The Heidelberg Catechism

“I have sometimes wondered what my last request will be before I die. My mind always gives the same answer: ‘Please, read me the opening line of the Heidelberg Catechism.’ In those final minutes I want to hear, ‘That I am not my own, but belong–body and soul, in life and in death–to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.’ The Heidelberg Catechism should be preached from the pulpit, taught in the classroom, and recited at the dinner table. I do not exaggerate when I say it is that important. But what we also need is a master historian and wise theologian to come alongside us. Who better than R. Scott Clark? Do not be fooled. This commentary is no mere regurgitation of the catechism but a historical theology and systematic theology in one! With great care, Clark brings his whole career in Reformed theology to bear on each Lord’s Day, so that under each rock we discover a jewel. Best of all, he pushes against the cold winds of modernism and plants the flag of Reformed theology deep in the soil of classical Christian orthodoxy. May Clark’s commentary serve as a ready guide for every church and family looking to Christ as their only comfort.”

–Matthew Barrett, professor of Christian theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; editor-in-chief of Credo Magazine; and author of Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit

“R. Scott Clark has reflected longer and more deeply on the Heidelberg Catechism–and Reformed confessionalism in general–than most if not all our contemporary voices on this matter. This classic statement of Reformed faith has so clearly shaped his life and ministry in all his prolific output. What a blessing that the church now has this digest of his decades in mining this wonderful confession. Thoroughly grounded in history, profoundly insightful in theology, and consistently aimed at pastoral payoff, Clark’s commentary on the Heidelberg is a generation-defining exploration into one of the Reformation’s most enduring explanations of the Christian faith.”

–Harrison Perkins, pastor, Oakland Hills Community Church (OPC); senior research fellow, Craig Center for the Study of the Westminster Standards, Westminster Theological Seminary; and author of Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction

“On the scaffolding of the Heidelberg Catechism, Clark has constructed in this volume an exposition of the Reformed confession and proclamation of the Christian faith that serves not only its adherents but also other Christians as a lively probing of the biblical message and its significance for today. The text of the Catechism serves as an effective grounding for addressing the potential impact of God’s Word in Scripture on twenty-first-century Christians and its use for their witness in the world and their defense of the faith against its critics. Clark’s scholarly exploration of the Reformed tradition flows into a narrative that speaks to clergy and laity alike about the proclamation and practice of the faith in our current context. Clark guides readers into biblical answers to the questions posed by the catechism and aids readers in carrying out the homiletical, instructional, pastoral, and evangelistic tasks of the church of today. The book will serve all who wish to travel the path of Reformed confessors in bringing the gospel of Christ to our contemporaries.”

–Robert Kolb, professor of systematic theology emeritus, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO

“R. Scott Clark has studied the Heidelberg Catechism for decades and has blessed the church by documenting his labors in this monumental study of one of the Reformed church’s greatest testimonies to the gospel. Clark informs each chapter with historical detail, scriptural evidence, and theological richness. Readers will want to use this book throughout the year on each Lord’s Day and repeatedly return to it as a reliable reference and resource. We should thank Professor Clark for giving the church this labor of love.”

–J. V. Fesko, The Harriett Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MI

“Books that discuss the Reformed standards are legion; books that are truly remarkable in doing so are few. One of them is R. Scott Clark’s commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. This is a full banquet with all the courses: robust history and doctrine, rich piety and pastoral care, served with profound insight at every turn. Clark shows us why Christians have treasured, memorized, studied, and preached this catechism for centuries. His is an extraordinary treatment of an unsurpassed summary of Reformation Christianity–not only for the past but for the present and future too. Thoroughly recommended.”

–Zachary Purvis, professor of church history and theology, Edinburgh Theological Seminary

“R. Scott Clark’s The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Commentary is a massive and masterful exposition of one of the Reformed tradition’s most beloved confessional documents. With clarity and depth, Clark unpacks the catechism’s historical roots, theological richness, and enduring pastoral relevance. This book is an invaluable resource for pastors, teachers, seminarians, and church members seeking a deeper understanding of the Reformed faith.”

–Ligon Duncan, chancellor and John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MI

“R. Scott Clark has written a commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism of extraordinary value. Drawing on his profound knowledge of the work of Zacharias Ursinus, the principal author of the catechism, Clark has set the catechism in its immediate historical and theological context while at the same time showing the relevance of the catechism for both perennial and contemporary theological issues. This thoughtful and learned study will help readers to see with deepened understanding the biblical fidelity, true character, and spiritual vitality of Reformed Christianity.” –W. Robert Godfrey, professor emeritus of church history, Westminster Seminary California

R. Scott Clark (DPhil, Oxford University) is professor of church history and historical theology at Westminster Seminary California and author of Recovering the Reformed Confession: Our Theology, Piety, and Practice.