HC 123
Heidelberg Catechism
Q123. What is the second petition?
Thy kingdom come. That is: So rule us by Thy Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to Thee. Preserve and increase Thy church. Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against Thee, and every conspiracy against Thy holy Word. Do all this until the fulness of Thy kingdom comes, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.
Proof texts
- Ps. 119:5 — [5] Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
- Ps. 119:105 — [105] Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
- Ps. 143:10 — [10] Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
- Matt. 6:33 — [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Ps. 51:18 — [18] Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem;
- Ps. 122:6-9 — [6] Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! [7] Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” [8] For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” [9] For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
- Matt. 16:18 — [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
- Acts 2:42-47 — [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
- Rom. 16:20 — [20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
- 1 John 3:8 — [8] Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
- Rom. 8:22-23 — [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
- 1 Cor. 15:28 — [28] When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
- Rev. 22:17 — [17] The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
- Rev. 22:20 — [20] He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Ps. 119:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 14 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q98 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q178 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?