“True faith – created in me
by the Holy Spirit through the gospel – is not only a knowledge and conviction
that everything that God reveals in his word is true, but also a deep-rooted
assurance that not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been
made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation. These are gifts
of sheer grace earned for us by Christ.” Zacharius Ursinus, 1534 – 1583
Ursinus is the author of the
Heidelberg Catechism and a part of the German Reformation. The Catechism along
with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt are known as the Three Forms
of Unity – the confessional statements of many of the continental Reformed
Churches, and some churches in our own country as well.