publication Date: 1800
• Pages: 101

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This little volume contains the Heidelberg Catechism in German with a revised English translation for side-by-side comparison. It also includes a noteworthy introduction concerning, and comparing, the various catechisms of the Reformation:

• Luther’s “Little Catechism”
• Calvin’s “Catechism”
• The Anglican “Catechism”
• The “Heidelberg Catechism”
• John Craig’s “Catechism”
• The Westminster “Shorter Catechism”

We rejoice in the possession of the little book. It has given us delight through its introduction. Most catechisms are for the head, but this is really a book for the heart.

—Expository Times

It makes a memorable product of early Protestantism readily accessible to English readers in a clear and accurate form, and is prefaced by an admirably written essay on ‘The Catechisms of the Reformation,’ with especial reference to the Heidelberg Catechism.

—Christian World

Alexander Smellie (1857–1923) was born in Stranaer, and pastored a Secession Church there after completing his theological studies. His works include Men of the Covenant, Torch-Bearers of the Faith: A Book of Christian Heroes, and In the Hour of Silence: Daily Meditations.

The History and Literature of the Heidelberg Catechism and of Its Introduction into the Netherlands

• Author: Heinrich Simon van Alpen
• Translator: J. F. Berg
• Publisher: William S. & Alfred Martien
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 166

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The following sketch of the history and literature of the Heidelberg Catechism, and of its adoption in the Netherlands, will be found interesting to the general reader, and especially worthy of the attention of those to whom all authentic information touching the Heidelberg Catechism is important. It contains a course of historical lectures on this subject, originally designed for van Alpen’s students in the Theological Seminary in New Brunswick. The importance of the Heidelberg Catechism cannot be minimized, as Alpen states in the introduction: “The Heidelberg Catechism exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of entire nations and kingdoms. It decided the constitution of a whole republic. It was the basis upon which the freedom of a powerful religious party was founded.”

Heinrich Simon van Alpen (1761–1830) is the author of History of the Franconian Rhine River: What It Was and What It Is Now and Guidelines for a Christian Religious Education.

The Heidelberg Catechism: Historical and Doctrinal Studies

• Author: George W. Richards
• Publisher: Publication and Sunday School Board of the Reformed Church in the United States
• Publication Date: 1913
• Pages: 363

The Swander Lectures for 1911, George W. Richards’ The Heidelberg Catechism: Historical and Doctrinal Studies is divided into three parts. The first presents the history of the Catechism, the second examines the doctrinal aspects of it, and the third part is an English translation of the tercentenary edition along with illuminating notes on the text.

George W. Richards (1869–1955) was professor of church history in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in the United States and the author of Creative Controversies in Christianity, Reformed What?, and The Mercersburg Theology Historically Considered.