This litany includes quotes from the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism. Both documents are ecumenically Reformed. The Belgic Confession was written primarily by Guido de Brès in 1561. He was martyred in 1567. The Heidelberg Catechism was prepared by Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus, and was approved by the Synod of Dort (1618–1619). While written in the sixteenth century, these documents are useful today for their summary of biblical teachings.
Scripture Alone
Leader
We believe
that this Holy Scripture contains
the will of God completely
and that everything one must believe
to be saved
is sufficiently taught in it.
—Belgic Confession, Art. 7, Translation © 2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources. Used by permission.
All:
We receive all these books
and these only
as holy and canonical,
for the regulating, founding, and establishing
of our faith.
—Belgic Confession, Art. 5, Translation © 2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources. Used by permission.
Leader
Let us thank God for the holy Word.
Song:
“We’re Glad We’re Saved,” (st. 5) Smith
Grace Alone
Leader
It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
—Ephesians 2:8, NIV
All
Without my deserving it at all,
out of sheer grace,
God grants and credits to me
the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ.
—Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 60, Translation © 2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources. Used by permission.
Leader
Let us thank God for grace.
Song
“We’re Glad We’re Saved,” (st. 1) Smith
Faith Alone
Leader
It is by grace you have been saved,
through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God.
—Ephesians 2:8, NIV
All
All I need to do
is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
—Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 60, Translation © 2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources. Used by permission.
Leader
Let us thank God for faith.
Song
“We’re Glad We’re Saved,” (st. 2) Smith
Christ Alone
Leader
The angel said to Joseph,
“Give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
—Matthew 1:21, NIV
All
Jesus saves us from our sins.
Salvation cannot be found in anyone else;
it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.
—Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 29, adapt. Translation © 2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources. Used by permission.
Leader
Let us thank God for Jesus.
Song
“We’re Glad We’re Saved,” (st. 3) Smith
To God Alone Be the Glory
Leader
What is the chief end of man?
All
To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
—Westminster Shorter Catechism , Q&A 1, public domain.
Leader
Let us, then, glorify God.
Let us glorify God for the gifts of
Scripture, grace, faith, and Jesus Christ himself.
Song
“We’re Glad We’re Saved,” (st. 4) Smith
We’re Glad We’re Saved
(A hymn celebrating the five solas of the Reformation)
We’re glad we’re saved by grace alone
God’s favor to us kindly shown.
His gifts to us so richly flow
at Christ’s expense; no debt we owe.
All undeserved, how can it be?
Abundant life, so full and free.
We’re glad we’re saved through faith alone
in Christ who claimed us for his own.
Forsaking all in him we trust,
then we’re assured that we are just.
We’re right with God, from works apart,
set free from guilt, made pure in heart.
We’re glad we’re saved in Christ alone,
the Son of God in flesh and bone—
who on the cross paid for our sin,
and on the third day rose again.
New life, new hope, new joy begin,
and we’ll the final victory win.
We’re glad we’re saved; give God alone
all glory for he’s on the throne.
Give thanks and boast of Christ the King,
exalt his name, his praises sing.
With all our heart we’ll love, obey,
and every day, walk in his way.
We’re glad the Scripture stands alone—
the only way Christ can be known.
The living truth, a shining light,
that guides us in the path of right.
The written word unchanged remains,
as does the Lord, who ever reigns.
Words: Duane R. Smith
Music: (MELITA 8.8.8.8.8.8): John B. Dykes (1823-1876), 1861, P.D.
