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  Byron Earnheart While I don’t know much about them, from what little research I could do while cooking dinner, I found this.http://www.crcna.org/…/confessions/heidelberg-catechism
  
  They seem to be an offshoot of some of the schisms that happened during the Reformation. I didn’t recognize any of the notable members, but that’s no reflection on them.
  
  They seem, theologically, to be a conservative Presbyterian group in all but name. If you don’t agree with Reformed theology, you’re going to disagree with them on the same points you would any other “Calvinist”. If you do lean that way, you won’t find much, if any, that offends. I do, however, know nothing of their current worship practices or traditions.
  
  As for the catechism, it’s actually one of my favorite ones. I find it to be the most…relatable…or…approachable traditional catechisms of church history. Some may disagree…it’s a preference, but I doubt most would find much of anything objectionable.

  

  Heidelberg Catechism

  The Heidelberg Catechism, written in 1563, is a remarkably warm-hearted and personalized confession…

  CRCNA.ORG

  Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 1 · September 15 at 7:11pm
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  Gina Cook It looks as if there may be an issue regarding infant baptism, according to the catechism. From gty.org I found a write-up talking of some issues; “Here is the Reformed Heidelberg Catechism, seventy-fourth question, “Shall one baptize young children also? Yes, for they, as well as the old people, appertain to the covenant of God in His church and in the blood of Christ the redemption from sins and the Holy Spirit who works faith has promised not less than to the older.”
  Also on that site:
  “Infant baptism is not consistent with the gospel. It’s not consistent with the gospel. Maybe this is the most important point of all. You say what in the world happens when a baby is baptized. Shall I read you the Heidelberg Catechism? This is the great German catechism that defines the meaning of infant baptism. This is what it says. “Yes, for they, speaking of children, as well as the old people appertain to the covenant of God and His church and in the blood of Christ the redemption from sins and the Holy Spirit who works faith and its promise not less than to the older.” So they’re really saying in the Heidelberg Catechism that children enter the covenant of God, His church, receive the benefit of the blood of Christ, the redemption from sin, the Holy Spirit and faith; therefore, shall they also through baptism, as the sign of the covenant, be incorporated into the Christian church, be distinguished from the children of unbelievers, as in the Old Testament took place by circumcision in the place of which baptism is appointed.” See that connection, that illegitimate connection. But they’re actually saying they’re in the church.”

  

  Grace to You

  Grace to You… John MacArthur’s in-depth Bible teaching brings the life-transforming truth of God’s Word to…

  GTY.ORG|BY GRACE TO YOU

  Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 2 · September 15 at 7:35pm
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  Byron Earnheart Again, this goes back a person’s theological leanings. Just two questions prior, it states “
  Q. Does this outward washing with water
  itself wash away sins?
  A. No, only Jesus Christ’s blood and the Holy Spirit
  cleanse us from all sins.”
  
  So, the catechism does not state that the rite confirms salvation. Has infant baptism been construed to mean that in some areas of the Church? Sure. I would say (and believe this personally) that was is happening is akin to “New Testament circumcision” in that it is a covenant agreement between the parents, the church, and God to raise that child under the grace and care of Christ. It does not confirm salvation anymore than circumcision confirmed salvation in the OT. It was a mark that this child belongs to God and welcomed into the community of the church. This is what my church practices (and all, really, I can base my observations on in this discussion as I know nada about the CRC’s practices).
  
  But again, I don’t see anything here that flies in the face of the basic tenants of the faith or presents a gospel that is adverse to Scripture.

  Like · Reply · September 15 at 9:26pm
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  Trudy Vanderveen My late husband and I and our forefathers as far as we can remember are/were members of the Christian Reformed Church. The Christian Reformed Church has its roots in the Netherlands, known there as Gereformeerde Kerk . As other GQ writers have noted, this denomination practices infant baptism (sprinkling) as a way of sacramentally including both parents and their children in the Covenant of Grace made with Abraham and his children — sealed in his day with the sign of circumcision. When the baptized member comes to the age of understanding, he/she may– by his own choice but with encouragement from parents, pastors and teachers– make “Public Profession of Faith.” The following is quoted from the liturgical form printed in the back of the Christian Reformed Psalter-Hymnal: “When ____ (name) was baptized God made clear his claim on him as his own, and he was received into the church. Now he wishes to share fully in the life of this congregation and of the whole church of God. And so today he will publicly accept and confirm what was sealed in his baptism, confess his faith in the Lord Jesus, and offer himself to God as his willing servant . . . “ The confessor then answers affirmatively to four questions (or personally makes four statements) professing repentance from sin and his trust in the Lord, his belief in the Bible, his union with Christ, and his willingness “to share faithfully in the life of the church . . . and to join with the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere.”