Quote:
Avoiding the Apostles’ Creed has given both of the Westminster Catechisms two strengths. First, the catechisms are based explicitly on Scripture, which is consistent with the position found in the first chapter of the Confession: All our doctrine comes from Scripture alone. Second, every catechism that uses the Apostles’ Creed reflects one of the weaknesses of the Creed — there is no mention of the importance of Christ’s life.
THE LIFE OF CHRIST
This is very important. The Apostles’ Creed speaks of “Jesus Christ” who “was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary” — and what is the next thing that is said? He “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.” The Heidelberg Catechisms, following the Creed, also moves right from Christ’s birth to his death.
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I don't think that's a fair statement about the Heidelberg Catechism. Answer 37:
"During all the time he lived on earth, but especially at the end, Christ bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the whole human race."
Christ's perfect life of obedience appears elsewhere in the Catechism too, for instance in Lord's Day 23.