When I entered Heidelberg Theological Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD, Dr. Maynard Koerner was my primary professor. At that time, my understanding of God and the gospel was basic. After four years of training, my understanding of both grew exponentially, partly due to studying the Heidelberg Catechism. My appreciation for the Catechism deepened 4–5 years into my ministry. When Dr. Koerner mentioned he was writing a book based on the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism, it piqued my interest. I am privileged to review his book, The Comfort Filled Life.
What Is The Comfort Filled Life About?
Dr. Koerner grew up in the Reformed Church of the United States (RCUS) and has known Question and Answer 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism since childhood. With over 45 years of experience educating covenant youth in the RCUS, he brings rich insight to this beloved Q&A.
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live unto Him.
The Comfort Filled Life stems from a sermon series exploring this question and answer across 17 chapters. Each chapter, spanning 7–8 pages, is digestible for devotional reading. Dr. Koerner states his purpose in the preface: “to present, in simple terms, the Gospel message, both its personal expression of faith and its depth of theology.”
The Gospel Made Simple
Each chapter, drawn from a sermon, keeps the gospel central. The book follows the Heidelberg Catechism’s outline of guilt, grace, and gratitude (or sin, salvation, and service). Chapters on sin point readers to salvation found in Christ alone, while those on gratitude highlight God’s grace. Dr. Koerner’s writing style makes deep theological doctrines accessible. He might use biblical terms such as election, justification, and sanctification, yet his explanations won’t go over your head. He often uses everyday illustrations to clarify these biblical truths.
The Depth of Theology
Though presented simply, the book retains theological depth. It covers key doctrines, including:
- Election
- Total Depravity
- Union with Christ
- Justification
- Sanctification
- Perseverance of the Saints
- The Providence of God
- God’s Covenantal Faithfulness
These doctrines, rooted in Scripture and explained in the Heidelberg Catechism, are essential for understanding God and the gospel. The book is an excellent resource for studying theology or the Catechism. It is a wonderful primer for seminary students or curious Christians in the pew.
The Personal Expression of Faith
The Heidelberg Catechism’s warm, personal tone shines through this book. Dr. Koerner’s pastoral voice encourages believers as God’s covenant people, avoiding the critical tone of some Christian writers, causing the reader to question his or her salvation. He urges readers to find comfort in Christ, echoing 19th-century Scottish pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s wisdom: “For every look at yourself, take ten looks to Christ.”
Concluding Thoughts
The Comfort Filled Life is, in a word, encouraging. Each chapter ends with hope for Christians wrestling with sin and living in a fallen world. For instance, in chapter 3, he closes with these words,
“Are you trying to figure out who you are? Look to Christ. When you are struggling… look to Christ. Remember and believe in Who you confessed when you acknowledged your commitment to Christ. ‘I am not
my own.’ ”
Much of the Christian life is about knowing and remembering who we are in Christ. We need that reminder every single day. The Comfort Filled Life can help you with that reminder. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all—new believers and seasoned Christians alike. If you would like a copy, the book can be purchased on Amazon.com
Rev. Cody Schwichtenberg
Herreid, SD