Heidelberg Catechism: 'What is required in the tenth commandment?'
LORD’S DAY 44
113. What is required in the tenth commandment?That not even the least thought or desire against any of God’s commandments should ever arise in our heart; but that, with our whole heart, we continually hate all sin, and take pleasure in all righteousness.1
1 Ps 19:7-14, 139:23-24; Rom 7:7-8
114. Can those who are converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?
No, but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience;1 nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live, not only according to some, but according to all the commandments of God.2
1 Ecc 7:20; Rom 7:14-15; 1 Cor 13:9; 1 Jn 1:8; 2 Ps 1:1-2; Rom 7:22-25; Php 3:12-16
115. Why then does God have them preached so strictly if in this life no one can keep them perfectly?
First, that throughout our life we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and therefore seek more earnestly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ;1 second, that we may be zealous for good deeds and constantly pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that He may more and more renew us after God’s image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.2
1 Ps 32:5; Rom 3:19-26, 7:7, 24-25; 1 Jn 1:9; 2 1 Cor 9:24; Php 3:12-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3
