Kevin L. DeYoung - The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism

The
GOOD NEWS
WE ALMOST
FORGOT

REDISCOVERING the GOSPEL

in a 16th CENTURY CATECHISM

KEVIN L. DeYOUNG

M OODY P UBLISHERS
CHICAGO

2010 by
K EVIN L . D E Y OUNG

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

The edition of the Heidelberg Catechism used throughout this book is reprinted from Ecumenical Creeds and Reformed Confessions 1988 Faith Alive Christian Resources http://www.faithaliveresources.org.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

DeYoung, Kevin.
The good news we almost forgot : rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th century catechism / Kevin L. DeYoung.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-8024-5840-7
1. Heidelberger Katechismus. 2. Reformed Church--Catechisms. I. Title.
BX9428.D49 2010
238.42--dc22

2009053552

This book is printed on acid free recycled paper containing 30% PCW (Post Consumer Waste) and manufactured in the United States of America by Bethany Press.

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I cannot overexaggerate how good this book is. Here is a crash course in life-changing biblical teaching, a wake up call to the slumbering, a blood transfusion for the spiritually anemic, a solid meal for the mature-and much more: conversational, cutting where needed, gospel-filled-and clear.

The Good News We Almost Forgot has it all: honesty, truth, grace, plain-speaking, encouragement, wisdom, and hope. It may not make you wish you were Dutch-but it should certainly make you feel that being a Christian is the greatest thing in the world, today or any day!

S INCLAIR B F ERGUSON
Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC

Im sure this will be the best book on the Heidelberg Catechism Ive ever read. I know it will be the first.

C. J. M AHANEY
President, Sovereign Grace Ministries

For more than four centuries, reformed Christians have gleaned rich biblical insights and found immense comfort from the Heidelberg Catechism (1563). Kevin DeYoungs concise commentary on this beloved confession is excellent, full of wisdom and relevance for contemporary Christians. Here the reader will find nothing less than a celebration of the beauty of Christ and the glory of the gospel.

S COTT M. M ANETSCH
Associate Professor of Church History and Christian Thought Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

When I was a teenager, Tuesday nights were catechism nights. I would go to church and, under the tutelage of the pastor, both study and memorize what I affectionately called Ye Olde Heidelberger. The deep truths of that document provided a firm foundation for my growing faith. Even as a teen I realized that at the very heart of the Heidelberg Catechism is the gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet I cannot deny that it has been many years since I last studied it. In The Good News We Almost Forgot Kevin DeYoung dusts off that old catechism and proves that it is as relevant today as it was 450 years ago. Its truths are timeless, its encouragement unchanged. I am grateful to Kevin for introducing this venerable document to a new generation of believers. May they find hope and joy in the One it celebrates.

T IM C HALLIES

As Kevin DeYoung writes, The gospel summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism is glorious. I could not agree more. And it is my prayer that DeYoungs often whimsical, always insightful, and invariably accessible reflections on the catechism will help many to catch a greater glimpse of that glorious gospel.

G ARY P ARRETT
Professor of Educational Ministries and Worship
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the most important documents to emerge from the Reformation. In the space of one hundred twenty-nine questions and answers it captures a vital Christian theology, piety, and practice. Christians and congregations alike will benefit greatly from getting to know this classic resource and we shall all be thankful for Kevin DeYoungs wonderfully accessible introduction to this resource.

R. S COTT C LARK, DPhil
Professor of Church History and Historical Theology
Westminster Seminary California

De Young has brought an old catechism to new life. This book is a wonderfully clear and contemporary introduction and explanation of the Heidelberg Catechism. It is interesting, well illustrated, and biblically based. I plan to recommend it to those new to the Catechism and those who want a fresh read through it. It is a gift to todays church.

T HOMAS G ROELSEMA
Senior Pastor, 1st Byron Center CRC

To Ian, Jacob, Elsie, and Paul.

Daddy loves you more than you know.

I hope you grow up to like the Heidelberg Catechism

half as much as Ido.