Knowing our Sin - Heidelberg Catechism #3

Title: Knowing our SinSpeaker: Rev. Jason Van BemmelSeries: Heidelberg Catechism DevosDate: January 14, 2026Bible: Romans 3:19-20; Romans 5:20Knowing Our Sin: Heidelberg Catechism Question #3In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores the first step of the Christian journey—moving from guilt to grace and finally to gratitude. This session focuses specifically on the source of our knowledge regarding our own sinfulness.Key Highlights:The Source of Knowledge: We gain an accurate and true understanding of our guilt specifically from the Law of God.The Law as a Mirror: Rather than being a means of salvation, the Law acts as a mirror that reveals our true character compared to God’s holy standard.Internal vs. External Sin: Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Jason explains that the Law convicts us not just of external actions, but of the motives and desires of the heart.Condemnation to Christ: The Law is described as a pathway to condemnation that ultimately drives us to realize we cannot save ourselves and desperately need a Savior.Scripture Referenced:Romans 3:19–20: Knowledge of sin through the Law.Romans 5:20: The Law increasing the trespass so grace may abound.Galatians 2 & 3: The inability of the Law to justify and the necessity of faith.Featured Hymn:The episode concludes with the hymn "Not What My Hands Have Done," which reinforces the theme that no human effort, prayer, or "toiling flesh" can save a guilty soul—only the work of Christ.Hashtags:#HeidelbergCatechism #ReformedTheology #DailyDevotional #BibleStudy #LawAndGospel #ChristianFaith #JasonVanBemmel