Heidelbergian Children's Catechism (age 8- 10 years)
Lord's Day 17
After the Lord Jesus had died, He was buried. We talked about that last time. This proved that He had really died. But that was not the only reason. It also takes away our fear of death. Because of what happened to his body in the grave. For three days later the Lord Jesus came out of the grave. That is great news: Christ left the grave! And we, too, will later leave the grave! I hope you will live for a long, long time. Who does not want to live long? But now already you know that dying is not as bad as it sounds. You are probably apprehensive and say: But I really hate a grave! And that is true, no one likes it. But you should first listen to the rest. For more is said in this Lord’s Day. Imagine you are at home, waiting for someone. The door bell rings, and you walk to the front door. The grave will become a hallway, and the door is open. When our Saviour returns on the c1ouds, we walk from that hallway straight to the Lord Jesus. And from there we go to the great feast on the new earth. With our new and beautiful body. So you see: Christ left the grave. And we, too, will leave the grave! We leave that hateful grave. But sin and illness, and all sorrow, will be left behind. They will remain buried forever. Then the endless celebration begins. All these good things, keep them deep in your heart. Never forget them. Keep them in mind when you go to school, when you study and when you play. And you will live joyfully. And you will obediently do what you have to do. Because you are a child of God, grateful to God the Father in heaven. Ask him for this.