AN EXPLANATION
OF
Luther's Small Catechism
A HANDBOOK
FOR
THE CATECHETICAL CLASS
BY
JOSEPH STUMP, D.D., LL.D., L.H.D.
AN OUTLINE AND ANALYSIS FOR THE PASTOR'S ORAL INSTRUCTION,
AND A SUMMARY FOR THE CATECHUMENS' STUDY
AND REVIEW AT HOME
REVISED EDITION
PHILADELPHIA
THE UNITED LUTHERAN PUBLICATION HOUSE
Copyright, 1907, by the
Board of Publication of the General Council of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
North America.
---------------
Copyright, 1935, by
Joseph Stump
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFACE
This book aims to present both an analysis of Luther's
Small Catechism and a clear, concise, yet reasonably full
explanation of its contents. It is an attempt, upon the basis
of twenty years' experience and a study of the literature of the
subject, to meet the peculiar wants of the catechetical class in
our Lutheran Church in America. The object of the book is
twofold: first, to furnish an outline of teaching which the pas-
tor may use as a guide in his oral explanation and questioning;
and secondly, to furnish a sufficiently complete summary by
means of which the catechumens may review the lesson and fix
its salient points in their minds. No text-book can, of course,
adequately supply the parenetical side of the catechetical in-
struction or take the place of the living exposition by the
pastor. But it can and should support his work, so that what
he explains at one meeting may not be forgotten before the next
meeting, but may be fixed in the minds of the catechumens by
study at home.
Since the task of the pastor in catechization is not only to
impart religious instruction, but to impart it on the basis of that
priceless heritage of our Church, Luther's Small Catechism,
the explanation here offered follows the Catechism closely. The
words of the catechism are printed in heavy-faced type and are
used as headings wherever possible; and thus the words of the
catechism may be traced as a thread running through the entire
explanation.
Wherever he deemed it necessary, the author has added a
fuller explanation of the _text_ of the catechism than that which
Luther gives, and has supplemented its contents with such ad-
ditional matter as the needs of our catechumens require. He
does not agree with those catechetical writers who maintain
that the pastor, in his catechization, must confine himself to an
explanation of _Luther's explanation_. Such a principle would
exclude from the catechetical class much which our catechu-
mens should be taught. But all such additional matters are
introduced under an appropriate head as an organic part of the
whole explanation, thus preserving its unity.
This book is written in the thetical form instead of the tradi-
tional form of questions and answers. There is nothing in the
nature of catechization which would require the use of the
interrogative form in such a text-book, and accordingly the
thetical form has for years been employed by numerous writers
of text-books for the catechetical class in Germany. While
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questions have an important place in catechetical instruction,
the matter and not the form is the vital thing. Catechization
is _not a method_ of instruction by means of questions and an-
swers. Neither the original meaning of the word nor the history
of catechization justifies such a definition. (See my article, "A
Brief History of Catechization," in the Lutheran Church Re-
view, January, 1902; comp. v. Zezschwitz: System der christl.-
kirchl. Katechetik, vol. i., pp. 17 _seq._, and vol. ii., 2.1., pp. 3
_seq._) And since Christian truth is not something to be brought
forth from the mind of the child by means of questions, but
something divinely revealed and hence _to be communicated_ to
the child, the most natural form in which to set it before him
in a text-book is the thetical. Luther's catechism itself is, indeed,
in the form of questions and answers. But his catechism is
confessional as well as didactic, and its words, memorized by
the catechumen, are to become a personal confession of faith.
The explanations of a text-book, on the other hand, are not to
be memorized, but are meant to aid the catechumen in grasping
the _thoughts_ of the catechism. For this purpose, the thetical
form is better than the interrogative, because the explanation is
not continually broken by questions, and is thus better adapted
to give the catechumens a connected idea of the doctrines taught.
Each chapter of this explanation is followed by a number of
questions. After the pastor has explained a lesson at one meet-
ing, the catechumens should prepare themselves to give an an-
swer to the printed questions _in their own words_ at the next
meeting. The pastor may, of course, substitute other questions,
assign additional ones, or eliminate some. The proof passages
for the teachings set forth are cited in the margin. The more
important passages, particularly those which the catechumens
may be expected to memorize, are specially indicated by a
dagger (!), and are printed in full at the end of the chapter.
The use of a Scripture lesson is, of course, optional with the
pastor. One is indicated, however, for each chapter, and may
be read in class or be assigned to the catechumens to be read
at home. The Scriptural illustrations are cited for the conven-
ience of the pastor in his oral exposition. The division into
chapters has been regulated by the subject-matter, and will, it is
hoped, aid in the survey of the contents of the book as a whole.
It is not intended that each chapter shall necessarily constitute
one lesson. Some lessons will doubtless include only a part of a
chapter, while others will include several chapters, as the pastor
may determine.
While the author, in the preparation of this explanation of
Luther's catechism, has gone his own way, careful considera-
tion has been given to the voice of those whose study of the
problems involved entitled them to be heard. Luther's other
---------------End of Page vi------------------------------------
catechetical writings, the standard theoretical works on Cate-
chetics, and numerous monographs have been constantly at
hand. Explanations of the catechism for the use of pastors
and teachers have been freely consulted,--among others, those of
Schuetze, Fricke, Mehliss, Kahle, Zuck, Kaftan, v. Zezschwitz,
Palmer, Harnack, Nissen, Hempel, Schultze, Th. Hardeland,
O. Hardeland, Nebe, Buchrucker, and Cremer. Acknowledg-
ment is due also to the authors of numerous American and
German text-books and helps for the catechetical class, whose
works have been carefully scanned, in order that the fruits of
past experience and the best results of former labors in this
field might, if possible, be embodied in this work.
May the Lord bless this explanation of Luther's Small Cate-
chism to the upbuilding of His kingdom and the glory of His
name.
PHILLIPSBURG, N.J., JOSEPH STUMP
REFORMATION DAY, 1907
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PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION
-------------------------
The author has carefully gone over the book and made
such revisions and additions as seemed to him advisable.
No effort has been made to alter the fundamental nature
and purpose of the book. Its aim has been and still is to
present as clearly and simply as possible the essential
teachings of the catechism. The catechist is left at lib-
erty to choose his own pedagogical method, while the book
furnishes in concise form the essential material which is
to be presented to the catechumen J.S.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., 1935
-----------End of Page viii-----------------------------------
The SMALL CATECHISM
OF
DR. MARTIN LUTHER
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Blank Page
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LUTHER'S PREFACE
----------------
_Martin Luther to all faithful and godly Pastors and Preachers:
Grace, Mercy and Peace, in Jesus Christ, our Lord!_
The deplorable condition in which I found religious affairs
during a recent visitation of the congregations, has impelled me
to publish this Catechism, or statement of the Christian doctrine,
after having prepared it in very brief and simple terms. Alas!
what misery I beheld! The people, especially those who live in
the villages, seem to have no knowledge whatever of Christian
doctrine, and many of the pastors are ignorant and incompetent
teachers. And, nevertheless, they all maintain that they are
Christians, that they have been baptized, and that they have
received the Lord's Supper. Yet they cannot recite the Lord's
Prayer, the Creed, or the Ten Commandments; they live as if
they were irrational creatures, and now that the Gospel has
come to them, they grossly abuse their Christian liberty.
Ye bishops! what answer will ye give to Christ for having so
shamefully neglected the people, and paid no attention to the
duties of your office? I invoke no evil on your heads. But you
withhold the cup in the Lord's Supper, insist on the observance
of your human laws, and yet, at the same time, do not take the
least interest in teaching the people the Lord's Prayer, the
Creed, the Ten Commandments, or any other part of the word
of God. Woe unto you!
Wherefore I beseech you in the Name of God, my beloved
brethren, who are pastors or preachers, to engage heartily in the
discharge of the duties of your office, to have mercy on the people
who are entrusted to your care, and to assist us in introducing
the Catechism among them, and especially among the young.
And if any of you do not possess the necessary qualifications, I
beseech you to take at least the following forms, and read them,
word for word, to the people, on this wise:--
In the first place; let the preacher take the utmost care to
avoid all changes or variations in the text and wording of the
Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Sacra-
ments, etc. Let him, on the contrary, take each of the forms
respectively, adhere to it, and repeat it anew, year after year.
For young and inexperienced people cannot be successfully
instructed, unless we adhere to the same text or the same forms
of expression. They easily become confused, when the teacher
at one time employs a certain form of words and expressions,
----------------End of Page xi---------------------------------
and, at another, apparently with a view to make improvements,
adopts a different form. The result of such a course will be,
that all the time and labor which we have expended will be lost.
This point was well understood by our venerable fathers, who
were accustomed to use the same words in teaching the Lord's
Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. We, too,
should follow this plan when we teach these things, particularly
in the case of the young and ignorant, not changing a single
syllable, nor introducing any variations when, year after year,
we recur to these forms and recite them anew before our hearers.
Choose, therefore, the form of words which best pleases you,
and adhere to it perpetually. When you preach in the presence
of intelligent and learned men, you are at liberty to exhibit
your knowledge and skill, and may present and discuss these
subjects in all the varied modes which are at your command.
But when you are teaching the young, retain the same form and
manner without change; teach them, first of all, the Ten Com-
mandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, etc., always present-
ing the same words of the text, so that those who learn can
repeat them after you, and retain them in the memory.
But if any refuse to receive your instructions, tell them
plainly that they deny Christ and are not Christians; such per-
sons shall not be admitted to the Lord's Table, nor present a
child for baptism, nor enjoy any of our Christian privileges,
but are to be sent back to the pope and his agents, and, indeed,
to Satan himself. Their parents and employers should, besides,
refuse to furnish them with food and drink, and notify them
that the government was disposed to banish from the country
all persons of such a rude and intractable character.
For although we cannot, and should not, compel them to
exercise faith, we ought, nevertheless, to instruct the great mass
with all diligence, so that they may know how to distinguish
between right and wrong in their conduct towards those with
whom they live, or among whom they desire to earn their liv-
ing. For whoever desires to reside in a city, and enjoy the
rights and privileges which its laws confer, is also bound to
know and obey those laws. God grant that such persons may
become sincere believers! But if they remain dishonest and
vicious, let them at least withhold from public view the vices
of their hearts.
In the second place; when those whom you are instructing
have become familiar with the words of the text, it is time to
teach them to understand the meaning of those words, so that
they may become acquainted with the object and purport of the
lesson. Then proceed to another of the following forms, or, at
your pleasure, choose any other which is brief, and adhere
strictly to the same words and forms of expression in the text,
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without altering a single syllable; besides, allow yourself ample
time for the lessons. For it is not necessary that you should,
on the same occasion, proceed from the beginning to the end
of the several parts; it will be more profitable if you present
them separately, in regular succession. When the people have,
for instance, at length correctly understood the First Command-
ment, you may proceed to the Second, and so continue. By
neglecting to observe this mode, the people will be overburdened,
and be prevented from understanding and retaining in memory
any considerable part of the matter communicated to them.
In the third place; when you have thus reached the end of
this Short Catechism, begin anew with the Large Catechism,
and by means of it furnish the people with fuller and more com-
prehensive explanations. Explain here at large every Command-
ment, every Petition, and, indeed, every part, showing the
duties which they severally impose, and both the advantages
which follow the performance of those duties, and also the
dangers and losses which result from the neglect of them. In-
sist in an especial manner on such Commandments or other
parts as seem to be most of all misunderstood or neglected by
your people. It will, for example, be necessary that you should
enforce with the utmost earnestness the Seventh Commandment,
which treats of stealing, when you are teaching workmen, dealers
and even farmers and servants, inasmuch as many of these are
guilty of various dishonest and thievish practices. So, too, it
will be your duty to explain and apply the Fourth Command-
ment with great diligence, when you are teaching children and
uneducated adults, and to urge them to observe order, to be
faithful, obedient and peaceable, as well as to adduce numerous
instances mentioned in the Scriptures, which show that God
punished such as were guilty in these things, and blessed the
obedient.
Here, too, let it be your great aim to urge magistrates and
parents to rule wisely, and to educate the children, admonish-
ing them, at the same time, that such duties are imposed on
them, and showing them how grievously they sin if they neglect
them. For in such a case they overthrow and lay waste alike
the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world, acting as if
they were the worst enemies both of God and man. And show
them very plainly the shocking evils of which they are the
authors, when they refuse their aid in training up children to
be pastors, preachers, writers, etc., and set forth that on account
of such sins God will inflict an awful punishment upon them.
It is, indeed, necessary to preach on these things; for parents
and magistrates are guilty of sins in this respect, which are so
great that there are no terms in which they can be described.
And truly, Satan has a cruel design in fostering these evils.
---------------End of Page xiii--------------------------------
Finally; inasmuch as the people are now relieved from the
tyranny of the pope, they refuse to come to the Lord's Table,
and treat it with contempt. On this point, it is very
necessary that you should give them instructions, while, at the
same time, you are to be guided by the following principles:
That we are to compel no one to believe, or to receive the
Lord's Supper; that we are not to establish any laws on this
point, or appoint the time and place; but that we should so
preach as to influence the people, without any law adopted by
us, to urge, and, as it were, to compel us who are pastors, to
administer the Lord's Supper to them. Now this object may
be attained, if we address them in the following manner: It is
to be feared that he who does not desire to receive the Lord's
Supper at least three or four times during the year, despises the
Sacrament, and is no Christian. So, too, he is no Christian,
who neither believes nor obeys the Gospel; for Christ did not
say: "Omit or despise this," but "This do ye, as oft as ye
drink it," etc. He commands that this should be done, and
by no means be neglected and despised. He says: "This do."
Now he who does not highly value the Sacrament, shows
thereby that he has no sin, no flesh, no devil, no world, no
death, no danger, no hell; that is to say, he does not believe
that such evils exist, although he may be deeply immersed in
them, and completely belong to the devil. On the other hand,
he needs no grace, no life, no Paradise, no heaven, no Christ,
no God, no good thing. For if he believed that he was involved
in such evils, and that he was in need of such blessings, he could
not refrain from receiving the Sacrament, wherein aid is afforded
against such evils, and, again, such blessings are bestowed. It
will not be necessary to compel him by the force of any law to
approach the Lord's Table; he will hasten to it of his own
accord, will compel himself to come, and indeed urge you to
administer the Sacrament to him.
Hence, you are by no means to adopt any compulsory law in
this case, as the pope has done. Let it simply be your aim to
set forth distinctly the advantages and losses, the wants and the
benefits, the dangers and the blessings, which are to be con-
sidered in connection with the Sacrament; the people will,
doubtless, then seek it without urgent demands on your part.
If they still refuse to come forward, let them choose their own
ways, and tell them that those who do not regard their own
spiritual misery, and do not desire the gracious help of God, be-
long to Satan. But if you do not give such solemn admonitions,
or if you adopt odious compulsory laws on the subject, it is your
own fault if the people treat the Sacrament with contempt.
Will they not necessarily be slothful, if you are silent and
sleep? Therefore consider the subject seriously, ye Pastors and
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Preachers! Our office has now assumed a very different char-
acter from that which it bore under the pope; it is now of a
very grave nature, and is very salutary in its influence. It con-
sequently subjects us to far greater burdens and labors, dangers
and temptations, while it brings with it an inconsiderable re-
ward, and very little gratitude in the world. But Christ him-
self will be our reward, if we labor with fidelity. May He grant
such mercy unto us who is the Father of all grace, to whom be
given thanks and praises through Christ, our Lord, for ever!
Amen.
WITTENBERG, A. D. 1529
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THE SMALL CATECHISM
-------------------
PART I
------
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
_In the plain form in which they are to be taught by the head
of a family._
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods
before Me.
[Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or
any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that
is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the
earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve
them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third
and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing
mercy unto thousands of them that love Me and keep My
commandments.]
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Answer_. We should fear, love, and trust in God above
all things.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in
vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh
His Name in vain.
_What is meant by this commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to curse,
swear, conjure, lie, or deceive, by His Name, but call upon
Him in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer,
praise and thanksgiving.
-----------------------End of Page 17-------------------------
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy.
[Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but
the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in
it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor
thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in
six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all
that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the
Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.]
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to despise
His word and the preaching of the Gospel, but deem it
holy, and willingly hear and learn it.
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to despise
nor displease our parents and superiors, but honor, serve,
obey, love, and esteem them.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not kill.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to do our
neighbor any bodily harm or injury, but rather assist and
comfort him in danger and want.
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as to be chaste
and pure in our words and deeds, each one also loving
and honoring his wife or her husband.
------------End of Page 18--------------------------------
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not steal.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to rob
our neighbor of his money or property, nor bring it into
our possession by unfair dealing or fraudulent means, but
rather assist him to improve and protect it.
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not deceitfully
to belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports
against our neighbor, but apologize for him, speak well of
him, and put the most charitable construction on all his
actions.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to desire
by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheri-
tance or home, or to obtain it under the pretext of a legal
right, but be ready to assist and serve him in the preserva-
tion of his own.
THE TENTH COMMANDMENT
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-
servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor
anything that is thy neighbor's.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans_. We should so fear and love God as not to alienate
our neighbor's wife from him, entice away his servants,
nor let loose his cattle, but use our endeavors that they
may remain and discharge their duty to him.
-----------------End of Page 19------------------------------
_What does God declare concerning all these Command-
ments?_
_Ans_. He says: I the Lord thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto
the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and
showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me and
keep My commandments.
_What is meant by this declaration?_
_Ans_. God threatens to punish all those who transgress
these commandments. We should, therefore, dread His
displeasure, and not act contrarily to these command-
ments. But He promises grace and every blessing to all
who keep them. We should, therefore, love and trust in
Him, and cheerfully do what he has commanded us.
------------------
PART II
----------
THE CREED
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of
a family_.
FIRST ARTICLE--OF CREATION
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth.
_What is meant by this Article?_
_Ans_. I believe that God has created me and all that
exists; that He has given and still preserves to me my
body and soul with all my limbs and senses, my reason
and all the faculties of my mind, together with rai-
ment, food, home, and family, and all my property; that
He daily provides me abundantly with all the necessaries
of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me
and guards me against all evil; all which He does out of
pure, paternal, and divine goodness and mercy, without
any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty
bound to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is
most certainly true.
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SECOND ARTICLE--OF REDEMPTION
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was
conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and
buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose
again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sit-
teth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from
thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
_What is meant by this Article?_
_Ans_. I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of
the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the
Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who has redeemed me, a lost
and condemned creature, secured and delivered me from
all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not
with silver and gold, but with His holy and precious
blood, and with His innocent sufferings and death; in
order that I might be His, live under Him in His king-
dom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, inno-
cence, and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead,
and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly
true.
THIRD ARTICLE--OF SANCTIFICATION
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church,
the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of sins; the
Resurrection of the body; and the Life everlasting. Amen.
_What is meant by this Article?_
_Ans_. I believe that I cannot by my own reason or
strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him;
but the Holy Ghost has called me through the Gospel,
enlightened me by his gifts, and sanctified and preserved
me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers,
enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on
earth, and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the
true faith; in which Christian Church He daily forgives
abundantly all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and
---------------End of Page 21--------------------------------
will raise up me and all the dead at the last day, and will
grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in
Christ. This is most certainly true.
--------------------------
PART III
----------
THE LORD'S PRAYER
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of
a family._
INTRODUCTION
Our Father Who art in heaven.
_What is meant by this Introduction?_
_Ans_. God would thereby affectionately encourage us to
believe that He is truly our Father, and that we are His
children indeed, so that we may call upon Him with all
cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved children
entreat their affectionate parent.
FIRST PETITION
Hallowed be Thy Name.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. The Name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we
pray in this petition that it may be hallowed also by us.
_How is this effected?_
_Ans_. When the Word of God is taught in its truth and
purity, and we, as the children of God, lead holy lives, in
accordance with it; to this may our blessed Father in
heaven help us! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise
than as God's Word prescribes, profanes the Name of God
among us; from this preserve us, Heavenly Father!
SECOND PETITION
Thy kingdom come.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, with-
out our prayers; but we pray in this petition that it may
come unto us also.
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_When is this effected?_
_Ans_. When our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy
Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word,
and live a godly life here on earth, and in heaven for ever.
THIRD PETITION
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. The good and gracious will of God is done indeed
without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it
may be done by us also.
_When is this effected?_
_Ans_. When God frustrates and brings to naught every
evil counsel and purpose, which would hinder us from hal-
lowing the Name of God, and prevent His kingdom from
coming to us,--such as the will of the devil, of the world,
and of our own flesh; and when He strengthens us, and
keeps us steadfast in His Word, and in the faith, even
unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.
FOURTH PETITION
Give us this day our daily bread.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. God gives indeed without our prayer even to the
wicked also their daily bread; but we pray in this petition
that He would make us sensible of His benefits, and enable
us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
_What is implied by the words: "Our daily bread"?_
_Ans_. All things that pertain to the wants and sup-
port of this present life; such as food, raiment, money,
goods, house and land, and other property; a believing
spouse and good children; trustworthy servants and faith-
ful magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and health; edu-
cation and honor; true friends, good neighbors, and the like.
--------------------End of Page 23--------------------------------
FIFTH PETITION
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. We pray in this petition, that our Heavenly Father
would not regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on
account of them; for we are not worthy of anything for
which we pray, and have not merited it; but that He
would grant us all things through grace, although we
daily commit much sin, and deserve chastisement alone.
We will therefore, on our part, both heartily forgive, and
also readily do good to those who may injure or offend us.
SIXTH PETITION
And lead us not into temptation.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. God indeed tempts no one to sin; but we pray in
this petition that God would so guard and preserve us,
that the devil, the world, and our own flesh, may not
deceive us, nor lead us into error and unbelief, despair,
and other great and shameful sins; and that, though we
may be thus tempted, we may, nevertheless, finally prevail
and gain the victory.
SEVENTH PETITION
But deliver us from evil.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans_. We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that
our Heavenly Father would deliver us from all manner
of evil, whether it affect the body or soul, property or
character, and at last, when the hour of death shall
arrive, grant us a happy end, and graciously take us from
this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
-----------------End of Page 24----------------------------
CONCLUSION
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
_What is meant by the word "Amen"?_
_Ans_. That I should be assured that such petitions are
acceptable to our Heavenly Father, and are heard by Him;
for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this man-
ner, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, Amen,
that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so.
-------------------------
PART IV
---------
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of
a family._
I. _What is Baptism?_
_Ans_. Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water
comprehended in God's command, and connected with
God's Word.
_What is that Word of God?_
_Ans_. It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as it
is recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, verse 19: "Go
ye, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
II. _What gifts or benefits does Baptism confer?_
_Ans_. It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death
and the devil, and confers everlasting salvation on all
who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.
_What are such words and promises of God?_
_Ans_. Those which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as they
are recorded in the last chapter of Mark, verse 16: "He
that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned."
-------------------End of Page 25---------------------------
III. _How can water produce such great effects?_
_Ans_. It is not the water indeed that produces these
effects, but the Word of God which accompanies and is
connected with the water, and our faith, which relies on
the Word of God connected with the water. For the
water, without the Word of God, is simply water and no
baptism. But when connected with the Word of God, it is
a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life, and a "wash-
ing of regeneration" in the Holy Ghost: as St. Paul says
to Titus, in the third chapter, verses 5-8: "According to
His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being
justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according
to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."
IV. _What does such baptizing with water signify?_
_Ans_. It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned
and destroyed by daily sorrow and repentance, together
with all sins and evil lusts and that again the new man
should daily come forth and rise, that shall live in the
presence of God in righteousness and purity forever.
_Where is it so written?_
_Ans_. St Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 6,
verse 4, says: "We are buried with Christ by Baptism
into death; that like as He was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life."
----------------------
OF CONFESSION
_What is Confession?_
_Ans_. Confession consists of two parts: the one is, that we con-
fess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution or forgive-
ness through the pastor as of God himself, in no wise doubting,
but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God
in heaven.
--------------------------End of Page 26---------------------------
_What sins ought we to confess?_
_Ans_. In the presence of God we should acknowledge ourselves
guilty of all manner of sins, even of those which we do not our-
selves perceive; as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But in the
presence of the pastor we should confess those sins alone of
which we have knowledge, and which we feel in our hearts.
_Which are these?_
_Ans_. Here reflect on your condition, according to the Ten
Commandments, namely: Whether you are a father or mother, a
son or daughter, a master or mistress, a manservant or maid-
servant--whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful
--whether you have injured any one by words or actions--
whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done
other evil.
---------------------
PART V
---------
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
OR, THE LORD'S SUPPER
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of
a family._
_What is the Sacrament of the Altar?_
_Ans_. It is the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ, under the bread and wine, given unto us Christians
to eat and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself.
_Where is it so written?_
_Ans_. The Holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke,
together with St. Paul, write thus:
"Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He
was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks,
He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and said, Take,
eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: this do, in
remembrance of Me.
After the same manner also He took the cup, when
He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
Drink ye all of it: this cup is the new testament in my
Blood, which is shed for you, for the remission of sins:
this do as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
---------------------End of Page 27----------------------
_What benefits are derived from such eating and drinking?_
_Ans_. They are pointed out in these words: "given and
shed for you, for the remission of sins." Namely, through
these words, the remission of sins, life and salvation are
granted unto us in the Sacrament. For where there is
remission of sins, there are also life and salvation.
_How can the bodily eating and drinking produce such
great effects?_
_Ans_. The eating and drinking, indeed, do not pro-
duce them, but the words which stand here, namely:
"given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins." These
words are, besides the bodily eating and drinking, the
chief things in the Sacrament: and he who believes these
words, has that which they declare and set forth, namely,
the remission of sins.
_Who is it, then that receives this Sacrament worthily?_
_Ans_. Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good
external discipline; but he is truly worthy and well pre-
pared who believes these words, "given and shed for you,
for the remission of sins." But he who does not believe
these words, or who doubts, is unworthy and unfit; for the
words: "FOR YOU," require truly believing hearts."
------------------
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of
a family._
MORNING
_In the Morning, when thou risest, thou shalt say:_
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
_Then kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the_ Apostles' Creed
_and the_ Lord's Prayer:
_Then mayest thou say this Prayer:_
I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus
Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast protected me through the
night from all danger and harm; and I beseech Thee to preserve
----------End of Page 28---------------------------------------
and keep me this day also, from all sin and evil; that in all my
thoughts, words, and deeds, I may serve and please Thee. Into
Thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine.
Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked
one may have no power over me. Amen.
_And then shoudst thou go with joy to thy work, after a Hymn,
or the_ Ten Commandments, _or whatever thy devotion may
suggest._
EVENING
_In the Evening, when thou goest to bed, thou shall say:_
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
_Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the_ Apostles' Creed
_and the_ Lord's Prayer.
_Then mayest thou say this Prayer:_
I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus
Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast this day so graciously
protected me, and I beseech Thee to forgive me all my sins,
and the wrong which I have done, and by Thy great mercy
defend me from all the perils and dangers of this night. Into
thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine.
Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked
one may have no power over me. Amen.
_And then lie down in peace, and sleep_
-----------------------------
BLESSING AND THANKSGIVING AT TABLE
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of
a family._
BEFORE MEAT
_Before meat, the members of the family surrounding the table
reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_
The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest
them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and
satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
_Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_
Prayer:
O Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless unto us these Thy gifts,
which of Thy tender kindness Thou hast bestowed upon us,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-------------End of Page 29-------------------------------------
AFTER MEAT
_After meat, reverently and with folded hands, there shall be
said:_
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy
endureth for ever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the
beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. The Lord
taketh pleasure in them that fear Him; in those that hope in
His mercy.
_Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_
Prayer:
We give thanks to Thee, O God, Our Father, for all Thy
benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee liveth
and reigneth, for ever and ever. Amen.
--------------------------
TABLE OF DUTIES
_Or, certain passages of the Scriptures, selected for various orders
and conditions of men, wherein their respective duties are
set forth._
BISHOPS, PASTORS, AND PREACHERS
A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not
given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient,
not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house,
having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice,
but holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that
he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince
the gainsayers.--I Tim. 3:2-6; Tit. 1:9.
WHAT DUTIES HEARERS OWE THEIR BISHOPS
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the
Gospel should live of the Gospel.--I Cor. 9:14. Let him that is
taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all
good things.--Gal. 6:6: Let the elders that rule well be counted
worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and
doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox
that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his
reward.--I Tim. 5:17,18. Obey them that have the rule over
you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as
they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and
not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.--Heb. 13:17.
MAGISTRATES
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God;
----------------End of Page 30-----------------------------------
for rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt
thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and
thou shalt have praise of the same; for he is the minister of God
to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid;
for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of
God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.--
Rom. 13:1-4.
WHAT DUTIES SUBJECTS OWE MAGISTRATES
Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.--
Matt. 22:21. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers,
etc. Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for wrath,
but also for conscience' sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also;
for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this
very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom
tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear;
honor to whom honor.--Rom. 13:1,5. I exhort, therefore, that,
first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in
authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty.--I Tim. 2. Put them in mind to be sub-
ject to principalities and powers, etc.--Tit. 3:1. Submit your-
selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether
it be to the king as supreme; or unto governors as unto them
that are sent, etc.--I Pet. 2:13.
HUSBANDS
Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge,
giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as
being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be
not hindered.--I Pet. 3:7. And be not bitter against them.--
Col. 3:19.
WIVES
Wives submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the
Lord--even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose
daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with
any amazement.--Eph. 5:22; 1 Pet. 3:6.
PARENTS
Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.--Eph. 6:4.
CHILDREN
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first command-
ment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou
mayest live long on the earth.--Eph. 6:1-3.
-----------------End of Page 31---------------------------------
MALE AND FEMALE SERVANTS AND LABORERS
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters accord-
ing to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your
heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but
as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart;
knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same
shall he receive of the Lord, whether he is bond or free.--Eph.
6:5-8.
MASTERS AND MISTRESSES
Ye masters, do the same thing unto them, forbearing threat-
ening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is
there respect of persons with Him.--Eph. 6:9.
YOUNG PERSONS IN GENERAL
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea,
all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with
humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the
humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand
of God, that He may exalt you in due time.--I Pet. 5:5,6.
WIDOWS
She that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and
continueth in supplications and prayers night and day; but she
that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.--I Tim. 5:5,6.
CHRISTIANS IN GENERAL
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Herein are compre-
hended all the commandments.--Rom. 13:9,10. And persevere
in prayer for all men.--I Tim. 2:1,2.
------------------End of Page 32----------------------------------
AN EXPLANATION
OF
LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM
--------------------End of Page 33--------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I
THE BIBLE
THE BIBLE is the inspired and unerring record of
what God has revealed to men concerning Himself
and the Way of Salvation. [1] Hence, if we ask,
"What must I do to be saved?" the answer to our
question must be sought in the Bible. It tells us
what to believe and what to do in order that we may
belong to God's kingdom on earth and in heaven. [2]
It is the only rule and standard of Christian faith
and life.
WHY NEEDED. Even without the Bible, men know
that there is a Higher Being. Their own conscience
tells them that there is a God who will punish them
if they do wrong; [3] and the works of nature pro-
claim that there is an Almighty Being who created
them. [4] But the knowledge of God which men gain
from their own conscience and from nature is insuf-
ficient. Neither nature nor conscience can tell us
anything about the Way of Salvation which God
has prepared for us in Jesus Christ. It is only from
the Bible that we can learn how we shall be saved.
ITS INSPIRATION. The Bible is the Word of God.
It was written by holy men whom God inspired [5] It
contains knowledge which no man could have dis-
covered by his own power. It foretells events which
no uninspired man could have foreseen. It contains
teachings so exalted and holy that they could not
have originated in the heart of man. It possesses a
power such as no merely human book ever did or
could possess. [6]
ITS OBJECT is to make us wise unto salvation. [7] It
is to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our
path [8] to guide us safely through this world to our
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] II Tim. 3:16.!
Gal. 1:8.
[2] Matt. 6:33.!
Acts 16:30.!
John 5:39.!
[3] Rom. 2:14, 15.
[4] Ps. 19:1.!
[5] II Pet. 1:21.!
[6] Heb. 4:12.
[7] II Tim. 3:15.!
Prov. 9:10.!
[8] Ps. 119:105.!
------------End of Page 35--------------------------------
heavenly home. It contains all that we need to know
and all that we ever shall know in this world con-
cerning God and his will. [9] It is the final and abso-
lute authority in all matters of religion. We should
therefore, pay most earnest heed to its teachings,
believe them with all our heart, and apply them in
our lives.
ITS CONTENTS. It consists of sixty-six "books,"
written between the years 1500 B.C. and 100 A.D.
and contains the History and Doctrines of the
Kingdom of God.
OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. The Bible consists
of two parts: The Old Testament and the New Tes-
tament. The Old Testament reaches from Creation
to about 400 B.C., and shows how God prepared
the world for Christ's kingdom. The New Testament
reaches from the birth of Christ to the end of the
world, and shows how Christ came and established
His kingdom.
LAW AND GOSPEL. The Bible contains Law, [10]
telling us what we must do, and Gospel, [11] telling us
how we are to be saved. The Old Testament con-
tains principally Law, and the New Testament con-
tains principally Gospel. But there are Law and
Gospel in both. The Gospel in the Old Testament
is prophetical. The Old Testament prepared the way
for the New; the New Testament is the fulfillment
of the Old. With the New Testament, God's revela-
tion to men was completed; [12] no further revelation
will be given.
THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
_Historical_
Genesis, Judges, I Chronicles,
Exodus, Ruth, II Chronicles
Leviticus, I Samuel, Ezra,
Numbers, II Samuel, Nehemiah,
Deuteronomy, I Kings, Esther
Joshua, II Kings,
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[9] Luke 16:31.
[10] Micah 6:8.!
[11] John 3:16.!
[12] Heb. 1:1,2.!
Heb. 2:1-3.
-------------End of Page 36--------------------------------
_Poetical_
Job, Proverbs, Song of Solomon
Psalms, Ecclesiastes,
_Prophetical_
Isaiah, Joel, Habakkuk,
Jeremiah, Amos, Zephaniah,
Lamentations, Obadiah, Haggai,
Ezekiel, Jonah, Zechariah,
Daniel, Micah, Malachi.
Hosea, Nahum,
The _historical_ books of the Old Testament give an
account of the creation of the world and of man, of
the entrance of sin and death, of God's covenant
with Israel to save them, and of the history of Israel
as God's chosen people. The _poetical_ books give
the teachings of the Old Testament covenant in
prayers, proverbs and hymns. The _prophetical_ books
contain many instructions, admonitions and prophe-
cies (especially concerning Christ who should come
to save men) which God sent to the Israelites
through the prophets. The first four prophets are
called the Major Prophets; and the last twelve, the
Minor Prophets.
THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
_Historical_
Matthew, Luke, Acts
Mark, John,
_Didactical_
Romans, I Thessalonians, James,
I Corinthians, II Thessalonians, I Peter,
II Corinthians, I Timothy, II Peter,
Galatians, II Timothy, I John,
Ephesians, Titus, II John,
Philippians, Philemon, III John,
Colossians, Hebrews, Jude
_Prophetical_
Revelation
--------------End of Page 37----------------------------------
The _historical_ books of the New Testament give
an account of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ and
of some of His apostles. The _didactical_ books (the
epistles or letters) explain the Gospel of Christ more
fully, and show how we are to believe in Him aright
and live aright. The _prophetical_ book tells in figu-
rative language what shall take place in the Church
of Christ up to the time when there shall be new
heavens and a new earth.
CANONICAL BOOKS. The sixty-six books enum-
erated above are inspired, and are called the Canon-
ical Books of the Old and New Testaments. The
so-called Apocryphal Books, printed in some edi-
tions of the Bible, are not a part of the Bible; they
are not inspired.
OUR ENGLISH BIBLE. The Old Testament was
originally written in Hebrew, and the New Testa-
ment in Greek. Our English Bible is a translation
from the Hebrew and the Greek. The English Bible
which is in ordinary use is called the Authorized
Version, or King James' Version. It is a translation
made by a body of learned men and published in
England in 1611, during the reign of James I. The
Revised Version is an improved translation made by
a body of learned men in England and America and
published in 1881-1885. The Bible in whole or in
part has been translated into a thousand or more
languages and dialects.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the Bible? 2. What does it tell us? 3. Why
do we need it? 4. Why do we say that the Bible is the Word of God?
5. What is its object? 6. What does it contain? 7. Of what two parts
does the Bible consist, and how far do they reach? 8. What do we
mean by Law and Gospel, and where are they found? 9. What is the
relation between the Old and New Testaments? 10. Name the books
of the Old Testament. 11. What do the historical, poetical and prophet-
ical books of the Old Testament contain? 12. Name the books of the
New Testament. 13. What do the historical, didactical and prophetical
books of the New Testament contain? 14. How many canonical books
of the Bible are there? 15. In what languages was the Bible originally
---------End of Page 38--------------------------------------------------
written? 16. Tell what you know about the English bible? 17. Into
how many languages has the Bible in whole or in part been translated?
----------------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--II Tim. 3:
16, 17. All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profit-
able for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of
God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.
Matt. 6:33. Seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his right-
eousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.
Acts 16:30, 31. What must I
do to be saved? And they said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house.
John 5:39. Search the Scrip-
tures: for in them ye think ye
have eternal life: and they are
they which testify of me.
Ps. 19:1. The heavens declare
the glory of God, and the firma-
ment showeth his handiwork.
II Pet. 1:21. For the prophecy
came not in old time by the will
of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost.
II Tim. 3:15. From a child
thou hast known the holy scrip-
tures, which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
Prov. 9:10. The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a
lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path.
Micah. 6:8. He hath showed
thee, O man, what is good; and
what doth the Lord require of
thee, but to do justly, to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with
thy God.
John 3:16. God so loved the
world, that he gave his only be-
gotten Son, that whosoever be-
lieveth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
Heb. 1:1,2. God, who at sun-
dry times and in divers manners
spake in time past unto the fathers
by the prophets, hath in these last
days spoken unto us by his Son,
whom he hath appointed heir of
all things, by whom also he made
the worlds.
--------------------------
READING.--The Child Jesus in the Temple, Luke 2:41-52; or Mary
sitting at Jesus' Feet, Luke 10:38-42.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Study of the Scriptures:_ Jesus and the Apostles at
home in them, Matt. 4:4-10, Acts 2:14 _seq._ Timothy, II Tim. 3:15.
The Bereans, Acts 17:10-12. _Variously received:_ The Parable of the
Sower, Luke 8:5-15.
------------------------End of Page 39------------------------------
CHAPTER II
THE CATECHISM
THE OBJECT of catechetical instruction is to fit us
for communicant membership in the Church. Those
who were baptized in infancy are members of the
Church; but they are not admitted to the Lord's
Supper, and hence do not become communicant
members, until they have been instructed and con-
firmed.
LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM is our text-book for
catechetical instruction. It is not only the best book
for this purpose, but is one of the Confessions of
our Church, and should become our personal con-
fession of faith. It is called Luther's _Small_ Cate-
chism, because Luther wrote a larger one also.
THE AUTHOR of our catechism was Dr. Martin
Luther (b. 1483, d. 1546), the great Reformer,
through whom God effected the Reformation of the
Church in the sixteenth century. He began the
Reformation with his Ninety-five Theses against the
sale of indulgences, contended against the many
errors and abuses that had crept into the Church,
and preached and taught the pure truth of the
Gospel until his death. (Ninety-five Theses, 1517;
Translation of the Bible into German, 1522-34;
Larger and Smaller Catechisms, 1529; Augsburg
Confession adopted 1530.)
THE CATECHISM CONTAINS the principal teach-
ings of the Bible,--those things which we need to
know in order to be saved and to lead a right Chris-
tian life. [1] It is not meant to displace the Bible, but
to fit us to read and study the Bible with greater
profit. [2]
THE FIVE PRINCIPAL PARTS of the catechism are
1. The Ten Commandments. 2. The Creed. 3. The
Lord's Prayer. 4. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
--------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Acts 16:30.
Matt. 6:33.
[2] John 5:39.
--------------End of Page 40------------------------
5. The Sacrament of the Altar.* To these are added
Questions on Confession, Morning and Evening
Prayers, Thanksgiving before and after Meat, and
A Table of Duties.
*Luther says that three things are necessary for every one who
would be saved. Like a sick person, 1. He must know what his
sickness is. 2. He must know where the medicine is which will
cure him. 3. He must desire and seek the medicine, and have it
brought to him. Our sickness (sin) is revealed to us by the Ten
Commandments. The medicine (God's grace) is made known to us
in the Creed. We seek and ask for it in the Lord's Prayer. It is
brought to us in the Sacraments.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the object of catechetical instruction? 2.
What is to be said about the relation of baptized children to the
Church? 3. What is Luther's Small Catechism, and what should it
become for us? 4. Who was the author of our Catechism? 5. What
does our Catechism contain? 6. Name the five principal parts of the
catechism, and the additions to them.
SCRIPTURE READING.--Paul confesses his Faith, Acts 26.
-----------------------
PART I
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
CHAPTER III
THE LAW
The Ten Commandments are called the _Moral
Law_, or more briefly the Law, and sometimes the
Decalogue or the Ten Words. They make known to
us God's will, which is the law for all His creatures.
Each commandment has a _negative_ side, and _forbids_
something; each has also a _positive_ side, and _com-
mands_ or enjoins something.
THE GIVING OF THE LAW. The Law of God was
originally written in man's heart at creation. [1] We
call that law in the heart, Conscience. After the fall
into sin, the conscience became darkened, and men
did not always know right from wrong, and fell
into gross idolatry. [2] God, therefore, through Moses
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Rom. 2:14, 15.
[2] Rom. 1: 21-23.
-----------------End of Page 41---------------------------
at Mount Sinai, gave men His law anew, [3] written
on two Tables of stone. [4] He also gave the Israelites
national and ceremonial laws. These, being meant
for a particular people and a certain era of the
world, are no longer binding upon us. But the
Moral Law has been expressly confirmed by our
Lord Jesus Christ as valid for all time and binding
upon all men. [5]
THE SUBSTANCE OF THE LAW is, "Thou shalt love
the Lord Thy God with all thy heart and with all
thy soul and with all thy mind" and "Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself."
THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW is, 1. To put a check
upon wicked men, [6] 2. To convince us of our sinful-
ness [7] and our need of the Saviour, [8] and 3. To be
our rule and guide for Christian conduct. [9] It is
especially with respect to the second purpose here
mentioned, that the Ten Commandments were as-
signed by Luther to the first and not to a later place
in his catechism.
THE TWO TABLES. The Ten Commandments may
be divided into two parts, called the Two Tables of
the Law. [10] The First Table includes the first three
commandments, and teaches us our Duty to God.
The Second Table includes the last seven command-
ments, and teaches us our Duty to our Fellow-men.*
*The Ten Commandments are not numbered in the Bible. A
two-fold numbering is found among Christians. The first is that
which is given in our Catechism, and which is accepted by the
majority of Christians. The other numbering makes two com-
mandments of our first (the second being the command not to make
any images), and joins our ninth and tenth into one. This makes
a difference in the numbering of all the commandments except the
first.
QUESTIONS.--1. What other names are given to the Ten Command-
ments? 2. What do they make known to us? 3. What two sides are
there to each commandment? 4. Where was the law of God originally
written? 5. Why and when was the Law given anew? 6. Why is the
Moral Law binding upon us, while the national and ceremonial laws
of Israel are not? 7. What is the substance of the Law? 8. What is
the threefold purpose of the Law? 9. Into how many Tables is the
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Exod. 20:1.
Deut. 5:6.
[4] Exod. 31:18.
[5] Matt. 22:37-40.!
[6] I Tim. 1:9.
[7] Rom. 3:20.!
[8] Gal. 3:24.!
[9] John 14:15.!
Matt. 7:12.!
[10] Exod. 31:18.
-----------------End of Page 42------------------------------------
Law divided, and what does each Table teach? 10. How many com-
mandments does each Table include?
----------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 22:
37-40. Jesus said unto him, Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind. This
is the first and great command-
ment. And the second is like unto
it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. On these two com-
mandments hang all the law and
the prophets.
Rom. 3:20. Therefore by the
deeds of the law there shall no
flesh be justified in his sight: for
by the law is the knowledge of
sin.
Gal. 3:24. Wherefore the law
was our schoolmaster to bring us
unto Christ, that we might be
justified by faith.
John 14:15. If ye love me, keep
my commandments.
Matt. 7:12. Therefore all things
whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so
to them: for this is the law and
the prophets.
READING.--The Giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai, Exod. 19 and 20.
---------------------
CHAPTER IV
THE LAWGIVER
I am the Lord thy God.
--------------------
THESE INTRODUCTORY WORDS show who is the
Lawgiver. [1] As earthly kings place their names at
the beginning of their decrees to give them author-
ity, so God places His name at the beginning of the
commandments in order to make known who gives
them, and whose displeasure we shall incur if we
disobey them. These introductory words belong not
only to the first but to all the commandments.
I AM. By these words God reminds us that He
is a Person. He speaks to us. He is not an imper-
sonal God who pervades and is a part of nature. He
is above nature and has created it. [2]
THE LORD. The word here translated "Lord"
means in the original Hebrew "I AM THAT I AM." [3]
God thereby declares that He is the One and Only
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Jas. 4:12.
[2] Gen. 1:1.
[3] Exod. 3:14.!
-----------------End of Page 43---------------------------
Self-existent, [4] Eternal, [5] and Unchangeable Being. [6]
He is the true and living God in contradistinction
from all so-called gods. [7] The name Jehovah or
"Lord" is used in the Old Testament Scriptures to
designate God as the covenant God of Israel. It
signified that He stood in a specially near relation
to them as His chosen people. The name has the
same comforting meaning for Christians; for they
are the New Testament people of God. [8]
THY GOD. These words express God's good-will
toward us. He is _our God_ who loves us and cares
for us. [10] He said to Israel, "I am the Lord thy God,
which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of
the house of bondage." He has delivered _us_ from
the still greater bondage of sin, death, and the devil
through His Son Jesus Christ, [11] and has a right to
expect our gratitude and love.
THE LORD THY GOD. He who gives us these com-
mandments is a Spirit [12] of infinite majesty and
goodness. He is:
1. _Eternal_; He always was and always will be. [13]
2. _Unchangeable_; He always was and always will
be the same. [14]
3. _Omnipresent_; He is present everywhere at the
same time and all the time. [15]
4. _Omniscient_; He knows all the past, present,
and future, and is acquainted with every thought,
desire, and purpose of our hearts. [16]
5. _Omnipotent_, or Almighty; He is able to do all
things which He wills to do. [17]
6. _Holy_; He is perfectly pure, and separate from
all that is evil. [18]
7. _Just_; He will bless those who keep His law,
and punish those who break it. [19]
8. _All-wise_; He always knows what is the best
thing to do, and the best way to do it. [20]
9. _Good_; He is Love itself. [21] He is kind even to
the unthankful, [22] merciful to the penitent soul for
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[4] Isa. 44:6.!
[5] Ps. 90:1,2.!
[6] Mal. 3:6.!
[7] Jer. 10:10.
[8] Tit. 2:14.!
I Pet. 2:9.
[9] Jer. 31:3.!
[10] I Pet. 5:7.
[11] Col. 1:13.!
[12] John 4:24.!
[13] Ps. 90:2.
[14] Mal. 3:6.
[15] Ps. 139:7-11.
[16] Ps. 139:2.
[17] Luke 1:37.
[18] Isa. 6:3.
[19] Rom. 2:6.
[20] Col. 2:3.
[21] I John 4:8.
[22] Matt. 5:45.
------------------End of Page 44--------------------------
Jesus' sake [23] and longsuffering toward the impeni-
tent in order to lead them to repentance by His
goodness. [24]
10. _Faithful and True_; He can be absolutely
relied upon to do all that He has promised or
threatened. [25]
Because of the Majesty and goodness of the Lord
our God, we should FEAR and LOVE HIM, and KEEP
His commandments.
QUESTIONS.--1. What do the introductory words show? 2. Of what
do the words "I am" remind us? 3. What is the meaning of the
Hebrew word translated "Lord"? 4. What do the words "thy God"
express? 5. From what bondage has God delivered us? 6. Name and
define God's attributes. 7. Why should we fear and love God?
-------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Exod. 3:
14. And God said unto Moses, I
AM THAT I AM.
Isa. 44:6. Thus saith the LORD
the King of Israel, and his Re-
deemer the LORD of hosts; I am
the first, and I am the last; and
beside me there is no God.
Ps. 90:1,2. LORD, thou hast
been our dwellingplace in all gen-
erations. Before the mountains
were brought forth, or ever thou
hadst formed the earth and the
world, even from everlasting to
everlasting, thou art God.
Mal. 3:6. For I am the LORD,
I change not.
Tit. 2:14. Who gave himself
for us, that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous
of good works.
Jer. 31:3. I have loved thee
with an everlasting love: there-
fore with lovingkindness have I
drawn thee.
Col. 1:13,14. Who hath deli-
vered us from the power of dark-
ness, and hath translated us into
the kingdom of his dear Son:
in whom we have redemption
through his blood, even the for-
giveness of sins.
John 4:24. God is a Spirit:
and they that worship him must
worship him in spirit and in truth.
-----------------------
READINGS--Ps. 14; Ps. 121.
------------------------End of Page 45-------------------------------
THE FIRST TABLE OF THE LAW
OUR DUTY TO GOD
"_Thou shalt love the Lord Thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy soul_." [1]
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side note
[1] Matt. 22:37.
CHAPTER V
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
GOD
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
--------------
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT. This is the great
commandment of the Law, because it includes all
the rest. [1] Obedience to all the commandments must
proceed from the love of God which the first com-
mandment requires. [2] Hence the explanation of the
other nine begins with the words, "We should so
fear and love God."
This Commandment forbids us to worship false
gods, and commands us to worship the true God by
fearing, loving and trusting in Him above all things.
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
1. ALL IDOLATRY. "Thou shalt have no other
gods." Idolatry is committed by all who put any-
thing in God's place, the highest place in the heart.
"Whatever we set our heart upon is our god."
_Open Idolatry_[3] is committed by those who wor-
ship imaginary beings, the sun, moon, or stars, ani-
mals, dead ancestors, idols made with hands,
images,* pictures, the Virgin Mary, saints, angels,
the devil, or any other creature.
*When God gave the commandments to Israel, He forbade them
to make any graven images or likenesses. God being a Spirit, the
making of an image of God would at that period necessarily have
resulted in idolatry. But since Christ has come in the flesh and
was visible among men, we are permitted to make pictures and
images of Him. Luther preached very forcibly against those per-
sons who, during his absence from Wittenberg, destroyed the pic-
tures and images in the churches. He said that we make a pic-
ture of Christ in our heart whenever we think of Him, and put
pictures of Him in the Bible and other books; and that therefore
it is not wrong to place pictures or images of Him in our churches
so long as we do not worship them.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Side notes
[1] Matt. 22:37,28.
[2] Rom. 13:9, 10.
[3] Exod. 32:1-8.
Ps. 135:15-17.
Isa. 42:8.
Rom. 1:21-23.
-----------------End of Page 46-------------------------------
_Secret Idolatry_ is committed by all who put (a)
Self, [4] (b) Fellow-men [5] or (c) Objects of this
world [6] (money, fame, business, pleasure, etc.) above
God, by fearing, loving, or trusting in them more
than in God.
2. GODLESSNESS. [7] Neglect to worship the true
God, unbelief, scepticism, superstition, infidelity, and
atheism are a transgression of this commandment.
3. DOUBLE SERVICE. [8] God forbids us to have
other gods before or besides Him. He demands our
whole heart.
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
We should give God the highest place in our
hearts, and "fear, love and trust in Him above all
things." [9]
1. We should Fear God above All Things.
We should be more afraid of His anger than of
anything else in the whole world. [10] Rather than
disobey Him, we should be willing to suffer ridicule,
persecution, loss of money, property, position, or
friends, and even death itself. [11]
_Why_. We should fear God above all things, 1.
Because He is omniscient, and we cannot hide any-
thing from Him, not even our thoughts. [12] 2. Be-
cause He is holy, and hates everything that is evil. [13]
3. Because He is just, and will punish every sin. [14]
_How_. As Christians, our fear of God should be a
child-like and not a slavish fear. Child-like fear is
fear mingled with love. We should refrain from
evil not simply from fear of punishment, but from
fear of offending the God whom we love. [15] "Slavish
fear is afraid God will come; child-like fear is
afraid He will go away."
2. We should Love God above All Things,
"with all our heart, and with all our mind and with
all our soul." [16] Our first aim and our highest
delight should always be to do God's will. [17] We
should be far more anxious to please Him than to
please ourselves or any of our fellow-men. We
should love Him far more than we love any one
----------------------------------------------------
Side notes
[4] Prov. 3:5,6.!
Jer. 9:23,24.
[5] Acts 5:29.!
Matt. 10:28.!
Matt. 10:37.!
Ps. 146:3-5.
[6] I John 2:15-17.!
[7] I Sam. 2:30.
Ps. 10:4.
[8] Matt. 6:24.!
[9] Matt. 4:10.!
[10] Gen. 29:9.!
Ps. 33:8,9.
[11] Matt. 10:28.!
Acts 5:29.
[12] Ps. 139:1,2.!
[13] Lev. 19:2.
[14] Ps. 5:4.
[15] Rom. 8:15.!
[16] Matt. 22:37.
[17] I John 5:3.!
------------------End of Page 47-----------------------
else [18] (parents, brothers, sisters, friends, etc.), or
any earthly objects [19] (money, pleasure, business
and the like).
_Why_. We should love God above all things, 1.
Because He is most worthy of our love. [20] 2. Be-
cause He first loved us, [21] and gave His Son to die
for us. 3. Because our highest happiness is found
in loving Him.
_How we should show our Love_. We should show
that we love God above all things 1. By leading a
godly life. [22] 2. By loving the things of God, espe-
cially the Church and the Gospel. [23] 3. By loving
our fellow-men for His sake. [24]
3. We should Trust in God above All
Things. We should rely with all our heart upon
His love and care, [25] placing our chief dependence
on Him, and not on our own wisdom, skill, or
strength, or upon men, money, etc.
_Why_. We should trust in God with all our heart
because 1. He loves us. [26] 2. He knows all our
wants. [27] 3. He knows what is best for us. 4. He is
able to do all things. 5. He has promised to care
for us. [28]
_How we should show our Trust_. If we trust in
God above all things we will show that trust, 1. By
freedom from unbelieving care and worry. [29] 2. By
reliance upon God's help and protection at all
times. [30] 3. By committing the entire ordering of
our lives to Him. [31]
We have all broken this first commandment: for
we have not always and everywhere feared, loved
and trusted in God above all things.
QUESTIONS.--1. Why is this the Great Commandment? 2. Why does
the explanation of all the other commandments begin with the words,
"We should so fear and love God"? 3. What does this first com-
mandment forbid? 4. What does it command? 5. What two kinds of
idolatry are there? 6. Mention some forms of open idolatry. 7. Men-
tion some forms of secret idolatry. 8. What does it mean to fear God
above all things? 9. Why should we fear Him? 10. How should we
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[18] Matt. 10:37.!
[19] I John 2:15.!
[20] Ps. 73:25,26.!
[21] I John 4:19.!
I John 4:9.!
[22] II John 6
[23] John 8:47.
[24] I John 4:20.!
[25] Prov. 3:5.!
[26] Rom. 8:32.
[27] Matt. 6:32.
[28] Heb. 13:5.
Isa. 54:10.
Isa. 41:10.
[29] Matt. 6:25.
I Pet. 5:7.!
[30] Ps. 33.18,19.
[31] Ps. 37:5.!
---------------------End of Page 48----------------------------
fear Him? 11. What does it mean to love God above all things? 12.
Why should we love God above all things. 13. How should we show
our love to God? 14. What does it mean to trust in God above all
things? 15. Why should we trust in God above all things? 16. How
should we show our trust in God? 17. Have we kept this command-
ment?
---------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Prov. 3:
5.6. Trust in the LORD with all
thine heart, and lean not unto
thine own understanding.
Acts 5:29. Then Peter and the
other apostles answered and said,
We ought to obey God rather
than men.
Matt. 10:28. And fear not them
which kill the body, but are not
able to kill the soul: but rather
fear him which is able to destroy
both soul and body in hell.
Matt. 10:37. He that loveth
father or mother more than me is
not worthy of me: and he that
loveth son or daughter more than
me is not worthy of me.
I John 2:15. Love not the
world, neither the things that are
in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is
not in him.
Matt. 6:24. No man can serve
two masters: for either he will
hate the one, and love the other;
or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon.
Matt. 4:10. Thou shalt wor-
ship the Lord thy God, and him
only shalt thou serve.
Gen. 39:9. How then can I do
this great wickedness, and sin
against God?
Ps. 139:1,2. O Lord, thou
hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting
and my uprising, thou under-
standest my thoughts afar off.
Rom. 8:15. For ye have not
received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have re-
ceived the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
I John 5:3. For this is the love
of God, that we keep his com-
mandments: and his command-
ments are not grievous.
Ps. 73:25,26. Whom have I
in heaven but thee? and there is
none upon earth that I desire be-
side thee. My flesh and my heart
faileth; but God is the strength
of my heart and my portion for-
ever.
I John 4:19. We love him, be-
cause he first loved us.
I John 4:9. In this was mani-
fested the love of God towards
us, because that God sent his only
begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through him.
I John 4:20. If a man say, I
love God, and hateth his brother,
he is a liar: for he that loveth
not his brother whom he hath
seen, how can he love God whom
he hath not seen?
I Pet. 5:7. Casting all your
care upon him; for he careth for
you.
Ps. 37:5. Commit thy way
unto the Lord, trust also in him;
and he shall bring it to pass.
----------------------
READING.--The Golden Calf, Exod. 32, or, The Golden Image
Dan. 3.
------------End of Page 49---------------------------------------
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Secret Idolatry_: Goliath, I Sam. 17:41 _seq._;
Nebuchadnezzar, Dan. 4:25 _seq._; Herod, Acts 12:21-23; The Rich
Young Ruler, Matt, 19:16-22; The Rich Fool, Luke 12:15-21; _Slavish
Fear_; Adam, Gen. 3:10-11. _Child-like Fear_: Joseph, Gen. 39:9. _Love
to God_; Abraham, Gen. 22:1-14; Peter and John, Acts 4:19, 20;
Jesus, John 4:34. _Trust in God_: David Fighting Goliath, I Sam. 17.
Daniel in the Lions' Den, Dan. 6.
--------------------------
CHAPTER VI
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
GOD'S NAME
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh
His name in vain.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to curse, swear,
conjure, lie or deceive by His name, but call upon Him
in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer,
praise and thanksgiving.
---------------------
THE NAME OF GOD. [1] A name is that by which
we know a person. God's name means all by which
He is known to us; hence not only the words God,
Lord, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, the Almighty, the Eter-
nal, the Omniscient One, etc., but the Word of God
and the Sacraments, and all holy things.
This Commandment _forbids_ the wrong use, and
_commands_ the right use of God's holy name.
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
TAKING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN:
1. _Thoughtlessly._ God's name is taken in vain
thoughtlessly by using it as an exclamation in our
conversation, by reading or hearing God's Word
without devotion, jesting about sacred things, quot-
ing Scripture in fun, and the like. Thoughtlessness
is no excuse. We must give an account to God for
every idle word; [2] how much more for every vain
use of His name.
---------------------------------------------------
Side notes
[1] Ps. 111:9.
Mal. 2:2.
Rev. 15:4.
[2] Matt. 12:36.!
---------------------End of Page 50--------------------
2. _Intentionally_. This is done by those who
Curse; [3] that is, by those who call on God to do
evil to themselves or to others. Disguised forms of
cursing are sinful also.
Swear. We are forbidden to confirm what we
say by the use of God's name, either
_Needlessly_ [4] in our ordinary conversation, or
_Falsely_ [5] before a magistrate.
There is a Legal Oath: [6] 1. Of Witness. 2. Of
innocence. 3. Of Allegiance. 4. Of Office. The
oath taken by our Lord before the high-priest shows
that the oath before a magistrate is not forbidden. [7]
When taking a legal oath, we must be careful to tell
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
False swearing or perjury is a great sin. It is pun-
ished by the State, and will be punished by God. [8]
Swearing by anything beside God's name is for-
bidden also. [9]
Conjure. [10] This commandment forbids all magic
arts, witchcraft, sorcery, fortune-telling, and all at-
tempts by signs or formulas to discover what God
has kept hidden or to attain what He has withheld.
If results are obtained by such means, that is no
justification for their use. [11] If we desire to obtain
help through the use of God's name, we must _pray_
and not conjure.
Lie. The eighth commandment forbids lying in
general; this commandment forbids lying by God's
name. It is broken by those who teach falsehood
and error and yet declare that they are teaching
God's Word. [12]
Deceive by His Name. This is done by those
who assume Christ's name by calling themselves
Christians, and yet are hypocrites, and use religion
as a cloak. [13]
Sins against this Second Commandment are com-
mon, but not small sins. God will not hold him
guiltless who commits them.
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Jas. 3:9,10.
Matt. 5:44.
Rom. 12:14.!
[4] Matt. 5:34-37.!
[5] Lev. 19:12.!
[6] Deut. 6:13.
Heb. 6:16.
[7] Matt. 26:63, 64.
[8] Ezek. 17:19.
[9] Matt. 5:34-37.d!
[10] Deut. 18:10-12.!
[11] Matt. 16:26.
[12] Gal. 1:8.
[13] II Tim. 3:5.!
Matt. 15:8.!
----------------------End of Page 51-------------------------
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
We should
Call upon Him. God has given us His name so
that we might call upon Him for His help and
grace. [14]
In Every Time of Need. We should call upon
God in every time of trouble, danger or distress. [15]
But if we call upon God only in times of special
need, and do not call upon His name at other times
also, we are not keeping this commandment.
And Worship Him [16] in our hearts, in our
homes and in church,
With Prayer [17] for ourselves and for others, [18]
Praise [19] for His majesty and glory and wonder-
ful works,
And Thanksgiving for temporal and spiritual
blessings. [20]
QUESTIONS.--1. What is meant by God's name? 2. What does this
second commandment forbid and command? 3. How is God's name
taken in vain thoughtlessly? 4. How is God's name taken in vain
intentionally? 5. Define cursing. 6. Define swearing. 7. What kind
of swearing is forbidden? 8. What kind of swearing is permitted? 9.
When taking a legal oath, what must we be careful to do? 10. Define
conjuring, lying and deceiving by God's name. 11. What is the right
use of God's name? 12. Why should we call upon God? 13. When
should we call upon Him? 14. Where shall we worship Him? 15.
How shall we worship Him?
---------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 12:
36. But I say unto you, That
every idle word that men shall
speak, they shall give account
thereof in the day of judgment.
Rom. 12:14. Bless them which
persecute you: bless, and curse
not.
Matt. 5:34-37. But I say unto
you, Swear not at all; neither by
heaven; for it is God's throne:
nor by the earth; for it is his
footstool: neither by Jerusalem;
for it is the city of the great
King. Neither shalt thou swear
by thy head, because thou canst
not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be
Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatso-
ever is more than these commeth
of evil.
Lev. 19:12. Ye shall not swear
by my name falsely, neither shalt
thou profane the name of thy
God: I am the Lord.
Deut. 18:10-12. There shall not
be found among you any one
that maketh his son or his daugh-
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[14] Ps. 145:18.!
[15] Ps. 50:15.!
[16] Col. 3:16.
[17] Matt. 7:7.!
[18] I Tim. 2:1,2.
[19] Ps. 145:1.
[20] Ps. 106:1.!
----------------End of Page 52------------------------------------
ter to pass through the fire, or
that useth divination, or an ob-
server of times, or an enchanter,
or a witch, or a charmer, or a
consulter with familiar spirits, or
a wizard, or a necromancer. For
all that do these things are an
abomination unto the LORD: and
because of these abominations the
LORD thy God doth drive them from
before thee.
II Tim. 3:5. Having a form
of godliness, but denying the
power thereof: from such turn
away.
Matt. 15:8. This people draw-
eth nigh unto me with their mouth,
and honoureth me with their lips;
but their heart is far from me.
Ps. 145:18. The LORD is nigh
unto all them that call upon him,
to all that call upon him in truth.
Ps. 50:15. Call upon me in the
day of trouble: I will deliver thee,
and thou shalt glorify me.
Matt. 7:7. Ask, and it shall be
given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you.
Ps. 106:1. Praise ye the LORD.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for
he is good: for his mercy endur-
eth for ever.
----------------------
READING.--Balaam, Numb. 22; Herod's Oath, Matt. 14:1-12; Saul
and the Witch at Endor, I Sam. 28.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Cursing_; Job. 3:1-7. Shimei, II Sam. 16:5-14.
_Swearing_: Herod; Peter, Matt. 26:69-75. _Conjuring_: Saul at Endor;
Bar-jesus, Acts 13:1-12. _Lying and Deceiving_: The Pharisees, Matt.
23:13-36. _Calling on God's Name_: Jesus, Matt. 26:39-44; John 17;
Jacob, Gen. 32:9-12; The First Christians, Acts 2:42.
------------------------------
CHAPTER VII
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
GOD'S DAY
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to despise His
Word and the preaching of the Gospel, but deem it holy
and willingly hear and learn it.
------------------------
THE LORD'S DAY. Under the Old Testament the
Israelites, by God's command, observed the seventh
day of the week, Saturday, as the Sabbath or day of
rest, because God rested from the work of Creation
on the seventh day. [1] For the Christians all days are
holy. [2] But from the earliest times the Christian
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Gen. 2:2,3.
[2] Rom. 14:5,6.
Col. 2:16.
Acts 2:46.
----------------End of Page 53------------------------------
Church set apart Sunday as a special day of wor-
ship, [3] because it is the day on which Christ rose
from the dead. The Sabbath of the Old Testament
commemorated the completion of _Creation_; the
Lord's Day of the New Testament commemorates
the completion of _Redemption_.
A HOLY DAY. The Lord's Day is to be kept _holy_
by devoting it to holy things. It is to be a day of
rest in order that it may be a day of worship. Any
unnecessary work or any recreation which hinders
us from hearing and profiting by God's Word is
sinful.
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
We are not
To despise God's Word and the Preaching
of the Gospel, [4] by
1. Making light of God's Word, or regarding and
treating it as the word of man.
2. Neglecting to go to church, and pleading poor
excuses for absence. [5]
3. Inattention and lack of devotion in church. [6]
4. Filling the mind with worldly things on Sunday
(business, pleasure, Sunday-newspapers, etc.), so
that God's Word cannot be rightly received into the
heart. [7]
5. Making Sunday a holiday, lounging-day, or
pleasure-day.
6. Making it a working-day, and thus preventing
attendance at church.
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
We are
To deem God's Word holy, and willingly
hear and learn it, by
1. Regarding it as God's voice speaking to us. [8]
2. Going to church gladly and regularly. [9]
3. Listening attentively and devoutly to God's
Word, and joining heartily in the service. [10]
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Acts 20:7.
I Cor. 16:3.
[4] Luke 10:16.!
[5] Heb. 10:25.!
[6] Eccl. 5:1.!
[7] Luke 8:5,12.
[8] I Thess. 2:13.!
[9] Ps. 122:1,2.!
[10] Luke 11:28.!
Col. 3:16.
Jas. 1:21,22.!
Rom. 10:17.
-------------------End of Page 54-------------------------
4. Attending Sunday-school and learning our les-
sons.
5. Teaching in Sunday-school when we have be-
come old enough and our services are needed.
6. Reading the Bible and good books.
7. Doing whatever promotes the worship and
honoring of God by ourselves or by others. [11]
A DAY OF REST. Sunday is meant for the good
of the soul. But a rest on one day out of seven is
necessary also for the welfare of the body. Sunday
is a blessed privilege for body, mind, and soul.
Sometimes, however, both the rest for body and
mind and attendance at church must be sacrificed
in order to perform works of mercy as a duty to
our fellow-men.
THE CHURCH-YEAR. The Church has also ar-
ranged a Church-year for the commemoration of the
principal events in the Savior's life. The order of
the Church-year is as follows: Four Sundays in
Advent, Christmas, New Year, Epiphany (January
6), from two to six Sundays after Epiphany (ac-
cording as Easter comes early or late); three Sun-
days called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, Quinquages-
ima; Ash Wednesday (the first day in Lent), six
Sundays in Lent (the sixth being Palm Sunday),
Holy Week (including Good Friday), Easter, five
Sundays after Easter, Ascension Day, Sunday after
Ascension, Pentecost or Whitsunday, Trinity Sun-
day; and from twenty-three to twenty-seven Sun-
days after Trinity. The Lutheran Church observes
also the Festival of the Reformation on the 31st day
of October. Each Sunday and Festival Day has its
own Gospel and Epistle lesson, as well as its own
Introit and Collect.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the difference between Sabbath and Sun-
day? 2. Why is Sunday to be a day of rest? 3. What does this com-
mandment forbid? 4. In what way is this commandment broken? 5.
What does this commandment command? 6. How is this commandment
to be kept? 7. Why is Sunday a blessed privilege? 8. When must our
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[11] Jas. 1:27.!
-----------------End of Page 55---------------------------
Sunday's rest and our attendance at church be sacrificed? 9. What is
the object of the Church-year? 10. Give the order of the Church-year.
-----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Luke 10:
16. He that heareth you heareth
me; and he that despiseth you de-
spiseth me; and he that despiseth
me despiseth him that sent me.
Heb. 10:25. Not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another: and so
much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
Eccl. 5:1. Keep thy foot when
thou goest to the house of God,
and be more ready to hear, than
to give the sacrifice of fools: for
they consider not that they do
evil.
I Thess. 2:13. When ye re-
ceived the word of God which ye
heard of us, ye received it not as
the word of men, but as it is in
truth, the word of God, which
effectually worketh also in you
that believe.
Ps. 122:1,2. I was glad when
they said unto me, Let us go into
the house of the LORD.
Luke 11:28. But he said, Yea,
rather, blessed are they that hear
the word of God, and keep it.
Jas. 1:21,22. Receive with
meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and
not hearers only, deceiving your
own selves.
Jas. 1:27. Pure religion and
undefiled before God and the Fa-
ther is this, To visit the fatherless
and widows in their affliction and
to keep himself unspotted from
the world.
-----------------------
READING.--Jesus in Nazareth on the Sabbath, Luke 4:16-30.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--The Child Jesus in the Temple, Luke 2:42-52.
Simeon and Anna, Luke 2:27 _seq_. Mary, Luke 10:39. The Ethiopian
Eunuch, Acts 8:27 _seq_. Lydia, Acts 16:14.
----------------------
THE SECOND TABLE OF THE LAW
OUR DUTY TO OUR FELLOW-MEN
_"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."_ [1]
OUR NEIGHBOR means every one. We are to
love all men as we love ourselves; [2] not only our
relatives, friends, and acquaintances, but strangers,
enemies, and people of all nations and climes. We
must be ready to do good to all who are in need of
our help and kindness. Compare the Parable of the
Good Samaritan. [3]
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 22:39.
[2] Matt. 7:12.
[3] Luke 10:30-37.
-------------------End of Page 56--------------------------
CHAPTER VIII
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
OUR PARENTS AND SUPERIORS
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to despise nor
displease our parents and superiors, but honor, serve, obey,
love and esteem them.
-------------------------------
PARENTS are God's representatives in the family
for the maintenance of law and order in it. They
are charged by God with the care and training of
their children, and are clothed by Him with authority
over them. Their will is law for their children, so
long as it does not conflict with the law of God.
SUPERIORS are those who are placed over us in a
position of authority in the Family, Church, School,
or State; e.g., guardians, step-parents, grand-par-
ents, pastors, teachers, rulers, etc. They also are to
be honored and obeyed as such. In every case of a
conflict of authority, we must "obey God rather
than men." [1]
This commandment _forbids_ us to despise or dis-
please our parents and superiors, and _commands_ us
to honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them.
OUR DUTY TO OUR PARENTS, GRAND
PARENTS, GUARDIANS, ETC.
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
We must not
Despise them, mock at them, [2] make light of
them, think ourselves wiser or above their authority,
nor speak disrespectfully of them or to them. [3]
We must not
Displease them by lack of affection, grumbling,
disobedience, stubbornness, rebelliousness, or wick-
edness. [4]
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Acts 5:29.
[2] Prov. 30:17.!
[3] Deut. 27:16.!
[4] Exod. 21:15.!
-----------------End of Page 57----------------------------
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
We should
Honor them as those who are placed over us by
God's appointment, look up to them, and always
treat them with the proper respect [5] and consideration.
Serve them, be helpful to them, lighten their bur-
dens, and anticipate their wishes. [6]
Obey them by cheerfully and promptly doing
their will, even when it is not to our liking. [7]
Love them, and show our love by a constant
desire and effort to please them. We should call to
mind what they have done and still do for us, that
our love for them may grow deep and tender. [8]
Esteem them. We should regard and appre-
ciate them as a precious gift of God. Children who
have lost father or mother have met with a great
loss.
IN LATER YEARS. We should honor, love and
_obey_ our parents while we are young; and we should
still _love_ and _honor_ them when we are older. We
must not despise or be ashamed of them if we
happen to rise to a higher position in life than they.
When they have grown old and feeble, we should
care tenderly for them; and after they are dead, we
should treasure their memory.
OUR DUTY TO OUR SUPERIORS [9]
THE PASTOR is to be honored for the sake of the
office which he holds. He is the ambassador of
Christ; [10] and when he preaches the Gospel, or
speaks words of admonition and counsel in private,
the Saviour speaks through him. Those who hear
him hear Christ; those who despise him despise
Christ. [11] We should heed his admonitions, [12] and,
as far as we are able, help and encourage him in
his work.
OUR TEACHERS in Sunday-school and in other
schools are placed over us in a position of authority,
and must therefore be respected and honored.
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[5] Lev. 19:3.
Eph. 6:2,3.!
[6] I Tim. 5:4.
[7] Eph. 5:1.
Col. 3:20.!
Prov. 1:8.
[8] John 19:26,27.
[9] Rom. 13:7.!
[10] II Cor. 5:20.
[11] Luke 10:16.
[12] Heb. 13:17.!
I Thess. 5:12,13.
-----------------End of Page 58----------------------------
RULERS AND THE GOVERNMENT. The State is God's
servant to regulate temporal affairs and to main-
tain law and order in the land. Rulers and officials
of the government must be respected and honored. [13]
Christians must be good citizens. They must always
obey the law, so long as it does not conflict with
the law of God. [14] They should be patriotic, pray
for their country, be ready to defend it, pay their
taxes, and be concerned that it shall be a Chris-
tian land. Every voter shares in the responsibility
of securing righteous government, and should cast
his vote conscientiously.
OLD PERSONS in general are to be treated with
respect and honor. [15]
A special blessing is promised to those who keep
this commandment.
QUESTIONS.--1. What does the Second Table of the Law teach? 2.
What is meant by "our neighbor"? 3. What is the position of parents
in the family? 4. What is meant by "superiors"? 5. To whom is our
highest obedience due? 6. What does this commandment forbid, and
what does it command? 7. In order to avoid despising or displeasing
our parents, what should we not do? 8. Why and how should we honor
them? 9. How should we serve them? 10. How should we obey them?
11. How should we show our love to them? 12. What should we al-
ways remember concerning our parents? 13. What is meant be esteem-
ing them? 14. How should we regard and treat them when we have
grown older? 15. What is our duty to our pastor? 16. What is our
duty to our teachers? 17. Why should we honor our rulers? 18. What
are a Christian's duties to his country? 19. How must we treat old
persons in general? 20. What special blessing is promised to those
who keep this commandment?
-----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Prov. 30:
17. The eye that mocketh at his
father, and despiseth to obey his
mother, the ravens of the valley
shall pick it out, and the young
eagles shall eat it.
Deut. 27:16. Cursed be he that
setteth light by his father or his
mother: and all the people shall
say, Amen.
Exod. 21:15. And he that smit-
eth his father, or his mother, shall
be surely put to death.
Eph. 6:2, 3. Honour thy fa-
ther and mother; which is the
first commandment with promise;
that it may be well with thee, and
thou mayest live long on the earth.
Col. 3:20. Children, obey your
parents in all things: for this is
well pleasing unto the Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[13] Matt. 22:21.!
Rom. 13:1-4.!
[14] I Pet. 2:13.
Acts 5:29.
15. Lev. 19:32.!
-------------------End of Page 59----------------------------------------
Rom. 13:7. Render therefore
to all their dues: tribute to whom
tribute is due; custom to whom
custom; fear to whom fear; hon-
our to whom honour.
Heb. 13:17. Obey them that
have the rule over you, and sub-
mit yourselves: for they watch
for your souls, as they that must
give account, that they may do it
with joy and not with grief: for
that is unprofitable for you.
Matt. 22:21. Render therefore
unto Caesar the things which are
Caesar's; and unto God the things
that are God's.
Rom. 13:1. Let every soul be
subject unto the higher powers.
For there is no power but of God:
the powers that be are ordained
of God.
Lev. 19:32. Thou shalt rise up
before the hoary head, and honor
the face of the old man and fear
thy God: I am the LORD.
---------------------------------------
READING.--Joseph and his Father, Gen. 47:1-12.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Despising and displeasing parents_: Jacob's sons,
Gen. 37; Eli's sons, I Sam. 2:22-25; Absalom, II Sam. 15. _Honoring
them_: Jesus, Luke 2:51.
----------------------------------------
CHAPTER IX
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
HUMAN LIFE
Thou shalt not kill.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to do our
neighbor any bodily harm or injury, but rather assist and
comfort him in danger and want.
------------------------------------------
HUMAN LIFE is sacred. It is man's most precious
earthly possession; for without it he cannot enjoy
any other. This commandment is meant to guard it.
We dare not shorten another person's life, nor our
own. God gives life, and He alone has the right to
take it away.
This commandment _forbids_ us to kill or injure
other persons or ourselves. It _commands_ us to
assist and comfort our neighbor in danger and want.
---------------End of Page 60------------------------
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
We must not
1. KILL OR INJURE OTHER PERSONS.
_Murder_. To destroy any human life, even if it be
very young or yet unborn, is a great crime. He who
commits murder is to be punished with death. [1]
Among the motives which prompt to murder are
anger, hatred, [2] envy, [3] jealously, revenge, [4] frivolity,
avarice, robbery, and a desire to hide past sin. [5] We
must be on our guard against all that would ever
tempt us to this great crime.
_Duels_. It is foolish as well as sinful to pretend
to establish the right or wrong of a question by a
duel.
_Unjust Wars_ are wholesale murder. Rulers must
do all that they honorably can to prevent war. Yet
as a last resort to maintain the right, war is justifi-
able.
_Hatred_ is murder in the heart. "He that hateth
his brother is a murder." [6]
_Tempting Others_ to useless risks in which they
may perish or be injured, or to drunkenness, dissi-
pation, etc., which will shorten their life, is a trans-
gression of this commandment.
_Causing Accidents_ by neglect, carelessness or bad
workmanship, or
_Shortening Other People's Lives [7] by maltreat-
ment, overwork, worriment, etc., makes men guilty
of sin against this commandment.
_Neglect to Warn_ others of impending danger _or
neglect to assist them_ in need may result in their in-
jury or death.
The law recognizes our right to defend our life
when it is unjustly assailed. But killing others in
self-defense must be our last resort. Many persons
act hastily. The official who inflicts the death penalty
on condemned criminals is not guilty of wrong, but
is doing his duty as an officer of the State. [8]
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Gen. 9:6.!
[2] Gen. 4:1-8.
[3] Gen. 37.
[4] Matt. 14:3-11.
[5] II Sam. 11.
[6] I John 3:15.
Matt. 5:21,22.!
[7] Gen. 37:31-35
[8] Rom. 13:4
-------------------End of Page 61-----------------------
It is a sin to kill our neighbor's _soul_ by tempting
him to sin, or enticing him to wrong-doing by our
evil example.
2. KILL OR INJURE OURSELVES.
_Suicide_ is often prompted by despair, remorse, [9]
cowardice, recklessness, or insanity. But it is sinful
as well as foolish and cowardly. He who commits it
robs himself of the opportunity to repent, and leaves
others to bear the burdens from which he shrank.
If we are tempted to despair, we should not commit
suicide, but seek comfort and strength in God's
Word. If we have fallen into disgrace by sin, we
should repent and lead a better life.
_Duels_. We not only have no right to endanger
another's life by a duel, but we have no right to
endanger our own. The duel, which was once a
common practice, has justly fallen under the con-
demnation of public opinion.
_A Life of Sin_. Impurity, drunkenness, gluttony,
or dissipation will shorten our life, and make us die
before our alloted time.
_Disregard of the Laws of Health_, overwork, need-
less exposure, carelessness, violent anger, needless
worry, are all forbidden by this commandment.
The voluntary sacrifice of our life for truth and
right (martyrdom), or in defense of our country, or
in an effort to rescue and save others, is not only
justifiable but noble. [10]
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
We should
Assist and Comfort Our Neighbor. [11]
1. In Danger. We should
Warn him of danger.
Defend and rescue him.
Ward off danger from him.
Save him from worry and anxiety whenever we
can.
---------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[9] Matt. 27:5.
[10] I John 3:16.
[11] Gal. 6:10.!
Luke 10:30-35.
Matt. 5:7.!
Matt. 5:44.!
Rom. 12:20. Matt. 7:12.!
Prov. 24:17.
-----------------End of Page 62---------------------------
2. In Want. We should
Aid the poor and destitute.
Minister to the sick.
Comfort the afflicted and distressed.
Give to organized charities: orphanages, asylums,
hospitals, rescue-work, etc.
Give to missions in order to save souls.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is to be said about the sacrednesss of human
life? 2. What does this fifth commandment forbid? 3. What does it
command? 4. Whom are we forbidden to kill or injure? 5. Mention
some ways in which this commandment is broken with respect to
others. 6. What is to be said about the sin of murder and its punish-
ment? 7. What are some of the motives which prompt men to murder?
8. What is to be said about duels? 9. Is war right? 10. What does the
Bible say about hatred? 11. What is to be said about useless risks,
accidents, maltreatment, etc.? 12. What is to be said about neglecting
to warn or assist others? 13. What is to be said about the right of
self-defense? 14. What is to be said about the official who inflicts the
death-penalty on criminals? 15. Mention some ways in which this com-
mandment is broken with respect to self. 16. What motives prompt
men to suicide, and how should we guard against such a sin? 17. What
is to be said about the folly and cowardice of the suicide's act? 18.
What is to be said of the voluntary sacrifice of our life? 19. How are
we to assist our neighbor in danger? 20. How are we to assist and
comfort him in want?
-------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Gen. 9:6.
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by
man shall his blood be shed: for
in the image of God made he man.
Rom. 12:19. Dearly beloved,
avenge not yourselves, but rather
give place unto wrath: for it is
written, Vengeance is mine; I
will repay, saith the Lord.
Matt. 5:21,22. Ye have heard
that it was said by them of old
times, Thou shalt not kill: and
whosoever shall kill shall be in
danger of the judgment: but I say
unto you, That whosoever is
angry with his brother without a
cause shall be in danger of the
judgment: and whosoever shall
say to his brother, Raca, shall be
in danger of the council: but who-
soever shall say, Thou fool, shall
be in danger of hell fire.
Eph. 4:31,32. Let all bitter-
ness, and wrath, and anger, and
clamour, and evil speaking, be put
away from you, with all malice:
and be ye kind one to another,
tender-hearted, forgiving one an-
other, even as God for Christ's
sake hath forgiven you.
Gal. 6:10. As we have there-
fore opportunity, let us do good
unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith.
Matt. 5:7. Blessed are the mer-
ciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matt. 5:44,45. But I say unto
you, Love your enemies, bless
------------------End of Page 63---------------------------------
them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for
them which despitefully use you,
and persecute you: that ye may
be the children of your Father
which is in heaven.
Matt. 7:12. Therefore all
things whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even
so to them: for this is the law
and the prophets.
-------------------------
READING.--Cain kills Abel. Gen. 4:1-16.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Murder_: Cain; Joab, II Sam. 3:2,29; Ahab and
Jezebel, I Kings 21:1-19; Herod, Matt. 2:16-18. Hatred: Josph's
Brethren, Gen. 37. _Suicide_: Saul, I Sam. 31:5; Judas, Matt 27:5.
_Assisting and Comforting_: The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37.
------------------------------
CHAPTER X
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
PURITY, MARRIAGE
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
_What is meant by this Commandment_?
We should so fear and love God as to be chaste and
pure in our words and deeds, each one also loving and
honoring his wife or her husband.
----------------------------
This commandment is meant to preserve our per-
sonal purity, and to guard the holy estate of mar-
riage. It _forbids_ adultery and all impurity. It _com-
mands_ chastity and purity in thought, word, and
deed.
I. PURITY
We should be Chaste and Pure
_In Heart_. We should keep our heart free from
impure thoughts and desires. [1] God judges us by the
state of our heart. [2] Unchaste thoughts must not be
delighted in nor harbored, but subdued and stamped
out. They poison the soul. They are themselves a
transgression of this commandment, [3] and they lead
to further transgressions of it by word and deed.
In Words. We must avoid immodest conversa-
tion, unchaste words, vile stories, and shameless
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 5:8.!
Prov. 4:23.!
Ps. 51:10.
[2] I Sam. 16:7.
[3] Matt. 5:28.!
--------------------End of Page 64-----------------------
jests. [4] Such things are not smart, as many think,
but vile and despicable. We should never take part
in nor listen to a conversation which we would be
ashamed to have overheard by persons whom we
respect.
In Deeds. We should carefully avoid every act
which would bring the blush of shame to our cheeks
if it were known to our parents or others whose
opinion we cherish. Our bodies are to be God's
temple, [5] and they dare not be given over to sin and
impurity. [6] We should remember that God sees even
in secret, and knows all our actions. [7]
_Impurity_ of heart and life will not go unpun-
ished. [8] It is often followed by the most dreadful
consequences: a ruined body, an enfeebled mind, a
poisoned soul, a tortured conscience, public shame,
dreadful disease and an untimely death.
_To Keep ourselves Pure_ we should watch and
pray, [9] avoid idleness, evil company, bad books and
papers, indecent songs and pictures, immoral plays,
intemperance in eating and drinking, and all that
would incite to impurity. We should keep our
minds occupied with good thoughts and desires, so
that we have no room for evil ones. [10]
II. MARRIAGE
Marriage is the union of one man and one woman
for life in the bonds of love and faithfulness.
_A Holy Estate_. Marriage was instituted by God
in Eden, [11] and was sanctioned by Christ, who per-
formed His first miracle at a wedding. [12] It is a holy
estate. Celibacy is not a holier estate than marriage,
as the Roman Catholic Church maintains. [13]
_Indissoluble_. The marriage tie is binding until
one of the married persons dies. [14] Except by death,
the marriage relation cannot be broken or dissolved
without sin against this sixth commandment. [15] If
one party to the marriage is guilty of adultery, the
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[4] Eph. 5:3-4.
Eph. 4:29.!
[5] I Cor. 6:19,20.!
[6] Rom. 6:13.
[7] Ps. 139:1-12.
[8] I Cor. 3:16,17.!
Gal. 5:19-21.!
[9] Matt. 26:41.!
[10] Rom. 13:14.
[11] Gen. 2:18.
[12] John 2:1-11.
[13] I Tim. 4:1-3.
[14] Matt. 19:6.!
[15] Matt. 5:32.!
Matt. 19:9.
-------------------End of Page 65---------------------------
innocent party may obtain a divorce. No other
divorces are allowed by Christ.
_An Important Step_. Marriage is the most important
step in life. It must not be entered into hastily or
thoughtlessly. If a mistake is made in the choice of a
partner for life, the mistake can never be remedied.
Those who contemplate such a step should pray for
God's guidance. Marriage should not be entered
upon for money, social advantages, and the like, but
for love. Parents should be consulted. While mar-
riage by a civil magistrate is valid, Christians should
seek God's blessing upon their union and be mar-
ried by His ordained servant. The laws of the
State must be carefully obeyed. Marriage between
near relatives is forbidden by God's Word. [16] Those
who are married should, if possible, be of the same
faith. Marriages between Protestants and Roman
Catholics are seldom happy.
_Duty of Husband_ [17] _and Wife_. [18] Each should
love and honor his wife or her husband. The
man is the head of the family, but he must not be
a tyrant. The wife is not his slave, but his dearest
companion. They are no longer two but one, with a
common love, a common life, a common property,
common children, common hopes and aspirations,
and a common Saviour. [19] They should be patient
with one another's faults, just to one another's vir-
tues, and should unselfishly seek one another's hap-
piness. They should live together in mutual love
and faithfulness till separated by death. only when
husband and wife continue to love and honor one
another can they be happy. The breaking of the mar-
riage covenant is followed by shame and misery.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is this commandment meant to preserve and
guard? 2. What does it forbid and command? 3. What is to be said
about purity of heart? 4. What is to be said about purity in words?
5. What is to be said about purity in deeds? 6. Mention some of the
consequences which often follow upon impurity. 7. How may we keep
ourselves pure? 8. What is marriage? 9. Why is marriage a holy
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[16] Lev. 18.
[17] Eph. 5:25.!
Col 3:19.
[18] Eph. 5:22.!
Col. 3:18.
[19] I Pet. 3:7.
I Pet. 3:1.
----------------End of Page 66--------------------------
estate? 10. How long is the marriage tie binding? 11. When only and
by whom dare a divorce be obtained? 12. Why must marriage not be
entered upon hastily or thoughtlessly? 13. What care should be exer-
cised by those who think of being married? 14. What is the duty of
husband and wife?
-----------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 5:8.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for
they shall see God.
Prov. 4:23. Keep thy heart
with all diligence: for out of it
are the issues of life.
Matt. 5:28. But I say unto
you, That whosoever looketh on a
woman to lust after her hath com-
mitted adultery with her already
in his heart.
Eph. 4:29. Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of
your mouth, but that which is
good to the use of edifying, that
it may minister grace unto the
hearers.
I Cor. 6:19,20. What! know ye not
that your body is the tem-
ple of the Holy Ghost which is in
you, which ye have of God, and
ye are not your own? For ye are
bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body and in
your spirit, which are God's.
I Cor. 3:16,17. Know ye not
that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwell-
eth in you? If any man defile
the temple of God, him shall God
destroy: for the temple of God is
holy, which temple ye are.
Gal. 5:19-21. Now the works
of the flesh are manifest, which
are these, Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idola-
try, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies, envyings, murders,
drunkenness, revellings, and such
like: of the which I tell you be-
fore, as I have also told you in
times past, that they which do such
things shall not inherit the king-
dom of God.
Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray,
that ye enter not into temptation:
the spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak.
Matt. 19:6. What therefore
God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder.
Matt. 5:32. But I say unto
you, That whosoever shall put
away his wife, saving for the
cause of fornication, causeth her
to commit adultery: and whoso-
ever shall marry her that is di-
vorced committeth adultery.
Eph. 5:25. Husbands, love your
wives, even as Christ also loved
the church, and gave himself for
it.
Eph. 5:22. Wives, submit your-
selves unto your own husbands,
as unto the Lord.
--------------------------
READING.--The Creation of Eve, Gen. 2:18-25; or The Marriage
at Cana, John 2:1-11.
-----------------------End of Page 67--------------------------- CHAPTER XI
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
PROPERTY, HONESTY
Thou shalt not steal.
_What is meant by this commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to rob our
neighbor of his money or property, nor bring it into our
possession by unfair dealing or fraudulent means, but
rather assist him to improve and protect it.
-------------------------------
THE OBJECT of this commandment is to protect
every man in the possession of that which is law-
fully his own. Without such protection the indi-
vidual could not support his life, and society could
not exist. The industrious and thrifty would be at
the mercy of the lazy and wicked. This command-
ment forbids us to use dishonest means of acquiring
property. It _commands_ us to assist our neighbor to
improve and protect his own.
PROPERTY consists of whatever each person law-
fully acquires of the earth's lands, forests, water,
mines, houses, goods or money. It may be right-
fully acquired by original claim, inheritance, gift, or
labor of body or mind. Honest labor united with
economy is the best way to acquire it.
UNEQUAL DIVISION. God, who is the absolute
owner of all things, [1] divides to each as He will. [2] He
"maketh poor and maketh rich." [3] Much poverty,
however, is due to men's own laziness, idleness, [4]
carelessness or extravagance; and much wealth has
been wrongfully gained contrary to God's will as
expressed in this commandment. _Communism_, or
the equal division of property among all men is not
practicable. It failed in the apostolic Church . [5] If
all things were equally divided, some would soon
clamor for another division.
POVERTY AND RICHES. The happiest person is
he who is neither rich nor poor, but has sufficient
---------------------------------------------------
Side notes
[1] I Cor. 10:26.
[2] Jer. 27:5.
[3] I Sam. 2:7.
Prov. 22:2.!
[4] II Thess. 3:10.!
[5] Acts 5:1-10.
---------------------End of Page 68-----------------------
for his needs. [6] Poverty may tempt a man to dis-
honesty; and riches may lead him to avarice, hard-
ness of heart, worldliness and extravagance. [7] Riches
make it hard for a man to enter into the kingdom
of God. [8] We should respect men for what they are,
and not for what they have. We should not flatter
the rich nor despise the poor. [9]
USE OF PROPERTY. God entrusts earthly property
to us as His stewards. [10] Whether we are rich or
poor, we should so use our property as to be able
to give an account to God. _For ourselves_ and those
dependent on us [11] we should use it for the supply of
our bodily needs (food, clothing, shelter, a reason-
able amount of pleasure) and of our spiritual
needs [12] (the Church and the Gospel). _For our fel-
low-men_ we should, when necessary, use it accord-
ing to our ability for their bodily needs (the poor)
and their spiritual needs (Home and Foreign Mis-
sions). [13]
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
1. Robbing our Neighbor. The grossest forms
of dishonesty are Robbery, Theft, Burglary, Em-
bezzlement, and Forgery. These are recognized by
all as wrong. But it is also wrong to bring our
neighbor's property into our possession by
2. Unfair Dealing and Fraudulent Means, [14]
such as Concealing stolen property, Withholding lost
or borrowed property, Evading taxes, Refusing to
pay debts, Wilful idleness and beggary, Betting and
gambling, Lotteries and chancing, Bribery, Useless
lawsuits, Negligent management of another's prop-
erty, Stealing car-rides, Unfaithful labor, Insuffi-
cient wages, Cornering the market, Overcharging,
Usury, Adulterating good, Giving short weight or
measure, and Cheating of any kind.
3. _Dishonesty in the Heart_. Dishonesty has its
source in the covetousness and greed of the human
heart. [15] Men first covet, and then steal or defraud.
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[6] Prov. 30:7-9.!
Prov. 15:16-17.!
[7] I Tim. 6:9,10.
I Tim 6:17.!
[8] Matt. 19:24.!
Matt. 13:22.
[9] Jas. 2:1-4.
[10] Luke 19:12-27.
Matt. 25:14-30.
Luke 16:1-8.
[11] I Tim. 5:8.!
[12] Luke 12:15.!
Matt. 6:33.
I Cor. 9:14.
[13] Matt. 22:39.
[14] Prov. 29:24.
Lev. 6:2,3.
Ps 37.21.
Jer. 22:13.
Lev. 19:35,26.
Hab. 2:6.
Prov. 15:6.
Deut. 24:14.
Jas. 5:4.
Prov. 11:1.
[15] Mic. 2:2
------------------End of Page 69-------------
We must beware of covetousness. [16] The love of
money is a root of all evil. [17] We must be honest
even in small matters. He who is dishonest in little
will be dishonest in much. [18] We must avoid all that
would tempt us to dishonesty; namely, evil com-
panions, idleness, speculation, extravagance, etc.
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
We should
1. Assist our Neighbor to Improve and Pro-
tect his Property. [19] We should help him to get
along well in the world, and do what we can to pre-
vent him from being deprived of his possessions.
2. _Restore to the real owner_ whatever has been
dishonestly gotten. [20]
3. _Be Ready to use our money_ and property in
order to help and benefit our neighbor. [21] We must
be helpful and charitable toward our fellow-men.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the object of the seventh commandment? 2.
What does this commandment forbid? 3. What does it command? 4.
How may property be rightfully acquired? 5. Explain why property is
unequally divided among men. 6. What is to be said about commu-
nism? 7. Why is he who is neither rich nor poor the happiest man? 8.
What is the right use of property? 9. Mention some gross forms of dis-
honesty. 10. Mention some other ways in which this commandment is
broken. 11. Where does dishonesty have its source? 12. If we would
be honest, what must we guard against? 13. In what ways does this
commandment require us to assist our neighbor?
-----------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Prov. 22:
2. The rich and poor meet to-
gether: the LORD is the maker of
them all.
II Thess. 3:10. This we com-
manded you, that if any would
not work, neither should he eat.
Prov. 30:7-9. Two things have
I required of thee; deny me them
not before I die: Remove far from
me vanity and lies; give me
neither poverty nor riches; feed
me with food convenient for me:
lest I be full, and deny thee, and
say, Who is the LORD? or lest
I be poor, and steal, and take the
name of my God in vain.
Prov. 15:16-17. Better is lit-
tle with the fear of the LORD,
than great treasure and trouble
therewith. Better is a dinner of
herbs where love is, than a stalled
ox and hatred therewith.
I Tim. 6.17. Charge them that
are rich in this world, that they
be not highminded, nor trust in
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side notes
[16] Luke 12:15.!
[17] I Tim. 6:10.!
[18] Luke 16:10.
[19] Exod. 23:4,5.
Matt. 7:12.
[20] Luke 19:8.
[21] Eph. 4:28.!
Heb. 13:16.!
I Pet. 4:10.
----------------End of Page 70------------------------------
uncertain riches, but in the living
God, who giveth us richly all
things to enjoy.
Matt. 19:24. And again I say
unto you, It is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle,
than for a rich man to enter into
the kingdom of God.
I Tim. 5:8. But if any provide
not for his own, and specially for
those of his own house, he hath
denied the faith, and is worse
than an infidel.
Luke 12:15. And he said unto
them, Take heed, and beware of
covetousness: for a man's life
consisteth not in the abundance
of the things which he possesseth.
I Tim. 6:10. For the love of
money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows.
Eph. 4:28. Let him that stole
steal no more: but rather let him
labour, working with his hands
the thing which is good, that he
may have to give to him that
needeth.
Heb. 13:16. But to do good
and to communicate forget not:
for with such sacrifices God is
well pleased.
---------------------
READING.--The Unjust Steward, Luke 16:1-7; or, Matt. 25:31-46.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Poverty and Riches_: The Rich Man and Lazarus,
Luke 16:19031; The Rich Fool, Luke 12:15-21; The Prodigal Son,
Luke 15:11 _seq_. _Dishonesty_: Achan, Josh. 7. Gehazi, II Kings 5.
Judas, Luke 12:6. Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5. _Benevolence_: The
Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37; Dorcas, Acts 9:36; Cornelius,
Acts 10:2.
-----------------------
CHAPTER XII
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
TRUTHFULNESS
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
_What is meant by this commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not deceitfully to
belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against
our neighbor, but apologize for him, speak well of him,
and put the most charitable construction on all his actions.
------------------------
THE OBJECT of this commandment is to secure
truthfulness, [1] and to guard our good name. [2] With-
out truthfulness we could not believe anything we
heard, and the utmost confusion would prevail in the
affairs of men. A good name is one of our most
precious earthly possessions.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Eph. 4:25.!
[2] Prov. 22:1.!
------------------End of Page 71-----------------------------
This commandment _forbids_ all lying. It _commands_
perfect truthfulness and a charitable judgment of
others.
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
ALL LYING is forbidden. [3] False witness against
other _persons_ is the worst form of lying. All lesser
forms of lying are forbidden along with the greater.
1. _False Witness against our Neighbor_. We must
not tell a falsehood about another person either in
court or in every-day life. We must not
Belie him, that is, tell an untruth about him.
Betray. [4] We must not abuse our neighbor's con-
fidence by revealing his innocent secrets, and thus
annoying or harming him. One who pretends to be
another's friend, and yet betrays him, is acting a lie.
We dare not, however, hide crime; and we must tell
what we know about others if the court, or parents,
or persons who have a right to know, inquire of us.
Slander nor Raise Injurious Reports. [5] We
must not invent nor repeat false reports concerning
our neighbor. We must not say behind his back
what we fear to say to his face. We must not mag-
nify his faults, [6] nor impute evil motives to him, nor
make his words and conduct look as bad as possible.
The slanderer is worse than a thief and causes in-
calculable suffering and misery. [7] We should remem-
ber that words once spoken live on for good or evil,
and cannot be unsaid; and that we must give an
account to God for every word we speak. [8]
2. _Lying of Any Kind_. A lie is a conscious false-
hood uttered with the purpose of deceiving. It may
be acted as well as spoken. [9] We must not deceive
nor try to deceive others by telling an untruth, by
hiding the truth or a part of it, by hypocrisy, flat-
tery, boasting, broken promises, conventional lies,
"white lies," "lies of necessity," guesses given as
facts, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Ps. 34:13.!
[4] Prov. 11:13.!
Prov. 24:28.
[5] Exod. 23:1.!
Lev. 19:16.
Ps. 15:1-3.
[6] Matt. 7:3-5.!
[7] Prov. 25:18.!
Jas. 3:5-8.
[8] Matt. 12:36.
[9] Prov. 6:13.
------------------End of Page 72-----------------------
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
1. _Truthfulness_. Truth is of God; [10] lying is of
the devil. [11] As children of God we must be truth-
ful. [12] A liar is an abomination in God's sight. [13]
If necessary, we should be ready to suffer and die
for the truth.
2. _A Charitable Judgment of Others_. We should
Apologize for our Neighbor, and defend him
when his character is unjustly assailed. [14] We must
be careful, however, not to excuse or make light of
sin. [15] We should
Speak well of him whenever we can do so
truthfully. We should speak of his virtues rather
than of his faults. [16] If we cannot speak well of
him, then, unless it is absolutely necessary, we had
better not speak of him at all. We should
Put the most Charitable Construction on all
his Actions. [17] We should, as far as possible, make
the best and not the worst of what our neighbor
says and does. We should think and speak of him
only in kindness.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the object of this commandment? 2. What
does it forbid? 3. What does it command? 4. What is the worst form
of lying? 5. What is included under false witness? 6. What is meant
by belying our neighbor? 7. What is to be said about betraying him?
8. What is to be said about slander and the slanderer? 9. Define a
lie. 10. In what ways do men speak and act lies? 11. Why should we
be truthful? 12. What is to be said about apologizing for our neigh-
bor? 13. What rule should we follow in speaking of others? 14. How
should we think and speak of our neighbor?
-------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Eph. 4:
25. Wherefore putting away ly-
ing, speak every man truth with
his neighbor: for we are mem-
bers one of another.
Prov. 22:1. A good name is
rather to be chosen than great
riches, and loving favour rather
than silver and gold.
Ps. 34:13. Keep thy tongue
from evil, and thy lips from speak-
ing guile.
Prov. 11:13. A talebearer re-
vealeth secrets: but he that is of
a faithful spirit concealeth the
matter.
Exod. 23:1. Thou shalt not
raise a false report: put not thine
hand with the wicked to be an
unrighteous witness.
------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[10] Deut. 32:4.
[11] John 8:44.
[12] Col. 3:9.!
[13] Prov. 12:22.
Prov. 17:15.
[14] Matt. 7:12.
Prov. 31:8,9.
[15] Isa. 5:20.!
[16] Matt. 7:1,2.!
Jas. 4:11.
[17] I Pet. 4:8.!
I Cor. 13:4-7.
Gal. 6:1.
---------------------End of Page 73---------------------------
Matt. 7:3-5. And why behold-
est thou the mote that is in thy
brother's eye, but considerest not
the beam that is in thine own
eye? Or how wilt thou say to
thy brother, Let me pull out the
mote out of thine eye; and, be-
hold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the
beam out of thine own eye; and
then shalt thou see clearly to cast
out the mote out of thy brother's
eye.
Prov. 25:18. A man that bear-
eth false witness against his
neighbor is a maul, and a sword,
and a sharp arrow.
Col. 3:9. Lie not one to an-
other, seeing that ye have put off
the old man with his deeds.
Is. 5:20. Woe unto them that
call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and
light for darkness; that put bitter
for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Matt. 7:1,2. Judge not, that
ye be not judged. For with what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be
judged: and with what measure
ye mete, it shall be measured to
you again.
I Pet. 4:8. And above all
things have fervent charity
among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
--------------------------------
READING.--The False Witnesses against Stephen, Acts 6:8-15.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_False Witness_: Against Christ, Matt. 26:60;
against Naboth, I Kings, 21:10; against Paul, Acts 25:7. _Slander_:
Absalom against David, II Sam. 15:1 _seq_.; _Lying_: Jacob, Gen.
27:19; Jacob-s Sons, Gen. 37:32. _Betrayal_: Judas. _Speaking well_:
Jonathan. I Sam. 19:4.
--------------------------------------
CHAPTER XIII
THE NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS
A RIGHT HEART
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to desire by
craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance
or home, or to obtain it under the pretext of a legal
right; but be ready to assist and serve him in the pres-
ervation of his own.
------------------
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-
servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor
anything that is thy neighbor's.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
We should so fear and love God as not to alienate
our neighbor's wife from him, entice away his servants,
nor let loose his cattle, but use our endeavors that they
may remain and discharge their duty to him.
------------End of Page 74----------------------------------------
Both these commandments forbid coveting; hence,
we may consider them together. They deal with the
root and source of all sin; namely, the evil lusts and
desires of the heart. [1]
THE OBJECT of these two commandments is to
emphasize the necessity of a right state of heart. [2]
All the commandments must, indeed, be kept in
thought as well as in word and deed. But by adding
these two special commandments against coveting,
God desires to impress upon us most strongly that
wrong thoughts and desires make us guilty before
Him. We are not keeping God's commandments un-
less we are free from the _desire_ to transgress them.
As a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he." [3]
THE HEART BY NATURE SINFUL. We are born
with a sinful nature and a natural inclination to evil
(Original sin), which we have inherited from our
ancestors as a result of the fall into sin. [4] This natu-
ral inclination to evil manifests itself in wrong
thoughts and desires which arise in the heart. [5] These
wrong desires or lusts are in themselves sinful: and
if they are not subdued, they lead to sins of words
and deeds. [6]
These commandments _forbid_ us to covet anything
that is our neighbor's. They _command_ us to assist
and serve him in retaining his own.
I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN
COVETING. To covet means to desire what we
have no right to have. To wish to obtain something
in a lawful way is not coveting. But we must not
have
1. _An Unlawful Desire_ [7] for our neighbor's pos-
sessions, whether it be his property, wife, servants,
cattle, or anything that is his. We must not envy
him on account of them, nor begrudge them to him,
nor wish that we had them in his stead. We must
not make
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 15:19.!
Jas. 1:14,15.
[2] I Sam. 16:7.!
Matt. 5:5.
[3] Prov. 23:7.
[4] John 3:6.!
Jer. 17:9.
[5] Rom. 7:18,19.!
[6] Jas. 1:14,15.!
[7] Gal. 5:24.!
--------------------End of Page 75--------------------
2. _Any Attempt to Gratify such Unlawful Desires_
and to gain possession of our neighbor's inher-
itance or home
By Craftiness, shrewdness, cunning, deceit and
the like. [8] Nor dare we seek to obtain it
Under the Pretext of a Legal Right; that is,
by ways which human laws allow and appear to
sanction, but which are not right before God. [9] Nor
dare we attempt to
Alienate (estrange), entice or drive away from
him his wife, servants, or cattle, by persuasion,
flattery, falsehood, promises, threats, or force.
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED
ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE. We should
1. Assist and Serve him in the Preservation
of his Own. [10] Instead of wishing to get his prop-
erty away from him, we should most heartily wish
that he may be able to keep it, and should help him
to retain it. We should
2. Use our Endeavors that they who belong
to him may remain and discharge their duty
to him. We should help him to retain their affec-
tion and faithfulness. We should heartily wish them
to remain, and persuade them to do so.
QUESTIONS.--1. Why may these two commandments be considered
together? 2. With what do they deal? 3. What is the object of these
two commandments? 4. When only are we keeping God's command-
ments? 5. What is to be said about the natural state of the heart.
6. What do these commandments forbid? 7. What do they command?
8. Define coveting. 9. If we would avoid breaking this commandment,
what must we not do? 10. How should we be of assistance and
service to our neighbor?
-------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 15:
19. For out of the heart proceed
evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies.
I Sam. 16:7. The LORD seeth
not as man seeth; for man look-
eth on the outward appearance,
but the LORD looketh on the
heart.
John 3:6. That which is born
of the flesh is flesh; and that
------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[8] Prov. 15:6
[9] Matt. 23:14.!
[10] Phil. 2:4.!
Gal. 5:12.
--------------------End of Page 76----------------------------
which is born of the Spirit is
spirit.
Rom. 7:18,19. For I know
that in me (that is, in my flesh)
dwelleth no good thing: for to
will is present with me; but how
to perform that which is good I
find not. For the good that I
would, I do not: but the evil
which I would not, that I do.
Jas. 1:14,15. But every man
is tempted when he is drawn
away of his own lust, and en-
ticed. Then when lust hath con-
ceived, it bringeth forth sin; and
sin, when it is finished, bringeth
forth death.
Gal. 5:24. And they that are
Christ's have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts.
Matt. 23:14. Woe unto you,
scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites,
for ye devour widows' houses,
and for a pretence make long
prayer: therefore, ye shall receive
the greater damnation.
Phil. 2:4. Look not every man
on his own things, but every man
also on the things of others.
------------------
READING.--Naboth's Vineyard. I Kings 21:1-19.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Coveting_: Ahab; David, II Sam. 12; Absalom,
II Sam. 15. _Assistance and Service_: Paul, Philemon 10-17.
-------------------
CHAPTER XIV
THE CONCLUSION OF THE COMMANDMENTS
PUNISHMENT OR BLESSING
_What does God declare concerning these Commandments?_
He says: "I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visit-
ing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the
third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and
showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and
keep my commandments."
_What is meant by this Declaration?_
God threatens to punish all those who transgress these
commandments; we should therefore dread His displea-
ure and not act contrarily to these commandments. But
He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep
them; we should therefore love and trust in him, and
cheerfully do what he has commanded us.
-----------------
A JEALOUS GOD. God claims our highest love,
and is grieved and offended if we turn our affections
away from Him and disobey His law. He will
punish or bless men according as they hate or love
--------------End of Page 77------------------------
Him: [1] "to the third and fourth generation of them
that hate him," and "unto thousands of them that
love Him and keep His commandments."
I. PUNISHMENT
God threatens to punish
1. _Whom?_ All those who transgress these
commandments [2] by commission (doing what is
forbidden) or omission (not doing what is com-
manded), whether it be transgression by deed or
word or thought. Every transgression, great or
small, is sin, and makes men guilty and punishable. [3]
2. _Why?_ Because justice demands it. [4] God can-
not be unjust. He cannot overlook or excuse sin. [5]
Earthly governments must and do punish offenders,
or they would be unjust to those persons who obey
the law. A law without a penalty would amount to
nothing. God, who governs the universe, is and
must be just. [6]
3. _How?_
_In this World_ God punishes sin by Pangs of Con-
science; [7] Pains and Sufferings which are the results
of wrong-doing, [8] _e.g._, the results of drunkenness
and licentiousness; Legal Penalties which the State,
as God's servant to punish crime, inflicts by fines,
imprisonment and hanging, or electrocution; [9] Spe-
cial Judgments upon individuals [10] in the form of sick-
ness, accidents and reverses, though we must re-
member that afflictions are not always a judgment,
but are often sent upon the godly as a chastening; [11]
General Judgments upon wicked communities, such
as that which God sent upon Sodom and Gomorrah. [12]
Children are often obliged to suffer for the sins
of their parents. [13] If the children also are wicked,
their sufferings are a punishment; [14] if they are
godly, their sufferings are a chastening.
_In the Next World_ God will punish by Exclusion
from Heaven and from His Presence; [15] and by
Eternal Misery in Hell. [16]
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Rom. 2:6-10.
Deut. 11:26-28.
Gal. 6:7,8.
[2] Rom. 1:18.!
Lev. 16:14-16.
Isa. 59:2.
Ezek. 18:4.!
Rom. 6:23.!
[3] Gal. 3:10.
[4] Gal. 6:7.!
[5] Eccl. 11:9.
[6] Gen. d18:25.!
[7] Matt. 26:75.
Matt. 27:3,4.
[8] Jer. 17:10.
[9] Rom. 13:4.
[10] I Cor. 10:5.
[11] Heb. 12:6.!
[12] Gen. 19:24.
[13] Jer. 31:29.
[14] Ezek. 18:20.
Prov. 3:12.
Rom. 8:28.
[15] Matt. 22:13.
[16] Rev. 21:8.
Matt. 25:41.
--------------------End of Page 78-------------
II. BLESSING
God promises Grace and every Blessing. [17]
1. _To Whom?_ To all who keep these com-
mandments. It is true, all men are sinners, and
no one keeps these commandments perfectly. [18] But
the godly try earnestly to keep them, [19] and are truly
sorry for every failure to do so. [20] To them, there-
fore, God promises grace and every blessing.
2. _Why?_ God will bless them, not because they
have earned a reward, but because He is merciful
and gracious. [21] We cannot earn anything from God
but punishment. His blessing is bestowed upon us
solely as a gift of grace.
3. _How?_
_In this World_ God blesses the godly with: Peace
of Heart; [22] His Favor and Guidance; [23] True Suc-
cess in Life; [24] and a Blessed Hope of Salvation. [25]
Children and remote descendants share in the
blessing of godly ancestors.
_In the Next World_ God will grant them: Entrance
into Heaven for Christ's Sake; [26] and Eternal Glory
and Blessedness. [27]
A WARNING. An impenitent life will bring upon
us God's punishment in time and eternity. We
should therefore dread His displeasure, and
not act contrarily to these commandments.
AN ENCOURAGEMENT. A godly life will bring
upon us God's blessing in time and eternity. We
should therefore love and trust in Him, and
cheerfully do what He has commanded us.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS CONDEMN US; for we
have broken them by thought, word, and deed. [28]
We are not able to keep them perfectly. [29] Conse-
quently we cannot be saved by them. [30] They are
meant to show us our sinfulness, [31] to lead us to re-
pentance, and to direct us to Christ for salvation. [32]
We can be saved only through Him. [33] We are
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[17] Rom. 2:10.!
[18] Rom. 3:23.!
[19] I Cor. 9:27.
Phil. 3:12-14.
[20] Rom. 7:24.
[21] Ps. 103:11.!
Joel 2:13.
[22] John 14:27.
[23] Ps. 34:15.!
[24] Rom. 8:28.
[25] Rev. 2:10.!
[26] Matt. 25:34.
[27] John 14:2,3.
Rev. 3:21.
[28] I John 1:8-10.!
Rom. 3:23.
Eccl. 7:20.
Jas. 2:10.!
[29] Rom. 7:18,19.
[30] Gal. 3:11.
[31] Rom. 3:20.
[32] Gal. 3:24.
[33] John 14:6.!
Acts 4:12.!
---------------------End of Page 79--------------
taught concerning Christ, and confess our faith in
Him in the Second Part of the Catechism which
now follows, namely, The Creed.
QUESTIONS.--1. What does God mean when He says that He is a
jealous God? 2. Whom will God punish? 3. Why will He punish?
4. How does He punish? 5. To whom does God promise grace and
blessing? 6. Why will He bless them? 7. How will He bless them?
8. What warning is contained in the Conclusion of the Command-
ments? 9. What encouragement is contained in it? 10. Why can we
not be saved by the Ten Commandments? 11. What are the Com-
mandments meant to do? 12. How only can we be saved? 13. Where
are we taught concerning Christ?
------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Rom. 1:
18. For the wrath of God is re-
vealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness
of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness.
Ezek. 18:4. The soul that sin-
neth, it shall die.
Rom. 6:23. For the wages of
sin is death; but the gift of God
is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Gal. 6:7. Be not deceived;
God is not mocked: for whatso-
ever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap.
Gen. 18:25. Shall not the
Judge of all the earth do right?
Heb. 12:6. Whom the Lord
loveth he chasteneth.
Rom. 2:10. But glory, honour,
and peace, to every man that
worketh good; to the Jew first,
and also to the Gentile.
Rom. 3:23. For all have
sinned, and come short of the
glory of God.
Ps. 103:11. For as the heaven
is high above the earth, so great
is his mercy toward them that
fear him.
Ps. 34:15. The eyes of the
LORD are upon the righteous, and
his ears are open unto their cry.
Rev. 2:10. Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee
a crown of life.
I John 1:8,9. If we say that
we have no sin, we deceive our-
selves, and the truth is not in
us. If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.
Jas. 2:10. For whosoever shall
keep the whole law, and yet of-
fend in one point, he is guilty of
all.
John 14:6. Jesus saith unto
him, I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12. Neither is there
salvation in any other; for there
is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we
must be saved.
---------------------
READING.--The Fall into Sin and its Punishment, Gen. 3.
-----------------End of Page 80----------------------------
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Punishment_: Adam and Eve; Cain, Gen. 4: 9-15;
The Deluge, Gen. 6-8; Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 19; The Ten
Plagues, Exod. 7-12; Korah, Numb. 16; Saul, I Sam. 15; The
Assyrian and Babylonian Captivities, II Kings 17, II Kings 25. _Bless-
ing_: Abraham, Gen. 12:2, Joseph, Gen. 45:4-8; David, II Sam.
7:16; Cornelius, Acts 10:4.
-------------------
PART II
THE CREED
CHAPTER XV
CREEDS OR CONFESSIONS
THE CREED, from the Latin _Credo, I believe_,
means that which we as Christians believe. The
Creed given in our Catechism is the Apostles' Creed.
It is so called, not because it was written by the
apostles, but because it contains, in a brief summary,
the doctrines which the apostles believed and taught.
It grew out of the words of the baptismal formula:
"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Ghost." [1] It has come down to us from the
early centuries of the Church's history, and is _her
confession of faith_. It should be our confession
also; we should say from the heart, "I believe in
God, etc." There are
TWO KINDS OF CREEDS or Confessions of Faith:--
I. _OEcumenical_ or Universal Creeds, which are
accepted by the whole Christian Church throughout
the world. They are
1. The Apostles' Creed.
2. The Nicene Creed.
3. The Athanasian Creed.
II. _Particular_ Creeds or Confessions, which are
accepted by the various Churches and Denomina-
tions as their distinctive confessions.
Our Lutheran Confessions are:--
1. The Augsburg Confession
------------------------------------------------------
Side Note
[1] Matt. 28:19.
---------------End of Page 81--------------------
2. The Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Con-
fession.
3. The Schmalcald Articles.
4. The Small Catechism.
5. The Large Catechism.
6. The Formula of Concord.
These nine confessions together form the Book
of Concord.
THE APOSTLES' CREED CONTAINS in Three Arti-
cles, a statement of what the Triune God, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, has done and
still does for us.
Article I treats of God the Father and His work
of _Creation_.
Article II treats of God the Son and His work of
_Redemption_.
Article III treats of God the Holy Ghost and His
work of _Sanctification_.
THE TRINITY. There is only one God. [2] But He
has revealed Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy
Ghost, or Three in One, the Holy Trinity. The
Father is God, the Son is God and the Holy Ghost
is God; and yet there are not three Gods but one
God. This is a mystery which we cannot under-
stand or explain. We must not expect with our
finite mind to comprehend the infinite God. We
simply accept the truth concerning God as He has
made it known to us through His Word. He plainly
tells us that He is one; for He says, "I am the Lord
thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before
Me." [3] But He has also plainly revealed Himself
as three; not as three Gods but as three who are
one God. The three are expressly mentioned in
Christ's command to His disciples, "Go ye and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost." [4] The three were made known at the bap-
tism of Jesus, when the Father spoke from heaven
-------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[2] Deut. 6:4.
[3] Exod. 20:2,3.
[4] Matt. 28:19.
-----------------End of Page 82-----------------------
and said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am
well pleased," and the Holy Ghost descended on Jesus
in the form of a dove. [5] Our salvation is the work
of the triune God. The Father sent His Son to
save us; [6] the Son became man and died for us; [7]
and the Holy Spirit applies redemption to our souls [8]
through the Word of God and the sacraments.
--------------
QUESTIONS.--1. Define the word Creed. 2. Why is the Apostles'
Creed so called? 3. How did it originate? 4. What two kinds of
creeds are there? 5. Name the oecumenical creeds. 6. Name the par-
ticular creeds or confessions of the Lutheran Church. 7. What does
the Apostles' Creed contain? 8. Of what do the three articles of the
Apostles' Creed treat? 9. What is meant by the Holy Trinity? 10.
How do we know that God is only one God? 11. How do we know
that He is Triune? 12. Show that our salvation is the work of the
Triune God.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[5] Matt. 3:16,17.
[6] John 3:16.
[7] Rom. 5:8.
[8] I Cor. 12:3.
--------------------
THE FIRST ARTICLE
OF GOD THE FATHER, OR CREATION
CHAPTER XVI
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth.
_What is meant by this Article?_
I believe that God has created me and all that exists;
that He has given and still preserves to me my body
and soul, with all my limbs and senses, my reason and
all the faculties of my mind, together with my raiment,
food, home and family, and all my property: that He
daily provides me abundantly with all the necessaries of
life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me and
guards me against all evil; all which He does out of
pure, paternal and divine goodness and mercy, without
any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty
bound to thank, praise, serve and obey Him. This is most
certainly true.
----------------------------
I Believe in, that is, I trust in, I rely upon.
God the Father. He is the Father of my Lord
Jesus Christ, [1] and the first Person of the Holy Trin-
ity. Through Christ He is also my Father. [2]
------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 11:25.
[2] John 20:17.
Eph. 1:3.!
--------------------End of Page 83-----------------------------
Almighty. He is able to do all things, and to
help me in every time of need.
Maker of Heaven and Earth. [3] He has made
all things,--the universe and all that it contains.
The world did not come into being of itself or by
chance, nor did it exist from eternity. God made it
out of nothing. In the beginning He created the
heaven and the earth. [4] They were at first a formless
mass; [5] but in six days God fashioned the formless
mass into the world as it now exists. On these six
days He created, 1. Light, 2. The Firmament. 3.
Land and Sea. 4. Sun, moon and stars. 5. Fishes
and birds. 6. Beasts and man. [6]
_God's Chief Creatures_ are the angels in heaven
and men on earth. All His creatures, as they came
from His hands, were very good. [7] But some of the
angels sinned, and became bad angels or devils. [8] And
man also, though created in the image of God, fell
into sin, and lost his original righteousness and
holiness. [9]
Luther's explanation of this Article in the cate-
chism tells us:
I. What God has done and still does for me.
II. Why God does all this for me.
III. What I owe to God in return.
I. WHAT GOD HAS DONE AND STILL DOES
FOR ME
I believe that God has
1. _Created Me_[10] and all that exists; [11] that
He has given to me
My Body,--with all my limbs and senses.
Though my body, like that of the beasts, is made of
the dust of the ground, [12] it is vastly superior to their
bodies, and is a marvelous piece of divine workman-
ship, [13] exquisitely adapted to be the earthly taber-
nacle of the soul which inhabits it.
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Ps. 102:125.
[4] Gen. 1:1.!
Ps. 33:6,9.
[5] Gen. 1:2.
[6] Gen. 1:3-31.
[7] Gen. 1:31.
[8] II Pet. 2:4.
[9] Gen. 3.
Gen. 8:21.
Eph. 4:24.
[10] Job. 33:4.!
[11] Neh. 9:6.
Col. 1:16.!
[12] Gen. 2:7.!
[13] Ps. 139:14.
------------------End of Page 84----------------------------
My Soul, [14]--my reason and all the faculties
of my mind, by which I am placed so far above the
brute creation. God made the human soul to be a
likeness of Himself; [15] that is, He gave to man in a
limited measure those powers and faculties which
He Himself possesses in unlimited and infinite meas-
ure. And while the human mind has become dimmed
by the fall, its powers and faculties are still most
wonderful.
2. _Preserves Me_. [16] All that has helped to sup-
port my life has been God's gift; namely, my rai-
ment, food, home and family, and all my
property. I continue to live because He sustains
me. [17]
He Daily Provides me abundantly with all
the necessaries of life. [18] His care for me is a
constant, daily care. His mercies are new every
morning. [19]
He Protects me from all danger, seen and
unseen. [20] I am beset with perils on every hand. If
God withdrew His protecting hand, I should perish
immediately.
He Preserves me and Guards me against
all evil. [21] No real evil can come upon God's chil-
dren. What seems an evil is meant for a good pur-
pose, and is a blessing in disguise. [22]
II. WHY GOD DOES ALL THIS FOR ME
He does it purely
1. Out of Paternal and Divine Goodness
and Mercy. [23] It is
Paternal or fatherly [23] goodness and mercy, be-
cause He is my Father through Jesus Christ, and
loves me as His child. It is
Divine goodness and mercy, because God is
love, [24] and only His unspeakable love could move
Him to bestow His great benefits upon sinful men,
even upon the wicked and unthankful. [25]
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[14] Gen. 2:7.!
[15] Gen. 1:27.
Gen. 9:6.
[16] Neh. 9:6.
[17] Jas. 1:17.!
Acts 17:28.!
[18] Ps. 145:15,16.!
[19] Matt. 6:31,32.!
Lam. 3:22,23.!
[20] Ps. 34:7.!
Matt. 10:30.
[21] Ps. 121:5,8.!
[22] Rom. 8:28.!
Isa. 55:8,9.
Jer. 29:11.
Ps. 23:4.!
[23] Ps. 103:13.!
[24] I John 4:16.!
[25] Matt. 5:45.!
-------------------End of Page 85---------------------------
2. Without any Merit or Worthiness in
Me. [26] I have merited (deserved) nothing and I
am worthy of nothing but punishment; for I am a
sinful being, [27] and have broken God's law many
times by thoughts and words and deeds. [28]
III. WHAT I OWE TO GOD IN RETURN
For all His goodness and mercy
I am in duty bound [29]
1. To Thank and Praise Him. I must not re-
ceive God's benefits as a matter of course, but must
recognize them as gifts of His grace, and daily
thank and praise Him in my heart and with my
lips. [30]
2. To Serve and Obey Him. I must show my
gratitude in my life by obeying God's command-
ments and giving myself with all my heart to His
service. [31]
This is most certainly true; namely, 1. That
all the blessings I enjoy come from God. 2. That
they are the gifts of His grace and that I am
unworthy of them. 3. That I owe to God the fullest
gratitude of heart and life.
QUESTIONS.--1. What does "I believe" mean? 2. Why do we say
"God the _Father_?" 3. What does "Almighty" mean? 4. What has
God made? 5. Name His chief creatures. 6. What three things does
Luther's explanation of this article tell us? 7. What has God done
and what does He still do for us? 8. In creating us, what has God
given us? 9. How does He preserve us? 10. Why does God do all
this for us? 11. Why are we not worthy of it? 12. What do we owe
to God in return? 13. What is meant by thanking and praising Him?
14. What is meant by serving and obeying Him? 15. What is most
certainly true according to this article?
------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Eph. 1:3.
Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual bless-
ings in heavenly places in Christ.
Gen. 1:1. In the beginning God
created the heaven and the earth.
Job 33:4. The Spirit of God
hath made me, and the breath of
the Almighty hath given me life.
Col. 1:16. For by him were all
things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and
invisible, whether they be
---------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[26] Gen. 32:10.!
[27] Ps. 51:5.
[28] Jer. 14:7.
[29] Ps. 116:12.!
Ps. 50:14.
[30] Ps. 103:1.!
[31] Rom. 12:1.!
-----------------End of Page 86-----------------------------
thrones, or dominions, or princi-
palities, or powers: all things
were created by him, and for
him.
Gen. 2:7. And the Lord God
formed man of the dust of the
ground, and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life; and
man became a living soul.
Jas. 1:17. Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father
of lights, with whom is no vari-
ableness, neither shadow of turn-
ing.
Acts 17:28. For in him we
live, and move, and have our be-
ing.
Ps. 145:15,16. The eyes of all
wait upon thee; and thou givest
them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand, and sat-
isfiest the desire of every living
thing.
Matt. 6:31,32. Therefore take
no thought, saying, What shall
we eat? or, What shall we drink,
or, Wherewithal shall we be
clothed? (For after all these
things do the Gentiles seek:) for
your heavenly Father knoweth
that ye have need of all these
things.
Lam. 3:22,23.It is of the
LORD'S mercies that we are not
consumed, because his compas-
sions fail not. They are new
every morning.
Ps. 34:7. The angel of the
LORD encampeth round about them
that fear him, and delivereth
them.
Ps. 121:5,8. The LORD is thy
keeper: the LORD is thy shade
upon thy right hand. The LORD
shall preserve thy going out and
thy coming in from this time
forth, and even for evermore.
Rom. 8:28. And we know that
all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to
his purpose.
Ps. 23:4. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil: for
thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Ps. 103:13. Like as a father
pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear him.
I John 4:16. God is love: and
he that dwelleth in love dwelleth
in God, and God in him.
Matt. 5:45. He maketh his sun
to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just
and on the unjust.
Gen. 32:10. I am not worthy
of the least of all the mercies,
and of all the truth, which thou
has shewed unto thy servant.
Ps. 116:12. What shall I ren-
der unto the LORD for all his
benefits toward me?
Ps. 103:1. Bless the LORD, O
my soul: and all that is within
me, bless his holy name. Bless
the LORD, O my soul, and forget
not all his benefits.
Rom. 12:1. I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mer-
cies of God, that ye present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable, unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
--------------------------
READING.--The Creation of the World, Gen. 1.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Provides_: Manna, Exod. 16:14; Elijah, I Kings
17:6,14; Feeding the Five Thousand, Matt. 14:15-21. _Protects_: The
-----------------End of Page 87--------------------------------------
Israelites, Exod. 14:19 _seq_.; Daniel, Dan. 6:22; Paul, Acts 23:12-
33; Acts 27:42-44. _Guards from evil_: Joseph; Job. _Thankfulness_:
Noah, Gen. 8:20; The Samaritan, Luk 17:15,16.
----------------------
THE SECOND ARTICLE
OF GOD THE SON, OR REDEMPTION
CHAPTER XVII
And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was
conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and
buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose
again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and
sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the
dead.
_What is meant by this Article?_
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the
Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the
Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who has redeemed me, a lost
and condemned creature, secured and delivered me from
all sins, from death and from the power of the devil, not
with silver and gold, but with His holy and precious
blood, and with His innocent sufferings and death, in
order that I might be His, live under Him in His king-
dom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, inno-
cence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the
dead and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most
certainly true.
-------------------
The Second Article treats of Jesus Christ, THE
SON OF GOD, and his work of REDEMPTION.
Prompted by His infinite love, God pitied our lost
race, and determined to save us by sending a Re-
deemer in the person of His only Son. [1] Throughout
the centuries of Old Testament history He repeatedly
gave the promise of redemption: in Eden, [2] to the
patriarchs, [3] to David, [4] and through the prophets. [5]
In the fulness of time God sent His Son into the
world. [6]
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] John 3:16.!
I Tim. 1:15.!
[2] Gen. 3:15.
[3] Gen 12:3.
Gen. 26:4.
[4] II Sam. 7:12,13.
[5] Isa. 9:2-7.
Mic. 5:2.
[6] Gal. 4:4.
-----------------End of Page 88--------------------------------
Article II and its Explanation may be analyzed
as follows:--
I. OUR LORD
1. _His Names_: Jesus, Christ.
2. _His Person and Nature_: True God and True
Man.
3. _His Life_: His Humiliation and His Exaltation.
II. HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION
1. _Whom He has redeemed_.
2. _From what He has redeemed me_.
3. _How He has redeemed me_.
4. _Why He has redeemed me_.
OUR LORD
I. HIS NAMES
I believe that
Jesus. This was our Lord's personal name, given
to Him by the angel. [7] It signified, "He shall save."
Christ. This was His official name, correspond-
ing with the Old Testament name "Messiah," [8] and
signified "The Anointed One." God anointed Him
with the Holy Spirit for the work of redemption, [9]
to a threefold office:--
1. As Prophet, to teach us God's will. [10]
2. As Priest, to atone for our sins, and to inter-
cede for us. [11]
3. As King, [12] to reign over us in the Kingdom of
Power, of Grace, and of Glory.
II. HIS PERSON AND NATURE
He is
True God, Begotten of the Father from
Eternity. Christ is true God, [13] just as the Father
is God. [14] He is the Son of God, not as a good or
great man who has been received or adopted as
God's son, but He is in His very nature the Son of
God, _begotten by His Father_ [15] _from all eternity_. [16]
He is "God of God, Light of Light, Very God of
-----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[7] Matt. 1:21.
[8] John 1:41.
[9] Luke 4:18-21.
[10] Acts 3:22.
[11] Heb. 4:14.
[12] Matt. 21:5.
Rev. 17:14.
[13] Rom. 9:5.!
[14] John 5:23.!
John 20:28.!
John 8:58.!
Matt. 16:16.
[15] John 3:16.!
[16] John 1:1.
John 17:5.
-----------------End of Page 89-----------------------------------
Very God, Begotten, not made, being of one sub-
stance with the Father." [17] The Scriptures show
this by ascribing to Him divine names, attributes,
power, honor, and works. At His baptism and at
His transfiguration the Father spoke from heaven
and said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased." [18] His divine nature is proved by His
teaching, His miracles, His holy life, and especially
by His resurrection from the dead.
And also True Man, Born of the Virgin
Mary. Christ was in all respects a human being
such as we are, except that He was without sin. [19]
He was "conceived by the Holy Ghost," and thus
had God alone for His Father. [20] But he was "born
of the Virgin Mary," [21] with a human body [22] and
soul. [23] He grew, increased in wisdom and stature, [24]
and reached the age of manhood. He suffered our
human wants, [25] such as hunger, thirst, weariness,
and pain. He was moved by human emotions, [26]
such as joy, sorrow, and indignation. He wept, [27]
prayed, [28] suffered and died. [29] He could not have
done these things if He had not been true man.
Christ is therefore both God and man in one Per-
son. [30] Consequently He is the
_God-Man_. It was necessary that the Redeemer
should be both God and man. [31] If He had not been
God, but only man, He could not have paid a suffi-
cient ransom for our deliverance from sin, nor have
acquired any merit to bestow upon us. Even a sin-
less _man_ could have saved no one but himself. On
the other hand, if Christ had not become man, but
remained God only, He could not have put Himself
in our place under the law, nor have suffered and
died in our stead. But as the _God-man_, Christ was
able to accomplish, and did perfectly accomplish, our
redemption. [32] Thus He became and
Is my Lord, who has Redeemed Me, and in
whom I trust for salvation. [33]
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[17] John 10:30.!
[18] Matt. 3:17.
Matt. 17:5.
[19] I Pet. 2:22.!
[20] Luke 1:35.
[21] Luke 2:7.
[22] Heb. 2:14.
[23] Matt. 26:38.
[24] Luke 2:52.
[25] Matt. 4:2.
John 4:6,7.
[26] Luke 10:21.
Matt. 26:38.
Matt. 21:12.
[27] John 11:35.
[28] Matt. 26:39.
[29] I Pet. 2:23,24.
[30] Rom. 1:3,4.
John 1:14.!
[31] I Tim. 1:15.!
[32] Rom. 3:24.!
[33] Rom. 8:38,39.
Rom. 5:1.!
--------------------End of Page 90---------------------
QUESTIONS.--1. Of what does the Second Article treat? 2. How
did God plan to save man? 3. Analyze the Second Article and its
Explanation. 4. Give the meaning of the names of our Lord. 5. What
was Christ's threefold office? 6. What is to be said about the person
and nature of Christ? 7. In what sense is Christ the Son of God,
and how do we know it? 8. How do you know that Christ was true
man? 9. Why was it necessary that the Redeemer should be both
God and man? 10. What name do we give to Christ in view of His
two-fold nature?
--------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--John 3:
16. For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.
I Tim. 1:15. This is a faith-
ful saying, and worthy of all ac-
ceptation, that Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief.
Rom. 9:5. Christ came, who is
over all, God blessed for ever.
John 5:23. That all men
should honour the Son, even as
they honour the Father. He that
honoureth not the Son honoureth
not the Father which hath sent
him.
John 20:28. And Thomas an-
swered and said unto him, My
Lord and my God.
John 8:58. Jesus said unto
them, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 10:30. I and my Father
are one.
I Pet. 2:22. Who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his
mouth.
John 1:14. And the Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of
the Father,) full of grace and
truth.
Rom. 3:24. Being justified
freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ
Jesus.
Rom. 5:1. Therefore being
justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
-----------------
READING.--The Birth of Jesus, Luke 2:1-20; or, The Eternal
Word, John 1:1-18.
-------------------
CHAPTER XVIII
OUR LORD
III. HIS LIFE
The Saviour's life includes two states; namely,
His Humiliation and His Exaltation
HIS HUMILIATION
Christ's state of humiliation comprises His life on
earth, during which He laid aside the full use of His
------------End of Page 91-------------------------------
divine glory and was content to appear among men
in the form of a servant. He humbled Himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross, [1] in order that He might redeem us. He
gave men glimpses of His divine glory: in the au-
thority with which He taught, [2] in the holy life
which He led, [3] and in the miracles which He per-
formed. [4] But in general He appeared like other
men.
This state of humiliation includes five stages:--
He was
1. Conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of
the Virgin Mary. Christ might have appeared
among men in the full splendor of His divine glory
and majesty. But, in order to redeem us, He was
content to be born in poverty, [5] to grow up in obscur-
ity, [6] and to appear to most men as if He were simply
a man.
2. Suffered under Pontius Pilate. The whole
life of Jesus on earth was a life of suffering endured
for our sakes. He bore all the trials and hard-
ships which have come upon our race as a result
of its sinfulness. He also suffered constant persecu-
tion at the hands of his enemies. [7] But His greatest
sufferings came at the end of His life, in the agony
of Gethsemane, [8] in the mock-trial before the Jewish
Council, [9] and in His sufferings under Pontius Pilate,
the Roman governor. [10] He was mocked, spitefully
entreated, spitted on, crowned with thorns, and
scourged; and then He
3. Was Crucified. [11] Though innocent and holy,
He was treated as though He were a malefactor,
and was put to a cruel and shameful death. He was
nailed to a cross, and left suspended there till He
died. So great was His agony, that He cried out,
"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" [12]
4. Dead. After unspeakable sufferings, Jesus
died on the cross. [13] He was really, and not seem-
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Phil. 2:8.!
[2] Matt. 7:28,29.
[3] John 8:46.
[4] John 2:11.
[5] Luke 2:7.
II Cor. 8:9.!
[6] Matt. 2:23.
[7] Heb. 12:3.
John 1:11.
[8] Matt. 26:36-46.
[9] Matt. 26:57-75.
[10] Matt. 27:1-30.
[11] Luke 23:33.
[12] Mark 15:34.
[13] Mark 15:37.
----------------------End of Page 92-------------------------
ingly, dead. [14] He voluntarily gave up His life for
ours. [15] His death was _vicarious_. He suffered the
penalty for our sins. [16]
5. Buried. His body was laid away in the grave,
where our bodies shall decay. But since Christ was
"the Holy One of God," His body could not "see
corruption."
HIS EXALTATION
After the work of redemption was completed,
Christ assumed the full use of the glory and majesty
which had belonged to Him as the Son of God from
eternity; His human nature was exalted to a full
share in the glory of His divine nature. [18] He had
humbled Himself as a man; and He was exalted as
a man. His divine nature, being unchangeable, can
neither be humbled nor exalted. [19]
Christ's exaltation, like His humiliation, includes
five stages:--
1. He Descended into Hell. Immediately be-
fore His resurrection He descended into the place
of the departed spirits and proclaimed His victory. [20]
2. The Third Day He Rose again from the
Dead. Having paid in full the penalty for our sins,
He rose again from the dead, triumphant, on the
third day (Easter). He had power to lay down His
life, and power to take it again. [21] As His death had
been a real death, so His resurrection was a real
resurrection. He re-appeared to His disciples, not
as a spirit, but with the same body that was cruci-
fied, the prints of the nails and of the spear being
plain in His hands and side. [22] But His body was a
transformed and glorified body, with new properties
and powers. [23]
_The Resurrection a Fact_. The reality of the res-
urrection is established beyond all doubt. The
strongest proof of its reality is found in the fact that
the disciples themselves were so unwilling to believe
it, but were obliged to do so by the evidence of their
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[14] John 19:33,34.
[15] John 10:18,19.!
[16] I Pet. 3:18.
Isa. 53:5.!
[17] Ps. 16:10.
[18] Phil. 2:9-11.!
[19] Heb. 13:8.!
[20] I Pet. 3:19.
[21] John 10:19.
[22] Luke 24:36-40.
[23] John 20:19.
--------------------End of Page 93-----------------------
own senses. Even the doubting Thomas exclaimed,
"My Lord, and my God." [24] During the forty days
between His resurrection and His ascension the
Lord gave His disciples so many proofs of His
resurrection that all their doubts were removed. [25]
The women on Easter morn found the grave empty
and were told by an angel that He had risen. [26] He
was seen by Mary in the Garden, [27] by Peter, [28] by
the two disciples at Emmaus, [29] twice by the eleven
as they were gathered together, [30] by seven disciples
at the Sea of Tiberias, [31] by more than five hundred
brethren at once, [32] by James [33] and by the eleven
when He accompanied them to Mount Olivet and
ascended before their eyes to heaven. [34] The won-
derful change which took place in the apostles when
the risen and ascended Christ had sent the Holy
Spirit upon them, [35] and the wonderful change which
took place in Paul, [36] are further proofs of the real-
ity of the resurrection of Christ.
_The resurrection proves_ 1. That Jesus is the Son
of God. [37] 2. That the sacrifice which He made for
sin was sufficient and accepted. [38] 3. That we also
shall rise from the dead. [39]
3. He Ascended into Heaven from Mount
Olivet forty days after His resurrection. [40] Having
finished His work on earth, He returned to the
heaven from which He had come. He has gone to
prepare a place for us. [41]
4. And sitteth on the Right Hand of God
the Father Almighty; that is, on the right hand
of God's power. As the God-man He now wields all
power in heaven and earth. [42] He rules over all
creatures in the realm of Power; over the believers
in the realm of Grace (the Church on earth); and
over angels and saints in the realm of Glory in
heaven. He continues His office of High-priest, and
intercedes for us with the Father. [43]
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[24] John 20:28.
[25] Acts 1:3.
[26] Mark 16:6.
[27] John 20:14-16.
[28] Luke 24:34.
[29] Luke 24:15.
[30] John 20:19-29.
[31] John 21:1
[32] I Cor. 15:6.
[33] I Cor. 15:7.
[34] Acts 1:9-12.
[35] Acts 2.
[36] Acts 9:1-29.
[37] John 20:28.
Rom. 1:4.!
Acts 2:36.
[38] Rom. 8:34.
I Thess. 1:10.
[39] Rom. 4:25.!
I Cor. 15:19,20.!
I Cor. 6:14.
[40] Acts 1:9.
[41] John 14:2.
[42] Matt. 28:18.!
Eph. 1:20-22.!
[43] Rom. 8:34.!
Heb. 4:14-16.
-------------------End of Page 94---------------
5. From thence He shall come to judge the
Quick and the Dead. At the end of the world
Christ will come again visibly, [44] suddenly, and unex-
pectedly, [45] with power and great glory, to judge
both the quick (living) and the dead. [46] He will
separate the believing from the unbelieving; receive
the believers unto Himself; and cast the impenitent
and unbelieving into outer darkness and torment.
His coming will fill the believers with joy, [47] and the
unbelievers with dismay. [48] No one knows or can
compute the exact time of His coming. We should
be always ready. [49] His coming will be preceded by
signs. [50] The present order of the world shall pass
away; [51] and there shall be new heavens and a new
earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [52]
QUESTIONS.--1. What two states does Christ's life include? 2. What
is meant by His state of humiliation? 3. How many stages were
there in his humiliation? 4. Name them. 5. Was Christ's glory
entirely hidden during his state of humiliation? 6. How might Christ
have appeared, and how did He appear among men? 7. Describe the
sufferings of Christ. 8. What is to be said of Christ's crucifixion? 9.
What is to be said of Christ's death? 10. What is to be said of His
burial? 11. What is meant by Christ's exaltation? 12. How many
stages were there in His exaltation? 13. Name them. 14. What is
meant by the descent into hell? 15. How did Christ re-appear to His
disciples? 16. Prove that the resurrection was a fact. 17. What does
the resurrection of Christ prove? 18. When and why did Christ
ascend into heaven? 19. What is meant by His sitting at the right
hand of the Father? 20. What can you tell about Christ's second
coming?
-----------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Phil. 2:8.
And being found in fashion as a
man, he humbled himself, and be-
came obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross.
II Cor. 8:9. For ye know the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich, yet for
your sakes he became poor, that
ye through his poverty might be
rich.
John 10:18,19. Therefore doth
my Father love me, because I
lay down my life, that I might
take it again. No man taketh it
from me, but I lay it down of
myself.
Isa. 53:5. He was wounded
for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes
we are healed.
---------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[44] Mark 13:26.!
[45] Matt. 24:36-42.
Luke 21:27.
[46] II Cor. 5:10.!
Matt. 25:31-46.
[47] Luke 21:28.
[48] Rev. 6:15-17.
[49] Matt. 24:42,44.!
[50] Luke 21:25,26.
[51] II Pet. 3:10.
[52] II Pet. 3:13.!
-------------------------End of Page 95-------------------
Phil. 2:9-11. Wherefore God
also hath highly exalted him, and
given him a name which is above
every name: that at the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, of
things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth;
and that every tongue should con-
fess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Heb. 13:8. Jesus Christ, the
same yesterday, and to-day, and
for ever.
Rom. 1:4. Declared to be the
Son of God with power, accord-
ing to the spirit of holiness, by
the resurrection from the dead.
Rom. 4:25. Who was deliv-
ered for our offences, and was
raised again for our justification.
I Cor. 15:19,20. If in this life
only we have hope in Christ, we
are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the
dead, and become the firstfruits
of them that slept.
Matt. 28:18. And Jesus came
and spake unto them, saying, All
power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth.
Eph. 1:22. And hath put all
things under his feet.
Rom. 8:34. Who is he that
condemneth? It is Christ that
died, yea rather, that is risen
again, who is even at the right
hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us.
Mark 13:26. And then shall
they see the Son of man coming
in the clouds with great power
and glory.
II Cor. 5:10. For we must all
appear before the judgment seat
of Christ; that every one may
receive the things done in his
body, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or bad.
Matt. 24:44. Therefore be ye
also ready: for in such an hour
as ye think not the Son of man
cometh.
II Pet. 3:13. Nevertheless we,
according to his promise, look for
new heavens and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness.
------------------
READING.--The Death and Resurrection of Christ, Luke 23-24:9;
and The Ascension of Christ, Acts 1:1-11.
-----------------------
CHAPTER XIX
CHRIST'S WORK OF REDEMPTION
I. WHOM HE HAS REDEEMED
He has redeemed
Me. Christ died for all; [1] and consequently for
me also. [2] Believing on Him, all the blessings of
His redemption belong to me in time and in eternity.
He is _my_ Saviour, _my_ Redeemer.
A Lost and Condemned Creature. I was
lost, [3] because my sin had separated me from God,
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I Pet. 2:24.!
I John 2:2.!
John 1:29.!
[2] Gal. 2:20.!
[3] Isa. 53:6.!
I Pet. 2:25.
------------------End of Page 96--------------------------
and I could not have found my way back to Him,
if Christ had not sought and found me. I was con-
demned, [4] because I had broken God's command-
ments and deserved eternal punishment.
II. FROM WHAT HE HAD REDEEMED ME
He has secured and delivered me
From all Sins; namely, from the _guilt_ of sin by
paying its penalty for me on the cross; [5] and from
the _dominion_ of sin by giving me grace to fight
against it and overcome it. [6]
From Death: not from bodily death, for even
the Christian must die; but from the fear of bodily
death; [7] from spiritual death; [8] and from everlasting
death. [9]
And from the Power of the Devil. [10] On ac-
count of my sins, I was in Satan's power. But
Christ has freed me. Since He has paid the penalty
for my sins, Satan no longer has any claim upon
me, and can no longer harm me. [11] He still tempts
me to sin; but Christ gives me grace to resist. He
still accuses me before God on account of my sins;
but Christ shields me against Satan's accusations by
the satisfaction which He, my Saviour, has made
for all my sins. [12]
III. HOW HE HAS REDEEMED ME
Not with Silver and Gold; [13] for no material
wealth could purchase freedom from spiritual slav-
ery and death. Nor has He redeemed me merely by
becoming my great teacher and example; for this
would not take away my guilt;
But with His Holy and Precious Blood. [14]
His blood was the price which Christ paid for my
ransom. It was holy, because He was holy; and
precious, because He was the Son of God. The shed-
ding of Christ's blood for my sins was the only way
in which I could be redeemed; for without the shed-
ding of blood, there is no remission of sins. [15]
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[4] Eph. 2:3.
[5] I John 1:7.
II Cor. 5:21.!
[6] Rom. 6:14.
Rom 8:2-4.
[7] Phil. 1:23.
I Cor. 15:55,57.
[8] Eph. 2:6.
[9] John 3:16.
[10] I John 3:8.!
[11] John 10:27,28.
[12] I John 2:1.
[13] I Pet. 1:18,19.!
[14] I John 1:7.!
[15] Heb. 9:22.
----------------------End of Page 97--------------------
And with His Innocent Sufferings [16] and
Death. [17] Christ suffered and died, not for any sins
of His own, but for _my_ sins. He was innocent and
had no sin at all. But He voluntarily bore the
punishment which I deserved, and thus satisfied all
the demands of divine justice for me. Since He has
borne the punishment for me, I, believing on Him,
need no longer be punished.
_Christ was my Substitute_. By His holy life He
perfectly fulfilled God's law in my place; [18] and by
His innocent sufferings and death He bore the pun-
ishment for my sins in my place. [19] All that Christ
has done is imputed to me by faith; [20] that is, it is
all counted as if I myself had done it. [21] His death,
therefore, frees me from guilt and condemnation:
and His holy life makes me appear righteous in
God's sight and fit to enter into heaven. My entire
hope of salvation rests on Christ and what He has
done for me. [22]
IV. WHY HE HAS REDEEMED ME
In order that
I might be His. He desired me for His own,
and therefore purchased me with His precious
blood. [23] Hence I now belong to Him, and not to
Satan or to myself. He wishes me to yield myself
fully to Him in heart and life. [24] If I refuse to do
so, I am withholding what belongs to Him.
Live under Him in His Kingdom; namely, in
His kingdom of Grace on earth by a life of faith,
and in His kingdom of Glory in heaven. [25]
And serve Him in Everlasting Righteous-
ness, Innocence and Blessedness. [26] I am to
serve Him and do His will, not as a slave by com-
pulsion, but willingly, gladly, and out of love. [27] With
my best efforts I only partially succeed in doing His
will on earth, for I am still imperfect. [28] But in the
next world I shall be freed from all sin, and be
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[16] I Pet. 3:18.!
[17] Rom. 5:7,8.!
[18] Rom. 5:19.
[19] II Cor. 5:21.!
[20] Rom. 4:24.
[21] Rom. 4:5.
[22] II Cor. 5:19.
[23] II Cor. 5:15.!
[24] Gal. 2:20.!
[25] Col. 1:12-14.
[26] I Pet. 2:9.!
[27] Matt. 16:24.!
[28] Rom. 7:21-24.
-------------------End of Page 98----------------------------
transformed and glorified in body and soul. Then
I shall serve Him in perfect holiness and happiness
for ever. [29]
Even as He is Risen from the Dead, and
Lives and Reigns to all Eternity. As Christ
rose from the dead, so I am to rise from the death
of sin to newness of life in Him. [30] As He lives
and dies no more, so I am to live in righteousness
and no more become a servant of sin. [31] As He
reigns to all eternity, so I am to live and reign with
Him for ever. [32]
This is most certainly true: 1. That Jesus
Christ, true God and true Man, is my Lord, who
has redeemed me. 2. That He has paid the penalty
for my sins with His holy and precious blood and
His innocent sufferings and death. 3. That conse-
quently I belong to Him, and should serve Him now
and for ever.
QUESTION.--1. What four things does the explanation of the second
article tell us about Christ's redemption? 2. Whom has Christ
redeemed? 3. What was I before Christ redeemed me, and why?
4. From what has Christ redeemed me? 5. What is meant by redemp-
tion from sin? from death? and from the devil? 6. How has Christ
redeemed me? 7. Why was the shedding of Christ's blood necessary?
8. Why did Christ suffer and die if He was innocent? 9. What is
meant when we say that Christ was our substitute? 10. Why has
Christ redeemed me? 11. To whom do I now belong, and what is
my duty therefore? 12. What is meant by living under Christ in His
kingdom? 13. In what spirit am I to serve Him? 14. What hope
has Christ secured for me? 15. What three things are most cer-
tainly true according to this second article?
----------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I Pet. 2:
24. Who his own self bare our
sins in his own body on the tree,
that we being dead to sins, should
live unto righteousness: by whose
stripes ye were healed.
I John 2:2. And he is the pro-
pitiation for our sins: and not for
ours only, but also for the sins of
the whole world.
John 1:29. Behold the Lamb
of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world.
Gal. 2:20. I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved
me, and gave himself for me.
Isa. 53:6. All we like sheep
have gone astray.
II Cor. 5:21. For he hath
made him to be sin for us, who
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[29] Rev. 7:15.
[30] Rom. 6:4.
[31] Rom. 6:9,10.
[32] Rev. 3:21.
------------------End of Page 99-------------------------------------
knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in
him.
I John 3:8. For this purpose
the Son of God was manifested,
that he might destroy the works
of the devil.
I Pet. 1:18,19. Forasmuch as
ye know that ye were not re-
deemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold, from your
vain conversation received by
tradition from your fathers; but
with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot.
I John 1:7. The blood of Jesus
Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all sin.
I Pet. 3:18. For Christ also
hath once suffered for sins, the
just for the unjust, that he might
bring us to God.
Rom. 5:7,8. For scarcely for
a righteous man will one die: yet
peradventure for a good man
some would even dare to die. But
God commendeth his love toward
us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.
II Cor. 5:15. He died for all,
that they which live should not
henceforth live unto themselves,
but unto him which died for
them, and rose again.
Gal. 2:20. I am crucified with
Christ: nevertheless I live; yet
not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in
the flesh I live by the faith of the
Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me.
I Pet. 2:9. But ye are a
chosen generation, a royal priest-
hood, a holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should shew forth
the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light.
Matt. 16:24. Then said Jesus
unto his disciples, If any man
will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me.
------------------
READING.--Jesus our High Priest, Heb. 9:11-15.
--------------------
THE THIRD ARTICLE
OF GOD THE HOLY GHOST, OR
SANCTIFICATION
CHAPTER XX
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian
Church, the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of
sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life Ever-
lasting. Amen.
_What is meant by this Article?_
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength
believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him; but
the Holy Ghost has called me through the Gospel,
---------------End of Page 100-------------------------
enlightened me by His gifts, and sanctified and preserved
me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers,
enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on
earth, and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the
true faith; in which Christian Church He daily forgives
abundantly all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and
will raise up me and all the dead at the last day, and will
grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in
Christ. This is most certainly true.
--------------------------
THE THIRD ARTICLE treats of GOD THE HOLY
GHOST and His work of SANCTIFICATION. It tells
us how we become partakers of the Redemption
which is described in the Second Article. Christ _has
accomplished_ our redemption, and the Holy Ghost
_applies_ that redemption to our souls. The work of
the Holy Ghost _in_ us is as necessary for our salva-
tion [1] as the work of Christ _for_ us. We must be-
lieve in Christ, if we would be saved; [2] and it is
the Holy Ghost who causes us to believe. [3]
Article III and its Explanation may be analyzed
as follows:--
THE HOLY GHOST
I. _His Person and Nature_: He is True God.
II. _His Work_: He Calls, Enlightens, Sanctifies,
and Preserves me in the true Faith.
III. _His Workmanship_: The Holy Christian
Church.
IV. _The Fruits of His Work_: 1. The Forgiveness
of Sins. 2. The Resurrection of the Body, and the
Life Everlasting.
THE HOLY GHOST
I. HIS PERSON AND NATURE
I Believe in the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost
is true God. He is not simply a power or energy
of God, but a Person. [4] "He proceedeth from the
Father and the Son, and with the Father and the
Son together is worshipped and glorified." [5]
-------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I Cor. 2:14.!
[2] Mark 16:16.
[3] I Cor. 12:3.
[4] Acts 5:3,4.
5. John 14:26.
John 15:26.
----------------End of Page 101------------------
Scriptures ascribe to Him divine names, attributes,
power, honor, and works. Christ commanded His
disciples to baptize men in the name of the Father
and of the Son _and of the Holy Ghost_. [6]
The Holy Spirit instructed the prophets and
teachers of Old Testament times, [7] and was poured
out upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost. [8] He
inspired the Holy Scriptures. [9] He comes into our
hearts through the Word of God and the Sacra-
ments.
II. HIS WORK
The work of the Holy Ghost is _Sanctification_.
This word is used here, at the head of the Third
Article, in the wide sense, and includes the Holy
Spirit's entire work upon our souls; namely, Call-
ing, Enlightening, Sanctification in the narrower
sense, and Preservation in the Faith.
1. ITS NECESSITY. If the Holy Spirit does not
work in us, we cannot be saved. Hence, we say in
the catechism,
I believe that I cannot by my own Reason
or Strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord,
or come to Him. For as I am by nature, my
_reason_ is so darkened by sin, [10] that I do not see my
need of the Saviour. and I am so lacking in spiritual
_strength_ (being dead in trespasses and sins), [11] that
I am unable to believe in Christ. Consequently it is
necessary that the Holy Spirit should teach me to
see in Christ my only Saviour, and give me strength
to believe in Him.
2. ITS NATURE. But the Holy Ghost has
Called me through the Gospel. [12] He has
caused His Word to be written, [13] and causes it to be
continually proclaimed [14] for the purpose of making
God's grace known to me, and inviting me to share
in it. He calls all men, and means His call earnestly.
He does not merely seem to call some, but actually
calls all who hear or read His Word. [15] And along
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[6] Matt. 28:19.
[7] II Pet. 1:21.
[8] Acts 2.
[9] II Tim. 3:16.
[10] I Cor. 2:14.!
[11] Eph. 2:1.
[12] II Tim. 1:9.
[13] II Thess. 2:14.
II Tim. 3:16.
[14] John 20:31.!
II Cor. 5:20.
I Cor. 1:21.
[15] I Tim. 2:4.!
I Pet. 3:9.
------------------End of Page 102------------------------
with the call, He gives us the strength which we
need in order to believe. [16] Those who obey the call
are the Elect or Chosen [17] ones, and obtain salva-
tion. Those who refuse to obey the call are lost. [18]
Enlightened me by His Gifts. The Holy Ghost
shows me my lost condition and God's saving mercy,
and thus leads me to Repentance through the Law, [19]
and to Faith through the Gospel. [20]
_Repentance_ includes
1. An Acknowledgment and Confession of Sin. [21]
2. Sincere Sorrow for Sin. [22] It must be sorrow
for the sin itself, and not merely for the conse-
quences of sin.
3. The Hating and Forsaking of Sin. [23]
4. An Earnest Desire for Forgiveness. [24]
True repentance always leads to faith. [25] Sorrow
for sins which does not lead to faith, is not repen-
tance but remorse, and often drives men to despair. [26]
_Faith_ includes
1. A Knowledge of the Facts of the Gospel. [27]
2. A Belief of the Facts. [28]
3. Trust or Confidence in Christ our Saviour. [29]
This trust is the chief part of faith.
True faith is not a mere matter of the head, but
of the heart. It is not a mere intellectual belief
that God exists or that Christ lived and died; but it
is a firm confidence that Christ is actually _our_
Saviour, and that all _our_ sins are washed away by
His precious blood. [30] Faith says, "The Son of God
loved _me_ and gave Himself for _me_." [31]
True faith is always preceded by repentance. The
impenitent have no promise of forgiveness, and
therefore cannot have faith. They cannot believe a
promise which has not been given to them.
_Regeneration and Conversion_. Those whom the
Holy Spirit has brought to repentance and faith are
in a state of regeneration and conversion. The
change which has taken place in them is called a
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[16] Eph. 2:4-6.
[17] Matt. 20:16.!
[18] Mark 16:16.
[19] John 16:8.
Rom. 3:20
[20] John 15:26.
John 1:17.
[21] Ps. 51:3,4.
[22] Luke 22:62.
[23] Ps. 51:10.
[24] Ps. 51:2,9.
[25] II Cor. 7:10.
[26] Matt. 27:3-5.
[27] Rom. 10:14.
[28] Rom. 4:20,21.
[29] II Tim. 1:21.!
[30] I John 1:7.
[31] Gal. 2:20.
---------------------End of Page 103---------------------------
new birth or regeneration, [32] because a new life has
been planted in them. [33] It is called conversion,
[34] because they have been converted or turned from
sin to righteousness, from self to God.
It is not necessary that a Christian should be able
to point to the exact time of his conversion. The
important question is not, "When were we con-
verted?" but, "Are we now in a converted state?"
that is, "Are we now penitent and believing?"
_Justification_. All those who have true faith are
justified; [35] their sins are forgiven, and the right-
eousness of Christ is imputed (counted as belong-
ing) to them. [36] When we believe in Christ, all that
He has done and suffered for us is regarded by
God as if we had done and suffered it ourselves' [37]
for Christ was our substitute. Consequently, those
who believe in Christ are _justified_ for His sake;
that is, they are pronounced by God to be righteous
and fit to enter into heaven.
_By Faith Alone_. We are justified and saved by
faith alone, without works. [38] We shall enter heaven,
not because we deserve to enter, [39] but only because
we believe in Christ. Salvation is a _Gift_: acquired
for us by Christ's holy life and innocent death;
bestowed upon us freely by God's grace; and ac-
cepted by faith. [40] Our faith is not a merit on ac-
count of which we are forgiven, but it is the hand
with which we reach out and accept the free gift
of forgiveness which God offers for Christ's sake.
Our own works have nothing to do with our justi-
fication. [41] If God took them into consideration at
all, they would condemn us; for at best we are im-
perfect and sinful creatures. [42] In order to be saved,
we need a _perfect_ righteousness. Christ's righteous-
ness alone is perfect. It becomes ours by faith.
And Sanctified. Those who have true faith are
santified by the Holy Spirit; that is, they are made
holy in heart and life. [43] While good works do not
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[32] John 3:5,6.
[33] II Cor. 5:17.!
[34] Acts 3:19.
[35] Rom. 5:1.!
Rom. 4:5.
[36] Phil. 3:9.
[37] II Cor. 5:21.
Rom. 8:1.!
[38] Rom. 3:28.!
[39] Gal. 2:16.!
[40] Eph. 2:8,9.!
[41] Rom. 3:20.!
[42] Rom. 7:18-23.
Gal. 3:10.!
[43] Rom. 8:5.!
Rom. 6:22.
--------------------End of Page 104----------------------
save us, they do and must follow faith as its fruit. [44]
Believers do good works out of love to God and
gratitude for His mercy. Faith that does not result
in a holy life is a dead faith, [45] and cannot save. The
Christian dare not live in sin. [46] He has become a
new creature; for he is born again: and conse-
quently he leads a new life. We shall, indeed, never
become sinless in this world, but we must honestly
and earnestly _try_ to do God's will in all things. [47]
We should grow more and more holy every day. [48]
We cannot do this by our own power, but we can
by the help of God. We should, therefore, be dili-
gent and faithful in the use of the Word of God
and the Sacraments; for these are the means which
the Holy Ghost uses for our sanctification.*
And Preserved me in the True Faith. As it
is the Holy Ghost who brings us to faith, so it is He
who preserves us in it. [49] The world, the flesh, and
the devil are enemies who seek to destroy our faith
and to rob us of our salvation. We should constantly
pray for strength to resist these enemies, [50] and
should obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We
must avoid wilful, intentional sin, [51] and live a life
of daily repentance. If we sin wilfully, we fall from
grace and are lost, unless we come to true and last-
ing repentance. If we faithfully use the Means of
Grace, and earnestly strive to lead a Christian life,
the Holy Spirit will preserve us in the faith to the
end. [52]
+Faith in Christ does not at once make us perfectly holy and
sinless, as some persons maintain; but it takes away the guilt of
our sin. We are completely justified and forgiven as soon as we
believe; but we are not completely sanctified. Sanctification is a
gradual process, which will be completed only when we are trans-
formed and glorified in heaven.
QUESTION.--1. Of what does the Third Article treat? 2. What is
to be said about the importance of the Holy Spirit's work? 3. Analyze
the Third Article and its Explanation. 4. What is to be said about the
person and nature of the Holy Ghost? 5. How does the Holy Ghost
come into our hearts? 6. Describe the Work of the Holy Ghost.
7. Why can we not be saved if the Holy Spirit does not work in us?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[44] Matt. 7:18.
[45] Jas. 2:26.!
[46] Rom. 6:2.!
[47] Phil. 3:12-14.
Matt. 5:16.!
[48] Eph. 4:22-24.
Rom. 12:2.
I Thess. 4:1.
[49] Phil. 1:6.!
[50] Matt. 26:41.!
Rev. 2:10.
[51] Eph. 4:30.!
[52] Phil. 2:12,13.!
----------------------End of Page 105-----------------------
8. How has the Holy Spirit called me? 9. How has He enlightened
me? 10. How does the Holy Ghost bring me to repentance? 11.
What does repentance include? 12. How does the Holy Ghost bring
me to faith? 13. What does faith include? 14. What is true faith?
15. What is meant by regeneration? 16. What is meant by conver-
sion? 17. Must a Christian know the exact time of his conversion?
18. What is meant by justification? 19. What is the relation of faith
and works in salvation? 20. What is meant by sanctification? 21.
What is the relation between faith and good works? 22. How are we
preserved in the faith?
--------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I Cor. 2:
14. But the natural man receiv-
eth not the things of the Spirit
of God: for they are foolishness
unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually
discerned.
John 20:31. But these are
written, that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name.
I Tim. 2:4. Who will have all
men to be saved, and to come
unto the knowledge of the truth.
Matt. 20:16. So the last shall
be first, and the first last: for
many be called, but few chosen.
II Tim. 1:12. For I know
whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that He is able to keep
that which I have committed unto
him against that day.
II Cor. 5:17. Therefore if any
man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are be-
come new.
Rom. 5:1. Therefore being
justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Rom. 8:1. There is therefore
now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus.
Rom. 3:28. Therefore we con-
clude that a man is justified by
faith without the deeds of the
law.
Gal. 2:16. Knowing that a man
is not justified by the works of
the law, but by the faith of Jesus
Christ.
Eph. 2:8,9. For by grace are
ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: not of works, lest any
man should boast.
Rom. 3:20. Therefore by the
deeds of the law there shall no
flesh be justified in his sight: for
by the law is the knowledge of
sin.
Gal. 3:10. For as many as are
of the works of the law are un-
der the curse: for it is written,
Cursed is every one that continu-
eth not in all things which are
written in the book of the law to
do them.
Rom. 8:5. For they that are
after the flesh do mind the things
of the flesh; but they that are
after the Spirit, the things of the
Spirit.
Jas. 2:26. For as the body
without the spirit is dead, so faith
without works is dead also.
Rom. 6:2. God forbid. How
shall we, that are dead to sin,
live any longer therein?
--------------End of Page 106-------------------
Matt. 5:16. Let your light so
shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.
Phil. 1:6. Being confident of
this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of
Jesus Christ.
Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray,
that ye enter not into temptation:
the spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak.
Eph. 4:30. And grieve not the
Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye
are sealed unto the day of re-
demption.
Phil. 2:12,13. Work out your
own salvation with fear and
trembling: for it is God which
worketh in you both to will and
to do of his good pleasure.
--------------------
READING.--The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost, Acts 2:1-41.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Calling_: The Great Supper, Luke 14:16-24; The
marriage of the King's Son, Matt. 22; Matthew, Matt. 9:9; Peter
and Andrew, Matt. 4:19; Nathanael, John 1:45. _Repentance_: Cain, Gen.
4:13; Judas, Matt. 27:4,5; The Pharisee, Luke 18:10-12. _Faith_:
The Centurion, Matt. 8:5-13; The Woman of Cana, Matt. 15:22-28;
The Twelve Disciples; The Three Thousand, Acts 2; The Thief on
the Cross, Luke 23:39-43; The Philippian Jailor, Acts 16:25-34.
_Faithfulness_: Paul, II Cor. 11:23-33; II Tim. 4:7. _Apostasy_: Ana
aias, Acts 4:5; Demas, II Tim. 4:10.
----------------------
CHAPTER XXI
THE HOLY GHOST
III. HIS WORKMANSHIP
The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints.
----------------
WHAT THE CHURCH IS. The Church is "The
Communion of Saints" or fellowship of believers. It
consists of all those persons who truly believe in
Christ. [1] We call it the _Workmanship_ of the Holy
Ghost, because He brings men to faith and thus pro-
duces the Church. He calls, gathers, enlightens
and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on
earth, and preserves it in union with Jesus
Christ in the true faith. [2]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 16:16, 18.!
[2] Eph. 5:25-27.
------------------------End of Page 107----------------------
The Church may also be called the Holy Spirit's
_Workshop_, because He abides and works in it
through the Means of Grace,--the Word of God
and the Sacraments.
WHEN FOUNDED. The Holy Christian Church
was founded on the day of Pentecost, when the
Holy Ghost was poured out upon the disciples. [3] On
that day the Gospel of the crucified and risen
Saviour was first preached by the apostles, the first
converts were made, and the first Christian bap-
tisms were administered.
VISIBLE OR INVISIBLE. The Church is invisible,
because we cannot read men's hearts nor tell who
are real believers. But if we regard the Church as
an external organization which includes all who
profess to believe, it is visible. In this outward
visible Church there are many persons who are not
real believers. But Christ knows His own. [4] The
angels on the day of judgment will separate the
hypocrites from the true Christians. [5]
THE MARKS OF THE CHURCH. The Church is
found wherever the Gospel is rightly taught and the
Sacraments are rightly administered. For wherever
God's Word is preached, some persons believe it, [6]
and where believers are, there is the Church.
THE CHURCH IS ONE. It consists of the true be-
lievers out of all the different churches, denomina-
tions, and sects. There is one Flock, with one
Shepherd. [7] The Church is the Body of which Christ
is the Head. [8]
ITS NAMES. The Church is called _Holy_, because
the Holy Spirit works in it and through it, and be-
cause its members, though not perfect, lead holy
lives. It is called _Christian_, because it consists of
those who believe in Christ. It is called _Catholic_ or
Universal, because it is meant to include all men
everywhere. Catholic does not mean _Roman_
Catholic.
------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Acts 2:1-41.
[4] II Tim. 2:19.!
John 10:14.!
[5] Matt. 13:41,42.
[6] Isa. 55:10,11.
[7] John 10:16.
[8] Col 1:18.
Eph. 1:22,23.!
--------------------End of Page 108------------------------------
MILITANT AND TRIUMPHANT. The Church, con-
sisting of true believers, is one and the same Church
on earth and in heaven. On earth it is the Church
Militant, because its members are still fighting the
good fight of faith. [9] In heaven it is the Church
Triumphant, because its members have won the vic-
tory of faith. [10] The only way into the Church Tri-
umphant is through the Church Militant.
THE CHURCH'S WORK
The Church is the agency or instrument which
the Holy Spirit uses for the evangelization of the
world. [11] It is the institution through which He
does His work of applying redemption to the souls
of men. The Church, therefore, has a work to do;
namely, to make disciples of all men.
THE MEANS through which the Church, as an
agency of the Holy Spirit, is to do its work are the
Word of God and the Sacraments. They are suf-
ficient for the purpose for which they are intended,
because the Holy Spirit works through them and
endows them with supernatural power. [12]
THE WORKMEN who are to preach the Word and
administer the Sacraments are the _ministers_. They
must be properly called and ordained by the
Church. [13] In the New Testament all pastors are
called elders or bishops. It was only at a later
period that the office of a bishop was made superior
to that of elder, pastor or minister. The office of an
apostle was a separate and higher office. The apos-
tles were the witnesses of Christ's redemption, and
possessed miraculous powers. They have no suc-
cessors. Ministers are the ambassadors of Christ,
beseeching men to be reconciled to God. [14] Christ
speaks through them. He who hears them, hears
Christ; he who despises them, despises Christ. [15] If
a minister should happen to be a hypocrite, his offi-
cial acts, such as baptism and the like, would still
be valid. [16] _Deacons_ [17] are officers whose duty it is to
---------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[9] I Tim. 6:12.!
[10] Rev. 7:9-14.
Rev. 2:10.
Rev. 3:21.
[11] Matt. 28:19.
Mark 16:15.
[12] Rom. 1:16.!
Heb. 4:12.!
[13] Acts 14:23.
Tit. 1:5.
[14] II Cor. 5:20.!
[15] Luke 10:16.
[16] II Tim. 2:13.
[17] Acts 6:1-6.
--------------------End of Page 109--------------------------
DIAGRAM
--------------------End of Page 110----------------------------
assist the pastor, and to look after the temporal
interests of the congregation. _Deaconesses_[18] are
consecrated to the work of love and mercy, and
minister to the sick, the needy, the neglected, the
ignorant, the fallen, and the friendless.
THE VARIOUS CHURCHES
While the Church, in the strict sense of the
word, is the "communion of saints" and therefore
_one_, yet outwardly it has become divided, in the
course of time, into many different churches, denom-
inations, and sects. It contains Four Great
Branches: _The Greek Catholic Church; The Roman
Catholic Church; The Evangelical Lutheran
Church;_ and _The Reformed Churches_, comprising
a great number of denominations and sects. The
Lutheran Church and the Reformed Churches are
called Protestant. (For the names and relations of
various branches of the Church, see the accompany-
ing Diagram, on page 110.)
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
The Evangelical Lutheran Church is in reality
the old original Church which came into existence
on the day of Pentecost. Luther simply threw out
the errors which had crept into the Church during
the course of the centuries, and held fast the doc-
trines taught in God's Word. As a separate and
distinct Church, the Lutheran Church dates from
the year 1530, when the Augsburg Confession was
read before the emperor and diet of the German
Empire.* Her doctrines are laid down in her six
Confessions, contained in the Book of Concord.
*Since a particular Church is no older than her distinctive con-
fession, the Lutheran Church is more than thirty years older than
the Roman Catholic Church; for the Augsburg Confession was
adopted in 1530, while the Canons and Decrees of the Council of
Trent, which are the Confession of the Roman Catholic Church,
were not completed until 1563. The ecumenical creeds are ac-
cepted by both Churches, and therefore prove nothing as regards
their _relative_ age.
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[18] Rom. 16:1.
---------------End of Page 111-------------------------
THE CHURCH OF THE PURE GOSPEL. The Lu-
theran Church receives the Holy Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments as the only rule and
standard of religious teaching. The Roman Catholic
Church accepts the tradition of the Church as of
equal authority with the Holy Scriptures.
The Lutheran Church teaches the great central
doctrine of the Gospel, that we are saved by _faith
alone_) without works. The Roman Catholic Church
teaches that we are justified by faith _and works_.
The Lutheran Church abides by the teachings of
Scripture even when she cannot understand them.
The other Protestant Churches explain away and
reject come teachings of Scripture because they
cannot understand them.
HER NAME. The name Lutheran was first given
to our Church by her enemies. But she accepted it,
because she believes the doctrines which Luther
taught. The name which she chose for herself is
Evangelical (true to the Gospel). She is now known
by both names taken together, Evangelical Lutheran.
WHERE FOUND. The Lutheran Church is found
in nearly all parts of the world, especially in Ger-
many, the Scandinavian countries and the United
States. She numbers eighty-two million adherents
(in 1930), or nearly as many as all the other Prot-
estant Churches combined. In the United States and
Canada there are two million, nine hundred thou-
sand confirmed members of the Lutheran Church,
and about twenty million adherents. The Lutheran
Church ranks third in size among the Protestant
Churches of America.
IN AMERICA. The Lutheran Church In America
comprises three general bodies: The Synodical Con-
ference, organized in 1872; The United Lutheran
Church in America, organized in 1918; and the
American Lutheran Conference, organized in 1930.
To these general bodies there belong various synods.
------------End of Page 112---------------------------
There are also a number of independent synods
which are not connected with any general body.
Synods are often subdivided into Conferences.
HER WORK. The Lutheran Church, like the
Church in general, is to make disciples (Christians)
of men. She is all the more bound to do her work,
because she is the Church of the Pure Gospel. Her
work is done in local congregations, in Home Mis-
sions, Foreign Missions, Inner Missions, and in
maintaining the necessary insitutions of learning
(colleges, seminaries, etc.) and of mercy (orphan-
ages, asylums, hospitals).
DUTIES OF HER MEMBERS. It is the duty of her
members to lead a Christian life, to be loyal to their
own Church, and to co-operate heartily in all her
local and general work, for the glory of God and
the salvation of immortal souls.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the Christian Church? 2. Why do we call
it the Workmanship of the Holy Ghost? 3. When was it founded?
4. Is the Church visible or invisible? 5. What are the marks of the
Church? 6. Why is the Christian Church _one_? 7. Why is the Church
called, Holy, Christian, Catholic? 8. What is meant by the Church
Militant and the Church Triumphant? 9. What use does the Holy
Spirit make of the Church? 10. What are the means which the
Church uses for its work? 11. Who are the Church's workmen, and
what is their work? 12. Name the four great branches of the Christ-
tian Church. 13. How old is the Lutheran Church? 14. What three
fundamental principles characterize the Lutheran Church? 15. Ex-
plain how the Lutheran Church got its name. 16. Where is the
Lutheran Church found? 17. How large is it? 18. Name the General
Bodies of the Lutheran Church in North America. 19. Describe the
work of the Lutheran Church. 20. What are the duties of her
members?
--------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 16:
18. Upon this rock I will build
my church; and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it.
II Tim. 2:19. Nevertheless the
foundation of God standeth sure,
having this seal, The Lord know-
eth them that are his. And, Let
every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity.
John 10:14. I am the good
shepherd, and know my sheep,
and am known of mine.
Eph. 1:22,23. And hath put
all things under his feet, and gave
him to be the head over all things
----------------End of Page 113-------------------------
to the church, which is his body,
the fulness of him that filleth all
in all.
I Tim. 6:12. Fight the good
fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life, whereunto thou art also
called, and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses.
Rom. 1:16. For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto
salvation to every one that be-
lieveth.
Heb. 4:12. For the word of
God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any twoedged
sword, piercing even to the divid-
ing asunder of soul and spirit,
and is a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of the heart.
II Cor. 5:20. Now then we
are ambassadors for Christ, as
though God did beseech you by
us: we pray you in Christ's
stead, be ye reconciled to God.
--------------------
READING.--The Church at Jerusalem, Acts 2:41-47.
---------------------
CHAPTER XXII
THE HOLY GHOST
IV. THE FRUITS OF HIS WORK
The Forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body;
and the Life Everlasting
--------------------------
The fruits of the Holy Spirit's work in us are:
1. The Forgiveness of Sins. 2. The Resurrection of
the Body and the Life Everlasting.
1. The Forgiveness of Sins has been acquired
for me by my Saviour Jesus Christ; [1] but it is made
mine by the Holy Ghost, who has brought me to
faith and preserved me in it. For it is through faith
that I obtain forgiveness. [2]
In which Christian Church. The forgiveness
of sins is made mine _in the Church_ through the
Word of God and the Sacraments. Faith takes hold
of and clings to the promises therein given. Special
assurance of forgiveness is also given in Confession
and Absolution.
He daily forgives abundantly all my Sins.
Even if I am a sincere Christian, I am an imperfect
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I John 1:7.!
[2] Rom. 5:1.
---------------End of Page 114---------------------------
and sinful creature, and I need God's forgiveness
every day. [3] By keeping me in a state of repentance
and faith, the Holy Spirit secures to me the continu-
ous forgiveness of all my sins. The Christian's life
is a daily repentance and a daily believing that God
for Christ's sake graciously pardons all our trans-
gressions and shortcoming. [4]
And the Sins of all Believers. All who lead a
life of daily repentance and faith are daily and
abundantly forgiven.
2. _The Resurrection of the Body and the
life Everlasting_. The work of the Holy Spirit in
me will not be completed until the last day.
He will raise up me and all the Dead at the
Last Day. The bodies of all men shall be raised
from the dead and re-united with the souls from
which they were parted at death. [5] These bodies will
be essentially the same which we had on earth, but
they will be immortal and incorruptible. [6] The bodies
of the believers will be endowed with new and
glorious properties, like the body of Christ after
His resurrection. [7] They will be fit tabernacles for
the glorified souls to inhabit through all eternity.
They will be spiritual bodies, freed from all the
imperfections and limitations to which they were
subject on earth. The bodies of those believers who
are still alive at Christ's second coming shall un-
dergo the same change in a moment, in the twink-
ling of an eye, at the last trump. [8]
And will grant Everlasting Life to me and
to all who believe in Christ. [9] The believers shall
then enter upon the full and perfect enjoyment of
eternal salvation. [10] Here we have the forgiveness of
sins, but there we shall have life everlasting. The
believers shall obtain an eternal inheritance in
heaven, [11] and enter upon the enjoyment of a bliss so
exalted that we cannot form any adequate concep-
tion of it here on earth. There will be differences
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] I John 1:8,9.
Rom. 7:18-25.
[4] Luke 11:3,4.
Rom. 8:32.!
[5] John 5:28,29.!
Acts 24:15.!
[6] I Cor. 15:42.
[7] I Cor. 15:42-44.
Phil. 3:21.!
[8] I Cor. 15:51-53.
[9] John 3:16.
[10] Matt. 25:34.
[11] I Pet. 1:4.!
-------------------End of Page 115-----------------------
of glory proportioned to the strength of faith and
the zeal in labor manifested on earth. [12] But all shall
be perfectly happy. They shall be free from sin and
from every evil, [13] and dwell in the light of God's
presence forever. [14]
_Eternal Death_. The impenitent and unbelieving
shall be cast into eternal torment, [15] and shall suffer
indescribable pain and misery for ever. [16] The
greater their wickedness and neglected opportunities
on earth, the deeper will be their remorse and
anguish. [17] Having refused to let the Holy Spirit
make them fit for entrance into heaven, [18] they shall
be cast out into the only place for which they are
fit, into hell. [19]
QUESTIONS.--1. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit's work in
us? 2. How does the forgiveness of sins become yours? 3. Where
is the forgiveness of sins made yours? 4. How do we obtain daily
forgiveness? 5. When will the Holy Spirit's work in you be com-
pleted? 6. Describe the resurrection of the dead? 7. What is to be
said about everlasting life? 8. Why will the impenitent and unbeliev-
ing be cast into hell?
-------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I John 1:
7. The blood of Jesus Christ his
Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Rom. 8:32. He that spared
not his own Son, but delivered
him up for us all, how shall he
not with him also freely give us
all things?
John 5:28,29. Marvel not at
this: for the hour is coming, in
the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice, and
shall come forth; they that have
done good, unto the resurrection
of life; and they that have done
evil, unto the resurrection of
damnation.
Acts 24:15. There shall be a
resurrection of the dead, both of
the just and unjust.
Phil. 3:21. Who shall change
our vile body, that it may be
fashioned like unto his glorious
body, according to the working
whereby he is able even to sub-
due all things unto himself.
I Pet. 1:4. To an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and
that fadeth not away, reserved in
heaven for you.
Rev. 21:4. And God shall
wipe away all tears from their
eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are
passed away.
---------------------
READING.--Christ Judging the World, Matt. 25:31-46.
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[12]I Cor. 15:41,42.
Luke 19:17-19.
[13] Rev. 21:4.!
[14] I Thess. 4:17.
John 17:24.
Rev. 7:15.
[15] Matt. 25:41.
[16] Rev. 14:11.
[17] Luke 12:47,48.
Matt. 11:24.
[18] Rev. 21:27.
Matt. 7:23,24.
--------------------End of Page 116-------------------------
PART III
THE LORD'S PRAYER
CHAPTER XXIII
PRAYER
PRAYER is the conversation of the believing heart
with God. [1] It is as necessary for the life of the soul,
as breathing is for that of the body. As children of
God we must live in communion with Him; and we
cannot be Christians without prayer. For this rea-
son God has given us His name to use in prayer,
and the Saviour has taught us how to pray in the
Lord's Prayer.
TO WHOM WE SHOULD PRAY. Our prayers should
be addressed to God alone, [2] and not to the Virgin
Mary, the saints, the angels, or any other creatures.
WHY WE SHOULD PRAY. We should pray, 1.
Because we constantly need God's mercy in temporal
and spiritual things. 2. Because we owe God our
thanks for his many benefits. [3] 3. Because God has
commanded us to pray. [4] 4. Because God has prom-
ised to hear us. [5]
WHEN WE SHOULD PRAY. 1. Always; [6] that is,
our soul should live in constant communion with
God, and always be open toward Him. 2. Whenever
we feel special need of prayer: in danger, [7] distress,,
anxiety, [8] sickness, [9] bereavement, sorrow, [10] tempta-
tion, [11] or when we are burdened with the sense
of our guilt. [12] 3. At fixed times: [13] every morning
and evening, at meal-times; in family worship; [14] in
church. [15]
FOR WHOM WE SHOULD PRAY. 1. For ourselves.
2. For our fellow-Christians. [16] 3. For all men: [17]
for friends and foes, [18] the poor and the rich, the
afflicted and the tempted. 4. For the Church. 5. For
the State.
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Ps. 19:14.!
[2] Matt. 4:10.
[3] Ps. 103.
Jas. 1:17.
[4] Matt. 5:9.
Matt. 26:41.
[5] Matt. 7:7,8.!
Ps. 50:15.
[6] Luke 21:36.!
[7] Matt. 8:25.
[8] Matt. 15:22.
[9] Jas. 5:14,15.
[10] Ps. 25:16,17.
[11] Matt. 26:41.
[12] Luke 18:13.
[13] Dan. 6:10.
[14] Josh. 24:15.!
[15] Matt. 18:20.!
[16] Eph. 6:18.!
[17] I Tim. 2:1.!
[18] Matt. 5:44.!
---------------------End of Page 117--------------------
OUR PRAYERS SHOULD CONTAIN: 1. Adoration.
2. Thanksgiving. 3. Confession. 4. Petition. 5.
Intercession.
THE MANNER. Our prayers should be the sincere
utterance of our hearts; otherwise they will be a
mere mockery. [19] They may be in our own words or
those of another. It will often be profitable to use
the prayers found in good prayer-books or in the
Liturgy, and to draw largely from the Psalms,
which are a treasury of good and beautiful prayers.
We should not lengthen our prayers by vain repeti-
tions, nor repeat the Lord's Prayer or any other
prayer a certain number of times as if that were a
merit. [20] Nor should we shorten our prayers through
laziness, indifference, and the like. The Lord's
Prayer should generally be added to our own pray-
ers as a summary of those things for which we
should pray.
THE POSTURE which we assume should indicate
reverence to God. We should kneel or stand with
folded hands. If we are unable to assume either of
these postures, we may pray in any position. We
stand in church on Sunday, because it is the day of
the Lord's resurrection and a day of joy. We should
not sit still in church while others stand, unless we
are too weak or ill to stand. Kneeling is an attitude
of humiliation, particularly appropriate for the con-
fession of sins.
IN CHRIST'S NAME. We should always pray in
Christ's name, and never omit His name to please
men or avoid offence; for our prayers are only
heard for Christ's sake. We have the promise that
whatever we ask in His name will be given to us. [21]
To pray in Christ's name means to pray, 1. As one
who trusts in Christ and asks to be heard for His
sake. [22] 2. As one who prays in Christ's spirit, sub-
mitting all things to God's will, and saying with
Christ, "Not my will, but Thine, be done." [23]
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[19] Matt. 6:5.
[20] Matt. 6:7.
[21] John 16:23.
[22] Eph. 2:18.!
Rom. 5:2.
[23] Matt. 26:39.
Matt. 6:10.
-------------------End of Page 118---------------------
IN FAITH. We should pray in faith, believing
that God will answer our prayer for Jesus' sake. [24]
If we do not pray in faith, we shall not be heard. [25]
THE ANSWER TO PRAYER. God always answers
the prayer of the believer. Those who ask and re-
ceive not, have either asked amiss, [26] or have not
asked in faith. If we ask anything according to His
will, He heareth us. [27] He answers our prayer, 1. By
granting us what we ask, though perhaps after a
long delay, by which He tries our faith and patience.
2. He grants us good things instead of the hurtful
things for which we ignorantly ask. 3. He gives
us strength to bear the burden which we pray to
have removed, [28] and thus confers a greater blessing
than the removal of the burden would be.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is prayer? 2. To whom alone should we pray?
3. Why should we pray? 4. When should we pray? 5. For whom
should we pray? 6. What should our prayers contain? 7. What is
to be said about the manner of our praying? 8. What is to be said
about the posture in prayer? 9. Why must we pray in Christ's name?
10. What is meant by praying in Christ's name? 11. What is to be
said about the importance of praying in faith? 12. Does God always
answer prayer? 13. In what way does He answer?
------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Ps. 19:
14. Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O
LORD, my strength, and my re-
deemer.
Matt. 7:7,8. Ask, and it shall
be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you. For everyone that ask-
eth receiveth, and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knock-
eth it shall be opened.
Luke 21:36. Watch ye, there-
fore, and pray always, that ye
may be accounted worthy to es-
cape all these things that shall
come to pass, and to stand be-
fore the Son of man.
Josh. 24:15. As for me and
my house, we will serve the
LORD.
Matt. 18:20. For where two
or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the
midst of them.
Eph. 6:18. Praying always
with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, and watching there-
unto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints.
I Tim. 2:1,2. I exhort, there-
fore, that, first of all, supplica-
tions, prayers, intercessions, and
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[24] Jas. 5:16.!
[25] Jas. 1:6,7.
[26] Jas. 4:3.
[27] I John 5:14.!
[28] II Cor. 12:9.
-------------------End of Page 119---------------------
giving of thanks be made for all
men; for kings, and for all that
are in authority; that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in
all godliness and honesty.
Matt. 5:44. Pray for them
which despitefully use you, and
persecute you.
Eph. 2:18. For through him
we both have access by one Spirit
unto the Father.
Jas. 5:16. The effectual fer-
vent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.
I John 5:14. And this is the
confidence that we have in him,
that, if we ask anything accord-
ing to his will, he heareth us.
II Cor. 12:9. And he said
unto me, My grace is sufficient
for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness.
----------------------------
READING.--The Pharisee and the Publican in the Temple, Luke
18:10-14.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Prayer for Self_: The Lepers, Luke 17:12,13;
The Blind Beggar, Luke 18:36-43; The Publican, Luke 1`8;13; _For
Others_: Jesus, John 17, Luke 23:32; Abraham, Gen. 18:23-33;
Moses, Exod. 32:11; Stephen, Acts 7:60. _Answer to Prayer_: Israel
in Bondage, Exod. 2:23,24; Hannah, I Sam. 1:9-20; Elijah, I Kings
17:21,22; Jas. 5:17; The Early Church, Acts 12:5-17; Paul, Acts
16:25; II Cor. 12:7-9.
-------------------------
CHAPTER XXIV
THE LORD'S PRAYER
The Lord's Prayer is so called because it was
given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ. [1] It teaches us
how to pray aright, and is the model after which
we should fashion all our prayers. It shows us the
manner in which we should come to God, and the
things for which we should ask.
ITS CONTENTS. The Lord's Prayer contains an
Introduction, Seven Petitions, and a Conclusion.
The first three petitions regard God's glory, and
deal with His Name, His Kingdom, and His Will;
the last four regard our bodily and spiritual needs,
and deal with our Daily Bread, Forgiveness, Temp-
tation, and Deliverance from Evil. Six petitions,
the first three and the last three, refer to spiritual
gifts; and only one, the fourth, refers to earthly
gifts. Thus we are taught that, when we pray, we
---------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 6:9-13.
Luke 11:1-4.
--------------------End of Page 120---------------
should think first of God's glory; and that we should
pray more for spiritual than for temporal benefits.
INTRODUCTION
Our Father Who art in Heaven.
_What is meant by this Introduction?_
God would thereby affectionately encourage us to be-
lieve that He is truly our Father, and that we are His
children indeed, so that we may call upon Him with all
cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved children
entreat their affectionate parent.
----------------------
This Introduction shows us the manner in which
we should come to God in prayer; namely, as His
children, who are asking their Father for what they
need, and who are sure that He loves them and will
answer their prayer.
Our Father.* God is our Father and we are His
children through Christ our Saviour. [2] We should
therefore be sure that He will receive us kindly for
Jesus' sake whenever we come before him with our
prayers. We should call upon Him with all
cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved
children entreat their affectionate parent. [3]
We are taught to say _our_ and not _my_ Father,
because the Lord's Prayer was given to believers to
use in their common worship as well as in their
private devotions; and because we should pray not
only for ourselves, but for our fellow-believers and
for all men.
Who Art in Heaven. An earthly father is not
always able to do what his children ask, even if he
desires to do so. But the Father to whom we here
pray is our Heavenly Father, and is abundantly able
to answer all our prayers. [4] He not only loves us
*Observe how the name "Father," by which we are here taught
to address God, corresponds with the duty "to fear, love, and trust
in Him above all things" as enjoined by the First Commandment.
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[2] Gal. 3:26.!
I John 3:1,2.
Rom. 8:16.
[3] Matt. 7:11.!
Rom. 8:15.!
Heb. 4:16.
[4] Eph. 3:20.!
-------------------End of Page 121-------------------------
with an everlasting love, but is almighty, omniscient,
and all-wise. He is able to do all things which He
wills to do and will answer all our prayers in the
very way that is best for us.
QUESTIONS.--1. Why is the Lord's Prayer so called? 2. What does
it teach us? 3. What does it contain? 4. What can you say about the
seven petitions? 5. What does the introduction show? 6. Why do we
say Our _Father_? 7. How should this encourage us to call upon Him?
8. Why do we say _Our_ Father? 9. What is to be said about our
heavenly Father in comparison with earthly fathers?
---------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Gal. 3:26.
For ye are all the children of
God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Matt. 7:11. If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much
more shall your Father which is
in heaven give good things to
them that ask him?
Rom. 8:15. For ye have not
received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have re-
ceived the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Eph. 3:20. Now unto him that
is able to do exceeding abun-
dantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power
that worketh in us, unto him be
glory in the church by Christ
Jesus throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.
------------------------
READING.--Christ teaches His Disciples to pray, Luke 11:1-4.
--------------------------
CHAPTER XXV
THE FIRST PETITION
Hallowed be Thy name.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray
in this petition that it may be hallowed also by us.
_How is this effected?_
When the Word of God is taught in its truth and
purity, and we, as the children of God, lead holy lives in
accordance with it; to this may our blessed Father in
heaven help us. But whoever teaches and lives otherwise
than as God's Word prescribes, profanes the name of God
among us; from this preserve us, heavenly Father.
--------------End of Page 122-------------------------------
In this Petition we pray for grace to hallow God's
name* by the pure teaching of His Word and by
childlike obedience to it.
The Name of God means not only the names
by which we address Him, but all by which he is
known to us. Compare the Second Commandment.
Is indeed Holy in Itself. [1] God's name is holy,
because he is holy. We cannot increase or diminish
God's holiness by anything that we do. This peti-
tion does not imply, therefore, that we are to _make_
God's name holy.
But we pray in this Petition that it may be
hallowed also by us. We hallow God's name
when we regard and treat it as holy; in other words,
when we honor and glorify God by worshiping and
serving Him in accordance with the revelation
which He has given of Himself in His Word. [2]
I. HOW GOD'S NAME IS HALLOWED
1. When the Word of God is taught in its
Truth and Purity. God has revealed Himself to
us in His Word, and it is only from that Word that
we can learn to know Him and worship Him aright. [3]
Those, therefore, who in the Church, the school, or
the home, teach God's Word, as well as those who
gladly hear, read, and learn it, hallow His name. [4]
But the Word must be taught in its truth and purity;
that is, it must be taught as it is recorded in the
Scriptures, with nothing added, taken away, or
changed. [5]
And we as the Children of God lead Holy
Lives in accordance with it. In order to hallow
God's name, we must not only hear but obey His
Word. [6] As God's children we should think, speak,
and act according to the rule which He has laid
down in His Word, and thus glorify His name.
*There is a parallel between this Petition and the Second Com-
mandment. We here pray for grace to avoid what the Second
Commandment forbids, and to do what it commands.
------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Ps. 99:3.
[2] John 17:6.!
Ps. 100:2,3.
[3] John 1:18.!
[4] John 17:17.!
[5] Gal. 1:9.
Rev. 22:18,19.
[6] Jas. 1:22.!
Matt. 5:16.
----------------End of Page 123-------------------
To this may our Blessed Father in Heaven
help us. We cannot preserve God's Word in its
truth and purity against its foes, nor believe and
obey it by our own strength; hence we pray for
God's help.
II. HOW GOD'S NAME IS PROFANED
But whoever teaches and lives otherwise
than as God's Word prescribes, profanes the
name of God among us. [7] False teachers, who
deny God's Word, or change it, or add to it, or sub-
tract from it, profane the name of God, because they
hide the glory of God from those who believe their
teachings. Those who live otherwise than as God's
Word prescribes, and are hypocrites or impenitent
and unbelieving persons, profane God's name, be-
cause they refuse to glorify Him by obedience to
His Word.
From this preserve us, Heavenly Father.
We pray thus, because we are by nature inclined to
error and sin, and have need of God's grace to pre-
serve us from profaning His name.
QUESTIONS.--1. What do we pray for in this first petition? 2. What
does the name of God mean? 3. Why is God's name holy in itself?
4. What does it mean to hallow God's name? 5. How is God's name
hallowed? 6. Why do we pray for God's help? 7. How is God's
name profaned? 8. Why do we pray God to preserve us from pro-
faning His name?
-----------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--John 17:
6. I have manifested thy name
unto the men which thou gavest
me out of the world.
John 1:18. No man hath seen
God at any time; the only be-
gotten Son, which is in the bosom
of the Father, he hath declared
him.
John 17:17. Santify them
through thy truth: thy word is
truth.
Jas. 1:22. But be ye doers of
the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.
-----------------------
READING.--The Name of Jesus, Acts 4:1-21.
------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[7] Rom. 2:21-24.
Tit. 1:16.
---------------------End of Page 124---------------------------------
CHAPTER XXVI
THE SECOND PETITION
Thy kingdom come.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself without
our prayer; but we pray in this petition what it may come
unto us also.
_When is this effected?_
When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit,
so that by His grace we believe His holy Word, and live
a godly life here on earth and in heaven forever.
-----------------
In this Petition we pray that the Kingdom of God
may come to us* and to all men; that is, that we all
by true faith and a godly life may become members
of the Church on earth and in heaven.
The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom which
Christ has founded, and to which all who believe in
Him belong. It is the Kingdom of Grace in this
world and the Kingdom of Glory in the next. [1]
Comes indeed of itself without our Prayer.
Christ has established His kingdom and will con-
tinue to extend it, whether we pray for it or not. [2]
But we pray in this Petition that it may
come to us also; that is, into our hearts. In other
words, we pray that we may become true Chris-
tians; [3] and if we are Christians, we pray that we
may become better Christians.
_Missions_. This petition is also a prayer for mis-
sions. [4] We here pray that God's kingdom may come
to all men. If our prayer is sincere, then we must
be willing also to give liberally, so that the Gospel
may be preached to the heathen (Foreign Missions)
and to the spiritually destitute in our own land
(Home Missions and Inner Missions).
*Since the Kingdom of God comes to us through the Gospel,
there is a close relation between this Petition and the Third Com-
mandment, which commands us to "deem God's Word holy and
willingly hear and learn it."
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Mark 1:15.
Matt. 25:34.
[2] Isa. 9:7.
[3] Matt. 7:21.
[4] Matt. 9:37,38.!
Mark 16:15.!
------------------End of Page 125----------------------
HOW GOD'S KINGDOM COMES TO US
When our Heavenly Father gives us His
Holy Spirit. Since only believers belong to God's
kingdom, and we "cannot by our own reason or
strength believe in Jesus Christ our Lord," we pray
in this petition that God would give His Holy Spirit
to us,
So that by His Grace we believe His
Word, [5] and live a godly life [6] here on earth
and in heaven forever. The Holy Spirit must
teach us to repent of sin and to believe in Christ,
and preserve us in a life of daily repentance and
faith. Then God's kingdom will come to us more
and more in this world, and in the next world we
shall belong to it for ever.
QUESTIONS.--1. What do we pray in this petition? 2. What is meant
by the kingdom of God? 3. How does God's kingdom come without
our prayer? 4. What do we mean when we pray that it may come
to us? 5. What is to be said about this petition and missions? 6.
How does God's kingdom come to us? 7. Why do we need the
Holy Spirit?
----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 9:
37,38. Then saith he unto his
disciples, The harvest truly is
plenteous, but the labourers are
few; Pray ye therefore the Lord
of the harvest, that he will send
forth labourers into his harvest.
Mark 16:15. And he said unto
them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every
creature.
Tit. 2: 11-13. For the grace of
God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, teaching us
that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live so-
berly, righteously, and godly, in
this present world, looking for
that blessed hope, and the glori-
ous appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
--------------------
READING.--The Harvest and the Laborers, Matt. 9:35-38.
---------------End of Page 126-------------------------
CHAPTER XXVII
THE THIRD PETITION
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
The good and gracious will of God is done, indeed,
without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it
may be done by us also.
_When is this effected?_
When God frustrates and brings to nought every evil
counsel and purpose which would hinder us from hallow-
ing the name of God and prevent His kingdom from com-
ing to us,--such as the will of the devil, of the world,
and of our own flesh; and when he strengthens us and
keeps us steadfast in His Word and in the faith even
unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.
--------------------
In this Petition we pray for grace gladly to be-
lieve, do and suffer all that God wills us to believe,
do, and suffer, so that His name may be hallowed,
and His kingdom may come.
Thy Will. God's will is, 1. That we should be-
lieve the Gospel and be saved. [1] 2. That we should
obey His commandments and be holy. [2] 3. That we
should willingly submit to all His dealings with us,
and suffer patiently when He lays a cross on us. [3]
Be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven. We
pray that God's will may be done by all men and
especially by us, as heartily, as continually, and as
completely as it is done by the holy angels. [4]
The Good and Gracious Will of God. The
will of God is always good and gracious, because He
always wills those things which He, in His wisdom
and love, [5] sees are best. He does all things well,
even when we do not understand His ways. [6]
Is Done indeed without our Prayer. There
will always be some persons who permit God to
accomplish His good and gracious purposes in them,
whether we pray for it or not. [7]
---------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I Tim. 2:4.!
[2] I Thess. 4:3.!
[3] Rom. 8:17.!
[4] Ps. 103:20,21.
[5] I John 4:16.
[6] Isa. 55:8,9.
Rom. 8:28.
[7] Isa. 55:11.
---------------------End of Page 127--------------------
But we pray in this Petition that it may be
done by us also; [8] that is, that we may believe His
Gospel, obey His Commandments, and trustfully per-
mit Him to lead us in whatsoever paths He will.
WHAT WE PRAY GOD TO DO
In order that God's good and gracious will may
be done by us, all opposing wills must be overcome. [9]
We therefore Pray God
1. To frustrate and bring to nought the
Will of the Devil, [10] of the World [11] (wicked
persons), and of our own Flesh [12] (our natural
heart). For these are the great enemies of our
souls, who by their evil counsels and purposes
would hinder us from hallowing the name of
God and prevent His Kingdom from coming
to us. They tempt us to oppose God's will by despis-
ing His Gospel, disobeying His Commandments, and
murmuring against His dealings with us. We pray
God
2. To strengthen us, [13] so that we may be able
to overcome these enemies and do God's will in spite
of them. [14] They are very powerful, but if we are
in earnest about overcoming them, God will give
us the needful strength in answer to our prayer.
We pray God
3. To keep us Steadfast in His Word and in
the Faith even unto our End, [15] so that we may
believe the Gospel with all our heart, live holy
Christian lives, trust God to lead us as He sees best,
and be faithful unto death, that we may receive the
crown of life.
QUESTIONS.--1. What do we pray for in this petition? 2. What do
we mean by God's will in this petition? 3. How do we pray that
God's will may be done? 4. Why is the will of God good and
gracious? 5. How is God's will done without our prayer? 6. When
do we do God's will? 7. What three things do we pray God to do?
8. What three wills oppose the will of God? 9. What do the devil, the
world, and our own flesh seek? 10. Why do we pray God to strengthen
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[8] Rom. 12:12.
[9] Luke 22:31.
[10] II Cor. 2:11.
[11] I John 2:15,16.
[12] Gal. 5:17.!
[13] Phil. 2:13.
[14] Eph. 6:11,12.!
[15] Phil. 1:6.
I Pet. 4:19.
----------------------End of Page 128----------------------------
us? 11. When do we remain steadfast in God's Word and in the
faith?
------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I Tim. 2:
4. Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth.
I Thess. 4:3. For this is the
will of God, even your sanctifica-
tion.
Rom. 8:17. And if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint heirs with Christ: if so be
that we suffer with him, that we
may be also glorified together.
Gal. 5:17. For the flesh lusteth
against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh: and these are
contrary the one to the other; so
that ye cannot do the things that
ye would.
Eph. 6:11,12. Put on the
whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil. For we wres-
tle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high
places.
---------------------
READING.--Jesus in Gethsemane, Matt. 26:36-44.
-----------------------
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE FOURTH PETITION
Give us this day our daily bread.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
God gives, indeed, without our prayer, even to the
wicked also, their daily bread; but we pray in this peti-
tion that He would make us sensible of His benefits, and
enable us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
_What is implied in the words "our daily bread"?_
All things that pertain to the wants and the support of
this present life; such as food, raiment, money, goods,
house and land, and other property; a believing spouse
and good children; trustworthy servants and faithful
magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and health; educa-
tion and honor; true friends, good neighbors, and the like.
----------------------
In this Petition we acknowledge that every good
gift comes from God; [1] and we pray that He would
give us, day by day, those things which we need
for our earthly support and comfort, and would
make us content and thankful.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Jas. 1:17.
-----------------End of Page 129---------------------------------
THE PETITION ITSELF
While we are to pray first and chiefly for spiritual
blessings, the Saviour here teaches us that we may
and should pray for temporal benefits also.
Give. By praying God to _give_ us our daily bread,
we acknowledge that it comes from Him.* He is the
absolute owner of all things, [2] and divides to all men
as He will. All that we have is His gift. he gives
it as a blessing upon our labor; hence, we must work
as well as pray. [3] But without His blessing, our
labor would be in vain. [4] The farmer sows, but God
gives the increase.
Us. We are taught to pray not only for ourselves,
but for others also. We should be concerned that
they too may have their daily bread; and, when
necessary, we should give them a portion of what
God has first given to us, and thus become the means
through which He supplies their wants. [5]
This Day. We are not to pray for "much goods
for many years," but only for this one day's need-
ful supply. When the morrow comes, if we are still
alive, we are to pray again. [6] We are to depend
upon God from day to day. We are, indeed, to make
a proper provision for our future, but we are not to
give way to anxious, unbelieving care about it.
Our. We ask for bread which we may call our
own, bread honestly gotten, bread which God intends
we shall have as a reward of our labor; not some
one else's bread, and not such things as God, in His
wisdom, sees fit to withhold from us.
Daily Bread. According to Luther's explana-
tion in the Catechism, our daily bread includes
All Things which pertain to the Wants and
the Support of this Present Life; such as:--
Food, raiment, to supply our bodily wants;
Money, Good, House and Land, and Other
*Compare this Petition with the First Article of the Creed and
its Explanation.
-------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[2] I Cor. 10:26.
[3] II Thess. 3:10.
[4] Ps. 127:1.
[5] Heb. 13:16.
[6] Matt. 6:34.!
---------------------End of Page 130------------------
Property, by means of which we may procure the
supply of our bodily wants;
A Believing Spouse and Good Children,
that we may have a good Christian home;
Trustworthy Servants and Faithful Magis-
trates, that we may have the help and protection
which we need for the enjoyment of our own;
Favorable Seasons, Peace and Health,
Education and Honor, True Friends, Good
Neighbors, and the like,--all those things which
increase our earthly well-being and happiness.
While we pray in this petition that God would
give us all the things enumerated above, _if He sees
fit_, we should remember that He is still giving us
our daily bread when He gives us only those things
which we actually must have for the support of our
life. [7]
WHY WE PRAY THUS
God gives indeed, without our Prayer, even
to the Wicked [8] also their Daily Bread; for
God is good, and seeks to lead men to repentance by
His goodness. [9]
But we pray in this Petition that He would
make us Sensible of His Benefits, so that we
may acknowledge them as His gifts, [10] and not
ascribe them to our own efforts or to chance, as the
worldly and unbelieving do.
And enable us to receive our Daily Bread
with Thanksgiving. [11] Since all the blessings we
enjoy are God's gifts, bestowed without any worthi-
ness on our part, [12] we pray that we may always re-
ceive them with thankful hearts, and express our
gratitude with our lips and in our lives. We should
give thanks at every meal, and in all our prayers.
_Contentment_. True thankfulness implies content-
ment with those gifts which God sees fit to bestow
upon us. [13] We must not murmur because he does
not include in our daily bread some things which we
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[7] I Tim. 6:8.
[8] Matt. 5:45.
[9] Rom. 2:4.
[10] Deut. 8:10.
[11] Eph. 5:20.!
[12] Gen. 32:10.
[13] Heb. 13:5.!
I Tim. 6:6-8.!
------------------End of Page 131---------------------
desire to have; nor dare we permit the withholding
of those things to prevent us from being truly
thankful for the many benefits which God does
bestow upon us.
QUESTIONS.--1. What do we acknowledge and for what do we pray
in this petition? 2. Why do we pray God to "give"? 3. Why do we
pray, "give _us_"? 4. Why do we pray "this day"? 5. Why do we say
_our_ daily bread? 6. What does daily bread include? 7. How much
must God give us in order to answer this prayer for daily bread? 8.
Why does God give, even to the wicked? 9. What should we bear
in mind with respect to all our blessings? 10. How should we receive
our daily bread? 11. How should we express our gratitude? 12.
What is to be said about contentment?
-----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Matt. 6:
34. Take therefore no thought
for the morrow: for the morrow
shall take thought for the things
of itself. Sufficient unto the day
is the evil thereof.
Eph. 5:20. Giving thanks al-
ways for all things unto God and
the Father in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb. 13:5. Let your conversa-
tion be without covetousness: and
be content with such things as ye
have: for he hath said, I will
never leave thee, nor forsake
thee.
I Tim. 6:6-8. But godliness
with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this
world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. And having
food and raiment let us be there-
with content.
------------------------
READING.--The Feeding of the Five Thousand, John 6:1-13.
--------------------------
CHAPTER XXIX
THE FIFTH PETITION
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
We pray in this petition that our heavenly Father
would not regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on
account of them; for we are not worthy of anything for
which we pray, and have not merited it; but that He
would grant us all things through grace, although we
daily commit much sin and deserve chastisement alone.
We will, therefore, on our part both heartily forgive and
----------------End of Page 132-------------------------------
also readily do good to those who may injure or
offend us.
------------------
In this Petition we acknowledge our sinfulness,
pray for forgiveness, and promise to forgive our
fellow-men.
The word "And" connects this petition very
closely with the preceding one. The daily forgive-
ness of our sins is as necessary for our souls as our
daily bread is for our bodies.
AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES
These words are at once a Confession of Sin, and
a Prayer for Pardon.
1. _A Confession_. The praying of this Petition
presupposes a penitent state of heart. If we are not
truly penitent, this petition is a mockery on our lips.
We have need to confess our guilt, because
We daily commit much sin. [1] If we are true
Christians, we do not sin wilfully and intentionally.
But with our best efforts, we still sin much through
weakness, [2] not only by commission, but still more by
omission. Not a day passes by, in which we do not
transgress God's law by thoughts and words and
deeds. We often do the wrong and omit doing the
right without even knowing that we have done so. [3]
And deserve Chastisement (Punishment)
alone. Our sins make us guilty and deserving of
punishment, even though they be sins of weakness.
We must not excuse or extenuate them. God never
excuses any one. But if we penitently confess our
sins, He will forgive us for Jesus' sake. [4]
2. _A Prayer for Pardon_. As in the fourth petition
we daily pray "Give," so in this fifth petition we
daily pray "Forgive." Since Jesus has taught us to
pray thus, and we pray as God's children, this
petition presupposes that we pray in faith. We pray
as those who believe that God will be gracious and
merciful to us for Jesus' sake.
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I John 1:8.
[2] Rom. 7:19.
[3] Ps. 19:12.
[4] Ps. 32:5.!
I John 1:9.
----------------End of Page 133-------------------------
We pray in this Petition that our Heavenly
Father would not regard our Sins, [5] but would
look upon the righteousness which Jesus has ac-
quired for us "with His holy and precious blood and
His innocent sufferings and death." [6]
Nor deny us our Requests on account of
them. If God should regard our sins, He would
send only punishment upon us, [7[ and not give us any
of those benefits for which we ask in our prayer.
For we are not Worthy of Anything for
which we pray, and have not merited it. Noth-
ing which we have done or are able to do can make
amends for our sins, or earn any blessing from
God. [8] We therefore pray that He would grant
us all things through grace alone for Jesus' sake.
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS
AGAINST US
3. _A Promise to Forgive our Fellow-men_. God's
mercy to us must move us to be merciful to others. [9]
If it does not, God will withdraw His mercy from
us, [10] as the master withdrew his from the unmerci-
ful servant in the parable. [11] Forgiving others is not
a merit which entitles us to receive God's forgive-
ness. It follows as a result of God's mercy to us.
Because God so mercifully forgives us for Jesus'
sake, we promise that
We will, therefore, on our part, both heart-
ily forgive and also readily do good to those
who may injure or offend us. No matter how
greatly others may have sinned against us, we have
sinned much more against God. If He is willing to
forgive us our great debt, we should be willing to
forgive our fellow-men their lesser debt. If we
refuse to forgive others, God will lay our own sins
to our charge, and punish us.
QUESTIONS.--1. What three things do we do in this petition? 2.
What is to be said about the close connection between this petition
---------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[5] Ps. 25:7.
Ps. 51:9.
[6] I John 1:7.
[7] Ps. 130:3.!
Ps. 143:2.
[8] Dan. 9:18.
Luke 15:18,19.!
[9] Eph. 4:32.
[10] Matt. 6:14,15.!
[11] Matt. 18:32-35.
---------------------End of Page 134----------------------
and the preceding one? 3. What does this petition presuppose? 4.
Why do we need to confess our guilt to God? 5. Is sin ever excusable?
6. Why does this petition presuppose faith? 7. What do we pray God
to do with our sins? 8. If God regarded our sins, how would He
treat our requests? 9. Why do we promise to forgive others? 10.
Why must we be willing to forgive them?
----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Ps. 32:5.
I acknowledge my sin unto thee,
and mine iniquity have I not hid.
I said, I will confess my trans-
gressions unto the LORD; and
thou forgavest the iniquity of my
sin.
Ps. 130:3. If thou, LORD,
shouldest mark iniquities, O
Lord, who shall stand?
Luke 15:18,19. I will arise
and go to my father, and will say
unto him, Father, I have sinned
against heaven, and before thee,
and am no more worthy to be
called thy son: make me as one
of thy hired servants.
Matt. 6:14,15. For if ye for-
give men their trespasses, your
heavenly Father will also forgive
you: but if ye forgive not men
their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses.
----------------------------
READING.--The Unmerciful Servant, Matt. 18:23-35.
------------------------------
CHAPTER XXX
THE SIXTH PETITION
And lead us not into temptation.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
God, indeed, tempts no one to sin; but we pray in this
petition that God would so guard and preserve us, that
the devil, the world and our own flesh may not deceive
us, nor lead us into error and unbelief, despair, and
other great and shameful sins; and that, though we may
be thus tempted, we may nevertheless finally prevail and
gain the victory.
---------------------
As children of God we must not only seek for-
giveness for past sins, but be anxious to avoid sin
in the future. We therefore pray that, as far as is
possible according to His gracious will, God would
keep us from being tempted, and would give us
strength to overcome when we are tempted.
-------------End of Page 135---------------------------------
If we are in earnest in praying this Petition, we
will not _run_ into temptation ourselves, [1] nor lead
others into it.
HOW WE ARE TEMPTED
God indeed tempts No One to Sin: for He
wishes us to do good, and not evil. But He leads
us into circumstances in which we are _tried_, and
must decide for or against Him, for good or for
evil. This is the sense in which the Bible speaks of
God as tempting persons. [3] He tries or tests us.
Remembering that we are weak, we pray in this peti-
tion that God would spare us such trials as much
as is possible according to His will, and strengthen
us in them, that we may be faithful.
_The Devil, the World, and our own Flesh tempt
us to Sin_. These are the great enemies of our souls,
who will lead us to destruction if we do not ear-
nestly resist them and repel their temptations.
WHAT WE PRAY
1. _That we may not be Deceived or Misled by
these Enemies._
We pray in this Petition that God would so
guard and preserve us, that
The Devil, who puts evil thoughts into our
hearts, [3]
The World (wicked persons in the world, [4]
which tempts us by example, allurements, and
threats,
And our own Flesh (our natural heart), [5] which
inclines and urges us to sin,
May not deceive us, by promising us happi-
ness in the paths of sin, while in reality such paths
lead only to misery and destruction. [6]
Nor lead us into error and unbelief, and thus
into ruin, since our salvation depends on believing
the truth as it is in Jesus; nor into
---------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 4:7.
[2] Gen. 22:1.
[3] Gen. 3:4,5.
II Cor. 11:3.
[4] Prov. 1:10.!
John 15:18.
[5] Rom. 8:7.!
[6] Matt. 7:13,14.!
-------------------End of Page 136-----------------------
Despair; because we are lost if we despair of
God's mercy, instead of believing His precious prom-
ises in Christ;
And other great and shameful sins, in addi-
tion to the error, unbelief, and despair mentioned
above.
2. _That we may Overcome these Enemies and be
saved_.
And that though we may be thus tempted,
we may nevertheless finally prevail, and gain
the victory. The struggle against these enemies is
a warfare (the good fight of faith) [7] which lasts to
the end of our days. We dare never think that we
are safe without further watchfulness, effort, and
prayer. [8] If we sometimes fall, we must not despair
nor give up, but repent and determine to do better.
If we earnestly pray for God's help, arm ourselves
with His Word, and beware of false security, we
shall be enabled to overcome these foes more and
more each day. [9] And when, at last, our end ap-
proaches and the warfare is over, God will give
us the victory, and bestow upon us for Jesus' sake
the crown of life. [10]
QUESTIONS.--1. Why do we pray this petition? 2. What do we
mean by it? 3. If we are in earnest in praying it, what will we not
do? 4. In what sense does God tempt? 5. Who tempts us to sin?
6. What do we pray against these enemies? 7. How does the devil
tempt us? the world? our own flesh? 8. How do they try to deceive
us? 9. Into what do they try to mislead us? 10. How long must
we fight against these enemies? 11. If we fall, what should we do?
12. How may we overcome these foes? 13. When only shall we be
completely victorious over them?
--------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Prov. 1:
10. My son, if sinners entice
thee, consent thou not.
Rom. 8:7. Because the carnal
mind is enmity against God: for
it is not subject to the law of
God, neither indeed can be.
Matt. 7:13,14. Enter ye in at
the strait gate: for wide is the
gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth to destruction, and many
there be which go in thereat:
because strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[7] I Tim. 6:12.!
[8] I Cor. 10:12.!
[9] I Cor. 10:13.
[10] Jas. 4:7.
II Tim. 4:7,8.
---------------------End of Page 137---------------------------------
unto life, and few there be that
find it.
I Tim. 6:12. Fight the good
fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life, whereunto thou art also
called, and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses.
I Cor. 10:12. Let him that
thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fall.
-------------------------
READING.--Peter denying the Lord, Luke 22:54-62; or, The
Temptation of Jesus, Matt. 4:1-11.
---------------------------
CHAPTER XXXI
THE SEVENTH PETITION
But deliver us from evil.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our
heavenly Father would deliver us from all manner of
evil, whether it affect the body or the soul, property or
character, and at last, when the hour of death shall
arrive grant us a happy end, and graciously take us from
this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
----------------
As in the sixth Petition we pray to be preserved
from sinning, so in this seventh Petition we pray to
be delivered from all the evil which has come upon
our race as a consequence of sin.* But this petition
comes last, because we should be more anxious to be
delivered from the sin itself, than from the evil re-
sults which follow upon it.
We Pray in this Petition as in a Summary.
All the petitions which precede it are included in
this last one.
That our Heavenly Father would Deliver
us from all Manner of Evil:--
I. IN THIS WORLD
Whether it affect the Body,--sickness, pain,
hunger, thirst, destitution,
*There is a very close connection between the last two petitions,
marked by the word "But." "Temptation will not cease until de-
liverance from evil [and from the evil one] has come; and again,
when deliverance from evil has come, temptation will cease to
assail us."--_Luehrs_.
------------------End of Page 138------------------------------
Or the Soul,--sin, impenitence, unbelief, sorrow,
anxiety, care, despondency, insanity, and the like,
Property,--poverty, want, famine, fire, flood,
wars, riots, etc.,
Or Character,--disgrace, slander, and the like.
_How we pray for this Deliverance_. God wills that
we should sometimes suffer affliction, in order that
our repentance and faith may be increased. [1] Conse-
quently, our prayer for deliverance from evil in this
world is a prayer: 1. That, whenever it is possible
according to His will, God would ward off affliction
from us. 2. That He would give us grace to bear
patiently those afflictions which He sends, [2] and
would make them a blessing in disguise for us. 3.
That in His own time He would remove from us
whatever distresses us. [3]
We should not grow discouraged or despondent
under affliction, but trust in God's mercy and bear
our cross cheerfully. [4] And we should see to it that
we do not, by our own sin and folly, bring upon our-
selves evils which might have been avoided.
II. IN THE NEXT WORLD
In this world we shall have to endure some evils
as long as we live. [5] But if we are faithful, God will
not only overrule them all for our good, [6] but will
finally, at death, deliver us from all evil. [7]
And at last, when the Hour of Death shall
arrive, grant us a Happy End. An unhappy
death is the worst of all evils. But a happy death
will more than compensate for all the evils endured
in this world. [8] A happy death will be ours, if we
persevere in the faith and die in Christ. [9] For then
God will pardon all our sins for Jesus' sake,
And graciously take us from this World of
Sorrow to Himself in Heaven. [10] There all evils
shall cease for ever. [11] For sin, and all that follows
upon sin, shall be no more. In this entrance into
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Isa. 48:10.!
Rev. 3:19.!
II Cor. 4:17,18.
[2] II Cor. 12:9.!
Rom. 8:28.
[3] I Sam. 2:6,7.
[4] Matt. 10:38.
[5] John 16:33.
[6] Gen. 50:26.
[7] II Tim. 4:18.
[8] Rom. 8:18.!
[9] Rev. 14:13.!
[10] Rev. 7:14,15.
[11] Rev. 21:4.!
--------------------End of Page 139----------------------
heaven at last, all our highest hopes and prayers
shall find their complete and eternal fulfillment.
QUESTIONS.--1. What do we pray for in this petition? 2. What
connection exists between the sixth and seventh petition? 3. Why is
this petition called a summary? 4. From what kind of evils do we
suffer in this world? 5. How do we pray for deliverance from evil
in this world? 6. When shall we be completely delivered from all
evil? 7. What is to be said about a happy end? 8. Why shall we
suffer from no evil in heaven?
--------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Isa. 48:
10. Behold, I have refined thee,
but not with silver; I have chosen
thee in the furnace of affliction.
Rev. 3:19. As many as I love,
I rebuke and chasten: be zealous
therefore, and repent.
II Cor. 12:9. And he said unto
me, My grace is sufficient for
thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness.
Rom. 8:18. For I reckon that
the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be re-
vealed in us.
Rev. 14:13. Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from
henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit,
that they may rest from their la-
bours; and their works do follow
them.
Rev. 21:4. These are they
which came out of great tribula-
tion, and have washed their robes,
and made them white in the blood
of the Lamb. Therefore are they
before the throne of God, and
serve him day and night in his
temple: and he that sitteth on the
throne shall dwell among them.
----------------------
READING.--The Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31.
-----------------------
CHAPTER XXXII
THE CONCLUSION
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory for ever and ever. Amen.
_What is meant by the word "Amen"?_
That I should be assured that such petitions are accept-
able to our heavenly Father, and are heard by Him; for
He Himself has commanded us to pray in this manner,
and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, amen,
that is, yea, yea, it shall be so.
------------End of Page 140---------------------------------
In this Conclusion we give the reason why we
address our prayer to our heavenly Father, and why
we expect to be heard. It contains a Doxology, and
an Amen.
THE DOXOLOGY
For Thine is the Kingdom: Thou art King
and Lord of all; [1] from Thee all gifts must come. [2]
And the Power: with Thee nothing is impos-
sible; [3] Thou art able to do abundantly above all that
we ask or think. [4]
And the Glory: Thou art God alone, [5] infinite in
holiness, power, and love; to Thy name alone be all
praise. [6]
For ever and ever. The kingdoms of earth and
their glory pass away; but Thy kingdom and power
and glory endure for evermore. [7]
THE AMEN
Amen means Verily. By adding it to our prayer
we express our assurance,
That such Petitions are Acceptable to our
Heavenly Father and are heard by Him. The
petitions for temporal and spiritual blessings which
we here bring before Him are the very ones which
He desires us to present. [8]
For He Himself has taught us to pray in
this Manner, and to ask for these things,
And has promised that He will hear us. [9]
The promise is, that whatsoever we ask in Christ's
name shall be given to us. [10] Hence we add at the
end of our prayer: Amen, that is, it shall be so;
God will answer our prayer. [11]
QUESTIONS.--1. Why do we add the conclusion to the Lord's
Prayer? 2. What two parts does the conclusion contain? 3. What do
we mean by saying, "Thine is the kingdom? the power? the glory?
forever? 4. What does Amen mean? 5. Why do we add it to our prayer?
6. Why are we sure that these petitions are acceptable to
our heavenly Father? 7. What promise have we with respect to our
prayers?
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I Tim. 1:17.
[2] Jas. 1:17.
[3] Luke 1:37.
[4] Eph. 3:20.
[5] Isa. 46:4.
[6] Ps. 115:1.
[7] Dan. 4:3.
Ps. 145:11-13.!
[8] I John 5:14.
[9] II Cor. 1:20.
[10] John 16:23.
[11] Matt. 7:9-11.
--------------------End of Page 141-----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSE.--Ps. 145:13. Thy kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
------------------
READING.--Asking and Receiving, Luke 11:5-13.
-------------------
CHAPTER XXXIII
THE MEANS OF GRACE
The spiritual blessings spoken of in the Creed and
asked for in the Lord's Prayer are brought to us
through the Means of Grace.
WHAT THEY ARE. The Means of Grace are: 1.
The Word of God; 2. The Sacrament of Holy Bap-
tism; 3. The Sacrament of the Altar. They are
called the means of grace, because they are the
means or vehicles through which God's grace comes
to us. It is through the Word of God and the Sac-
raments that the Holy Spirit does His work in us.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE CHIEF MEANS OF GRACE is the Word of
God. [1] For through it the Holy Spirit "calls,
enlightens, sanctifies, and preserves us in the true
faith." Even in the Sacraments, the principal thing
is the Word of God with its command and promise;
and without the Word of God there would be no
sacrament.
ITS POWER. The Holy Spirit is always in the
Word, and gives it saving power. Through the Law
and the Gospel which the Word contains, He brings
to repentance and faith all those persons who do not
wilfully resist His grace. [2] Through it He not only
tells us what to do, but gives us the power to obey. [3]
Because He is in the Word, "it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth." [4] (Com-
pare what is said concerning the Bible in Chapter I.,
and concerning the Work of the Holy Spirit in
Chapter XX.)
--------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I Pet. 1:23.
[2] Heb. 4:12.
[3] Eph. 2:4,5.
[4] Rom. 1:16.
----------------End of Page 142--------------------------
THE SACRAMENTS
WHAT A SACRAMENT IS. A Sacrament is a holy
ordinance, instituted by Christ, in which invisible
heavenly gifts are bestowed upon us through the use
of visible earthly elements.
HOW MANY THERE ARE. In the sense in which
we use the word "Sacrament" there are only two
holy ordinances to which the name may be applied;
namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. For these
are the only two which possess the three essentials
of a sacrament: 1. The Command of Christ; 2. The
Use of Earthly Elements; 3. The Communication of
a Heavenly Gifts.*
OLD TESTAMENT TYPES. The rite of Circumcis-
ion, practised in Old Testament times, was a type of
Baptism; and the Passover was a type of the Lord's
Supper.
THEIR PURPOSE. The sacraments have been
given to us in order that they might bring a special
comfort to our souls, in addition to the comfort
which we find in God's Word. For the Grace of
God which is offered to all men in the Word, is
brought and sealed to each believer _individually_ in
the sacraments. My baptism assures me that all the
blessings of Christ's redemption are meant for _me_:
and the Lord's Supper assures me that Christ's body
and blood were given and shed for _me_ for the remis-
sion of _my_ sins.
FAITH NECESSARY. Without faith, no one can
obtain any benefit from the sacraments. But he who
believes receives the heavenly gifts offered in them,
and has the blessed assurance that he is a child of
God and an heir of heaven.
*The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sac-
raments: Baptism, Confirmation, Confession, the Lord's Supper,
Ordination, Marriage, and Extreme Unction. But five of these lack
one or more of the essentials of a sacrament enumerated above.
QUESTIONS.--1. How are the spiritual blessings spoken of in the
Creed and asked for in the Lord's Prayer brought to us? 2. What are
---------------End of Page 143-------------------------------------
the Means of Grace? 3. Why are they so called? 4. What is the chief
Means of Grace? 5. Why does the Word of God possess saving
power? 6. What is a sacrament? 7. How many sacraments are
there? 8. What are the three essentials of a sacrament? 9. What is
the purpose of the sacraments? 10. Does every one who receives the
sacraments derive a benefit from them?
-----------------------
SCRIPTURE READING.--The Man Born Blind, John 9:1-7.
-------------------------
PART IV
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
CHAPTER XXXIV
I. _What is Baptism?_
Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water com-
prehended in God's command and connected with God's
Word.
_What is that Word of God?_
It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as it is
recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, verse 19: "Go
ye, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Ghost.
--------------------
WHAT BAPTISM IS
BAPTISM CONSISTS in applying water to a person
"in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Ghost," as Christ has commanded. [1]
Baptism is not simply Water. In one sense,
indeed, the water used in baptism is simply ordinary
water from well, cistern, or stream; [2] but when used
in baptism it ceases to be simply water, and pos-
sesses special value and power, because
It is the Water Comprehended in God's
Command. The water of baptism is a water which
God has commanded us to use,--His command be-
ing, "Go ye and make disciples of all nations, bap-
tizing then," etc.
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Matt. 28:19.
[2] Acts 8:36.
--------------End of Page 144----------------------------
And Connected with God's Word. In bap-
tism, water is applied "in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost"; and thus it
is used in connection with the very words of Christ
Himself. The water and the Word together make
the sacrament.
ITS NECESSITY. Baptism is necessary for all, be-
cause Christ has commanded that all should be bap-
tized, and has connected the blessing of salvation
with this sacrament. [3] Those who despise it and
refuse to be baptized, cannot be saved. But if any
person should desire baptism and be unable to ob-
tain it, he would not on that account be lost. It is
not the lack of baptism, but the despising of baptism
that condemns.
Baptism is to be administered by the pastor. But
if there should be extreme peril of death before a
minister could possibly arrive, any member of the
Church may baptize. Such lay-baptism, however,
should afterwards be announced in church, and be
declared valid.
WHO ARE TO BE BAPTIZED
The command of Christ to "make disciples" in-
cludes "all nations." All those persons, therefore,
who are willing to become disciples are to be bap-
tized; namely, adults who have received the proper
religious instruction and profess faith in Christ, and
children whom competent sponsors present for bap-
tism.
INFANT BAPTISM. Infants should be baptized at
a very early age, and thus be received into God's
covenant as His children. Since they cannot be in-
structed before baptism, they should be carefully in-
structed afterwards [4] and be brought up in the nur-
ture and admonition of the Lord, [5] so that they may
always remain faithful and obedient children of
God.
---------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] Mark 16:16.
[4] Matt. 28:20.
[5] Eph. 6:4.
-----------------End of Page 145----------------------------
SPONSORS answer the questions for the child at its
baptism, and promise to see to it that the child is
properly instructed and trained in the Christian
religion. Sponsors must themselves be members in
good standing in the Church.
WHY CHILDREN SHOULD BE BAPTIZED.* As chil-
dren were received into the Old Testament cove-
nant by the rite of circumcision, which was a type
of baptism, so God desires that they shall be re-
ceived into the New Testament covenant by bap-
tism. Some of the reasons for infant baptism are
the following:--
1. Children form part of the "nations" whom
Christ commanded His disciples to baptize.
2. They are by nature sinful and need God's grace
as well as adults. [6] While they have not yet com-
mitted any _conscious_ transgressions, they have in-
herited a sinful heart, and the germs of sin in them
will soon grow into actual transgressions.
3. Christ has commanded that little children
should be brought to Him, and we obey this com-
mand by baptizing them and teaching them. [7]
4. Christ says of children, "Of such is the king-
dom of God"; [8] and they have a right, therefore, to
receive that sacrament by which we enter God's
kingdom.
5. The promise of God's grace is given to chil-
dren as well as to adults. [9]
*Baptists sometimes argue against infant baptism on the basis
of the Scripture passage: "Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing
them," etc., claiming that Christ says first teach and then baptize.
But, as a matter of fact, Christ mentions baptizing before teaching
in this passage. For in its correct translation, as given in the
Revised Version of the English Bible, it reads, "Go ye therefore,
and _make disciples_ of all the nations, _baptizing_ them into the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; _teaching_
them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you." If the
order in which the two words "baptize" and "teach" occur in this
passage proved anything with respect to the baptism of infants, it
would prove that they _should_ be baptized. For in the case of chil-
dren, baptizing comes first and teaching follows, just as in the
passage quoted.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[6] John 3:5,6.!
Job 14:4
[7] Luke 18:16.
[8] Mark 10:14,15.!
[9] Acts 2:39.
--------------------End of Page 146----------------------------
6. Children have capacity for faith. [10]
7. The apostles baptized whole families. [11]
HOW BAPTISM IS TO BE ADMINISTERED
In His command to baptize, Christ does not spe-
cify any mode of baptism. It may be performed in
any one of the three ways; namely, by sprinkling, pour-
ing, or immersion. One mode of baptism is just as
valid as the others. The most convenient mode, the
one best adapted to all circumstances, and the one
most widely used in the Christian Church, is by
pouring or sprinkling. Immersion is not advisable
in our climate, and in many cases, such as severe
sickness, it could not possibly be employed.
IMMERSION NOT ESSENTIAL. The word "baptize"
does not necessarily mean to immerse, as the Bap-
tists claim. When the Saviour instituted this sacra-
ment, He did not coin a new word, but employed
one already in use. The original Greek word from
which our English word "baptize" is derived, is
used in the New Testament in the sense of wash-
ing [12] and sprinkling. [13] The baptism of the three
thousand on the day of Pentecost [14] and of the Phil-
ippian jailor [15] could hardly have been by immer-
sion, on account of the scarcity of water available
for such a purpose. When Jesus was baptized, He
"came up out of the water"; [16] but it is quite prob-
able that He stood in the stream while John poured
water on His head.
THE ESSENCE OF BAPTISM consists in applying
water "in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost"; and its gracious effect
depends, not on the amount of water that is used,
but on the Word of God with which the water is
connected.
QUESTIONS.--1. What does baptism consist in? 2. Why is baptism
not simply water? 3. What is meant by "water comprehended in
God's command"? 4. What is meant by "water connected with God's
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[10] Matt. 18:6.
[11] Acts 16:33.
[12] Mark 7:4.
[13] I Cor. 10:2.
[14] Acts 2:41.
[15] Acts 16:33.
[16] Matt. 3:16.
-----------------End of Page 147-------------------------
Word"? 5. What is to be said about the necessity of baptism? 6. Who
are to be baptized? 7. What is to be said about infant baptism? 8.
Who may be sponsors, and what is their duty? 9. Give some reasons
for infant baptism. 10. What is to be said about the mode of baptism?
11. Why is immersion not essential? 12. In what does the essence of
baptism consist?
------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--John 3:5,
6. Jesus answered, Verily, verily,
I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God. That which is born of
the flesh is flesh; and that which
is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Mark 10:14,15. But when
Jesus saw it, he was much dis-
pleased, and said unto them, Suf-
fer the little children to come
unto me, and forbid them not:
for of such is the kingdom of
God. Verily I say unto you,
Whosoever shall not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child,
he shall not enter therein.
----------------------------
READING.--The Baptism of Jesus, Matt. 3:13-17.
----------------------------
CHAPTER XXXV
II. _What gifts or benefits does Baptism confer?_
It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and
the devil, and confers everlasting salvation on all who
believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.
_What are such words and promises of God?_
Those which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as they are
recorded in the last chapter of Mark, verse 16: "He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned."
------------------------------
THE BENEFITS OF BAPTISM
Baptism is God's means of receiving us into His
covenant, and opening up to us all the treasures of
Christ's redemption. Through this sacrament He
adopts us as His children and receives us into mem-
bership in His Church. [1] We are baptized in (into)
the name of the Father (who sent His Son to save
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Gal. 3:26,27.!
--------------------End of Page 148-------------------
us), and of the Son (who died to redeem us), and
of the Holy Ghost (who applies Christ's redemption
to our souls). Therefore every baptized person may
say, "God is _my_ Father, Christ is _my_ Redeemer, the
Holy Ghost is _my_ Sanctifier, and all the benefits of
Christ's redemption are offered to _me_." Hence we
declare of baptism, that
It works Forgiveness of Sins, [2] delivers from
Death and the Devil, and confers Everlasting
Salvation. These are the very benefits which
Christ has acquired for me by His innocent suffer-
ings and death (see Article II of the Creed, Chapter
XIX). And since I have been "baptized into
Christ's death," [3] all these benefits belong to me if I
only accept them by faith. [4] I am regarded by God
as having already suffered the full penalty of my
sins in Christ's death, and for His sake I am par-
doned and saved.
On all who Believe. Faith is the hand with
which we grasp and hold fast the treasures of God's
grace offered in this sacrament. The benefits are
offered to every one who is baptized, but they are
accepted and possessed only by him who believes.
As the Word and Promise of God declare.
The benefits belong to all who are baptized and be-
lieve, because God has said so. [5] He has promised,
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
WITHOUT FAITH baptism will not save any one.
"He that believeth not shall be damned" even though
he is baptized. For while such a person has been
adopted as God's child, he is a disobedient and re-
bellious child, and therefore is disinherited, and
loses the heavenly inheritance [6] which would have
been his, if he had remained faithful.
BAPTISM PERMANENT. Baptism, once properly
administered, is not to be repeated. It is a perma-
nent covenant between God and us. While men are
often unfaithful to their covenant, God never is. [7]
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[2] Acts 2:38.!
Acts 22:16.
Eph. 5:25,26.
[3] Rom. 6:3.!
[4] Mark 16:16.
[5] Numb. 23:19.!
[6] I Pet. 1:4.
[7] II Cor. 1:20.
Rom. 3:3.
------------------End of Page 149--------------------------
He bestows the blessings of baptism on all who com-
ply with its conditions. Having received us by bap-
tism as His children, He ever afterwards remains
our loving heavenly Father, to whom we may turn
with fullest confidence. And if any who have fallen
from grace repent and seek His mercy, they find
Him standing with open arms to receive them. [8]
Such persons need not be re-baptized; their old bap-
tism stands. A rebellious son who repents needs
not to be re-adopted, but needs only to be forgiven.
III. _How can water produce such great effects?_
It is not the water, indeed, that produces these effects,
but the Word of God which accompanies and is connected
with the water, and our faith which relies on the Word
of God connected with the water. For the water with-
out the Word of God is simply water, and no baptism.
But when connected with the Word of God, it is a bap-
tism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of
regeneration in the Holy Ghost; as St. Paul says to
Titus in the third chapter, verses 5-8: "According to His
mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Saviour; that being
justified by His grace, we should be made heirs accord-
ing to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."
------------------
WHY BAPTISM HAS POWER TO CONFER
SUCH BENEFITS
It is not the Water, indeed, that produces
these Effects. Water alone cannot wash away
sins. Yet the water of baptism is necessary, because
Christ has commanded its use, and has connected the
promise of salvation with it.
But the Word of God which accompanies
and is connected with the Water. It is the
Word of God, with its command and promise, that
makes baptism a sacrament, and gives it power to
confer such great benefits. [9]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[8] Luke 15:11-24.
[9] John 6:63.
------------------End of Page 150----------------------------
And our Faith which relies on the Word of
God connected with the Water.* The baptism
is a real baptism and offers these great benefits,
whether we believe or not. But the benefits become
ours, only when we believe the promises of God. [10]
It is a gracious Water of Life, because the
Word and promise of God, which are connected with
it, give it power to bestow life and salvation on all
who believe.
And a "Washing of Regeneration" in the
Holy Ghost, because it is the means through which
the Holy Ghost causes us to be "born again," as
God's children.
*The story of Naaman the leper (II Kings 5:8-14) illustrates
how water, the Word of God, and faith can produce great effects.
It was not the water of the Jordan that cured Naaman; yet he
could not have been cured without the water, because the promise
of healing was connected with its use. When he _believed_ the _Word_
of promise and used the _water_ as he was commanded, he was
healed. So the water, the Word, and our faith, which trusts in
the Word, cleanse us from the leprosy of sin.
QUESTIONS.--1. What does God do for us through baptism? 2.
What may every baptized person say? 3. What benefits does baptism
confer? 4. Who has acquired these benefits for you, and how? 5. Why
do they become yours through baptism? 6. What has faith to do with
the reception of these benefits? 7. How do we know that baptism
confers all these benefits on all who believe? 8. What is to be said
about those who are baptized but do not believe? 9. What is to be
said about the permanence of baptism? 10. Why has baptism power
to confer such great benefits? 11. Why is it a "gracious water of
life," and a "washing of regeneration"?
---------------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Gal. 3:26,
27. For ye are all the children of
God by faith in Christ Jesus. For
as many of you as have been bap-
tized into Christ, have put on
Christ.
Acts 2:38. Then Peter said
unto them, Repent, and be bap-
tized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the re-
mission of sins, and ye shall re-
ceive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Rom. 6:3. Know ye not, that
so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized
into his death?
Numb. 23:19. God is not a
man, that he should lie; neither
the son of man, that he should
repent: hath he said, and shall he
not do it? or hath he spoken, and
shall he not make it good?
-----------------------
READING.--Naaman, II King 5:1-14.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[10] Mark 16:16.
-----------------End of Page 151---------------------------------
CHAPTER XXXVI
IV. _What does such baptizing with water signify?_
It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned
and destroyed by daily sorrow and repentance, together
with all sins and evil lusts; and that again the new man
should daily come forth and rise, that shall live in the
presence of God in righteousness and purity forever.
_Where is it so written?_
St Paul, in the epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verse
4, says: "We are buried with Christ by baptism into
death; that like as He was raised up from the dead by
the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life."
--------------------
THE DUTY WHICH BAPTISM IMPOSES
Baptism bestows upon us the great privilege of
being children of God; but it also imposes upon us
the duty to live and act as God' children. Every
one who is baptized promises, either with his own
lips or through his sponsors, that he will live thus.
God is always faithful to His part of the baptismal
covenant; we should always be faithful to ours.
Our duty is two-fold:--
1. The Old Adam in us is to be drowned
and destroyed by Daily Sorrow and Repent-
ance, together with all Sins and Evil Lusts.
By the "old Adam in us" is meant our old sinful
self, as we are by nature. For we are born into the
world with a sinful heart and a natural inclination
to evil. This evil nature still clings to us even after
we have been "born again" into sonship with God. [1]
This old sinful self, together with the sins and lusts
to which it prompts us, must be suppressed, subdued,
and gradually destroyed. [2] We should gain the mas-
tery over it more and more every day. We shall do
this, if we daily mourn over our sinfulness, and ask
God for Christ's sake to grant us forgiveness and
strength.
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Rom. 7:18-24.
[2] Eph. 4:22.!
Gal. 5:24.!
------------------End of Page 152-----------------------
2. The New Man should daily come forth
and rise, that shall live in the Presence of
God in Righteousness and Purity forever. By
the "new man" is meant our new self,--what we
have become by the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
For if we have been baptized and believe, there has
been implanted in us a new life. We have become
new creatures, [3] who by God's grace hate sin and
desire from the heart to do God's will alone. As
the old man in us should daily become weaker and
gradually die, so the new man in us should daily
grow stronger, [4] and cause us to live in constantly
increasing righteousness and purity here on earth, [5]
till at last we are received into God's presence for
Jesus' sake, and live before Him in perfect right-
eousness and purity forever.
CONFIRMATION
The rite of confirmation is closely connected with
the baptism of children. For the children who have
been baptized are afterwards to be taught "to ob-
serve all things whatsoever Christ has com-
manded"; [6] and, when they have reached an age at
which they are able to examine themselves, they
should be confirmed.
PRECEDED BY INSTRUCTION. Confirmation is to be
preceded by thorough instruction in the doctrines
and duties of the Christian religion. In addition to
the instruction received in the home and the Sun-
day-school, those who desire to be confirmed are
specially instructed in the catechetical class by the
pastor. Confirmation is the Church's testimony that
the catechumens have received the necessary in-
struction to fit them for intelligent and earnest par-
ticipation in the full privileges of Church member-
ship. This instruction is the principal thing, and
without it confirmation would lose its meaning.
----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[3] II Cor. 5:17.
[4] Eph. 4:23,24.!
II Pet. 3:18.
[5] Phil. 3:12.!
[6] Matt. 28:20.
-------------------End of Page 153----------------
WHAT CONFIRMATION IS. In confirmation the
catechumen makes no new promises, but repeats with
his own lips the confession of faith and the promise
of faithfulness to Christ which were made for him
by his sponsor at his baptism. Thereupon the min-
ister lays his hand upon the head of each catechu-
men, and the minister and congregation pray that
God would give to each His Holy Spirit to keep
him in the faith and to cause him to grow in holi-
ness.
WHY WE CONFIRM. Confirmation is not com-
manded in the Scriptures, but is a useful ordinance
of the Church. It does not make us members of the
Church; for we become members by baptism; but
it admits us to _communicant_ membership in the
Church. Those who have been confirmed are ad-
mitted to the Lord's Supper. They are also entitled
to act as sponsors at the baptism of children. The
right to vote depends upon the constitution of the
particular congregation.
QUESTIONS.--1. What duty does baptism impose? 2. In what two-
fold way is this duty to be performed? 3. What is meant by "the
old Adam in us"? 4. What shall be done with our old sinful self?
5. How shall we succeed in gaining the mastery over it? 6. What is
meant by the "new man"? 7. What does our new self prompt us
to do? 8. What should the new man in us do? 9. What is to be done
with children who have been baptized? 10. By what is confirmation
to be preceded? 11. What is to be said about the importance of this
instruction? 12. Tell what confirmation is? 13. Why do we confirm?
14. What privileges does confirmation confer?
-----------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Eph. 4:
22. That ye put off concerning
the former conversation the old
man, which is corrupt according
to the deceitful lusts.
Gal. 5:24. And they that are
Christ's have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts.
Eph. 4:24. And that ye put
on the new man, which after God
is created in righteousness and
true holiness.
Phil. 3:12. Not as though I
had already attained, either were
already perfect: but I follow
after, if that I may apprehend
that for which also I am appre-
hended of Christ Jesus.
----------------------
READING.--The Lame Man of Bethesda, John 5:1-14.
---------End of Page 154------------------------------------
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
CHAPTER XXXVII
I. _What is the Sacrament of the Altar?_
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,
under the bread and wine, given unto us Christians to eat
and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself.
_Where is it so written?_
The holy evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, to-
gether with St. Paul, write thus: "Our Lord Jesus
Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took
bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and
gave it to His disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My
body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of
Me. After the same manner also He took the cup,
when He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them,
saying, Drink ye all of it: this cup is the New Testament
in My blood, which is shed for you, for the remission
of sins: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of
Me."
--------------------
ITS NAMES. This sacrament is called: 1. The
Sacrament of the Altar, because it is administered
at the altar. 2. The Lord's Supper, because it was
instituted by the _Lord_ while the disciples were eat-
ing the Passover _Supper_. 3. The Table of the Lord,
because the Lord here gives food and drink to our
souls. 4. The Communion, because it is a com-
munion of bread and wine with the body and blood
of Christ, a communion of believers with one another. 5. The
Eucharist--a name derived from a Greek word
meaning to give thanks--because the administration
of the Lord's Supper is attended with thanksgiving.
WHAT THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR IS
The Lord's Supper was instituted by our Lord
Jesus Christ the same night in which He was
betrayed, while He and the disciples were eating
-----------End of Page 155-----------------------------
the Passover Supper. [1] What the Lord's Supper is,
we learn from the words of Christ Himself as given
by the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and
by St. Paul.
THE EARTHLY ELEMENTS. The Lord took bread,
and when He had given thanks, He brake it
and gave it to His disciples. After the same
manner also He took the cup containing the
wine, when He had supped, gave thanks, and
gave it to them. The earthly elements used in this
sacrament are, therefore, bread and wine. The
wafers which are generally used in Lutheran
churches are unleavened bread--the kind which
Christ used--because at the time of the Passover
no other but unleavened bread dared be used by
the Jews. The wine which Christ used was real
wine, not unfermented grape juice. We are not per-
mitted to substitute anything else in place of the
earthly elements used by Christ in instituting this
sacrament.
THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST. When Christ
gave His disciples the bread, He said, Take, eat;
this is My body, which is given for you. When
He gave them the wine, He said, Drink ye all of
it; this cup is the New Testament in My
blood, which is shed for you for the remission
of sins. Consequently, when we receive the bread
in this sacrament, we receive also the body of
Christ; and when we receive the wine, we receive
also the blood of Christ. And we say of the Sacra-
ment of the Altar, that
It is the True Body and Blood of our Lord
Jesus Christ, under (along with) the bread and
wine, given unto us Christians to eat and to
drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself.
The bread and wine _do not simply represent_ the
body and blood of Christ (Zwingli's view). The
bread and wine are _not changed_ into the body and
---------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] I Cor. 11:23-25.
Matt. 26:26-28.
Mark 14:22-24
Luke 22:19,20.
---------------------End of Page 156--------------------
blood of Christ (the Roman Catholic view, or tran-
substantiation). The bread and wine are not united
with the body and blood of Christ into a third sub-
stance different from both (consubstantiation). The
bread and wine remain real bread and wine through-
out the administration of the Lord's Supper. [2] But
there is a communion of the bread and wine with
the body and blood of Christ, [3] so that when the
communicant receives the bread he receives also the
body of Christ, and when he receives the wine, he
receives also the blood of Christ. The bread and
wine are the earthly vehicles through which the
heavenly gift of Christ's body and blood, which were
given and shed for us for the remission of sins, are
communicated to us. [4]
DOCTRINES COMPARED. The Reformed, Lutheran,
and Roman Catholic doctrines of the Lord's Supper
may be compared and illustrated thus:--
Reformed Lutheran Roman Catholic
Bread-BXdX Bread-Body BXEXD-Body
Wine-BXOXD Wine-Blood WXNX-Blood
According to the Reformed view only bread and
wine are present; according to the Roman Catholic*
view, only the body and blood of Christ are present;
according to the Lutheran and Scriptural doctrine,
both the bread and wine and the body and blood of
Christ are present in the Holy Supper, and are re-
ceived by every communicant.
A GREAT MYSTERY. The Lord's Supper is a great
mystery; but also a great comfort. We cannot
understand how Christ can give us His body and
*Because of its false doctrine concerning the Lord's Supper,
the Roman Catholic Church has fallen into these additional errors:
1. The Sacrifice of the Mass, in which the priest, by blessing the
bread and wine, is supposed to turn them into the body and blood
of Christ, and thus to offer an unbloody sacrifice of Christ which
is as effective as Christ's death on the cross. 2. The withholding
of the cup from the laity, lest a single drop of Christ's blood
should be spilled. 3. The Elevation of the Host, in which the
wafer or host is adored as the body of Christ.
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[2] I Cor. 11:28.
[3] I Cor. 10:16.!
[4] I Cor. 11:28,29.
---------------------End of Page 157--------------------
blood in this sacrament. But it is the part of faith
to take the Saviour at His word. This the Lutheran
Church does in her doctrine.
QUESTIONS.--1. By what different names is this sacrament known
and why? 2. From what do we learn what the Lord's Supper is?
3. What is to be said about the earthly elements? 4. When Christ
gave His disciples the bread and the wine what did He say? 5. What
do we receive, therefore, in the Lord's Supper? 6. What is to be said
about Zwingli's view? 7. What is to be said about the Roman
Catholic view, and what is it called? 8. What other false doctrine
besides these two is to be rejected? 9. How may the Reformed,
Lutheran, and Roman Catholic doctrines of the Lord's Supper be
compared? 10. Is the true doctrine to be rejected because we do not
understand it?
----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I Cor. 10:16. The cup of blessing which we
bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread
which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
------------------------
READING.--The Institution of the Lord's Supper, Matt. 26:17-30.
------------------------
CHAPTER XXXVIII
II. _What benefits are derived from such eating and
drinking?_
They are pointed out in these words: "given and shed
for you, for the remission of sins"; namely, through these
words, the remission of sins, life and salvation are granted
unto us in the sacrament. For where there is remission
of sins, there are also life and salvation.
---------------------------
THE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THE
LORD'S SUPPER
The benefits offered in this sacrament and be-
stowed upon all who receive it in faith are pointed
out in these words of the institution: "given and
shed for you, for the remission of sins."
Accordingly, the benefits are "remission of sins,
life and salvation." For while only the remission
(forgiveness) of sins is mentioned in the institu-
-----------End of Page 158------------------------------------
tion, yet where there is remission of sins, there
are also life and salvation. [1] The Lord's Supper
confers all the benefits which Christ secured by His
sufferings and death. [2] Each communicant is assured
by the words of Christ Himself that the body which
he receives along with the bread was given for _him_,
and that the blood which he receives along with the
wine was shed for _him_, for the remission of _his_
sins. The promise of grace and forgiveness held out
to all in the Gospel is thus brought home to each
individual in the Lord's Supper. Each believing
communicant is individually assured that Christ is
_his_ Saviour, and that _he_ has the forgiveness of sins,
life, and salvation through Christ's death.
-----------------
III. _How can the bodily eating and drinking produce such
great effects?_
The eating and the drinking, indeed, do not produce
them; but the words which stand here, namely, "given
and shed for you for the remission of sins." These words
are besides the bodily eating and drinking, the chief
things in the sacrament; and he who believes these words
has that which they declare and set forth; namely, the
remission of sins.
-----------------
WHY THE LORD'S SUPPER HAS POWER TO
CONFER SUCH BENEFITS
The eating and the drinking, indeed, do not
produce such great effects. For bread and wine
have no power in themselves to bestow spiritual
blessings,
But the Words which stand here, "given
and shed for you, for the remission of sins."
It is the Word of God which gives the sacrament
its power. [3] For Christ has commanded us to use the
bread and wine in this way, and has connected the
promise of forgiveness with their use. Without the
Word, there would be nothing but bread and wine.
But Christ fulfils the promise which He has bound
-----------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[1] Rom. 6:23.
[2] Eph. 1:7.
[3] John 6:63.
---------------End of Page 159------------------------
up with the bodily eating and drinking, and gives
us, with the bread and the wine, His body and blood
which were given and shed for us for the remission
of sins.
And he who believes these Words has that
which they declare, [4] namely, the remission of
sins. Forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are
offered to all who partake of this sacrament, but
they are accepted and possessed only by those who
believe. The impenitent and unbelieving, if they
come to the Lord's Table, receive the body and blood
of Christ also, but they receive it to their condemna-
tion, because they do not receive it with a penitent
and believing heart. [5]
------------------
IV. _Who is it that receives this sacrament worthily?_
Fasting and bodily preparation are, indeed, a good
external discipline; but he is truly worthy and well pre-
pared who believes these words: "given and shed for
you, for the remission of sins." But he who does not
believe these words or who doubts, is unworthy and
unfit; for the words "for you" require truly believing
hearts.
--------------------
HOW THE LORD'S SUPPER IS TO BE
RECEIVED
Those who come to the Lord's Table must pre-
pare themselves to come _worthily_, if they would re-
ceive the benefits offered in this sacrament. [6]
Fasting and Bodily Preparation are indeed
a Good External Discipline. Fasting before the
Lord's Supper is not required. It may be practiced
by those who desire to do so, if they do it in order
to fit themselves for a more earnest participation in
the Holy Supper, and not with the idea that fasting
constitutes a merit. The true preparation for the
Lord's Supper is not bodily, but spiritual. [7]
He is truly Worthy and Well-prepared, who
believes these words, "given and shed for
----------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[4] Matt. 8:13.
[5] I Cor. 11:29.!
[6] I Cor. 11:28.!
II Cor. 13:5.
[7] Joel 2:13.!
------------------End of Page 160--------------------------
you, for the remission of sins." We are to come
worthily, not in the sense of deserving, but of ear-
nestly _desiring_ the benefits offered in the sacrament.
We come worthily when we come with penitent and
believing hearts, [8]--lamenting our sins, longing for
forgiveness and for strength to do better, and believ-
ing the words spoken to us, "given and shed for
_thee_ for the remission of sins."
THE CONFESSIONAL SERVICE. The administration
of the Lord's Supper is always preceded by the
service of confession and absolution, so that those
who desire to come to the Lord's Table may prepare
themselves to come worthily. At this service we
make a public confession of our sins, of our faith
in Christ our Saviour, and of our earnest determina-
tion by God's grace to lead a holy life. Since Christ
has conferred upon the Church the Power of the
Keys, saying, "Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are
remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retain,
they are retained," [9] the minister uses this power
and pronounces the absolution. In the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost he
declares to all who truly repent and believe, the
entire forgiveness of all their sins. On the other
hand, to all who are impenitent and unbelieving he
declares, that their sins are retained so long as they
do not come to true repentance and faith.
Our Church does not require private confession
of sins to the pastor; but if any one is troubled in
conscience, and desires to make confession to the
minister and to obtain the comfort of an absolution
pronounced specially upon him, there is provision
for private confession and absolution. Such private
confessions are regarded by every true pastor as
sacredly confidential. (See the "Questions on Con-
fession," which form one of the additions to the
Five Principal Parts of the Catechism.)
------------------------------------------------------
Side Notes
[8] Ps. 51:17.!
Matt. 11:28.!
[9] John 20:23.
----------------End of Page 161-----------------------
QUESTIONS.--1. What are the benefits derived from the Lord's Sup-
per? 2. Where are they pointed out? 3. How have these benefits been
secured for us? 4. What assurance does each communicant receive?
5. Why has the Lord's Supper power to confer such benefits? 6. Does
every communicant receive the benefits offered? 7. How is the Lord's
Supper to be received? 8. What is to be said about fasting as a
preparation? 9. What is the true preparation? 10. What is meant
by receiving the Lord's Supper worthily? 11. Describe the confes-
sional service? 12. What is to be said about private confession and
absolution?
-----------------------
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I Cor. 11:
29. For he that eateth and drink-
eth unworthily, eateth and drink-
eth damnation to himself, not dis-
cerning the Lord's body.
I Cor. 11:29. But let a man
examine himself, and so let him
eat of that bread, and drink of
that cup.
Joel 2:13. And rend your
heart, and not your garments, and
turn unto the LORD your God: for
he is gracious and merciful, slow
to anger, and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the evil.
Ps. 51:17. A broken and a
contrite heart, O God, thou wilt
not despise.
Matt. 11:28. Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest.
---------------------
READING.--The Wedding Garment, Matt. 22:1-14
----------------End of Book on Page 162---------------------------------
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Walther Library
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