Knowing Our Sin & Misery Experientially - 2

The content of Lord's Day 2 in our Heidelberg Catechism is not a popular topic. Yet this is where the catechism begins - on man's misery. The word "misery" here was translated from the original German word elend which carries with it the notion of banishment or a sense of separation. It is sin that brings misery and separation from God. We learn that God demands perfection and that the "smallest" transgression from a human perspective is enough to damn the sinner eternally. We need a righteousness that is outside of ourselves. Jesus Christ is the only way of reconciliation with God.