Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: earliest Dutch sermons on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 127

This article investigates the three earliest sermons in the Dutch language (1588–1676) on Q&A 127 of the Heidelberg Catechism (HC). It provides insight into the early reception of a catechism from which generations of believers in the Netherlands received instruction. The authors analyze how and to what extent these sermons incorporate the text, theology, and spirituality of the Palatinate textbook for believers who (only) speak the vernacular. They note that this is done in an independent and creative way. Contrary to the HC, the selected sermons thoroughly explore the concept of temptation. The intended audience clearly influences the sermons. Theological distance from the HC arises at some important points. Now and then the influence of changing times is visible.