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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/36081-h.zip b/36081-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f97359b --- /dev/null +++ b/36081-h.zip diff --git a/36081-h/36081-h.htm b/36081-h/36081-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..513f3b4 --- /dev/null +++ b/36081-h/36081-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4945 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Luther's Small Catechism: Explained in Questions and Answers, + by H. U. Sverdrup (Translated by H. A. Urseth). + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + margin: 3em auto 3em auto; + height: 0px; + border-width: 1px 0 0 0; + border-style: solid; + border-color: #dcdcdc; + width: 500px; + clear: both; +} + +hr.hr2 { + width: 250px; + margin: 3em auto 3em auto; +} + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + color: #999; +} /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + .center {text-align: center;} + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .section {margin-top: 2em;} /* adds extra space at top of section */ + +/* Transcriber Notes */ +div.tn { + background-color: #EEE; + border: dashed 1px; + color: #000; + margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + margin-top: 5em; + margin-bottom: 5em; + padding: 1em; +} + +ul.corrections { + list-style-type: circle; +} + + .signature { + text-align: right; + margin-right: 5%; +} + + .signature2 { + text-align: left; + margin-left: 2%; +} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Luther's Small Catechism, by H. U. Sverdrup + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Luther's Small Catechism + Explained in Questions and Answers + +Author: H. U. Sverdrup + +Translator: H. A. Urseth + +Release Date: May 10, 2011 [EBook #36081] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM *** + + + + +Produced by Larry B. Harrison and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1><span class="smcap">Luther's<br /> +Small Catechism</span></h1> + +<h2><i>Explained in Questions and Answers</i></h2> + +<p> </p> + +<h4>BY</h4> +<h3>H. U. Sverdrup,</h3> +<h4>Late Pastor in the Church of Norway.</h4> + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h3>ABRIDGED</h3> +<hr class="hr2" /> + +<h3>Translated from the Norwegian<br /> +By H. A. URSETH</h3> + +<p> </p> + +<h4>THIRD EDITION</h4> + +<p> </p> + +<h4> MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.<br /> +THE FREE CHURCH BOOK CONCERN<br /> +1906.</h4> + +<hr /> + +<h3>COPYRIGHTED BY<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Free Church Book Concern</span><br /> +1900.</h3> + + +<hr /> +<h2>PREFACE.</h2> + +<p>In 1897 the present publishers issued in Norwegian an Explanation +of Luther's Small Catechism by Pastor H. U. Sverdrup, +being an abridged edition of a larger work by the same +author, based on Dr. Pontoppidan's Explanation of the Catechism. +Some alterations were made in the answers to questions +244–252. The present work is a translation of this +abridged and slightly altered edition.</p> + +<p>A literal translation has been avoided rather than sought; +an attempt has been made to render the original in the simplest +and strongest English, and to avoid words and expressions +with which the young are little familiar.</p> + +<p>In the catechism proper the Standard English Catechism +Version has been followed when it did not interfere with the +plan stated above. But departures have been made reluctantly +and only when simplicity and clearness seemed to be gained +thereby. It is not thought that these few changes will cause +any disturbance.</p> + +<p>Scripture quotations have been added somewhat freely +from the larger edition.</p> + +<p>As the needs of our English speaking young people have +been constantly borne in mind during the preparation of this +translation, it is hoped that the book may not fail to carry +some blessing to them.</p> + +<div class="signature2">October, 1900.</div> +<div class="signature"><i>The Translator.</i></div> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> +<h1><span class="smcap">Luther's Small Catechism.</span></h1> + + +<hr /> +<h3>PART ONE.</h3> +<h2>THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.</h2> +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt have no other gods before me.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear, love, and trust in God above +all things.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>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.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not curse, +swear, conjure, lie, or deceive by His name, but +call upon His name in every time of need, and +worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE THIRD COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not despise +or neglect His Word, but deem it holy and gladly +hear and learn it.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may +be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the +earth.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not despise +or give offense to our parents or superiors; +but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not kill.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not hurt +or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and +befriend him in all bodily distress.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not commit adultery.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and live a +chaste and pure life, in words and deeds, husband +and wife loving and honoring each other.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not steal.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not take +our neighbor's money or property, nor get it +by unfair dealing or other dishonesty, but help +him to improve and protect his property and +living.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy +neighbor.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not tell +lies about our neighbor, nor betray, slander, or +defame him; but excuse him, speak well of him, +and look upon all his acts as well-meant.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not by +deceit or craft seek to gain our neighbor's inheritance +or home, nor try to get it though we +seem to have some right thereto, but help him +to keep his own.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE TENTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor +his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his cattle, +nor anything that is his.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not +estrange, force, or entice away from our neighbor, +his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them +to stay and do their duty.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What does God say of all his commandments?</i></p></div> + +<p><b>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.</b></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God threatens to punish all who transgress +these commandments; we should therefore fear +His wrath, and do nothing against them.</p> + +<p>On the other hand He promises grace and +every blessing to all who keep these commandments; +we should therefore love Him and trust +in Him, and gladly do according to His commandments.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART TWO.</h3> +<h2>THE THREE ARTICLES OF THE CREED.</h2> +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIRST ARTICLE.</h4> +<h3>CONCERNING CREATION.</h3> + +<p><b>I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of +heaven and earth.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>I believe that God has made me and all +other creatures; that He has given me body and +soul, eyes, ears, and all other members, my reason, +and all my senses.</p> + +<p>I also believe that He preserves all He has +made, and that He daily provides me with all +I need, giving me clothing and food, home and +family, and every good thing.</p> + +<p>I further believe that He protects me from +all danger, and keeps me from all evil; not because +I have deserved it, but because He is a +loving and merciful Father.</p> + +<p>For all these blessings it is my duty to +serve Him thankfully and obediently all the days +of my life.</p> + +<p>All this is certainly true.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE SECOND ARTICLE.</h4> +<h3>CONCERNING REDEMPTION.</h3> + +<p><b>I believe 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 arose again from the dead; He ascended +into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God +the Father Almighty; from whence He shall come to +judge the quick and the dead.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten +of the Father from eternity; I also believe +that He is true man, born of the Virgin Mary; +that He is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a +lost and condemned sinner; who has freed me +from sin, from death, and from the power of +Satan, not with gold or silver but with His holy +and precious blood and His innocent death.</p> + +<p>All this He has done that I might be His +own, and that I might serve Him in righteousness, +innocence, and happiness, and live and reign +with Him in His kingdom forever, even as He +arose from the dead, lives and reigns through +all eternity.</p> + +<p>All this is certainly true.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE THIRD ARTICLE.</h4> +<h3>CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION.</h3> + +<p><b>I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian +church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of +sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. +Amen.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>I believe that I cannot through my own +strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or +come to Him. This is the work of the Holy +Spirit alone, who has called me through the +gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified +and preserved me in the true faith;</p> + +<p>Even as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and +sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, +and preserves it in fellowship with Jesus Christ +in the one true faith.</p> + +<p>In this Christian church He daily forgives +me and all believers all our sins, and He will +raise up me and all the dead on the last day, +and will give me and all believers everlasting life.</p> + +<p>All this is certainly true.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART THREE.</h3> +<h2>THE LORD'S PRAYER.</h2> + +<p><b>Our Father who art in heaven.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe +that He is truly our Father, and we are +truly His children, so that we may ask of Him +with all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear +children ask of their dear father.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIRST PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Hallowed be Thy name.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>The name of God is indeed holy in itself; +but we pray in this petition that it may be +hallowed also among us.</p> + +<p>This is done when the Word of God is rightly +taught, and when we as the children of God live +holy lives in obedience to the Word. This grant +us, heavenly Father.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[Pg xiv]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE SECOND PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Thy kingdom come.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, +without our prayer, but we pray in this petition +that it may come also to us.</p> + +<p>This is done when our heavenly Father gives +us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe +the Word of God, and live holy and Christ-like +lives here in time, and in heaven forever.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE THIRD PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>The good and gracious will of God is done +indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this +petition that it may be done also among us.</p> + +<p>This is done when God brings to nothing +all evil plans and purposes of the devil, the +world, and our own flesh, that would hinder +the hallowing of His name and the coming of +His kingdom.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, it is the good and gracious +will of God to strengthen us and keep us +steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[Pg xv]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE FOURTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Give us this day our daily bread.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God gives daily bread indeed without our +prayer even to the wicked; but we pray in this +petition that He would help us to appreciate +His benefits, that we may receive our daily bread +with thanksgiving.</p> + +<p>By daily bread is meant all those things +which are needed for our support and well-being +in life, as food and clothing, home and property, +happy family relations, a good government, +favorable weather, peace and health, faithful +friends, good neighbors, and the like.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIFTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive +those who trespass against us.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We pray in this petition that our Father in +heaven would not look upon our sins, nor, on +account of them, deny our prayer, for we are +not worthy of anything we ask, neither have +we deserved it; but we pray that He would +give it to us out of His mercy; for we sin every +day, and deserve nothing but punishment.</p> + +<p>And we on our part will heartily forgive +those who have sinned against us, and return +good for evil.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[Pg xvi]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE SIXTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>And lead us not into temptation.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God indeed tempts no one, but we pray in +this petition that He would guard and keep us +from the devil, the world, and our own flesh, +that we fall not, through their deceit, into unbelief, +despair, or other sins; but we pray that +although we be thus tempted, we may overcome +the temptation, and remain victorious.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE SEVENTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>But deliver us from evil.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We pray in this petition, in general, that +our Father in heaven would deliver us from all +evil, affecting body and soul, property and honor, +and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously +take us from this world of sorrow to +Himself in heaven.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What are the closing words of the Lord's Prayer?</i></p></div> + +<p><b>For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and +the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.</b></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">[Pg xvii]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should remember that God is able to +answer our prayer, and that the glory belongs +to Him alone, when we get according to our +prayer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>Why is the word "Amen" added?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is added in order that I may be fully assured +that these petitions are acceptable to our +Father in heaven, and are heard by Him.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">[Pg xviii]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART FOUR.</h3> +<h2>THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>What is Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Baptism is not water alone, but it is water +comprehended in God's command, and united +with His Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What is God's command concerning Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is given in the words of Christ in the last +chapter of Matthew:</p> + +<p><b>"Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing +them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, +and of the Holy Ghost."</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What benefit do we have from Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers +from death and the devil, and gives everlasting +life to all who believe what the Word +and promises of God declare.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">[Pg xix]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What is God's promise concerning Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is given in the words of Christ in the +sixteenth chapter of Mark:</p> + +<p><b>"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; +but he that believeth not shall be condemned."</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>How can water do such great things?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is not water indeed that does it, but the +Word of God, which is in and with the water, +and faith which trusts this Word of God in the +water.</p> + +<p>For without the Word of God, the water +is water alone, and no Baptism. But with the +Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious +water of life and a washing of regeneration in +the Holy Ghost; as Paul says in the third chapter +of the epistle to Titus:</p> + +<p>"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 Savior; that being justified +by His grace, we should be made heirs according +to the hope of eternal life."</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What does the baptizing with water signify?</i></p></div> + +<p>It signifies that the old man in us should, +by daily sorrow and repentance, be drowned +and die, with all sins and evil desires; and again +a new man daily appear more and more, who +shall live before God in righteousness and purity +forever.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">[Pg xx]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART FIVE.</h3> +<h2>THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>What is the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is the true body and blood of our Lord +Jesus Christ, under bread and wine, instituted +by Christ Himself for Christians to eat and to +drink.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>Repeat the Words of Institution.</i></p></div> + +<p><b>"Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which +He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given +thanks, He brake it and gave it to His disciples, saying, +Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for +you; this do in remembrance of me.</b></p> + +<p><b>"After the same manner, also, when He had +supped, He took the cup, and when He had given +thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of +it; this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which +is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of +sins; this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance +of me."</b></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxi" id="Page_xxi">[Pg xxi]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>What benefit do we have from the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is shown by these words: "Given and +shed for you, for the remission of sins;" namely, +that in the sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, +and salvation are given us through these words. +For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is +also life and salvation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, +that does it, but the words which stand here: +"Given and shed for you, for the remission of +sins." These words, together with the bodily +eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the +sacrament; and He that believes these words, +has what they say and mean, namely, the forgiveness +of sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>Who, then, receive this sacrament worthily?</i></p></div> + +<p>Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed +a good outward practise;</p> + +<p>But he alone is truly worthy and well prepared, +who believes these words: "Given and shed +for you, for the remission of sins."</p> + +<p>But he who believes not these words is unworthy +and unprepared. The words, "<b>for you</b>" +require truly believing hearts.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg xxii]<br />[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>1. What is God's will concerning man?</i></p></div> + +<p>God willeth that all men should be saved, +and come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. +2:4.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>2. Where does God show us how we may be saved?</i></p></div> + +<p>In the holy Scriptures, also called the Bible.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>3. Who wrote the Bible?</i></p></div> + +<p>The holy prophets, evangelists, and apostles +wrote the Bible.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>4. But how can their word be the Word of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Spirit of God revealed to them what to +speak and write.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>2 Pet. 1:21. [R. V.] Men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy +Ghost.</b></p> + +<p><b>2 Tim. 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable +for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>5. What must we do to experience personally that their word +is the Word of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must obey the Word and receive it into +our hearts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 7:17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, +whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>6. Is the Bible then the only safe rule of our faith and duty?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; the Bible alone contains full information +of the will of God concerning our salvation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>7. How do we rightly use the Word of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must first look to God for the light of +His Spirit, and then read with devotion and an +earnest purpose to live according to the Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 2:14. [R. V.] The natural man receiveth not the things of the +Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, +because they are spiritually judged.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>8. Who should read the Bible?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is the will of God that all should use His +Word and love it as a dear gift.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>9. What is the substance of all the books of the Bible?</i></p></div> + +<p>The great truth that Jesus is the way to +salvation for all who believe.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>10. How is the Bible divided in regard to its teaching?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is divided into Law and Gospel.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>11. What is the Law?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Law is the divine Word which tells us +what we must do.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>12. What is the Gospel?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Gospel is the glad tidings of the grace +of God in Jesus Christ our Savior.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART ONE.</h3> +<h2>THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, OR THE LAW.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>13. How has God given His law to us?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. In the creation God wrote His Law in +the heart of man. (Conscience.) Rom. 2:15.</p> + +<p>2. At Mount Sinai He gave His Law in the +Ten Commandments, written on two tables of +stone. Ex. 20:1–17.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>14. Does this Law demand outward observance only?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; it demands the whole man, and the willing +obedience of heart and mind.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luk. 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and +with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>15. Can we be saved through the Law?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; since the fall in sin no man can perfectly +keep the Law.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject +to the law of God, neither indeed can it be.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>16. Of what benefit, then, is the Law?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. It points out to us our sins and the wrath +of God toward sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 3:20. [R. V.] Through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> + 2. It makes us anxious to seek Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gal. 3:24. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.</b></p></div> + +<p>3. It points out to the believer what fruits +his faith must bear.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my +path.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>17. What is the substance of the law?</i></p></div> + +<p>Love to God, ourselves, and our neighbor. +Matt. 22:37–40.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 13:10. [R. V.] Love is the fulfilment of the law.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Tim. 1:5. [R. V.] But the end of the charge is love out of a pure +heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h3>THE FIRST TABLE OF THE LAW.</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>18. What is the substance of the first table?</i></p></div> + +<p>Love of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luk 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and +with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<h4>THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt have no other gods before me.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear, love, and trust in God above +all things.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>19. What does the first commandment forbid?</i></p></div> + +<p>It forbids the worship of strange gods, or +idols.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 4:10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt +thou serve.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>20. What is meant by an idol?</i></p></div> + +<p>Anything that man worships, fears, loves, +and trusts in instead of the one true God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>21. Who practice idolatry openly?</i></p></div> + +<p>They who worship the created things instead +of the Creator, and pray to the sun, the moon, +stars, images, angels, or saints.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 1:25. They changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped +and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>22. Who practice idolatry secretly?</i></p></div> + +<p>They who turn their <i>love</i>, <i>fear</i>, and <i>trust</i> +from the living God, that they may secretly cling +to something else than Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>23. Whom do all idolaters really serve?</i></p></div> + +<p>They serve the devil who is the father of +lies, and the lord of all impenitent and hardened +sinners.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 John 3:8. [R. V.] He that doeth sin is of the devil.</b></p> + +<p><b>2 Cor. 4:4. [R. V.] The god of this world hath blinded the minds of +the unbelieving.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>24. What does God require of us in the first commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should fear, love, and trust in God above +all things.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>25. Upon what does God then really look?</i></p></div> + +<p>Upon the attitude of our hearts toward Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 23:26. My son, give me thine heart.</b></p> + +<p><b>Prov. 4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues +of life.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>26. When do we fear God?</i></p></div> + +<p>We fear God when we think so highly of +Him, that we are afraid of offending Him by +any wrongdoing.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 33:8. Let all the earth fear the Lord!</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>27. Of how many kinds is the fear of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>Of two kinds: slavish fear and child-like fear.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>28. What is meant by slavish fear?</i></p></div> + +<p>When we fear God because we are afraid of +punishment.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>29. What is meant by child-like fear?</i></p></div> + +<p>When we love God so dearly that we wish +to do nothing that is against His will.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 39:9. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against +God?</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 4:18. Perfect love casteth out fear.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>30. Who fear God in this manner?</i></p></div> + +<p>God's children only.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 8:15. [R. V.] Ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto +fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>31. When do we love God?</i></p></div> + +<p>We love God when He is dearer to us than +all else, so that we have no true joy except in +Him, and gladly submit to His will in all things.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 18:1. I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 73:25, 26. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none +upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but +God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>32. Can we love God and the world at the same time?</i></p></div> + +<p>By no means.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 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.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>33. Why must we love God?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must love God because of His goodness +toward us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 19:17. There is none good but one, that is God.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 4:19. We love him, because He first loved us.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>34. Whereby is it seen that we love God?</i></p></div> + +<p>By a holy life.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 14:21. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he +it is that loveth me.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>35. When do we trust in God above all things?</i></p></div> + +<p>We trust in God above all things when we +have confidence in Him as in a loving father, +and when we look to Him for every blessing, +and put all our affairs into His hands.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for +you.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 37:5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He +shall bring it to pass.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>36. Why must we trust in God alone?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because He is our almighty and faithful +Friend.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>37. Name some virtues that follow upon true fear, love, and +trust in God.</i></p></div> + +<p>Humility, patience, and self-denial.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 5:5, 6. 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.</b></p> + +<p><b>Job 1:21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be +the name of the Lord!</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<h4>THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>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.</b></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not curse, +swear, conjure, lie, or deceive by His name, but +call upon His name in every time of need, and +worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>38. What is meant by the "name" of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. The usual names given to Him in the +Bible.</p> + +<p>2. His nature and attributes and all that +by which He is especially known, such as His +Word, sacraments, and works.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>39. When is the name of God taken in vain?</i></p></div> + +<p>When it is used in a thoughtless and mocking +manner and without devotion and reverence.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>40. How is this done?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. When we use God's name or Word in +jesting or as a by-word.</p> + +<p>2. When we find fault with anything God +has done.</p> + +<p>3. When we use the name of God in cursing, +swearing, conjuring, lying, or deceiving.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>41. What is it to curse by the name of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is to call down evil upon ourselves, our +neighbor, or any other created thing, by the +name of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>42. What is it to swear by the name of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is to bear witness to anything by the +holy name of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>43. Are we never permitted to swear?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; when the proper authorities demand it +in God's stead.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>44. Why is it a great sin to commit perjury?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because the perjurer shows open disregard for +God and the salvation of his own soul, and frankly +calls down the judgment of God upon himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>45. Are cursing and swearing sinful when the name of God is +not used?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, indeed; for whatever we curse or swear +by, we really do so by God who is the Lord of +all things.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 5:34–37. Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's +throne:</b></p> + +<p><b>Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is +the city of the great King.</b></p> + +<p><b>Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one +hair white or black.</b></p> + +<p><b>But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is +more than these cometh of evil.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>46. Are cursing and swearing sinful when they have become a +habit?</i></p></div> + +<p>Most certainly; for a sinful habit proves that +sin is our master.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>47. What is it to conjure by the name of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is trying to cure diseases, or to practice +any other kind of superstition, by the name of +God or a passage from the Bible.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>48. How do we lie and deceive by the name of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>By perjury, false teaching, and hypocrisy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 15:9. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the +commandments of men.</b></p> + +<p><b>Titus 1:16. They profess that they know God; but by their works +they deny Him.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>49. What must he expect who takes the name of God in vain?</i></p></div> + +<p>Great punishment, both in time and eternity; +for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that +taketh His name in vain.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>50. How do we use the name of God properly?</i></p></div> + +<p>When we sincerely call upon the name of +God in every time of need, and worship Him +with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.</p> + + +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE THIRD COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not despise +or neglect His Word, but deem it holy and gladly +hear and learn it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>51. Which day is the day of rest among Christians?</i></p></div> + +<p>Sunday, the first day of the week, on which +Christ arose from the dead.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>52. How should we keep the day of rest holy?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. We must rest from our daily labor, that +the time may be used for our instruction in the +fear of the Lord.</p> + +<p>2. We must earnestly hear and study the +Word of God, both in our homes and in church.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 11:28. Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.</b></p> + +<p><b>James 1:27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is +this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself +unspotted from the world.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>53. Has the Lord appointed these resting-days to be used +only in reading and studying the Word of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; He has appointed such days also for the +needed rest of mind and body.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>54. How do we misuse the day of rest?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. When we neglect and despise the Word +of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eccl. 5:1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God.</b></p></div> + +<p>2. When we do work or take part in amusements +that either are actually sinful or turn our +minds away from God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>55. Is no work permitted on Sunday?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; any work of necessity that cannot be +delayed, and any loving kindness we may show +our neighbor who is in need. Luk. 14:1–6.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h3>THE SECOND TABLE OF THE LAW.</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>56. What is the substance of the second table?</i></p></div> + +<p>Love to ourselves and our neighbor.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 22:39. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>57. May we love ourselves?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, for God has made us, but we must beware +of selfishness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>58. What should a man care for most of all?</i></p></div> + +<p>For his soul, the immortal part of himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 16:26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole +world, and lose his own soul?</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>59. What does the second table teach us about our relation +to our neighbor?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must feel and act toward him, as we +would have him feel and act toward us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 7:12. All things whatsoever ye would that men should do +to you, do ye even so to them.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 3:18. Let us not love in word, neither with the tongue: but in +deed and truth.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>60. Who is our neighbor?</i></p></div> + +<p>Every human being is our neighbor. Read Luke 10:29–37.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>61. Must we love also our enemies?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; for even our enemy is our neighbor.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 5:44, 45. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do +good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, +and persecute you;</b></p> + +<p><b>That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<h4>THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may +be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the +earth.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not despise +or give offense to our parents or superiors; +but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem +them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>62. Why must we honor father and mother?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because God has placed them over us to +care for us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Lev. 19:3. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father: I am +the Lord your God.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>63. How are children to show that they honor father and +mother?</i></p></div> + +<p>By respectful, loving, and willing obedience +and by good behavior to their parents, both +in their presence and in their absence.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 1:8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not +the law of thy mother.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>64. Whom must we honor and obey besides our parents?</i></p></div> + +<p>All those whom God has placed over us, +such as guardians, employers, teachers, and the +government.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>65. Must we obey parents and superiors when they ask us to +do what is sinful?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; we ought to obey God rather than men. +Acts 5:29.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>66. What is the duty of parents toward their children?</i></p></div> + +<p>They must love them, pray for them, bring +them up in the fear of the Lord, and in everything +seek their temporal and spiritual good.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 13:24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that +loveth him chasteneth him betimes.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 6:4.</b></p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>67. What is God's promise to those who honor father and +mother?</i></p></div> + +<p>It shall be well with them, and they shall +live long on the earth.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>68. Is this promise yet effective?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; in this sense, that special blessings rest +upon obedient children, and upon every nation +honoring father and mother.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>69. Has God given us also a land?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; He has given us our native land, that +we may love it and help it to prosper.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>70. What does the fourth commandment forbid?</i></p></div> + +<p>To despise and give offense to father and +mother.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 17:25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to +her that bare him.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>71. What does he bring upon himself who transgresses this +commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p>Condemnation and punishment from God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Deut. 27:16. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his +mother.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not kill.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not hurt +or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and +befriend him in all bodily distress.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>72. How is this commandment transgressed?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. By taking our neighbor's life, or by doing +him any bodily harm.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 9:6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be +shed: for in the image of God made he man.</b></p></div> + +<p>2. By hatred, anger, abusive words, and +all offensive behavior toward our neighbor.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 John 3:15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye +know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 4:31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and +evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>73. Can we kill also our neighbor's soul?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; when we cause him to sin, either by +purposely leading him astray, or by bad example, +thus helping to destroy his soul.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 16:18. By good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts +of the simple.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 18:7. Woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>74. May we take our own life?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; God has given us life, and He alone has +the right to take it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>75. What does God require of us in the fifth commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p>That we help our neighbor in all bodily distress, +and associate with him in love and +gentleness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 10:33–35.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 4:32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving +one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 25:35, 36. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, +and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in;</b></p> + +<p><b>Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in +prison, and ye came unto me.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<h4>THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not commit adultery.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and live a +chaste and pure life, in words and deeds, husband +and wife loving and honoring each other.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>76. How is this commandment transgressed?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. When husband and wife are unfaithful +to each other.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Heb. 13:4. [R. V.] Let marriage be had in honor among all.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> + 2. By all impure thoughts, desires, words, +and acts, in married as well as in unmarried +persons.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 5:3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let +it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>77. Who has instituted marriage?</i></p></div> + +<p>God Himself instituted it in Paradise.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 2:21–24, 1:27–28. Matt. 19:4–6.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>78. How do unfaithful husbands and wives treat this holy +institution?</i></p></div> + +<p>They despise it, and thus bring down upon +themselves the judgment of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Heb. 13:4. Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>79. Repeat some passages from Scripture in which impurity +is forbidden?</i></p></div> + +<p>Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor adulterers, +nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves +with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of God. +1 Cor. 6:9, 10.</p> + +<p>Jesus says: I say unto you, that whosoever +looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed +adultery with her already in his heart. +Matt. 5:28.</p> + +<p>Let no corrupt communication proceed out +of your mouth! Eph. 4:29.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>80. Why is this sin so fearful?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because it affects both soul and body more +than any other sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>81. How can we be kept pure?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must watch and pray, and avoid everything +that awakens impure desires.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>82. What things awaken impure desires?</i></p></div> + +<p>Gluttony and drunkenness, immoral and exciting +amusements, bad company, the reading +of improper books, and everything that excites +carnal and impure thoughts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>83. Are not gluttony and drunkenness alone dangerous sins?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, indeed; they are a shameful abuse of +God's gifts, by which we ruin soul and body +and shut ourselves out from the kingdom of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luk. 21:34. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts +be overcharged with gluttony, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and +so that day come upon you unawares.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>84. What does God require of us in the sixth commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must live a chaste and pure life, whether +we are married or unmarried, husband and wife +loving and honoring each other.</p> + + +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not steal.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not take +our neighbor's money or property, nor get it +by unfair dealing or other dishonesty, but help +him to improve and protect his property and +living.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>85. What is it to steal?</i></p></div> + +<p>To steal is to take from our neighbor even +the smallest part of his property against his +will.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>86. How is stealing done?</i></p></div> + +<p>In a coarse or in an artful manner.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>87. Who steal in a coarse manner?</i></p></div> + +<p>Those who, without any right or permission +whatever, take their neighbor's money or +property.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 4:28. Let him that stole steal no more.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>88. Who steal in an artful manner?</i></p></div> + +<p>Those who take or withhold the property +of others by any kind of fraud.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>89. Is it wrong to be a partner with a thief?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; the partner of a thief is no better than +the thief.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 29:24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>90. What judgment does the Word of God pass upon thieves +and robbers?</i></p></div> + +<p>They shall not inherit the kingdom of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 6:10. Neither thieves nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom +of God.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>91. May we not do with our property what we please?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; we are but keepers of God's gifts, and +we must once give an account of how we have +used them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 16:2; Matt. 25:14–30.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>92. What does God require of us in the seventh commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must be honest and unselfish in all our +dealings, and help our neighbor to improve and +protect his property and living.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 John 3:17. [R. V.] But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth +his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth +the love of God abide in him?</b></p> + +<p><b>James 2:13. For he shall have judgment without mercy that hath +showed no mercy.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy +neighbor.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not tell +lies about our neighbor, nor betray, slander, or +defame him; but excuse him, speak well of him, +and look upon all his acts as well-meant.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>93. What is "false witness"?</i></p></div> + +<p>All untruthful speaking about our neighbor, +in or out of court.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>94. How does one bear false witness in court?</i></p></div> + +<p>When a witness swears to a lie, and when +a judge decides wrong to be right, and right to +be wrong.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>95. How do we bear false witness out of court?</i></p></div> + +<p>When we tell lies about our neighbor and +slander or defame him in our conversation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 4:25. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth +with his neighbor.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>96. Do we sin when we speak truthfully of our neighbor's +faults?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; when we do so with an unloving heart, +either because we wish to hurt our neighbor, or +thoughtlessly and in gossiping.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 12:36. Every idle word that man shall speak, they shall give +account thereof in the day of judgment.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>97. What does God require of us in the eighth commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must always be truthful, excuse, and +speak well of our neighbor, as far as truth permits, +and look upon all his acts as well-meant.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 13:5–7. Love thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but +rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all +things, endureth all things.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<h4>THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not by +deceit or craft seek to gain our neighbor's inheritance +or home, nor try to get it though we +seem to have some right thereto, but help him +to keep his own.</p> + + +<p> </p> +<h4>THE TENTH COMMANDMENT.</h4> + +<p><b>Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor +his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his cattle, +nor anything that is his.</b></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We should fear and love God, and not +estrange, force, or entice away from our neighbor, +his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them +to stay and do their duty.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>98. What do the ninth and tenth commandments forbid?</i></p></div> + +<p>All sinful desire to get what belongs to our +neighbor.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>99. What does God require of us in the ninth and tenth commandments?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must heartily wish our neighbor all +good, rejoice in his success, and help him to +keep what he owns.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>100. What, then, does God require of us in His holy Law?</i></p></div> + +<p>Perfect purity and holiness in all our +thoughts and desires, words and acts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>James 2:10. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in +one point, he is guilty of all.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt 5:48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in +heaven is perfect.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>101. What does God say of all his commandment?</i></p></div> + +<p><b>I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting +the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the</b> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +<b>third and fourth generation of them that hate me; +and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love +me, and keep my commandments.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God threatens to punish all who transgress +these commandments; we should therefore fear +His wrath, and do nothing against them.</p> + +<p>On the other hand He promises grace and +every blessing to all who keep these commandments; +we should therefore love Him and trust +in Him, and gladly do according to His commandments.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>102. Of what does God remind us by these words?</i></p></div> + +<p>He reminds us of the fact that He is a just +God, who in His holy wrath punishes every sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>103. What is sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>Sin is any thought or feeling, word or act, +which is contrary to God's holy Law.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>104. What is meant by original sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>Original sin is the inborn wickedness, deep +corruption, and evil disposition, of the human +heart.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 51:5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother +conceive me.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 5:12. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; +and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>105. What is actual sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>Actual sin is all evil thoughts and desires, +words and acts, springing from original sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>106. Is neglecting to do good as sinful as doing wrong?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, indeed; to him that knoweth to do +good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.</p> + +<p>James 4:17.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>107. Do the children of God always live according to the will +of their heavenly Father?</i></p></div> + +<p>They hate sin, and heartily strive to keep +the law of God; but it is their experience that +they sin every day, and that the new life within +them is weak.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 19:12. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret +faults?</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 7:19. The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would +not, that I do.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>108. How do the children of God feel and act when they find +that they have sinned?</i></p></div> + +<p>They are deeply grieved, they ask their +heavenly Father to forgive them, and earnestly +strive to put off sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>109. What do the children of the world think of sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>They love sin, and do not ask to be forgiven.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>110. How does God threaten those who transgress His commandments?</i></p></div> + +<p>He will visit, that is, punish, their wickedness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>111. How does God punish sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>In soul and body; now and forever.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gal. 3:10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which +are written in the book of the law to do them.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>112. What does God promise all who keep His commandments?</i></p></div> + +<p>He will have mercy upon them in a thousand +generations.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>113. What is here understood by mercy?</i></p></div> + +<p>Every blessing for soul and body, now and +forever.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Tim. 4:8. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of +the life that now is, and of that which is to come.</b></p></div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>114. What way of salvation does the Law then point out +to us?</i></p></div> + +<p>It says, Keep the commandments and you +shall be saved.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 10:28. This do, and thou shalt live.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>115. Can any man, then, keep God's commandments so perfectly +that he thereby is justified and saved</i>?</p></div> + +<p>No; every man is a sinner, and he lacks that +perfect love which is the fulfillment of the law.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 10:3. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going +about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves +unto the righteousness of God.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>116. But does the Word of God point out a way to us in +which a sinner may be justified and saved?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; in the blessed Gospel.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 1:16. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the +power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>117. What parts of the catechism treat about the gospel?</i></p></div> + +<p>The four last parts.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART TWO.</h3> +<h2>THE THREE ARTICLES OF THE CREED.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>118. Of what do the three articles treat?</i></p></div> + +<p>Of the nature, will, and works of the triune +God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>119. How do you know there is a God?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. From the world's creation, its preservation +and government.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 1:19, 20. That which may be known of God is manifest in them; +for God hath showed it unto them.</b></p> + +<p><b>For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly +seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power +and divinity; so that they are without excuse.</b></p></div> + +<p>2. From my conscience, which is troubled +when I do evil and rejoices when I do good.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 2:15. They (the Gentiles) show the law written in their hearts, +their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing +or else excusing one another.</b></p></div> + +<p>3. From the holy Scriptures wherein He still +more clearly reveals Himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, +which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>120. What is God?</i></p></div> + +<p>God is a spirit, who is eternal and almighty; +all-knowing and everywhere present; wise, good, +and merciful; holy, true, and just.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship +him in spirit and in truth.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even thou hadst +formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou +art God.</b></p> + +<p><b>Luke 1:37. With God nothing shall be impossible.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 3:20. God knoweth all things.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 139:7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit! or thither shall I flee +from thy presence?</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast +thou made them all.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 4:16. God is love.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 106:1. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy +endureth forever.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 103:13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth +them that fear him.</b></p> + +<p><b>Isa. 6:3. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: all the earth is full of +his glory.</b></p> + +<p><b>Num. 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?</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 2:6. God will render to every man according to his deeds.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>121. Are there more Gods than one?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; there is but one God, and there is none +else besides Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Deut. 6:4. Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>122. How many persons are there in the Godhead?</i></p></div> + +<p>Three; the Father, the Son, and the Holy +Spirit. These three are perfectly alike in character, +and equal in greatness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them +in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIRST ARTICLE.</h4> +<h3>CONCERNING CREATION.</h3> + +<p><b>I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker +of heaven and earth.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>I believe that God has made me and all +other creatures; that He has given me body and +soul, eyes, ears, and all other members, my reason, +and all my senses.</p> + +<p>I also believe that He preserves all He has +made, and that He daily provides me with all +I need; giving me clothing and food, home and +family, and every good thing.</p> + +<p>I further believe that He protects me from +all danger, and keeps me from all evil; not because +I have deserved it, but because He is a +loving and merciful Father.</p> + +<p>For all these blessings it is my duty to +serve Him thankfully and obediently all the days +of my life.</p> + +<p>All this is certainly true.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>123. What do you mean when you say, "I believe in God the +Father"?</i></p></div> + +<p>I believe that God is the Father of Jesus +Christ, and my Father; and I surrender myself +to Him, trusting with all my heart in His grace +and love.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>124. Why do we call God the Maker of heaven and earth?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because He has made heaven and earth to +come forth by His almighty Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 33:9. He spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>125. Does God yet care for what He has made?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; by His watchful care He preserves and +governs all things.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>126. How does God preserve all things?</i></p></div> + +<p>He lets all things continue as long as He +thinks well, and He cares like a father for all +His creatures.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 8:22. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold +and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.</b></p> + +<p><b>Acts 17:25. He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 104:27. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them +their meat in due season.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>127. For whom does God care most?</i></p></div> + +<p>For man; and especially for His believing +children.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 6:26, 27, 28, 30. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow +not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father +feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?</b></p> + +<p><b>Which of you by taking thought, can add one cubit to his stature?</b></p> + +<p><b>And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, +how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.</b></p> + +<p><b>Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and +to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye +of little faith?</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>128. How does God govern men with regard to their sins?</i></p></div> + +<p>He suffers them to sin, sets limits to their +sinning, and so guides the result that everything +will be for their good who love Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 50:20. [R. V.] Ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for +good.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>129. Do we always understand the ways of God's providence?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; His ways are often hidden from our +eyes; but even then they are the kindest and +best.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Isa. 55:8, 9. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your +ways my ways, saith the Lord.</b></p> + +<p><b>For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher +than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>130. In whose care may you therefore safely leave yourself?</i></p></div> + +<p>In God's care, who protects me from all +danger, and keeps me from all evil.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>131. Have you deserved all this?</i></p></div> + +<p>Not in the least; He does all this, not because +I have deserved it, but because He is a +loving and merciful Father.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 32:10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all +the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>132. What do you owe God for all his goodness?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is my duty to serve Him thankfully and +obediently all the days of my life.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 103:2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>133. Which are the most excellent of the heavenly creatures?</i></p></div> + +<p>The holy angels.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>134. What is the work of the holy angels?</i></p></div> + +<p>They praise God, and serve him, especially +by ministering to His children.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Heb. 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister +for them who shall be heirs of salvation.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>135. Are there not also evil angels?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; there are evil angels who have fallen +away from God through pride and disobedience, +and are forever excluded from fellowship with +Him. The devil is their king.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>136. Which is the most excellent of the earthly creatures?</i></p></div> + +<p>Man, to whom God gave power to rule +over the earth.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>137. What was the character of man as he was made by God?</i></p></div> + +<p>Adam and Eve were innocent, without sin, +and like God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 1:27. [R. V.] God made man in his own image, in the image of +God made he him: male and female made he them.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>138. In what did the image of God in man consist?</i></p></div> + +<p>In true wisdom, righteousness and holiness, +peace and joy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 4:24. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness +and holiness.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>139. What benefit did the human body have from the image +of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>Perfect health, immortality, and a life free +from care in Paradise.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>140. Did our first parents remain innocent and without sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; they sinned and lost the image of God, +and thus sin and death entered into the world.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 2:17. In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 6:23. The wages of sin is death.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>141. In what did their sin consist?</i></p></div> + +<p>It consisted especially in the unbelief of their +hearts and in their selfishness and disobedience.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>142. Who led them astray?</i></p></div> + +<p>They permitted the devil to lead them astray.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 3:1–5.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 8:44. The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and abode +not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. For he is a liar, and the +father of it.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>143. How has sin injured the human soul?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. It has darkened the understanding.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>See 1 Cor. 2:14.</b></p></div> + +<p>2. It has made the will incapable of what +is good, and desirous of all that is evil.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God.</b></p></div> + +<p>3. It has disturbed the peace and joy of +conscience.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 3:8, 10.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>144. How has sin injured the human body?</i></p></div> + +<p>Sin has made the body a tool of every evil +passion, and has brought upon it disease, distress, +countless pains, and finally death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Job 14:1, 2. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full +of trouble.</b></p> + +<p><b>He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, +and continueth not.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>145. Have all men become sinners through the fall of our +first parents?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; sin and death have spread from our +first parents to the whole human race.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 5:18. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>146. Will God, then, leave all men to perish?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; God has in love sent His Son Jesus +Christ to save man.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>147. When was this Savior first promised to the world?</i></p></div> + +<p>Immediately after the fall.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 3:15. The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>148. When was Christ sent to the world?</i></p></div> + +<p>In the fulness of time; that is, the time appointed +and prepared by God Himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gal. 4:4. [R. V.] When the fulness of the time was come, God sent +forth his Son born of a woman.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE SECOND ARTICLE.</h4> +<h3>CONCERNING REDEMPTION.</h3> + +<p><b>I believe 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 whence He shall come to +judge the quick and the dead.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten +of the Father from eternity; I also believe +that He is true man, born of the Virgin +Mary; that He is my Lord, who has redeemed +me, a lost and condemned sinner; who has freed +me from sin, from death, and from the power + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +of Satan, not with gold or silver, but with His +holy and precious blood and His innocent death.</p> + +<p>All this He has done that I might be His +own, and that I might serve Him in righteousness, +innocence, and happiness, and live and reign +with Him in His kingdom forever, even as He +arose from the dead, lives and reigns through all +eternity.</p> + +<p>All this is certainly true.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>149. What do you mean when you say "I believe in Jesus +Christ?"</i></p></div> + +<p>Trusting in Jesus Christ with all my heart, +I surrender myself to Him as my only Savior +from sin, and death, and the power of Satan.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>150. Who is Jesus Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Son of God and the Son of Mary, true +God and true man.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>151. How does Christ have divine nature?</i></p></div> + +<p>He is begotten of the Father from eternity.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>152. How does Christ have human nature?</i></p></div> + +<p>He is conceived by the Holy Ghost, and +born of the Virgin Mary.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>153. What does the Bible say about Christ being true God?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Bible calls Him the only begotten Son +of God, and one with the Father.</p> + +<p>The Bible also expressly calls Him God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 10:30. I and my Father are one.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 5:23. All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the +Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath +sent Him.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 5:20. This is the true God, and eternal life.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with +God, and the Word was God.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 3:16.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>154. What does the Bible say about Christ being both God +and man?</i></p></div> + +<p>It says, The Word was made flesh, and dwelt +among us. John 1:14.</p> + +<p>And,</p> + +<p>When the fulness of the time came, God sent +forth His Son, born of a woman. [R. V.] Gal. 4:4.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>155. Why must the Son of God become true man?</i></p></div> + +<p>In order that He might suffer and die for us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>156. Why must our Savior be true God?</i></p></div> + +<p>In order that His death and His blood might +have everlasting power to atone for sin.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>157. Is Jesus conceived and born with sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; He is conceived by the Holy Ghost and +therefore without sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 1:35. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of +the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall +be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>158. What does the name Jesus signify?</i></p></div> + +<p>A Savior.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 1:21. Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His +people from their sins.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>159. What does the name Christ signify?</i></p></div> + +<p>The same as Messiah; that is, the Anointed +or the Consecrated.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>160. How was Jesus anointed?</i></p></div> + +<p>He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and +with power. Acts 10:38.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>161. For what offices was Jesus anointed and consecrated?</i></p></div> + +<p>The offices of High Priest, Prophet, and +King.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>162. What is Christ's work as High Priest?</i></p></div> + +<p>He offered up Himself a sacrifice for our +sins, and ever prays for us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Heb. 7:26, 27. [R. V.] For such a high priest became us,—who needeth +not daily as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own +sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this He did once for all, when +he offered up himself.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 8:34. Jesus Christ, who also maketh intercession for us.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>163. What is Christ's work as Prophet?</i></p></div> + +<p>He teaches us the will of God concerning +our salvation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 24: 19. Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed +and word before God and all the people.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>164. What is Christ's work as King?</i></p></div> + +<p>He governs and keeps His children, and defends +them against their enemies.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 1:33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of +his kingdom there shall be no end.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rev. 17:14. He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>165. How are the believers named after Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>They are called Christians; meaning, "the +anointed".</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 John 2:20. Ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know +all things.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>166. With what means has Christ redeemed us?</i></p></div> + +<p>He has paid for our sins with His holy and +precious blood and His innocent death, and He +has fulfilled the law in our stead with His holy +life and His perfect obedience.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 1:18, 19. [R. V.] Ye know that ye were not redeemed with +corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life; but +with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even +the blood of Christ.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>167. Whom has Christ redeemed?</i></p></div> + +<p>He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned +sinner.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>168. Has not Christ redeemed all mankind?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, He has; He gave Himself a ransom for +all. 1 Tim. 2:6.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 John 2:2. He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, +but also for the sins of the whole world.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>169. But are not many, thus redeemed, yet lost?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, indeed; many reject Him because of +their unbelief and love of sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>2 Pet. 2:1. Denying the Lord who bought them.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 3:18. He that believeth not is condemned already, because he +hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>170. Who get a share in the redemption of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>Those who repent their sins and believe in +Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>171. What benefit does the believer have from the redemption +of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>By this redemption he is freed from sin, from +death, and from the power of Satan.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>172. In what way is the believer freed from sin by the redemption +of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. The guilt and punishment of sin are removed +from him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Col. 1:14. We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness +of sins.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> + 2. Sin rules over him no longer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 6:14. Sin shall not have dominion over you.</b></p></div> + +<p>3. When he dies, sin is entirely rooted out +from him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>173. In what way is the believer freed from death by the redemption +of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>Spiritual death has lost its power over him, +temporal death is but an entrance into perfect +life, and eternal death he no longer fears.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 11:25, 26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the +life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and +whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>174. In what way is the believer freed from the power of Satan +by the redemption of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>Satan has no power over the believer, unless +the believer yield himself into his service.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Heb. 2:14. [R. V.] Since then the children are sharers in flesh and +blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death +he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>175. For what purpose has Christ redeemed you?</i></p></div> + +<p>He has redeemed me in order that I might +be His own, live with Him in His kingdom, +and serve Him in righteousness, innocence, and +happiness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 6:20. [R. V.] Ye are not your own, for ye were bought with +a price; glorify God therefore in your body.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Titus 2:14. [R. V.] He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us +from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, +zealous of good works.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>176. What did Christ do in order to become our Savior and +Redeemer?</i></p></div> + +<p>He humbled Himself, and became obedient +unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2:8.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>177. How many steps do you notice in the humiliation of +Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>Five: the birth in poverty; the suffering; the +crucifixion; the death; the burial.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>178. Why did Christ begin His life on earth with the birth in +poverty?</i></p></div> + +<p>He began His life in poverty to show that +His kingdom is not of this world, and that we +might be made rich through His poverty.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>179. When was the suffering of Christ greatest?</i></p></div> + +<p>In the night before His death, and on Good +Friday, when He was delivered into the hands +of His enemies, and was bound, beaten, scourged, +crowned with thorns, and finally nailed to the +cross.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>180. Did Christ suffer bodily pain only?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; His greatest suffering was a fearful anguish +of soul on account of our sins.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>181. When in particular did he suffer this anguish?</i></p></div> + +<p>In the garden, when His sweat was as drops +of blood and He said, "My soul is exceeding +sorrowful unto death"; and on the cross, when +He cried, "My God, my God, why hast Thou +forsaken me?"</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Isa. 53:4, 5. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:</b></p> + +<p><b>But 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.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>182. How did Christ act through all this suffering?</i></p></div> + +<p>He was patient as a lamb that is lead to +the slaughter. Isa. 53:7.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>183. What did Christ accomplish for us by His death on the +cross?</i></p></div> + +<p>By His death He has paid the wages of +sin, which is death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 5:10. When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the +death of his Son.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>184. What comfort do we have from the burial of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>He has buried our sins, hallowed our graves, +and taken away their horror.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>185. How should we look upon the life and suffering of Christ +in His humiliation?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should look upon His life and His suffering +as an atonement for our sins, and as an + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> +example to the believer of holiness in life and +patience in suffering.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 2:21. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that +ye should follow His steps.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>186. Did Christ remain in humiliation and death?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; God exalted Him and gave Him a name +which is above every name. Phil. 2:9.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>187. How many steps do you notice in the exaltation of +Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>Five: His descent into hell; His resurrection; +His ascension; His session at the right hand of +the Father; His coming to judge the quick and +the dead.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>188. What did Christ accomplish when he descended into hell?</i></p></div> + +<p>He made known the victory which He had +won over the devil, and preached to the spirits +in prison. 1 Pet. 3:18, 19.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>189. What benefit do we have from the resurrection of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. The resurrection assures us that Christ +is the Son of God, and that He has conquered +death and fully satisfied for our sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 1:4. Declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the +dead.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Cor. 15:14. If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and +your faith is also vain.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> + 2. The resurrection gives us power to arise +from spiritual death, and to live a new and +holy life.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 6:4. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the +Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.</b></p></div> + +<p>3. The resurrection assures us that our bodies +shall arise in glory on the last day.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>190. What command did Christ give His disciples before His +ascension?</i></p></div> + +<p>He commanded them to go out into the +whole world and preach the gospel to all nations. +[Missions.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 28:19; Mark. 16:15.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>191. What is meant by the ascension of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>He left the earth, so that He is no longer +visibly present, and He entered into His Father's +glory to prepare a place for us in the heavenly +mansions.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 14:2. In my Father's house are many mansions; I go to prepare +a place for you.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>192. What does the ascension of Christ teach us?</i></p></div> + +<p>It teaches us to be heavenly-minded, and to +have a desire to depart and be with Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Col. 3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are +above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>193. What does Christ's session on the right hand of the +Father signify?</i></p></div> + +<p>It signifies that He shares also as true man +in the power and glory of God, and rules over +all things.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 3:22. [R. V.] He is on the right hand of God, having gone into +heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>194. What benefit do we have from Christ's session on the +right hand of the Father?</i></p></div> + +<p>He protects His kingdom from its enemies, +prays for us, and sends us His Holy Spirit.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>195. Is Christ no longer present on earth?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; He is present in a real, though invisible, +manner.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 28:20. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the +world.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>196. When will He again come to earth in a visible manner?</i></p></div> + +<p>On the last day, when He comes to judge +the quick and the dead.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 21:27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud +with power and great glory.</b></p> + +<p><b>2 Cor. 5:10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; +that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that +he hath done, whether it be good or bad.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>197. By what rule will Christ judge us?</i></p></div> + +<p>He will judge us by His Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 12:48. The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him +in the last day.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>198. Is it sufficient that you know all these things about +Christ and hold them to be true?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; the Holy Spirit must teach me to know +Christ in a true and living faith.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE THIRD ARTICLE.</h4> +<h3>CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION.</h3> + +<p><b>I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian +church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of +sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. +Amen.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>I believe that I cannot through my own +strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or +come to Him. This is the work of the Holy +Spirit alone, who has called me through the +gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified +and preserved me in the true faith;</p> + +<p>Even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and +sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, +and preserves it in fellowship with Jesus Christ +in the one true faith.</p> + +<p>In this Christian church He daily forgives +me and all believers all our sins, and He will +raise up me and all the dead on the last day, +and will give me and all believers everlasting life.</p> + +<p>All this is certainly true.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>199. What do you mean when you say, "I believe in the +Holy Ghost"?</i></p></div> + +<p>I trust with all my heart in the Holy Ghost +as my guide and my sanctifier, who gives me +strength to believe in Jesus and to live according +to His will.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 12:3. No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy +Ghost.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>200. Who is the Holy Ghost?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Holy Ghost is true God together with +the Father and the Son.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 2:10. The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of +God.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Cor. 3:16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the +Spirit of God dwelleth in you.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>201. What is the work of the Holy Spirit?</i></p></div> + +<p>To call, enlighten, sanctify, and preserve.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>202. How does the Holy Spirit call us?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Holy Spirit calls us by awakening in +our hearts a deep sense of sin, and by inviting +us to accept the grace of God in Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 5:14. Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and +Christ shall give thee light.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>203. By what means does the Holy Spirit call us?</i></p></div> + +<p>By the Word of God; using the law to awaken +our hearts, and the gospel to invite us to Christ.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 3:20. By the law is the knowledge of sin.</b></p> + +<p><b>2 Thess. 2:14. He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the +glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 22:1–14.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>204. What means does God use to make us heed the call of +the Holy Spirit?</i></p></div> + +<p>To this end He often uses suffering, often +blessings, often the example of others, and such +other means as may lead us to reflect.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>205. Do all obey the call of the Holy Spirit?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; many resist the Holy Spirit, and will +not repent and come to Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Acts 7:51. Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.</b></p> + +<p><b>Isa. 65:2. I have spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious +people.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>206. When does a person harden his heart?</i></p></div> + +<p>A person hardens his heart when he persistently +despises and opposes the voice of the Holy +Spirit in his conscience.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>207. Who obey the call of the Holy Spirit?</i></p></div> + +<p>They who repent their sins and believe the +Gospel.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Mark. 1:15. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: +repent ye, and believe the gospel.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>208. What is it to repent?</i></p></div> + +<p>He who truly repents, feels his sins with +shame and sorrow, he freely confesses his sins +to God, and earnestly seeks the grace of God in +Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Isa. 55:7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man +his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon +him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.</b></p> + +<p><b>2 Cor. 7:10. [R. V.] Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, +a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh +death.</b></p> + +<p><b>Ps. 32:5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee; and thou forgavest the +iniquity of my sin.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>209. How do we learn that the grace of God is found in Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>We learn this through the enlightenment of +the Holy Spirit.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>210. What is meant by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit?</i></p></div> + +<p>Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit +our knowledge of the Gospel truths becomes a +living and saving knowledge to our hearts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 14:26. But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father +will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to +your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 16:13. When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you +into all truth.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>211. Of what nature is our knowledge of these truths before +the Holy Spirit has enlightened our hearts?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is a dead knowledge only, which does not +lead to repentance and faith, but leaves us in +our sins.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>212. What is the true and living faith in Jesus Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>This is faith, that a repentant sinner lays +hold of Christ as his only Savior from sin, and +death, and the power of Satan;</p> + +<p>That he takes refuge with Christ and His +righteousness, and builds thereon with the confidence +of his whole heart.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>213. Can only a repentant sinner have this faith in Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; the faith which lays hold of Christ and +His righteousness, can be wrought in that heart +only which bitterly feels the pain and misery +of living in sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 9:12. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that +are sick.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>214. Is the true and living faith always and in all persons +equally strong?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; it is often very weak and scarcely able +to avail itself of the grace of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Mark 9:24. Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>215. Whereby may we know whether this weak faith is true +and living?</i></p></div> + +<p>The true and living faith is known by an +earnest hatred of sin, and an eager longing for +grace.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>216. Does God accept this weak faith?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, indeed; only it be true and sincere.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Isa. 42:3. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax +shall he not quench.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>217. What benefit do we have from the true and living faith +in Jesus Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>By faith we are justified, born anew, sanctified, +and finally saved forever.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>218. What is Justification?</i></p></div> + +<p>Justification is the gracious act of God whereby +He for Christ's sake acquits a repentant and +believing sinner of his sin and guilt, and looks +upon him, in Christ, as though he had never +sinned.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>2 Cor. 5:21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin +that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 3:24. (They are) justified freely by his grace through the redemption +that is in Christ Jesus.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>219. What, then, does the believer receive through justification?</i></p></div> + +<p>He receives the forgiveness of sins, and is +adopted as a child of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 1:7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness +of sins, according to the riches of his grace.</b></p> + +<p><b>Gal. 3:26. For ye are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.</b></p> + +<p><b>Acts 10:43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his +name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>220. What moves God to forgive sin so freely?</i></p></div> + +<p>His everlasting love and mercy alone.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>221. For whose sake does God forgive us our sins?</i></p></div> + +<p>For Christ's sake, who has satisfied for the +sins of the whole world by His death on the +cross.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 1:29. Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of +the world.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>222. To what does the forgiveness of sins necessarily lead?</i></p></div> + +<p>The forgiveness of sins leads to the full enjoyment +of the blessed rights which belong to +a child of God; it also gives free access to the +Father's fellowship and blessing, and to the +glorious inheritance of eternal life.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 32:1, 2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin +is covered.</b></p> + +<p><b>Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in +whose spirit there is no guile.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 8:17. And if [we are] children, then heirs; heirs of God, and +joint-heirs with Christ.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>223. What is the New Birth?</i></p></div> + +<p>The New Birth is the gracious work of the +Holy Spirit whereby He, through His indwelling +in our hearts, renews the image of God in us, +and thus creates a new spiritual man.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things +have passed away; behold, all things are new.</b></p> + +<p><b>John 1:12, 13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power +to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:</b></p> + +<p><b>Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will +of man, but of God.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>224. What change is wrought in us in the New Birth?</i></p></div> + +<p>We get a new heart or a new spiritual life; +namely,</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the understanding, a new spiritual light;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the conscience, real peace and joy;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the will, a holy desire and a steadfast purpose.</span><br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ezek. 36:26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I +put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and +I will give you a heart of flesh.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 4:24. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness +and true holiness.</b></p> + +<p><b>Gal. 5:22. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>225. In what does this new life really consist?</i></p></div> + +<p>In consists in love to God who first loved us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>226. By what means is the New Birth accomplished?</i></p></div> + +<p>In little children it is accomplished by water +and the Spirit in baptism; but in those who +have fallen from the grace of their baptism, also +by the Word of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 3:5. 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.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Peter 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, +by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>227. Is the New Birth necessary to our salvation?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes, indeed; except a man be born anew, he +cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3: 3. [R. V.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 3:6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is +born of the Spirit, is spirit.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>228. What does the Holy Spirit further work in the believer?</i></p></div> + +<p>He sanctifies and preserves him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>229. What is Sanctification?</i></p></div> + +<p>Sanctification is the gracious work of the +Holy Spirit whereby He day by day renews the +believer more and more after the image of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>230. How is the daily renewal accomplished?</i></p></div> + +<p>The old man, or sin, is put away more and +more, and the new man, or the new spiritual +life, appears more and more in all our conduct.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 4:22–24. [R. V.] Put away, as concerning your former manner +of life, the old man, which waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;</b></p> + +<p><b>And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind,</b></p> + +<p><b>And put on the new man, which after God hath been created in righteousness +and holiness of truth.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>231. How does this new conduct appear in the daily life of +a Christian?</i></p></div> + +<p>A Christian denies himself, strives against +the devil, the world, and his own flesh; he grows +in love toward God and man, and seeks to do +the will of God in all things.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 16:24. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, +and take up his cross, and follow me.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Cor. 16:13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, +be strong.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 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.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>232. Is the believer, then, justified and saved by his own good +works?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; our best works avail nothing to this +end: we must build our hope of salvation on +Christ alone and His righteousness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luk. 17:10. When ye shall have done all these things which are commanded +you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which +was our duty to do.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>233. What is the work of Preservation done by the Holy +Spirit?</i></p></div> + +<p>Preservation is the gracious work of the +Holy Spirit whereby He keeps us, through all +temptations, in the true and living faith in +Jesus, until the end.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Phil. 1:6. [R. V.] He which began a good work in you will perfect it +until the day of Jesus Christ.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>234. By what means does the Holy Spirit sanctify and preserve +the believer?</i></p></div> + +<p>By the Word of God and the Lord's Supper.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>235. How does the Holy Spirit preserve the believer?</i></p></div> + +<p>He teaches and guides, corrects and comforts +him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>236. What are they called whom the Holy Spirit thus sanctifies +and preserves in faith?</i></p></div> + +<p>They are called the children of God; the +Elect of God; Holy and Beloved; Members of the +Body of Christ. In a body they make up the +holy Christian church.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>237. What is the holy Christian church?</i></p></div> + +<p>The holy Christian Church is the congregation +of saints or true believers, where the Word of God +is preached and the sacraments are administered +according to the ordinance of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>238. Why is the church called holy?</i></p></div> + +<p>The church is called holy because of the indwelling +of the Holy Spirit, who performs His +sanctifying work in all its members. For this +reason the church is called holy, in spite of its +sins and shortcomings.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Peter 2:9. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy +nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who +hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>239. Why is the church called universal?</i></p></div> + +<p>The church is called universal because its +object is to gather all nations, and because it +includes all true believers of all times and all +places.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>240. What is the state of the church on earth?</i></p></div> + +<p>The church of God on earth is militant.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>241. Who are the enemies of the church?</i></p></div> + +<p>The enemies of the church are the devil, the +world, and our own flesh. Its last enemy is +death.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>242. What will be the state of the church in heaven?</i></p></div> + +<p>It will be triumphant, because all its enemies +are conquered.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rev. 7:9, 10. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which +no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, +stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, +and palms in their hands;</b></p> + +<p><b>And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth +upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>243. Is the holy Christian church found in this place?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; in the congregation, which in the Scriptures +is called "the body of Jesus Christ", and +"the house of God."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 1:22, 23. 1 Tim. 3:15.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>244. Are all the members of the organized body, called a congregation, +true Christians?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; in this organized body both hypocrites +and true Christians are found.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 13:24–30; 47–50.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>245. Who are hypocrites?</i></p></div> + +<p>Hypocrites are they who indeed make outward +confession of Christ, but who inwardly +and in their conduct deny Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>2 Tim. 3:5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>246. Should not the congregation remove these hypocrites +from its midst?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; the congregation should expel the openly + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +ungodly and unbelieving; but it cannot judge +concerning the secret thoughts of the heart.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 5:13. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked +person.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 18:15–17.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>247. Who, then, are true Christians and the real members of +the congregation?</i></p></div> + +<p>They who believe in Christ with all their +heart, and confess Him both in word and deed.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 10:10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: +and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>248. What is the intimate fellowship called in which all true +Christians live with one another?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Communion of Saints.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 4:4–6. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called +in one hope of your calling;</b></p> + +<p><b>One Lord, one faith, one baptism,</b></p> + +<p><b>One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in +you all.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>249. What precious gift does the Holy Spirit bestow upon us +in this Christian church?</i></p></div> + +<p>In this Christian church He daily forgives +me and all believers all our sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>250. But does a sanctified person need the forgiveness of sins +every day?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; because sanctification is never perfected +in this life, and sin cleaves to a Christian as +long as he is in the world.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>251. Whom has God given power to declare the forgiveness of +sins?</i></p></div> + +<p>The congregation, through its ministers. +[Absolution.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 18:18. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth +shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be +loosed in heaven.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>252. What is required that a Christian may receive the forgiveness +of sins every day?</i></p></div> + +<p>That he repents every day, or that he daily +feels his sins with deep shame and sorrow, confesses +his sins to God, and earnestly seeks the +grace of God in Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>253. To whom should a repentant Christian confess his sins?</i></p></div> + +<p>First of all to God; then, if he feels the need +of it, to his pastor; finally to his neighbor, if +he feels that he has wronged him in any way.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Jas. 5:16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, +that ye may be healed.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive +us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>254. What does the daily forgiveness of sins work in the +Christian?</i></p></div> + +<p>The daily renewal, or that he day by day +becomes more and more thankful to God, and increases +in child-like obedience and faithfulness.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>255. What becomes of the soul of the believer when he dies?</i></p></div> + +<p>His soul goes home to God, where it rests +from all strife and sorrow, in blessed fellowship +with Him, until the resurrection of the body.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 23:43. Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in +paradise.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rev. 14:13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>256. What is the resurrection of the body?</i></p></div> + +<p>On the last day, when the Lord Jesus returns +to earth, the bodies of the dead shall be +made alive and shall be reunited with their souls.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 5:28, 29. The hour is coming, in 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 +judgment.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>257. What change shall then take place in the bodies of the +believers?</i></p></div> + +<p>Their bodies shall arise glorified and incorruptible, +like unto the body of the risen Lord +Jesus Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 15:42, 43. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:</b></p> + +<p><b>It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is +raised in power.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>258. Where do all the risen go after the day of judgment?</i></p></div> + +<p>The chosen enter into life everlasting; the +condemned, into eternal death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 25:46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but +the righteous into eternal life.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>259. What is life everlasting?</i></p></div> + +<p>Life everlasting is the blessed state in which +the chosen are free from all evil, and live forever +in fellowship with their God and Savior, +praising God in the company of the holy angels, +in everlasting peace and joy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 25:34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, +Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from +the foundation of the world.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>260. What is eternal death?</i></p></div> + +<p>Eternal death is a dreadful state of separation +from God, and everlasting anguish and +suffering in hell.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 25:41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart +from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his +angels.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>261. Who are thus condemned?</i></p></div> + +<p>All who continue in impenitence and unbelief +until death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 3:36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he +that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on +him.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>262. Who, on the other hand, obtain life everlasting?</i></p></div> + +<p>All who continue steadfast in faith until +death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rev. 2:10. [R. V.] Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee +the crown of life.</b></p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>263. Why do you end your confession of faith with the word +Amen?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because I know that what I here confess is +certainly true.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>264. What must you do that you may continue steadfast in +faith and also increase therein?</i></p></div> + +<p>I will pray God every day graciously to help +and strengthen me.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART THREE.</h3> +<h2>THE LORD'S PRAYER.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>265. What is prayer?</i></p></div> + +<p>Prayer is the child-like communion of our +hearts with God, in which we tell Him all our +needs, and earnestly seek some gift from Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>266. Who should pray?</i></p></div> + +<p>All should pray; even little children.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>267. But can all pray in this manner?</i></p></div> + +<p>No, not the impenitent; their hearts are not +right with God, and they do not seek Him earnestly.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>268. In whose name must we pray?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must pray in the name of Jesus.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 16:23. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask +the Father in my name, he will give it you.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>269. What is meant by praying in the name of Jesus?</i></p></div> + +<p>To pray in the name of Jesus is to ask on +the strength of what He has done for us, and +His intercession with the Father.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>270. How should we pray?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should pray humbly, confidently as a +child, and reverently.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>271. When should we pray?</i></p></div> + +<p>The attitude of our hearts should be one of +constant prayer, and our communion with God +should not be confined to certain times and places, +but we should speak with Him whenever +we feel the need of it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Thess. 5:17. Pray without ceasing.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 6: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the +Spirit.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>272. For whom should we pray?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should pray not only for ourselves, but +also for others,—even our enemies.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Tim. 2:1–3. Matt. 5:44.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>273. For what should we pray?</i></p></div> + +<p>First of all we should pray for the spiritual +gifts necessary to our salvation; but we may +also pray for other gifts, both spiritual and +temporal.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 6:33. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; +and all these things shall be added unto you.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Cor. 12:31. Covet earnestly the best gifts.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>274. What must we always remember when we pray for +things not necessary to our salvation?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must always remember that God alone + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +knows whether such a prayer answered would +truly benefit us.</p> + +<p>When asking such gifts we should always +add, "Lord, if Thou wilt".</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as thou wilt.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>275. Who teaches us to pray well?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Holy Spirit, who is also called the Spirit +of prayer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 8:26. We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but +the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be +uttered.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>276. Which is the most perfect prayer?</i></p></div> + +<p>The most perfect prayer is the Lord's Prayer, +which Christ taught His own disciples.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>277. Repeat this prayer.</i></p></div> + +<p>Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed +be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be +done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this +day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, +as we forgive those who trespass against +us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver +us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the +power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>278. Why would God have us speak to Him as "Our Father"?</i></p></div> + +<p>God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe +that He is truly our Father, and we are + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +truly His children, so that we may ask of Him +with all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear +children ask of their dear father.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>279. Who alone can confidently call God Father?</i></p></div> + +<p>God's children alone can call God their Father.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>280. Why would God have us say "our Father" and not only +"my Father"?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because He would have us pray with one +another and for one another, in spiritual fellowship.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>281. What is the importance of the words "who art in +heaven"?</i></p></div> + +<p>By these words we are reminded of the exalted +love and power of our heavenly Father, +far above that of any earthly father.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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?</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIRST PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Hallowed be Thy name.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>The name of God is indeed holy in itself; +but we pray in this petition that it may be +hallowed also among us.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> + This is done when the Word of God is rightly +taught, and when we as the children of God +live holy lives in obedience to the Word. This +grant us, heavenly Father!</p> + +<p>But he that teaches and lives otherwise than +the Word of God teaches, profanes the name of +God among us. From this preserve us, heavenly +Father!</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>282. What do you pray for in the first petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray that the name of God may be hallowed +among us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 72:19. Blessed be his glorious name forever: and let the whole +earth be filled with his glory.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>283. When is the name of God hallowed among us?</i></p></div> + +<p>When the Word of God is rightly taught +and is received into our hearts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>284. When do we hallow the name of God among our fellow +men?</i></p></div> + +<p>We hallow the name of God when we freely +confess it before men in accordance with the +Word, and when we as God's children live holy +lives in obedience to the Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 10:32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him +will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>285. Who profanes the name of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>He that teaches and lives otherwise than +the Word of God teaches, profanes the name of +God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 2:24. [R. V.] The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles +because of you.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE SECOND PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Thy kingdom come.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, +without our prayer, but we pray in this petition +that it may come also to us.</p> + +<p>This is done when our heavenly Father gives +us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe +the Word of God, and live holy and Christ-like +lives here in time, and in heaven forever.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>286. What do you pray for in the second petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray that the kingdom of God may come.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>287. What is meant, in a particular sense, by the kingdom +of God which you pray for in this petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. The kingdom of grace, in which Christ +makes every believer a partaker of righteousness, +peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; and</p> + +<p>2. The kingdom of glory in heaven, where +the chosen live with Christ in perfect happiness.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>288. What is meant by saying that the kingdom of God comes +to us?</i></p></div> + +<p>It means that we become partakers in it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>289. When does the kingdom of God come to us?</i></p></div> + +<p>The kingdom of God comes to us when our +heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so +that by His grace we believe the Word of God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>290. What does the Holy Spirit work in them who thus by +faith have become partakers in the kingdom of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>They live holy and Christ-like lives here in +time, and in heaven forever.</p> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE THIRD PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>The good and gracious will of God is done +indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this +petition that it may be done also among us.</p> + +<p>This is done when God brings to nothing +all evil plans and purposes of the devil, the +world, and our own flesh, that would hinder +the hallowing of His name and the coming of +His kingdom.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, it is the good and gracious + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> +will of God to strengthen us and keep us +steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>291. What do you pray for in the third petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray that the will of God may be done +among us on earth, as it is in heaven.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>292. What is the will of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is the will of God that all His rational +creatures should praise Him forever in perfect +holiness and happiness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>293. Where is the will of God done in this manner?</i></p></div> + +<p>In heaven, where the holy angels praise God +in undisturbed peace and joy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Ps. 103:20, 21. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, +that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.</b></p> + +<p><b>Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>294. When is the will of God done among us, as it is in heaven?</i></p></div> + +<p>When God brings to nothing all evil plans +and purposes that would hinder the hallowing +of His name and the coming of His kingdom, +and when God strengthens us and keeps us +steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>295. Who seek to prevent the will of God from being done +among us?</i></p></div> + +<p>The devil, the world, and our own flesh.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>296. Who, on the other hand, will help us to do the will of God?</i></p></div> + +<p>God, who is merciful and faithful, will Himself +help us to do His will.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Thess. 5:24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FOURTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>Give us this day our daily bread.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God gives daily bread indeed without our +prayer even to the wicked; but we pray in this +petition that He would help us to appreciate +His benefits, that we may receive our daily bread +with thanksgiving.</p> + +<p>By daily bread is meant all those things +which are needed for our support and well-being +in life, as food and clothing, home and property, +happy family relations, a good government, +favorable weather, peace and health, faithful +friends, good neighbors, and the like.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>297. What do you pray for in the fourth petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray God to give me daily bread.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>298. What is meant by daily bread?</i></p></div> + +<p>By daily bread is meant all those things +which are needed for our support and well-being + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> +in life, as food and clothing, home and property, +etc.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>299. Of what does the word "daily" remind you?</i></p></div> + +<p>I must be content with that which God +gives me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 30:8. Give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient +for me.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Tim. 6:6. Godliness with contentment is great gain.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>300. Why are the words "this day" added?</i></p></div> + +<p>They are added that I should not be anxious +for the morrow, but let each day bear its own +burdens.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 6:34.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>301. Does God give daily bread to those only who pray for it?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; He gives daily bread also to the wicked, +but they receive it without thanksgiving, and +miss His blessing.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>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.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>302. How should the children of God receive their daily bread?</i></p></div> + +<p>They should ask God to bless their daily +bread, and return Him thanks for it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 10: 22. The blessing of the Lord maketh rich.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>303. Need we not work for our daily bread when we pray for +it every day?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; God wants us to be diligent, each in +our calling, trusting in His help.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gen. 3:19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.</b></p> + +<p><b>2 Thess. 3: 10. If any would not work, neither should he eat.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE FIFTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive +those who trespass against us.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We pray in this petition that our Father in +heaven would not look upon our sins, nor, on +account of them, deny our prayer; for we are +not worthy of anything we ask, neither have +we deserved it; but we pray that He would +give it to us out of His mercy; for we sin every +day, and deserve nothing but punishment.</p> + +<p>And we on our part will heartily forgive +those who have sinned against us, and return +good for evil.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>304. What do you pray for in the fifth petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray God to forgive us our trespasses.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>305. What is implied by the word "trespasses"?</i></p></div> + +<p>Thereby is implied our guilt or debt to God, +which we have brought upon ourselves by our +sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>306. Can we feel assured that God will forgive us this debt?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; Jesus Christ has paid for all our sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>307. Why must the believer ask the forgiveness of sins every +day?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because he sins every day, and is always in +need of forgiveness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>308. What do we confess to God in this petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>We confess that we are not worthy of the +least of that which we ask, neither have we deserved +it; but we pray that He would give it to +us out of His mercy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>309. What do we promise God in this petition, while asking +His forgiveness?</i></p></div> + +<p>We promise to forgive those who trespass +against us, and return good for evil.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 6:37. Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, +and ye shall be forgiven.</b></p> + +<p><b>Matt. 18:23–35.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> +<h4>THE SIXTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>And lead us not into temptation.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>God indeed tempts no one, but we pray in +this petition that He would guard and keep us +from the devil, the world, and our own flesh, +that we fall not, through their deceit, into unbelief, +despair, or other sins; but we pray that +although we be thus tempted, we may overcome +the temptation, and remain victorious.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>310. What do you pray for in this petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray God not to lead us into temptation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>311. What is meant by temptation?</i></p></div> + +<p>By temptation is meant opportunities that +invite to sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>312. Does God give us such opportunities in order that we +may sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>By no means; God, who is holy and loving, +does not tempt any one to sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>James 1:13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of +God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>313. Why then does God permit us to be tempted?</i></p></div> + +<p>God permits us to be tempted in order to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +try us, and in order that it may be seen whether +we have true faith, love, and patience.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Read Gen. 22:1–19.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>314. Who, on the other hand, tempt us to sin?</i></p></div> + +<p>The devil, the world, and our own flesh, +tempt us to sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>315. How does the devil tempt us?</i></p></div> + +<p>The devil tempts us by putting evil thoughts +into our minds.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>316. How does the world tempt us?</i></p></div> + +<p>The world tempts us by threats, attractive +invitations, and bad example.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prov. 1:10. My son if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>317. How does our flesh tempt us?</i></p></div> + +<p>Our own flesh tempts by its evil desires.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>James 1:14. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own +lust, and enticed.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>318. Can we ever be free from temptations in this world?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; the conditions of this present life are +such that temptations must follow, and we need +them for our bringing up in the kingdom of +God.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 18:7. It must needs be that offences come.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>319. What, then, do we mean when we ask God not to lead +us into temptation?</i></p></div> + +<p>We pray that when He finds it good for us +to be tempted, He will guard and keep us, so +that we may in the end be victorious.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 10:13. God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted +above that ye are able.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>320. What are our weapons against temptation?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must use the Word of God, watch and +pray, and take care not to invite temptation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.</b></p> + +<p><b>Eph. 6:13. Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be +able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.</b></p></div> + + +<hr class="hr2" /> +<h4>THE SEVENTH PETITION.</h4> + +<p><b>But deliver us from evil.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>That is</i>,</p></div> + +<p>We pray in this petition, in general, that +our Father in heaven would deliver us from all +evil, affecting body and soul, property and honor, +and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously +take us from this world of sorrow to +Himself in heaven.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>321. What do you pray for in the seventh petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray God to deliver us from evil.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>322. From what evil do you pray God to deliver us in this petition?</i></p></div> + +<p>I pray God to deliver us from all sin that +still clings to us, and from all the destructive effects +of sin upon soul and body, property and +honor.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>323. Can we expect to be entirely free from all evil while in +this world?</i></p></div> + +<p>No, we cannot; but we pray God in this +petition to deliver us more and more from all +evil, and at last grant us a blessed end, and +graciously take us from this world of sorrow to +Himself in heaven.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Phil. 1:23. I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is +far better.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>324. What are the closing words of the Lord's Prayer?</i></p></div> + +<p><b>For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and +the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>325. Of what do these words remind us?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should remember that God is able to answer +our prayer, and that the glory belongs to +Him alone, when we get according to our prayer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>326. What is the meaning of the word "Amen"?</i></p></div> + +<p>Its meaning is, Surely; so be it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>327. Why is this word added?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is added in order that I may be fully assured +that these petitions are acceptable to our +Father in heaven, and are heard by Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>328. How can I feel assured of this?</i></p></div> + +<p>God Himself has commanded us to pray, +and has added this promise to hear us: Amen, +Amen; that is, Surely; so be it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>329. Does this promise hold good only when we use the Lord's +Prayer?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; God hears every prayer offered up according +to His will.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 7:7. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; +knock, and it shall be opened unto you.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>330. Does God always answer our prayer as we desire?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; He often answers our prayer by giving +us something else and something better than we +ask or think.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 3:20. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we +ask or think.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>331. Does God answer our prayer at once?</i></p></div> + +<p>Sometimes; but He often delays His answer +in order to strengthen our faith and our hope.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>332. In speaking with God, should we only ask for the good +things which we like to get?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; we must also return Him thanks for the +blessings which we have received.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Eph. 5: 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father +in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</b></p></div> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE SACRAMENTS.</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>333. What is a sacrament?</i></p></div> + +<p>A sacrament is a holy ordinance made by +God Himself, in which He gives and confirms +His invisible grace through outward and visible +means.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>334. Which are the sacraments of the Christian church?</i></p></div> + +<p>They are Baptism and the Lord's Supper.</p> + + +<hr /> +<h3>PART FOUR.</h3> +<h2>THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>335. What is Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Baptism is not water alone, but it is water +comprehended in God's command, and united +with His Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>336. What is God's command concerning Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is given in the words of Christ in the last +chapter of Matthew:</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> + "<b>All power is given unto me in heaven and in +earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing +them in the name of the Father, and of the +Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe +all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, +lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the +world.</b>"</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>337. In whose name then are you baptized?</i></p></div> + +<p>I am baptized in the name of the Father, +and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>338. Explain this further.</i></p></div> + +<p>In Baptism I have entered into fellowship +with the triune God, the Father, the Son, and +the Holy Ghost; I have become His own, and +have been made heir of all His gracious gifts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>339. Is the baptism of little children in agreement with Christ's +command?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; Christ Himself has said: "Suffer the +little children to come unto me, and forbid them +not: for of such is the kingdom of God."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Mark 10:14. John 3:5.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>340. Who should administer Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Baptism should be administered by the minister +of the church, but when necessary it may +be administered by any Christian.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>341. What benefit do we have from Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers +from death and the devil, and gives everlasting +life to all who believe what the Word +and promise of God declare.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>342. What is God's promise concerning Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is given in the words of Christ in the +sixteenth chapter of Mark:</p> + +<p>"<b>He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; +but he that believeth not shall be condemned.</b>"</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>343. How does Baptism save us from sin, death, and the +devil?</i></p></div> + +<p>In Baptism we come into fellowship with +Christ, and are made partakers in His redemption.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Gal. 3:27. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put +on Christ.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rom. 6:3, 4.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>344. How can water do such great things?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is not water indeed that does it, but the +Word of God, which is in and with the water, +and faith which trusts this Word of God in the +water.</p> + +<p>For without the Word of God, the water +is water alone, and no Baptism. But with the +Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> +water of life and a washing of regeneration in +the Holy Ghost.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Titus 3:5–7. According to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of +regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;</b></p> + +<p><b>Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;</b></p> + +<p><b>That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to +the hope of eternal life.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>345. Why is Baptism called the "washing of regeneration"?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because the Holy Spirit in Baptism cleanses +us from sin, and gives us a new spiritual life.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 3:21. Baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, +but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus +Christ.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>346. Is not Baptism also called a covenant?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; Baptism is a covenant; in Baptism God +gives us a new life and His grace, and we promise +Him to renounce the devil, and all His works, +and all his ways, and to believe in the Father, +the Son, and the Holy Spirit.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>347. Who enjoy the blessings that God promises in Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>All who remain in the covenant of their +Baptism.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>348. When does he who was baptized as a child confirm the +covenant of his Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>At his confirmation, when he renews the +covenant of his Baptism in the midst of the assembled +congregation, having first been instructed +in God's Word.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>349. Is it possible to remain in the covenant of Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; by the grace of God it is possible.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Phil. 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>350. What must we do to remain in the grace of our Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must watch and pray, and make diligent +use of the Word of God and the Lord's +Supper.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>351. In what ways may we break the covenant of our Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>1. When we little by little forget our covenant, +resist the Holy Spirit, and neglect prayer, +so that we become more and more worldly-minded.</p> + +<p>2. When we fall in coarse and open sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>352. Will not God again receive us when we have broken the +covenant of our Baptism?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; God has not broken His part of the +covenant, and when we again turn to Him, He +is always glad to receive us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 15:20. He arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet +a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell +on his neck, and kissed him.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>353. How does a repentant sinner get courage to return to +God?</i></p></div> + +<p>He gets courage from considering the tender +Gospel invitation of Christ, and from seeking +God in prayer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 11:28. Come unto me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and +I will give you rest.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>354. Does not also he who remains true to the covenant of +his Baptism need repentance?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; he needs daily repentance and daily renewal. +<b>See 250.</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>355. What does the baptizing with water signify?</i></p></div> + +<p>It signifies that the old man in us should, +by daily sorrow and repentance, be drowned +and die, with all sins and evil desires; and again +a new man daily appear more and more, who +shall live before God in righteousness and purity +forever.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>356. What is meant by saying that the old man in us should +die, and the new man appear more and more?</i></p></div> + +<p>Sin should be rooted out from us through +daily sorrow and repentance, and our love to +God and man should grow up within us more +and more, so that it may appear in all our conduct +that we have the mind of Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Rom. 6:4. We are buried with Christ by baptism into death: that like +as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we +also should walk in newness of life.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>357. What are the duties of sponsors?</i></p></div> + +<p>They should pray for the child whose baptism +they have witnessed, they should remember +the covenant of their own Baptism, and afterwards, +as far as possible, see that the child is +brought up in the fear of God.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> +<h3>PART FIVE.</h3> +<h2>THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>358. What is the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is the true body and blood of our Lord +Jesus Christ, under bread and wine, instituted +by Christ Himself for Christians to eat and to +drink.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>359. Repeat the Words of Institution.</i></p></div> + +<p>"<b>Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which +He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given +thanks, He brake it and gave it to his disciples, saying, +Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for +you; this do in remembrance of me.</b></p> + +<p>"<b>After the same manner, also, when He had supped, +He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He +gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; this cup +is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for +you, and for many, for the remission of sins; this do, +as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.</b>"</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>360. When did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>In the night in which He was betrayed to +death; it is therefore called the Lord's Supper.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>361. Is it important to note the time when Jesus instituted +the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; for it shows the loving care of our Savior, +who just before His suffering and death +thought more of us than of Himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>362. What do we receive in the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>In and with the bread and the wine we receive +the body and blood of Christ, which He +gave up in death for us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>363. How do you know this?</i></p></div> + +<p>Christ says concerning the bread: "Take, +eat; this is my body."</p> + +<p>Concerning the wine He says: "Drink ye all +of it; this cup is the New Testament in my blood."</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>364. What is meant by "New Testament" in this connection?</i></p></div> + +<p>Thereby is meant the new covenant which +God has made and sealed with the blood of Jesus.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 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?</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>365. What, therefore, makes the bread and the wine a sacrament +of the body and blood of Christ?</i></p></div> + +<p>God's own Word which is added to the +bread and the wine; for as Luther says, "Bread +and wine alone are but bread and wine; but +being united with the Word of God, they are + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> +truly the body and blood of Christ. For as the +mouth of Christ speaks, so it is; He can neither +lie nor deceive."</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>366. For whom is the Lord's Supper intended?</i></p></div> + +<p>The Lord's Supper is intended for true Christians, +who are of age and understanding to prove +themselves.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 11: 28. [R. V.] Let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of +the bread, and drink of the cup.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>367. What benefit do we have from the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is shown by these words: "Given and +shed for you, for the remission of sins;" namely, +that in the sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, +and salvation are given us through these words. +For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is +also life and salvation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>368. But does not the believer have the forgiveness of sins before +he partakes of the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; the believer has the forgiveness of sins +through Baptism and the Word.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>369. How, then, can the forgiveness of sins in a particular +sense be connected with this sacrament?</i></p></div> + +<p>Because in the Lord's Supper we receive the +body and blood of Christ, which were offered +up for us, as a sure pledge of the forgiveness +of sins.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>370. In what way does the believer get life and salvation +through this sacrament?</i></p></div> + +<p>Through this sacrament the believer is brought +into spiritual fellowship with his Lord and Savior, +who imparts Himself to him and thus preserves +and strengthens him in faith, hope, and +love unto eternal life.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>John 6: 56. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth +in me, and I in him.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>371. Does not the sacrament of the Lord's Supper also bring +about a more intimate fellowship between believers?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; believers are united in a closer fellowship +through partaking in common of the Lord +Jesus and eternal life in Him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 10:17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we +are all partakers of that one bread.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>372. How can bodily eating and drinking do such great +things?</i></p></div> + +<p>It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that +does it, but the words which stand here: "Given +and shed for you, for the remission of sins." +These words, together with the bodily eating +and drinking, are the chief thing in the sacrament; +and He that believes these words, has +what they say and mean, namely, the forgiveness +of sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>373. Is it of little importance how we receive the Lord's +Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>By no means; we must be prepared when + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> +we go to partake of these gifts. It is much +worse to go to the Lord's Supper unprepared and +unworthily than not to go at all.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>374. Who, then, receive this sacrament worthily?</i></p></div> + +<p>Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed +a good outward practise;</p> + +<p>But he alone is truly worthy and well prepared, +who believes these words: "Given and shed +for you, for the remission of sins."</p> + +<p>But he who believes not these words is unworthy +and unprepared. The words, "<b>for you</b>" +require truly believing hearts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>375. Who, then, is rightly prepared to partake of the Lord's +Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>He who believes these words: "Given and +shed for you, for the remission of sins."</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>376. What is meant by "believing" these words?</i></p></div> + +<p>Thereby is meant that we heartily feel our +sin and unworthiness before God, but also that +we confidently accept for ourselves the grace of +our Lord Jesus Christ.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>377. Who partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily?</i></p></div> + +<p>They who do not feel nor repent their sins, +and who do not from their heart believe in +Jesus.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 11:29. He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and +drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>378. Why do such unconverted persons partake of the Lord's +Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>They do so either from custom or habit, or +because they are ashamed to neglect the Lord's +Supper, or again because they mean to please +God by this outward obedience.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>379. Should such persons be admitted to the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>No.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt 7:6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye +your pearls before swine.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>380. What must we do in order that we may not partake of +the Lord's Supper unworthily?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must prayerfully search our own hearts +as in the presence of God, whether we repent +our sins and believe in Jesus Christ, and whether +we have an honest purpose to abstain from even +our bosom sins.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 11:28.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>381. How often should we partake of the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>Christ has not told us how often we should +partake, but He has said, "This do, as often as +ye drink it, in remembrance of me".</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>382. What should move us to partake of the Lord's Supper +often?</i></p></div> + +<p>First of all, the command and promise of +our Lord and Savior; then, our own great need, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> +which is the reason for our Father's tender invitation +and promise of grace.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>383. What are the common causes for the neglect of the Lord's +Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>Spiritual dullness and indifference, a worldly +mind, pride, and disregard for God's grace and +ordinance.</p> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>384. Should the feeling of our own unworthiness keep us +away from the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>No; the more we feel our own unworthiness, +and the more we sincerely long for God's forgiveness, +the more worthy are we to receive His +grace.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 5:3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of +heaven.</b></p> + +<p><b>1 Pet. 5:5. God giveth grace to the humble.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>385. What must we do when we receive the Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>We must remember our Savior and His death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Luke 22:19. This do in remembrance of me.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>386. How should we remember Christ's death?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should earnestly fix our mind upon the +suffering and death of Christ, so that we may +be strengthened in faith and in love to Him, +who loved us unto death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Cor. 11:26. As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do +show the Lord's death till He come.</b></p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>387. What should be our conduct when we have received the +Lord's Supper?</i></p></div> + +<p>We should quietly think of the great love +which God has shown us, and heartily thank +Him for it; not only for a few days, but always, +keep near to Jesus, show His death in +word and act, and in a sanctified life prove +that the body and blood of Christ have power to +cleanse from sin.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>1 Pet. 2:24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the +tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto rigtheousness: by whose +stripes ye were healed.</b></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot section"><p><i>388. Is he who thus believes and lives in fellowship with +Christ sure to be saved?</i></p></div> + +<p>Yes; when he continues steadfast in faith +until death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Matt. 24:13. He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be +saved.</b></p> + +<p><b>Rev. 2:10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown +of life.</b></p></div> + + +<hr /> +<div class="tn"> +<h4>Transcriber's Note</h4> +<ul class="corrections"> +<li>Obvious punctuation and spelling errors repaired.</li> +</ul> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Luther's Small Catechism, by H. U. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Luther's Small Catechism + Explained in Questions and Answers + +Author: H. U. Sverdrup + +Translator: H. A. Urseth + +Release Date: May 10, 2011 [EBook #36081] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM *** + + + + +Produced by Larry B. Harrison and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + LUTHER'S + SMALL CATECHISM + + _Explained in Questions and Answers_ + + BY + H. U. Sverdrup, + Late Pastor in the Church of Norway. + + ABRIDGED + + Translated from the Norwegian + By H. A. URSETH + + THIRD EDITION + + MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. + THE FREE CHURCH BOOK CONCERN + 1906. + + + + + COPYRIGHTED BY + THE FREE CHURCH BOOK CONCERN + 1900. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In 1897 the present publishers issued in Norwegian an Explanation of +Luther's Small Catechism by Pastor H. U. Sverdrup, being an abridged +edition of a larger work by the same author, based on Dr. +Pontoppidan's Explanation of the Catechism. Some alterations were made +in the answers to questions 244-252. The present work is a translation +of this abridged and slightly altered edition. + +A literal translation has been avoided rather than sought; an attempt +has been made to render the original in the simplest and strongest +English, and to avoid words and expressions with which the young are +little familiar. + +In the catechism proper the Standard English Catechism Version has +been followed when it did not interfere with the plan stated above. +But departures have been made reluctantly and only when simplicity and +clearness seemed to be gained thereby. It is not thought that these +few changes will cause any disturbance. + +Scripture quotations have been added somewhat freely from the larger +edition. + +As the needs of our English speaking young people have been constantly +borne in mind during the preparation of this translation, it is hoped +that the book may not fail to carry some blessing to them. + + October, 1900. + + _The Translator._ + + + + +LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM. + + + + +PART ONE. + +THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. + + +THE FIRST COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt have no other gods before me.= + + _That is_, + +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.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or +deceive by His name, but call upon His name in every time of need, and +worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. + + +THE THIRD COMMANDMENT. + +=Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not despise or neglect His Word, but +deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it. + + +THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and +thou mayest live long on the earth.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not despise or give offense to our +parents or superiors; but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them. + + +THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not kill.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not hurt or harm our neighbor in his +body, but help and befriend him in all bodily distress. + + +THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not commit adultery.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and live a chaste and pure life, in words +and deeds, husband and wife loving and honoring each other. + + +THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not steal.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not take our neighbor's money or +property, nor get it by unfair dealing or other dishonesty, but help +him to improve and protect his property and living. + + +THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not tell lies about our neighbor, nor +betray, slander, or defame him; but excuse him, speak well of him, and +look upon all his acts as well-meant. + + +THE NINTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not by deceit or craft seek to gain +our neighbor's inheritance or home, nor try to get it though we seem +to have some right thereto, but help him to keep his own. + + +THE TENTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor +his maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not estrange, force, or entice away +from our neighbor, his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to +stay and do their duty. + + _What does God say of all his commandments?_ + +=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.= + + _That is_, + +God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments; we +should therefore fear His wrath, and do nothing against them. + +On the other hand He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep +these commandments; we should therefore love Him and trust in Him, and +gladly do according to His commandments. + + + + +PART TWO. + +THE THREE ARTICLES OF THE CREED. + + +THE FIRST ARTICLE. + +CONCERNING CREATION. + +=I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.= + + _That is_, + +I believe that God has made me and all other creatures; that He has +given me body and soul, eyes, ears, and all other members, my reason, +and all my senses. + +I also believe that He preserves all He has made, and that He daily +provides me with all I need, giving me clothing and food, home and +family, and every good thing. + +I further believe that He protects me from all danger, and keeps me +from all evil; not because I have deserved it, but because He is a +loving and merciful Father. + +For all these blessings it is my duty to serve Him thankfully and +obediently all the days of my life. + +All this is certainly true. + + +THE SECOND ARTICLE. + +CONCERNING REDEMPTION. + +=I believe 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 arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and +sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from whence He +shall come to judge the quick and the dead.= + + _That is_, + +I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from +eternity; I also believe that He is true man, born of the Virgin Mary; +that He is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner; +who has freed me from sin, from death, and from the power of Satan, +not with gold or silver but with His holy and precious blood and His +innocent death. + +All this He has done that I might be His own, and that I might serve +Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness, and live and reign +with Him in His kingdom forever, even as He arose from the dead, lives +and reigns through all eternity. + +All this is certainly true. + + +THE THIRD ARTICLE. + +CONCERNING 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 +life everlasting. Amen.= + + _That is_, + +I believe that I cannot through my own strength believe in Jesus +Christ my Lord, or come to Him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit +alone, who has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with His +gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; + +Even as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole +Christian church on earth, and preserves it in fellowship with Jesus +Christ in the one true faith. + +In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all +our sins, and He will raise up me and all the dead on the last day, +and will give me and all believers everlasting life. + +All this is certainly true. + + + + +PART THREE. + +THE LORD'S PRAYER. + + +=Our Father who art in heaven.= + + _That is_, + +God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe that He is truly our +Father, and we are truly His children, so that we may ask of Him with +all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear children ask of their dear +father. + + +THE FIRST PETITION. + +=Hallowed be Thy name.= + + _That is_, + +The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition +that it may be hallowed also among us. + +This is done when the Word of God is rightly taught, and when we as +the children of God live holy lives in obedience to the Word. This +grant us, heavenly Father. + + +THE SECOND PETITION. + +=Thy kingdom come.= + + _That is_, + +The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer, but we +pray in this petition that it may come also to us. + +This is done when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so +that by His grace we believe the Word of God, and live holy and +Christ-like lives here in time, and in heaven forever. + + +THE THIRD PETITION. + +=Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.= + + _That is_, + +The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; +but we pray in this petition that it may be done also among us. + +This is done when God brings to nothing all evil plans and purposes of +the devil, the world, and our own flesh, that would hinder the +hallowing of His name and the coming of His kingdom. + +On the other hand, it is the good and gracious will of God to strengthen +us and keep us steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death. + + +THE FOURTH PETITION. + +=Give us this day our daily bread.= + + _That is_, + +God gives daily bread indeed without our prayer even to the wicked; +but we pray in this petition that He would help us to appreciate His +benefits, that we may receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. + +By daily bread is meant all those things which are needed for our +support and well-being in life, as food and clothing, home and property, +happy family relations, a good government, favorable weather, peace and +health, faithful friends, good neighbors, and the like. + + +THE FIFTH PETITION. + +=And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass +against us.= + + _That is_, + +We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon +our sins, nor, on account of them, deny our prayer, for we are not +worthy of anything we ask, neither have we deserved it; but we pray +that He would give it to us out of His mercy; for we sin every day, +and deserve nothing but punishment. + +And we on our part will heartily forgive those who have sinned against +us, and return good for evil. + + +THE SIXTH PETITION. + +=And lead us not into temptation.= + + _That is_, + +God indeed tempts no one, but we pray in this petition that He would +guard and keep us from the devil, the world, and our own flesh, that +we fall not, through their deceit, into unbelief, despair, or other +sins; but we pray that although we be thus tempted, we may overcome +the temptation, and remain victorious. + + +THE SEVENTH PETITION. + +=But deliver us from evil.= + + _That is_, + +We pray in this petition, in general, that our Father in heaven would +deliver us from all evil, affecting body and soul, property and honor, +and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this +world of sorrow to Himself in heaven. + + _What are the closing words of the Lord's Prayer?_ + +=For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and +ever. Amen.= + + _That is_, + +We should remember that God is able to answer our prayer, and that the +glory belongs to Him alone, when we get according to our prayer. + + _Why is the word "Amen" added?_ + +It is added in order that I may be fully assured that these petitions +are acceptable to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him. + + + + +PART FOUR. + +THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM. + + + _What is Baptism?_ + +Baptism is not water alone, but it is water comprehended in God's +command, and united with His Word. + + _What is God's command concerning Baptism?_ + +It is given in the words of Christ in the last chapter of Matthew: + +="Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name +of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."= + + _What benefit do we have from Baptism?_ + +Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the +devil, and gives everlasting life to all who believe what the Word and +promises of God declare. + + _What is God's promise concerning Baptism?_ + +It is given in the words of Christ in the sixteenth chapter of Mark: + +="He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that +believeth not shall be condemned."= + + _How can water do such great things?_ + +It is not water indeed that does it, but the Word of God, which is in +and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the +water. + +For without the Word of God, the water is water alone, and no Baptism. +But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of +life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost; as Paul says in +the third chapter of the epistle to Titus: + +"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 Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should +be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." + + _What does the baptizing with water signify?_ + +It signifies that the old man in us should, by daily sorrow and +repentance, be drowned and die, with all sins and evil desires; and +again a new man daily appear more and more, who shall live before God +in righteousness and purity forever. + + + + +PART FIVE. + +THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. + + + _What is the Lord's Supper?_ + +It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under bread and +wine, instituted by Christ Himself for Christians to eat and to drink. + + _Repeat the Words of Institution._ + +="Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which He was betrayed, took +bread, and when He had given thanks, He brake it and gave it to His +disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you; +this do in remembrance of me.= + +="After the same manner, also, when He had supped, He took the cup, +and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all +of it; this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for +you, and for many, for the remission of sins; this do, as oft as ye +drink it, in remembrance of me."= + + _What benefit do we have from the Lord's Supper?_ + +It is shown by these words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission +of sins;" namely, that in the sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and +salvation are given us through these words. For where there is +forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. + + _How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?_ + +It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does it, but the words +which stand here: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." +These words, together with the bodily eating and drinking, are the +chief thing in the sacrament; and He that believes these words, has +what they say and mean, namely, the forgiveness of sins. + + _Who, then, receive this sacrament worthily?_ + +Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good outward practise; + +But he alone is truly worthy and well prepared, who believes these +words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." + +But he who believes not these words is unworthy and unprepared. The +words, "=for you=" require truly believing hearts. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + + _1. What is God's will concerning man?_ + +God willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of +the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4. + + _2. Where does God show us how we may be saved?_ + +In the holy Scriptures, also called the Bible. + + _3. Who wrote the Bible?_ + +The holy prophets, evangelists, and apostles wrote the Bible. + + _4. But how can their word be the Word of God?_ + +The Spirit of God revealed to them what to speak and write. + + =2 Pet. 1:21. [R. V.] Men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy + Ghost.= + + =2 Tim. 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and + is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for + instruction in righteousness.= + + _5. What must we do to experience personally that their word is + the Word of God?_ + +We must obey the Word and receive it into our hearts. + + =John 7:17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the + doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.= + + _6. Is the Bible then the only safe rule of our faith and duty?_ + +Yes; the Bible alone contains full information of the will of God +concerning our salvation. + + _7. How do we rightly use the Word of God?_ + +We must first look to God for the light of His Spirit, and then read +with devotion and an earnest purpose to live according to the Word. + + =1 Cor. 2:14. [R. V.] The natural man receiveth not the things of + the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he + cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.= + + _8. Who should read the Bible?_ + +It is the will of God that all should use His Word and love it as a +dear gift. + + _9. What is the substance of all the books of the Bible?_ + +The great truth that Jesus is the way to salvation for all who believe. + + =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.= + + _10. How is the Bible divided in regard to its teaching?_ + +It is divided into Law and Gospel. + + _11. What is the Law?_ + +The Law is the divine Word which tells us what we must do. + + _12. What is the Gospel?_ + +The Gospel is the glad tidings of the grace of God in Jesus Christ our +Savior. + + + + +PART ONE. + +THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, OR THE LAW. + + + _13. How has God given His law to us?_ + +1. In the creation God wrote His Law in the heart of man. +(Conscience.) Rom. 2:15. + +2. At Mount Sinai He gave His Law in the Ten Commandments, written on +two tables of stone. Ex. 20:1-17. + + _14. Does this Law demand outward observance only?_ + +No; it demands the whole man, and the willing obedience of heart and +mind. + + =Luk. 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, + and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all + thy mind.= + + _15. Can we be saved through the Law?_ + +No; since the fall in sin no man can perfectly keep the Law. + + =Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not + subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be.= + + _16. Of what benefit, then, is the Law?_ + +1. It points out to us our sins and the wrath of God toward sin. + + =Rom. 3:20. [R. V.] Through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.= + +2. It makes us anxious to seek Christ. + + =Gal. 3:24. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.= + +3. It points out to the believer what fruits his faith must bear. + + =Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto + my path.= + + _17. What is the substance of the law?_ + +Love to God, ourselves, and our neighbor. Matt. 22:37-40. + + =Rom. 13:10. [R. V.] Love is the fulfilment of the law.= + + =1 Tim. 1:5. [R. V.] But the end of the charge is love out of a + pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned.= + + +THE FIRST TABLE OF THE LAW. + + _18. What is the substance of the first table?_ + +Love of God. + + =Luk 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, + and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.= + +THE FIRST COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt have no other gods before me.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. + + _19. What does the first commandment forbid?_ + +It forbids the worship of strange gods, or idols. + + =Matt. 4:10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only + shalt thou serve.= + + _20. What is meant by an idol?_ + +Anything that man worships, fears, loves, and trusts in instead of the +one true God. + + _21. Who practice idolatry openly?_ + +They who worship the created things instead of the Creator, and pray +to the sun, the moon, stars, images, angels, or saints. + + =Rom. 1:25. They changed the truth of God into a lie, and + worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is + blessed forever.= + + _22. Who practice idolatry secretly?_ + +They who turn their _love_, _fear_, and _trust_ from the living God, +that they may secretly cling to something else than Him. + + _23. Whom do all idolaters really serve?_ + +They serve the devil who is the father of lies, and the lord of all +impenitent and hardened sinners. + + =1 John 3:8. [R. V.] He that doeth sin is of the devil.= + + =2 Cor. 4:4. [R. V.] The god of this world hath blinded the minds + of the unbelieving.= + + _24. What does God require of us in the first commandment?_ + +We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. + + _25. Upon what does God then really look?_ + +Upon the attitude of our hearts toward Him. + + =Prov. 23:26. My son, give me thine heart.= + + =Prov. 4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are + the issues of life.= + + _26. When do we fear God?_ + +We fear God when we think so highly of Him, that we are afraid of +offending Him by any wrongdoing. + + =Ps. 33:8. Let all the earth fear the Lord!= + + _27. Of how many kinds is the fear of God?_ + +Of two kinds: slavish fear and child-like fear. + + _28. What is meant by slavish fear?_ + +When we fear God because we are afraid of punishment. + + _29. What is meant by child-like fear?_ + +When we love God so dearly that we wish to do nothing that is against +His will. + + =Gen. 39:9. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin + against God?= + + =1 John 4:18. Perfect love casteth out fear.= + + _30. Who fear God in this manner?_ + +God's children only. + + =Rom. 8:15. [R. V.] Ye received not the spirit of bondage again + unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we + cry, Abba, Father.= + + _31. When do we love God?_ + +We love God when He is dearer to us than all else, so that we have no +true joy except in Him, and gladly submit to His will in all things. + + =Ps. 18:1. I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength.= + + =Ps. 73:25, 26. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none + upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart + faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion + forever.= + + _32. Can we love God and the world at the same time?_ + +By no means. + + =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.= + + =1 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.= + + _33. Why must we love God?_ + +We must love God because of His goodness toward us. + + =Matt. 19:17. There is none good but one, that is God.= + + =1 John 4:19. We love him, because He first loved us.= + + _34. Whereby is it seen that we love God?_ + +By a holy life. + + =John 14:21. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it + is that loveth me.= + + _35. When do we trust in God above all things?_ + +We trust in God above all things when we have confidence in Him as in +a loving father, and when we look to Him for every blessing, and put +all our affairs into His hands. + + =1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth + for you.= + + =Ps. 37:5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and + He shall bring it to pass.= + + _36. Why must we trust in God alone?_ + +Because He is our almighty and faithful Friend. + + _37. Name some virtues that follow upon true fear, love, and + trust in God._ + +Humility, patience, and self-denial. + + =1 Pet. 5:5, 6. 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.= + + =Job 1:21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed + be the name of the Lord!= + + =Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.= + +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.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or +deceive by His name, but call upon His name in every time of need, and +worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. + + _38. What is meant by the "name" of God?_ + +1. The usual names given to Him in the Bible. + +2. His nature and attributes and all that by which He is especially +known, such as His Word, sacraments, and works. + + _39. When is the name of God taken in vain?_ + +When it is used in a thoughtless and mocking manner and without +devotion and reverence. + + _40. How is this done?_ + +1. When we use God's name or Word in jesting or as a by-word. + +2. When we find fault with anything God has done. + +3. When we use the name of God in cursing, swearing, conjuring, lying, +or deceiving. + + _41. What is it to curse by the name of God?_ + +It is to call down evil upon ourselves, our neighbor, or any other +created thing, by the name of God. + + _42. What is it to swear by the name of God?_ + +It is to bear witness to anything by the holy name of God. + + _43. Are we never permitted to swear?_ + +Yes; when the proper authorities demand it in God's stead. + + _44. Why is it a great sin to commit perjury?_ + +Because the perjurer shows open disregard for God and the salvation of +his own soul, and frankly calls down the judgment of God upon himself. + + _45. Are cursing and swearing sinful when the name of God is not + used?_ + +Yes, indeed; for whatever we curse or swear by, we really do so by God +who is the Lord of all things. + + =Matt. 5:34-37. 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 + whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.= + + _46. Are cursing and swearing sinful when they have become a + habit?_ + +Most certainly; for a sinful habit proves that sin is our master. + + _47. What is it to conjure by the name of God?_ + +It is trying to cure diseases, or to practice any other kind of +superstition, by the name of God or a passage from the Bible. + + _48. How do we lie and deceive by the name of God?_ + +By perjury, false teaching, and hypocrisy. + + =Matt. 15:9. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines + the commandments of men.= + + =Titus 1:16. They profess that they know God; but by their works + they deny Him.= + + _49. What must he expect who takes the name of God in vain?_ + +Great punishment, both in time and eternity; for the Lord will not +hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. + + _50. How do we use the name of God properly?_ + +When we sincerely call upon the name of God in every time of need, and +worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. + +THE THIRD COMMANDMENT. + +=Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not despise or neglect His Word, but +deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it. + + _51. Which day is the day of rest among Christians?_ + +Sunday, the first day of the week, on which Christ arose from the dead. + + _52. How should we keep the day of rest holy?_ + +1. We must rest from our daily labor, that the time may be used for +our instruction in the fear of the Lord. + +2. We must earnestly hear and study the Word of God, both in our homes +and in church. + + =Luke 11:28. Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep + it.= + + =James 1:27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the + Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their + affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.= + + _53. Has the Lord appointed these resting-days to be used only in + reading and studying the Word of God?_ + +No; He has appointed such days also for the needed rest of mind and +body. + + _54. How do we misuse the day of rest?_ + +1. When we neglect and despise the Word of God. + + =Eccl. 5:1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God.= + +2. When we do work or take part in amusements that either are actually +sinful or turn our minds away from God. + + _55. Is no work permitted on Sunday?_ + +Yes; any work of necessity that cannot be delayed, and any loving +kindness we may show our neighbor who is in need. Luk. 14:1-6. + + +THE SECOND TABLE OF THE LAW. + + _56. What is the substance of the second table?_ + +Love to ourselves and our neighbor. + + =Matt. 22:39. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.= + + _57. May we love ourselves?_ + +Yes, for God has made us, but we must beware of selfishness. + + _58. What should a man care for most of all?_ + +For his soul, the immortal part of himself. + + =Matt. 16:26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the + whole world, and lose his own soul?= + + _59. What does the second table teach us about our relation to + our neighbor?_ + +We must feel and act toward him, as we would have him feel and act +toward us. + + =Matt. 7:12. All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to + you, do ye even so to them.= + + =1 John 3:18. Let us not love in word, neither with the tongue: + but in deed and truth.= + + _60. Who is our neighbor?_ + +Every human being is our neighbor. Read Luke 10:29-37. + + _61. Must we love also our enemies?_ + +Yes; for even our enemy is our neighbor. + + =Matt. 5:44, 45. Love your enemies, bless 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.= + +THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and +thou mayest live long on the earth.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not despise or give offense to our +parents or superiors; but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them. + + _62. Why must we honor father and mother?_ + +Because God has placed them over us to care for us. + + =Lev. 19:3. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father: I + am the Lord your God.= + + _63. How are children to show that they honor father and mother?_ + +By respectful, loving, and willing obedience and by good behavior to +their parents, both in their presence and in their absence. + + =Prov. 1:8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and + forsake not the law of thy mother.= + + =Eph. 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is + right.= + + _64. Whom must we honor and obey besides our parents?_ + +All those whom God has placed over us, such as guardians, employers, +teachers, and the government. + + _65. Must we obey parents and superiors when they ask us to do + what is sinful?_ + +No; we ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29. + + _66. What is the duty of parents toward their children?_ + +They must love them, pray for them, bring them up in the fear of the +Lord, and in everything seek their temporal and spiritual good. + + =Prov. 13:24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that + loveth him chasteneth him betimes.= + + =Eph. 6:4.= + + _67. What is God's promise to those who honor father and mother?_ + +It shall be well with them, and they shall live long on the earth. + + _68. Is this promise yet effective?_ + +Yes; in this sense, that special blessings rest upon obedient +children, and upon every nation honoring father and mother. + + _69. Has God given us also a land?_ + +Yes; He has given us our native land, that we may love it and help it +to prosper. + + _70. What does the fourth commandment forbid?_ + +To despise and give offense to father and mother. + + =Prov. 17:25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and + bitterness to her that bare him.= + + _71. What does he bring upon himself who transgresses this + commandment?_ + +Condemnation and punishment from God. + + =Deut. 27:16. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or + his mother.= + +THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not kill.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not hurt or harm our neighbor in his +body, but help and befriend him in all bodily distress. + + _72. How is this commandment transgressed?_ + +1. By taking our neighbor's life, or by doing him any bodily harm. + + =Gen. 9:6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be + shed: for in the image of God made he man.= + +2. By hatred, anger, abusive words, and all offensive behavior toward +our neighbor. + + =1 John 3:15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye + know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.= + + =Eph. 4:31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, + and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.= + + _73. Can we kill also our neighbor's soul?_ + +Yes; when we cause him to sin, either by purposely leading him astray, +or by bad example, thus helping to destroy his soul. + + =Rom. 16:18. By good words and fair speeches they deceive the + hearts of the simple.= + + =Matt. 18:7. Woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.= + + _74. May we take our own life?_ + +No; God has given us life, and He alone has the right to take it. + + _75. What does God require of us in the fifth commandment?_ + +That we help our neighbor in all bodily distress, and associate with +him in love and gentleness. + + =Luke 10:33-35.= + + =Eph. 4:32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, + forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath + forgiven you.= + + =Matt. 25:35, 36. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was + thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me + in;= + + =Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was + in prison, and ye came unto me.= + +THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not commit adultery.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and live a chaste and pure life, in words +and deeds, husband and wife loving and honoring each other. + + _76. How is this commandment transgressed?_ + +1. When husband and wife are unfaithful to each other. + + =Heb. 13:4. [R. V.] Let marriage be had in honor among all.= + +2. By all impure thoughts, desires, words, and acts, in married as +well as in unmarried persons. + + =Eph. 5:3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, + let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.= + + _77. Who has instituted marriage?_ + +God Himself instituted it in Paradise. + + =Gen. 2:21-24, 1:27-28. Matt. 19:4-6.= + + _78. How do unfaithful husbands and wives treat this holy + institution?_ + +They despise it, and thus bring down upon themselves the judgment of +God. + + =Heb. 13:4. Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.= + + _79. Repeat some passages from Scripture in which impurity is + forbidden?_ + +Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, +nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of +God. 1 Cor. 6:9, 10. + +Jesus says: I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust +after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt. +5:28. + +Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth! Eph. 4:29. + + _80. Why is this sin so fearful?_ + +Because it affects both soul and body more than any other sin. + + _81. How can we be kept pure?_ + +We must watch and pray, and avoid everything that awakens impure +desires. + + =Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.= + + _82. What things awaken impure desires?_ + +Gluttony and drunkenness, immoral and exciting amusements, bad +company, the reading of improper books, and everything that excites +carnal and impure thoughts. + + _83. Are not gluttony and drunkenness alone dangerous sins?_ + +Yes, indeed; they are a shameful abuse of God's gifts, by which we +ruin soul and body and shut ourselves out from the kingdom of God. + + =Luk. 21:34. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your + hearts be overcharged with gluttony, and drunkenness, and cares + of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.= + + _84. What does God require of us in the sixth commandment?_ + +We must live a chaste and pure life, whether we are married or +unmarried, husband and wife loving and honoring each other. + +THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not steal.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not take our neighbor's money or +property, nor get it by unfair dealing or other dishonesty, but help +him to improve and protect his property and living. + + _85. What is it to steal?_ + +To steal is to take from our neighbor even the smallest part of his +property against his will. + + _86. How is stealing done?_ + +In a coarse or in an artful manner. + + _87. Who steal in a coarse manner?_ + +Those who, without any right or permission whatever, take their +neighbor's money or property. + + =Eph. 4:28. Let him that stole steal no more.= + + _88. Who steal in an artful manner?_ + +Those who take or withhold the property of others by any kind of fraud. + + _89. Is it wrong to be a partner with a thief?_ + +Yes; the partner of a thief is no better than the thief. + + =Prov. 29:24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul.= + + _90. What judgment does the Word of God pass upon thieves and + robbers?_ + +They shall not inherit the kingdom of God. + + =1 Cor. 6:10. Neither thieves nor extortioners shall inherit the + kingdom of God.= + + _91. May we not do with our property what we please?_ + +No; we are but keepers of God's gifts, and we must once give an +account of how we have used them. + + =Luke 16:2; Matt. 25:14-30.= + + _92. What does God require of us in the seventh commandment?_ + +We must be honest and unselfish in all our dealings, and help our +neighbor to improve and protect his property and living. + + =1 John 3:17. [R. V.] But whoso hath the world's goods, and + beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion + from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?= + + =James 2:13. For he shall have judgment without mercy that hath + showed no mercy.= + +THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not tell lies about our neighbor, nor +betray, slander, or defame him; but excuse him, speak well of him, and +look upon all his acts as well-meant. + + _93. What is "false witness"?_ + +All untruthful speaking about our neighbor, in or out of court. + + _94. How does one bear false witness in court?_ + +When a witness swears to a lie, and when a judge decides wrong to be +right, and right to be wrong. + + _95. How do we bear false witness out of court?_ + +When we tell lies about our neighbor and slander or defame him in our +conversation. + + =Eph. 4:25. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth + with his neighbor.= + + _96. Do we sin when we speak truthfully of our neighbor's + faults?_ + +Yes; when we do so with an unloving heart, either because we wish to +hurt our neighbor, or thoughtlessly and in gossiping. + + =Matt. 12:36. Every idle word that man shall speak, they shall + give account thereof in the day of judgment.= + + _97. What does God require of us in the eighth commandment?_ + +We must always be truthful, excuse, and speak well of our neighbor, as +far as truth permits, and look upon all his acts as well-meant. + + =1 Cor. 13:5-7. Love thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, + but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all + things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.= + +THE NINTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not by deceit or craft seek to gain +our neighbor's inheritance or home, nor try to get it though we seem +to have some right thereto, but help him to keep his own. + +THE TENTH COMMANDMENT. + +=Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor +his maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.= + + _That is_, + +We should fear and love God, and not estrange, force, or entice away +from our neighbor, his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to +stay and do their duty. + + _98. What do the ninth and tenth commandments forbid?_ + +All sinful desire to get what belongs to our neighbor. + + _99. What does God require of us in the ninth and tenth + commandments?_ + +We must heartily wish our neighbor all good, rejoice in his success, +and help him to keep what he owns. + + * * * * * + + _100. What, then, does God require of us in His holy Law?_ + +Perfect purity and holiness in all our thoughts and desires, words and +acts. + + =James 2:10. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend + in one point, he is guilty of all.= + + =Matt 5:48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is + in heaven is perfect.= + + _101. What does God say of all his commandment?_ + +=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.= + + _That is_, + +God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments; we +should therefore fear His wrath, and do nothing against them. + +On the other hand He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep +these commandments; we should therefore love Him and trust in Him, and +gladly do according to His commandments. + + _102. Of what does God remind us by these words?_ + +He reminds us of the fact that He is a just God, who in His holy wrath +punishes every sin. + + _103. What is sin?_ + +Sin is any thought or feeling, word or act, which is contrary to God's +holy Law. + + _104. What is meant by original sin?_ + +Original sin is the inborn wickedness, deep corruption, and evil +disposition, of the human heart. + + =Ps. 51:5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my + mother conceive me.= + + =Rom. 5:12. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by + sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.= + + _105. What is actual sin?_ + +Actual sin is all evil thoughts and desires, words and acts, springing +from original sin. + + _106. Is neglecting to do good as sinful as doing wrong?_ + +Yes, indeed; to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him +it is sin. + +James 4:17. + + _107. Do the children of God always live according to the will of + their heavenly Father?_ + +They hate sin, and heartily strive to keep the law of God; but it is +their experience that they sin every day, and that the new life within +them is weak. + + =Ps. 19:12. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from + secret faults?= + + =Rom. 7:19. The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I + would not, that I do.= + + _108. How do the children of God feel and act when they find that + they have sinned?_ + +They are deeply grieved, they ask their heavenly Father to forgive +them, and earnestly strive to put off sin. + + _109. What do the children of the world think of sin?_ + +They love sin, and do not ask to be forgiven. + + _110. How does God threaten those who transgress His commandments?_ + +He will visit, that is, punish, their wickedness. + + _111. How does God punish sin?_ + +In soul and body; now and forever. + + =Gal. 3:10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things + which are written in the book of the law to do them.= + + _112. What does God promise all who keep His commandments?_ + +He will have mercy upon them in a thousand generations. + + _113. What is here understood by mercy?_ + +Every blessing for soul and body, now and forever. + + =1 Tim. 4:8. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having + promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.= + + * * * * * + + _114. What way of salvation does the Law then point out to us?_ + +It says, Keep the commandments and you shall be saved. + + =Luke 10:28. This do, and thou shalt live.= + + _115. Can any man, then, keep God's commandments so perfectly + that he thereby is justified and saved_? + +No; every man is a sinner, and he lacks that perfect love which is the +fulfillment of the law. + + =Rom. 10:3. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and + going about to establish their own righteousness, have not + submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.= + + _116. But does the Word of God point out a way to us in which a + sinner may be justified and saved?_ + +Yes; in the blessed Gospel. + + =Rom. 1:16. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is + the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.= + + _117. What parts of the catechism treat about the gospel?_ + +The four last parts. + + + + +PART TWO. + +THE THREE ARTICLES OF THE CREED. + + + _118. Of what do the three articles treat?_ + +Of the nature, will, and works of the triune God. + + _119. How do you know there is a God?_ + +1. From the world's creation, its preservation and government. + + =Rom. 1:19, 20. That which may be known of God is manifest in + them; for God hath showed it unto them.= + + =For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world + are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, + even his eternal power and divinity; so that they are without + excuse.= + +2. From my conscience, which is troubled when I do evil and rejoices +when I do good. + + =Rom. 2:15. They (the Gentiles) show the law written in their + hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts + the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.= + +3. From the holy Scriptures wherein He still more clearly reveals +Himself. + + =John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten + Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.= + + _120. What is God?_ + +God is a spirit, who is eternal and almighty; all-knowing and +everywhere present; wise, good, and merciful; holy, true, and just. + + =John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must + worship him in spirit and in truth.= + + =Ps. 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even thou + hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to + everlasting thou art God.= + + =Luke 1:37. With God nothing shall be impossible.= + + =1 John 3:20. God knoweth all things.= + + =Ps. 139:7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit! or thither shall + I flee from thy presence?= + + =Ps. 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast + thou made them all.= + + =1 John 4:16. God is love.= + + =Ps. 106:1. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his + mercy endureth forever.= + + =Ps. 103:13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord + pitieth them that fear him.= + + =Isa. 6:3. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: all the earth + is full of his glory.= + + =Num. 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?= + + =Rom. 2:6. God will render to every man according to his deeds.= + + _121. Are there more Gods than one?_ + +No; there is but one God, and there is none else besides Him. + + =Deut. 6:4. Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord.= + + _122. How many persons are there in the Godhead?_ + +Three; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are +perfectly alike in character, and equal in greatness. + + =Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing + them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy + Ghost.= + + +THE FIRST ARTICLE. + +CONCERNING CREATION. + +=I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.= + + _That is_, + +I believe that God has made me and all other creatures; that He has +given me body and soul, eyes, ears, and all other members, my reason, +and all my senses. + +I also believe that He preserves all He has made, and that He daily +provides me with all I need; giving me clothing and food, home and +family, and every good thing. + +I further believe that He protects me from all danger, and keeps me +from all evil; not because I have deserved it, but because He is a +loving and merciful Father. + +For all these blessings it is my duty to serve Him thankfully and +obediently all the days of my life. + +All this is certainly true. + + _123. What do you mean when you say, "I believe in God the + Father"?_ + +I believe that God is the Father of Jesus Christ, and my Father; and I +surrender myself to Him, trusting with all my heart in His grace and +love. + + _124. Why do we call God the Maker of heaven and earth?_ + +Because He has made heaven and earth to come forth by His almighty Word. + + =Ps. 33:9. He spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood + fast.= + + _125. Does God yet care for what He has made?_ + +Yes; by His watchful care He preserves and governs all things. + + _126. How does God preserve all things?_ + +He lets all things continue as long as He thinks well, and He cares +like a father for all His creatures. + + =Gen. 8:22. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and + cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall + not cease.= + + =Acts 17:25. He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.= + + =Ps. 104:27. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them + their meat in due season.= + + _127. For whom does God care most?_ + +For man; and especially for His believing children. + + =Matt. 6:26, 27, 28, 30. Behold the fowls of the air: for they + sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your + heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?= + + =Which of you by taking thought, can add one cubit to his stature?= + + =And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the + field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.= + + =Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day + is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more + clothe you, O ye of little faith?= + + _128. How does God govern men with regard to their sins?_ + +He suffers them to sin, sets limits to their sinning, and so guides +the result that everything will be for their good who love Him. + + =Gen. 50:20. [R. V.] Ye meant evil against me; but God meant it + for good.= + + _129. Do we always understand the ways of God's providence?_ + +No; His ways are often hidden from our eyes; but even then they are +the kindest and best. + + =Isa. 55:8, 9. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are + your ways my ways, saith the Lord.= + + =For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways + higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.= + + _130. In whose care may you therefore safely leave yourself?_ + +In God's care, who protects me from all danger, and keeps me from all +evil. + + =1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for + you.= + + _131. Have you deserved all this?_ + +Not in the least; He does all this, not because I have deserved it, +but because He is a loving and merciful Father. + + =Gen. 32:10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and + of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant.= + + _132. What do you owe God for all his goodness?_ + +It is my duty to serve Him thankfully and obediently all the days of +my life. + + =Ps. 103:2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his + benefits.= + + _133. Which are the most excellent of the heavenly creatures?_ + +The holy angels. + + _134. What is the work of the holy angels?_ + +They praise God, and serve him, especially by ministering to His +children. + + =Heb. 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to + minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.= + + _135. Are there not also evil angels?_ + +Yes; there are evil angels who have fallen away from God through pride +and disobedience, and are forever excluded from fellowship with Him. +The devil is their king. + + _136. Which is the most excellent of the earthly creatures?_ + +Man, to whom God gave power to rule over the earth. + + _137. What was the character of man as he was made by God?_ + +Adam and Eve were innocent, without sin, and like God. + + =Gen. 1:27. [R. V.] God made man in his own image, in the image + of God made he him: male and female made he them.= + + _138. In what did the image of God in man consist?_ + +In true wisdom, righteousness and holiness, peace and joy. + + =Eph. 4:24. Put on the new man, which after God is created in + righteousness and holiness.= + + _139. What benefit did the human body have from the image of God?_ + +Perfect health, immortality, and a life free from care in Paradise. + + _140. Did our first parents remain innocent and without sin?_ + +No; they sinned and lost the image of God, and thus sin and death +entered into the world. + + =Gen. 2:17. In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely + die.= + + =Rom. 6:23. The wages of sin is death.= + + _141. In what did their sin consist?_ + +It consisted especially in the unbelief of their hearts and in their +selfishness and disobedience. + + _142. Who led them astray?_ + +They permitted the devil to lead them astray. + + =Gen. 3:1-5.= + + =John 8:44. The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and + abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. For he + is a liar, and the father of it.= + + _143. How has sin injured the human soul?_ + +1. It has darkened the understanding. + + =See 1 Cor. 2:14.= + +2. It has made the will incapable of what is good, and desirous of all +that is evil. + + =Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God.= + +3. It has disturbed the peace and joy of conscience. + + =Gen. 3:8, 10.= + + _144. How has sin injured the human body?_ + +Sin has made the body a tool of every evil passion, and has brought +upon it disease, distress, countless pains, and finally death. + + =Job 14:1, 2. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and + full of trouble.= + + =He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also + as a shadow, and continueth not.= + + _145. Have all men become sinners through the fall of our first + parents?_ + +Yes; sin and death have spread from our first parents to the whole +human race. + + =Rom. 5:18. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to + condemnation.= + + _146. Will God, then, leave all men to perish?_ + +No; God has in love sent His Son Jesus Christ to save man. + + =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.= + + _147. When was this Savior first promised to the world?_ + +Immediately after the fall. + + =Gen. 3:15. The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head.= + + _148. When was Christ sent to the world?_ + +In the fulness of time; that is, the time appointed and prepared by +God Himself. + + =Gal. 4:4. [R. V.] When the fulness of the time was come, God + sent forth his Son born of a woman.= + + +THE SECOND ARTICLE. + +CONCERNING REDEMPTION. + +=I believe 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 whence He +shall come to judge the quick and the dead.= + + _That is_, + +I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from +eternity; I also believe that He is true man, born of the Virgin Mary; +that He is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner; +who has freed me from sin, from death, and from the power of Satan, +not with gold or silver, but with His holy and precious blood and His +innocent death. + +All this He has done that I might be His own, and that I might serve +Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness, and live and reign +with Him in His kingdom forever, even as He arose from the dead, lives +and reigns through all eternity. + +All this is certainly true. + + _149. What do you mean when you say "I believe in Jesus Christ?"_ + +Trusting in Jesus Christ with all my heart, I surrender myself to Him +as my only Savior from sin, and death, and the power of Satan. + + =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.= + + _150. Who is Jesus Christ?_ + +The Son of God and the Son of Mary, true God and true man. + + _151. How does Christ have divine nature?_ + +He is begotten of the Father from eternity. + + _152. How does Christ have human nature?_ + +He is conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. + + _153. What does the Bible say about Christ being true God?_ + +The Bible calls Him the only begotten Son of God, and one with the +Father. + +The Bible also expressly calls Him God. + + =John 10:30. I and my Father are one.= + + =John 5:23. All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the + Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father + which hath sent Him.= + + =1 John 5:20. This is the true God, and eternal life.= + + =John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with + God, and the Word was God.= + + =John 3:16.= + + _154. What does the Bible say about Christ being both God and man?_ + +It says, The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1:14. + +And, + +When the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a +woman. [R. V.] Gal. 4:4. + + _155. Why must the Son of God become true man?_ + +In order that He might suffer and die for us. + + _156. Why must our Savior be true God?_ + +In order that His death and His blood might have everlasting power to +atone for sin. + + _157. Is Jesus conceived and born with sin?_ + +No; He is conceived by the Holy Ghost and therefore without sin. + + =Luke 1:35. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of + the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing + which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.= + + _158. What does the name Jesus signify?_ + +A Savior. + + =Matt. 1:21. Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save + His people from their sins.= + + _159. What does the name Christ signify?_ + +The same as Messiah; that is, the Anointed or the Consecrated. + + _160. How was Jesus anointed?_ + +He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. Acts 10:38. + + _161. For what offices was Jesus anointed and consecrated?_ + +The offices of High Priest, Prophet, and King. + + _162. What is Christ's work as High Priest?_ + +He offered up Himself a sacrifice for our sins, and ever prays for us. + + =Heb. 7:26, 27. [R. V.] For such a high priest became us,--who + needeth not daily as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, + first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for + this He did once for all, when he offered up himself.= + + =Rom. 8:34. Jesus Christ, who also maketh intercession for us.= + + _163. What is Christ's work as Prophet?_ + +He teaches us the will of God concerning our salvation. + + =Luke 24: 19. Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in + deed and word before God and all the people.= + + _164. What is Christ's work as King?_ + +He governs and keeps His children, and defends them against their +enemies. + + =Luke 1:33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; + and of his kingdom there shall be no end.= + + =Rev. 17:14. He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings.= + + _165. How are the believers named after Christ?_ + +They are called Christians; meaning, "the anointed". + + =1 John 2:20. Ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know + all things.= + + _166. With what means has Christ redeemed us?_ + +He has paid for our sins with His holy and precious blood and His +innocent death, and He has fulfilled the law in our stead with His +holy life and His perfect obedience. + + =1 Pet. 1:18, 19. [R. V.] Ye know that ye were not redeemed with + corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of + life; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and + without spot, even the blood of Christ.= + + _167. Whom has Christ redeemed?_ + +He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner. + + _168. Has not Christ redeemed all mankind?_ + +Yes, He has; He gave Himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2:6. + + =1 John 2:2. He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for + ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.= + + _169. But are not many, thus redeemed, yet lost?_ + +Yes, indeed; many reject Him because of their unbelief and love of sin. + + =2 Pet. 2:1. Denying the Lord who bought them.= + + =John 3:18. He that believeth not is condemned already, because + he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.= + + _170. Who get a share in the redemption of Christ?_ + +Those who repent their sins and believe in Him. + + _171. What benefit does the believer have from the redemption of + Christ?_ + +By this redemption he is freed from sin, from death, and from the +power of Satan. + + _172. In what way is the believer freed from sin by the + redemption of Christ?_ + +1. The guilt and punishment of sin are removed from him. + + =Col. 1:14. We have redemption through His blood, even the + forgiveness of sins.= + +2. Sin rules over him no longer. + + =Rom. 6:14. Sin shall not have dominion over you.= + +3. When he dies, sin is entirely rooted out from him. + + _173. In what way is the believer freed from death by the + redemption of Christ?_ + +Spiritual death has lost its power over him, temporal death is but an +entrance into perfect life, and eternal death he no longer fears. + + =John 11:25, 26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and + the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall + he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.= + + _174. In what way is the believer freed from the power of Satan + by the redemption of Christ?_ + +Satan has no power over the believer, unless the believer yield +himself into his service. + + =Heb. 2:14. [R. V.] Since then the children are sharers in flesh + and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; + that through death he might bring to nought him that had the + power of death, that is, the devil.= + + _175. For what purpose has Christ redeemed you?_ + +He has redeemed me in order that I might be His own, live with Him in +His kingdom, and serve Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness. + + =1 Cor. 6:20. [R. V.] Ye are not your own, for ye were bought + with a price; glorify God therefore in your body.= + + =Titus 2:14. [R. V.] He gave himself for us, that he might redeem + us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his + own possession, zealous of good works.= + + _176. What did Christ do in order to become our Savior and + Redeemer?_ + +He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of +the cross. Phil. 2:8. + + _177. How many steps do you notice in the humiliation of Christ?_ + +Five: the birth in poverty; the suffering; the crucifixion; the death; +the burial. + + _178. Why did Christ begin His life on earth with the birth in + poverty?_ + +He began His life in poverty to show that His kingdom is not of this +world, and that we might be made rich through His poverty. + + _179. When was the suffering of Christ greatest?_ + +In the night before His death, and on Good Friday, when He was +delivered into the hands of His enemies, and was bound, beaten, +scourged, crowned with thorns, and finally nailed to the cross. + + _180. Did Christ suffer bodily pain only?_ + +No; His greatest suffering was a fearful anguish of soul on account of +our sins. + + _181. When in particular did he suffer this anguish?_ + +In the garden, when His sweat was as drops of blood and He said, "My +soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death"; and on the cross, when He +cried, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" + + =Isa. 53:4, 5. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our + sorrows: + + But 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.= + + _182. How did Christ act through all this suffering?_ + +He was patient as a lamb that is lead to the slaughter. Isa. 53:7. + + _183. What did Christ accomplish for us by His death on the cross?_ + +By His death He has paid the wages of sin, which is death. + + =Rom. 5:10. When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by + the death of his Son.= + + _184. What comfort do we have from the burial of Christ?_ + +He has buried our sins, hallowed our graves, and taken away their +horror. + + _185. How should we look upon the life and suffering of Christ in + His humiliation?_ + +We should look upon His life and His suffering as an atonement for our +sins, and as an example to the believer of holiness in life and +patience in suffering. + + =1 Pet. 2:21. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, + that ye should follow His steps.= + + _186. Did Christ remain in humiliation and death?_ + +No; God exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above every name. +Phil. 2:9. + + _187. How many steps do you notice in the exaltation of Christ?_ + +Five: His descent into hell; His resurrection; His ascension; His +session at the right hand of the Father; His coming to judge the quick +and the dead. + + _188. What did Christ accomplish when he descended into hell?_ + +He made known the victory which He had won over the devil, and +preached to the spirits in prison. 1 Pet. 3:18, 19. + + _189. What benefit do we have from the resurrection of Christ?_ + +1. The resurrection assures us that Christ is the Son of God, and that +He has conquered death and fully satisfied for our sins. + + =Rom. 1:4. Declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from + the dead.= + + =1 Cor. 15:14. If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching + vain, and your faith is also vain.= + +2. The resurrection gives us power to arise from spiritual death, and +to live a new and holy life. + + =Rom. 6:4. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the + Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.= + +3. The resurrection assures us that our bodies shall arise in glory on +the last day. + + _190. What command did Christ give His disciples before His + ascension?_ + +He commanded them to go out into the whole world and preach the gospel +to all nations. [Missions.] + + =Matt. 28:19; Mark. 16:15.= + + _191. What is meant by the ascension of Christ?_ + +He left the earth, so that He is no longer visibly present, and He +entered into His Father's glory to prepare a place for us in the +heavenly mansions. + + =John 14:2. In my Father's house are many mansions; I go to + prepare a place for you.= + + _192. What does the ascension of Christ teach us?_ + +It teaches us to be heavenly-minded, and to have a desire to depart +and be with Christ. + + =Col. 3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things + which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.= + + _193. What does Christ's session on the right hand of the Father + signify?_ + +It signifies that He shares also as true man in the power and glory of +God, and rules over all things. + + =1 Pet. 3:22. [R. V.] He is on the right hand of God, having gone + into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject + to Him.= + + _194. What benefit do we have from Christ's session on the right + hand of the Father?_ + +He protects His kingdom from its enemies, prays for us, and sends us +His Holy Spirit. + + _195. Is Christ no longer present on earth?_ + +Yes; He is present in a real, though invisible, manner. + + =Matt. 28:20. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of + the world.= + + _196. When will He again come to earth in a visible manner?_ + +On the last day, when He comes to judge the quick and the dead. + + =Luke 21:27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a + cloud with power and great glory.= + + =2 Cor. 5:10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of + Christ; that every one may receive the things done in the body, + according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.= + + _197. By what rule will Christ judge us?_ + +He will judge us by His Word. + + =John 12:48. The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge + him in the last day.= + + _198. Is it sufficient that you know all these things about + Christ and hold them to be true?_ + +No; the Holy Spirit must teach me to know Christ in a true and living +faith. + + +THE THIRD ARTICLE. + +CONCERNING 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 +life everlasting. Amen.= + + _That is_, + +I believe that I cannot through my own strength believe in Jesus +Christ my Lord, or come to Him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit +alone, who has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with His +gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; + +Even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole +Christian church on earth, and preserves it in fellowship with Jesus +Christ in the one true faith. + +In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all +our sins, and He will raise up me and all the dead on the last day, +and will give me and all believers everlasting life. + +All this is certainly true. + + _199. What do you mean when you say, "I believe in the Holy + Ghost"?_ + +I trust with all my heart in the Holy Ghost as my guide and my +sanctifier, who gives me strength to believe in Jesus and to live +according to His will. + + =1 Cor. 12:3. No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the + Holy Ghost.= + + _200. Who is the Holy Ghost?_ + +The Holy Ghost is true God together with the Father and the Son. + + =1 Cor. 2:10. The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep + things of God.= + + =1 Cor. 3:16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that + the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.= + + _201. What is the work of the Holy Spirit?_ + +To call, enlighten, sanctify, and preserve. + + _202. How does the Holy Spirit call us?_ + +The Holy Spirit calls us by awakening in our hearts a deep sense of +sin, and by inviting us to accept the grace of God in Christ. + + =Eph. 5:14. Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, + and Christ shall give thee light.= + + _203. By what means does the Holy Spirit call us?_ + +By the Word of God; using the law to awaken our hearts, and the gospel +to invite us to Christ. + + =Rom. 3:20. By the law is the knowledge of sin.= + + =2 Thess. 2:14. He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of + the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.= + + =Matt. 22:1-14.= + + _204. What means does God use to make us heed the call of the + Holy Spirit?_ + +To this end He often uses suffering, often blessings, often the +example of others, and such other means as may lead us to reflect. + + _205. Do all obey the call of the Holy Spirit?_ + +No; many resist the Holy Spirit, and will not repent and come to +Christ. + + =Acts 7:51. Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.= + + =Isa. 65:2. I have spread out my hands all the day to a + rebellious people.= + + _206. When does a person harden his heart?_ + +A person hardens his heart when he persistently despises and opposes +the voice of the Holy Spirit in his conscience. + + _207. Who obey the call of the Holy Spirit?_ + +They who repent their sins and believe the Gospel. + + =Mark. 1:15. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at + hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.= + + _208. What is it to repent?_ + +He who truly repents, feels his sins with shame and sorrow, he freely +confesses his sins to God, and earnestly seeks the grace of God in +Christ. + + =Isa. 55:7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous + man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will + have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly + pardon.= + + =2 Cor. 7:10. [R. V.] Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto + salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow + of the world worketh death.= + + =Ps. 32:5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee; and thou forgavest + the iniquity of my sin.= + + _209. How do we learn that the grace of God is found in Christ?_ + +We learn this through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. + + _210. What is meant by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit?_ + +Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit our knowledge of the +Gospel truths becomes a living and saving knowledge to our hearts. + + =John 14:26. But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father + will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring + all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.= + + =John 16:13. When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide + you into all truth.= + + _211. Of what nature is our knowledge of these truths before the + Holy Spirit has enlightened our hearts?_ + +It is a dead knowledge only, which does not lead to repentance and +faith, but leaves us in our sins. + + _212. What is the true and living faith in Jesus Christ?_ + +This is faith, that a repentant sinner lays hold of Christ as his only +Savior from sin, and death, and the power of Satan; + +That he takes refuge with Christ and His righteousness, and builds +thereon with the confidence of his whole heart. + + _213. Can only a repentant sinner have this faith in Christ?_ + +Yes; the faith which lays hold of Christ and His righteousness, can be +wrought in that heart only which bitterly feels the pain and misery of +living in sin. + + =Matt. 9:12. They that be whole need not a physician, but they + that are sick.= + + _214. Is the true and living faith always and in all persons + equally strong?_ + +No; it is often very weak and scarcely able to avail itself of the +grace of God. + + =Mark 9:24. Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.= + + _215. Whereby may we know whether this weak faith is true and + living?_ + +The true and living faith is known by an earnest hatred of sin, and an +eager longing for grace. + + _216. Does God accept this weak faith?_ + +Yes, indeed; only it be true and sincere. + + =Isa. 42:3. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking + flax shall he not quench.= + + _217. What benefit do we have from the true and living faith in + Jesus Christ?_ + +By faith we are justified, born anew, sanctified, and finally saved +forever. + + _218. What is Justification?_ + +Justification is the gracious act of God whereby He for Christ's sake +acquits a repentant and believing sinner of his sin and guilt, and +looks upon him, in Christ, as though he had never sinned. + + =2 Cor. 5:21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no + sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.= + + =Rom. 3:24. (They are) justified freely by his grace through the + redemption that is in Christ Jesus.= + + _219. What, then, does the believer receive through + justification?_ + +He receives the forgiveness of sins, and is adopted as a child of God. + + =Eph. 1:7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the + forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.= + + =Gal. 3:26. For ye are the children of God by faith in Christ + Jesus.= + + =Acts 10:43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through + his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of + sins.= + + _220. What moves God to forgive sin so freely?_ + +His everlasting love and mercy alone. + + _221. For whose sake does God forgive us our sins?_ + +For Christ's sake, who has satisfied for the sins of the whole world +by His death on the cross. + + =John 1:29. Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of + the world.= + + _222. To what does the forgiveness of sins necessarily lead?_ + +The forgiveness of sins leads to the full enjoyment of the blessed +rights which belong to a child of God; it also gives free access to +the Father's fellowship and blessing, and to the glorious inheritance +of eternal life. + + =Ps. 32:1, 2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, + whose sin is covered.= + + =Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and + in whose spirit there is no guile.= + + =Rom. 8:17. And if [we are] children, then heirs; heirs of God, + and joint-heirs with Christ.= + + _223. What is the New Birth?_ + +The New Birth is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He, +through His indwelling in our hearts, renews the image of God in us, +and thus creates a new spiritual man. + + =2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old + things have passed away; behold, all things are new.= + + =John 1:12, 13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power + to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:= + + =Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor + of the will of man, but of God.= + + _224. What change is wrought in us in the New Birth?_ + +We get a new heart or a new spiritual life; namely, + + In the understanding, a new spiritual light; + In the conscience, real peace and joy; + In the will, a holy desire and a steadfast purpose. + + =Ezek. 36:26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit + will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out + of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.= + + =Eph. 4:24. Put on the new man, which after God is created in + righteousness and true holiness.= + + =Gal. 5:22. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.= + + _225. In what does this new life really consist?_ + +In consists in love to God who first loved us. + + _226. By what means is the New Birth accomplished?_ + +In little children it is accomplished by water and the Spirit in +baptism; but in those who have fallen from the grace of their baptism, +also by the Word of God. + + =John 3:5. 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.= + + =1 Peter 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of + incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth + forever.= + + _227. Is the New Birth necessary to our salvation?_ + +Yes, indeed; except a man be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of +God. John 3: 3. [R. V.] + + =John 3:6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that + which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.= + + _228. What does the Holy Spirit further work in the believer?_ + +He sanctifies and preserves him. + + _229. What is Sanctification?_ + +Sanctification is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He day +by day renews the believer more and more after the image of God. + + _230. How is the daily renewal accomplished?_ + +The old man, or sin, is put away more and more, and the new man, or +the new spiritual life, appears more and more in all our conduct. + + =Eph. 4:22-24. [R. V.] Put away, as concerning your former manner + of life, the old man, which waxeth corrupt after the lusts of + deceit;= + + =And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind,= + + =And put on the new man, which after God hath been created in + righteousness and holiness of truth.= + + _231. How does this new conduct appear in the daily life of a + Christian?_ + +A Christian denies himself, strives against the devil, the world, and +his own flesh; he grows in love toward God and man, and seeks to do +the will of God in all things. + + =Matt. 16:24. If any man will come after me, let him deny + himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.= + + =1 Cor. 16:13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like + men, be strong.= + + =1 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.= + + _232. Is the believer, then, justified and saved by his own good + works?_ + +No; our best works avail nothing to this end: we must build our hope +of salvation on Christ alone and His righteousness. + + =Luk. 17:10. When ye shall have done all these things which are + commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done + that which was our duty to do.= + + _233. What is the work of Preservation done by the Holy Spirit?_ + +Preservation is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He keeps +us, through all temptations, in the true and living faith in Jesus, +until the end. + + =Phil. 1:6. [R. V.] He which began a good work in you will + perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.= + + _234. By what means does the Holy Spirit sanctify and preserve + the believer?_ + +By the Word of God and the Lord's Supper. + + _235. How does the Holy Spirit preserve the believer?_ + +He teaches and guides, corrects and comforts him. + + _236. What are they called whom the Holy Spirit thus sanctifies + and preserves in faith?_ + +They are called the children of God; the Elect of God; Holy and +Beloved; Members of the Body of Christ. In a body they make up the +holy Christian church. + + _237. What is the holy Christian church?_ + +The holy Christian Church is the congregation of saints or true +believers, where the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are +administered according to the ordinance of God. + + _238. Why is the church called holy?_ + +The church is called holy because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, +who performs His sanctifying work in all its members. For this reason +the church is called holy, in spite of its sins and shortcomings. + + =1 Peter 2:9. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a + holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the + praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his + marvellous light.= + + _239. Why is the church called universal?_ + +The church is called universal because its object is to gather all +nations, and because it includes all true believers of all times and +all places. + + _240. What is the state of the church on earth?_ + +The church of God on earth is militant. + + _241. Who are the enemies of the church?_ + +The enemies of the church are the devil, the world, and our own flesh. +Its last enemy is death. + + _242. What will be the state of the church in heaven?_ + +It will be triumphant, because all its enemies are conquered. + + =Rev. 7:9, 10. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, + which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and + people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the + Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;= + + =And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which + sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.= + + _243. Is the holy Christian church found in this place?_ + +Yes; in the congregation, which in the Scriptures is called "the body +of Jesus Christ", and "the house of God." + + =Eph. 1:22, 23. 1 Tim. 3:15.= + + _244. Are all the members of the organized body, called a + congregation, true Christians?_ + +No; in this organized body both hypocrites and true Christians are +found. + + =Matt. 13:24-30; 47-50.= + + _245. Who are hypocrites?_ + +Hypocrites are they who indeed make outward confession of Christ, but +who inwardly and in their conduct deny Him. + + =2 Tim. 3:5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power + thereof.= + + _246. Should not the congregation remove these hypocrites from + its midst?_ + +Yes; the congregation should expel the openly ungodly and unbelieving; +but it cannot judge concerning the secret thoughts of the heart. + + =1 Cor. 5:13. Therefore put away from among yourselves that + wicked person.= + + =Matt. 18:15-17.= + + _247. Who, then, are true Christians and the real members of the + congregation?_ + +They who believe in Christ with all their heart, and confess Him both +in word and deed. + + =Rom. 10:10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: + and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.= + + _248. What is the intimate fellowship called in which all true + Christians live with one another?_ + +The Communion of Saints. + + =Eph. 4:4-6. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are + called in one hope of your calling;= + + =One Lord, one faith, one baptism,= + + =One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, + and in you all.= + + _249. What precious gift does the Holy Spirit bestow upon us in + this Christian church?_ + +In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all +our sins. + + _250. But does a sanctified person need the forgiveness of sins + every day?_ + +Yes; because sanctification is never perfected in this life, and sin +cleaves to a Christian as long as he is in the world. + + _251. Whom has God given power to declare the forgiveness of sins?_ + +The congregation, through its ministers. [Absolution.] + + =Matt. 18:18. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on + earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on + earth shall be loosed in heaven.= + + _252. What is required that a Christian may receive the + forgiveness of sins every day?_ + +That he repents every day, or that he daily feels his sins with deep +shame and sorrow, confesses his sins to God, and earnestly seeks the +grace of God in Christ. + + _253. To whom should a repentant Christian confess his sins?_ + +First of all to God; then, if he feels the need of it, to his pastor; +finally to his neighbor, if he feels that he has wronged him in any way. + + =Jas. 5:16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for + another, that ye may be healed.= + + =1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to + forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.= + + _254. What does the daily forgiveness of sins work in the + Christian?_ + +The daily renewal, or that he day by day becomes more and more +thankful to God, and increases in child-like obedience and +faithfulness. + + _255. What becomes of the soul of the believer when he dies?_ + +His soul goes home to God, where it rests from all strife and sorrow, +in blessed fellowship with Him, until the resurrection of the body. + + =Luke 23:43. Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me + in paradise.= + + =Rev. 14:13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.= + + _256. What is the resurrection of the body?_ + +On the last day, when the Lord Jesus returns to earth, the bodies of +the dead shall be made alive and shall be reunited with their souls. + + =John 5:28, 29. The hour is coming, in 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 judgment.= + + _257. What change shall then take place in the bodies of the + believers?_ + +Their bodies shall arise glorified and incorruptible, like unto the +body of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. + + =1 Cor. 15:42, 43. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in + incorruption:= + + =It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in + weakness; it is raised in power.= + + _258. Where do all the risen go after the day of judgment?_ + +The chosen enter into life everlasting; the condemned, into eternal +death. + + =Matt. 25:46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment; + but the righteous into eternal life.= + + _259. What is life everlasting?_ + +Life everlasting is the blessed state in which the chosen are free +from all evil, and live forever in fellowship with their God and +Savior, praising God in the company of the holy angels, in everlasting +peace and joy. + + =Matt. 25:34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right + hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared + for you from the foundation of the world.= + + _260. What is eternal death?_ + +Eternal death is a dreadful state of separation from God, and +everlasting anguish and suffering in hell. + + =Matt. 25:41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, + Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for + the devil and his angels.= + + _261. Who are thus condemned?_ + +All who continue in impenitence and unbelief until death. + + =John 3:36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: + and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the + wrath of God abideth on him.= + + _262. Who, on the other hand, obtain life everlasting?_ + +All who continue steadfast in faith until death. + + =Rev. 2:10. [R. V.] Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give + thee the crown of life.= + + _263. Why do you end your confession of faith with the word Amen?_ + +Because I know that what I here confess is certainly true. + + _264. What must you do that you may continue steadfast in faith + and also increase therein?_ + +I will pray God every day graciously to help and strengthen me. + + + + +PART THREE. + +THE LORD'S PRAYER. + + + _265. What is prayer?_ + +Prayer is the child-like communion of our hearts with God, in which we +tell Him all our needs, and earnestly seek some gift from Him. + + _266. Who should pray?_ + +All should pray; even little children. + + _267. But can all pray in this manner?_ + +No, not the impenitent; their hearts are not right with God, and they +do not seek Him earnestly. + + _268. In whose name must we pray?_ + +We must pray in the name of Jesus. + + =John 16:23. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall + ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.= + + _269. What is meant by praying in the name of Jesus?_ + +To pray in the name of Jesus is to ask on the strength of what He has +done for us, and His intercession with the Father. + + _270. How should we pray?_ + +We should pray humbly, confidently as a child, and reverently. + + _271. When should we pray?_ + +The attitude of our hearts should be one of constant prayer, and our +communion with God should not be confined to certain times and places, +but we should speak with Him whenever we feel the need of it. + + =1 Thess. 5:17. Pray without ceasing.= + + =Eph. 6: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in + the Spirit.= + + _272. For whom should we pray?_ + +We should pray not only for ourselves, but also for others,--even our +enemies. + + =1 Tim. 2:1-3. Matt. 5:44.= + + _273. For what should we pray?_ + +First of all we should pray for the spiritual gifts necessary to our +salvation; but we may also pray for other gifts, both spiritual and +temporal. + + =Matt. 6:33. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his + righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.= + + =1 Cor. 12:31. Covet earnestly the best gifts.= + + _274. What must we always remember when we pray for things not + necessary to our salvation?_ + +We must always remember that God alone knows whether such a prayer +answered would truly benefit us. + +When asking such gifts we should always add, "Lord, if Thou wilt". + + =Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as thou wilt.= + + _275. Who teaches us to pray well?_ + +The Holy Spirit, who is also called the Spirit of prayer. + + =Rom. 8:26. We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but + the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which + cannot be uttered.= + + _276. Which is the most perfect prayer?_ + +The most perfect prayer is the Lord's Prayer, which Christ taught His +own disciples. + + _277. Repeat this prayer._ + +Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; +Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this day our +daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who +trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us +from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for +ever and ever. Amen. + + _278. Why would God have us speak to Him as "Our Father"?_ + +God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe that He is truly our +Father, and we are truly His children, so that we may ask of Him with +all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear children ask of their dear +father. + + _279. Who alone can confidently call God Father?_ + +God's children alone can call God their Father. + + _280. Why would God have us say "our Father" and not only "my + Father"?_ + +Because He would have us pray with one another and for one another, in +spiritual fellowship. + + _281. What is the importance of the words "who art in heaven"?_ + +By these words we are reminded of the exalted love and power of our +heavenly Father, far above that of any earthly father. + + =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?= + + +THE FIRST PETITION. + +=Hallowed be Thy name.= + + _That is_, + +The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition +that it may be hallowed also among us. + +This is done when the Word of God is rightly taught, and when we as +the children of God live holy lives in obedience to the Word. This +grant us, heavenly Father! + +But he that teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches, +profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, heavenly +Father! + + _282. What do you pray for in the first petition?_ + +I pray that the name of God may be hallowed among us. + + =Ps. 72:19. Blessed be his glorious name forever: and let the + whole earth be filled with his glory.= + + _283. When is the name of God hallowed among us?_ + +When the Word of God is rightly taught and is received into our hearts. + + _284. When do we hallow the name of God among our fellow men?_ + +We hallow the name of God when we freely confess it before men in +accordance with the Word, and when we as God's children live holy +lives in obedience to the Word. + + =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.= + + =Matt. 10:32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, + him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.= + + _285. Who profanes the name of God?_ + +He that teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches, +profanes the name of God. + + =Rom. 2:24. [R. V.] The name of God is blasphemed among the + Gentiles because of you.= + + +THE SECOND PETITION. + +=Thy kingdom come.= + + _That is_, + +The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer, but we +pray in this petition that it may come also to us. + +This is done when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so +that by His grace we believe the Word of God, and live holy and +Christ-like lives here in time, and in heaven forever. + + _286. What do you pray for in the second petition?_ + +I pray that the kingdom of God may come. + + _287. What is meant, in a particular sense, by the kingdom of God + which you pray for in this petition?_ + +1. The kingdom of grace, in which Christ makes every believer a +partaker of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; and + +2. The kingdom of glory in heaven, where the chosen live with Christ +in perfect happiness. + + _288. What is meant by saying that the kingdom of God comes to us?_ + +It means that we become partakers in it. + + _289. When does the kingdom of God come to us?_ + +The kingdom of God comes to us when our heavenly Father gives us His +Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe the Word of God. + + _290. What does the Holy Spirit work in them who thus by faith + have become partakers in the kingdom of God?_ + +They live holy and Christ-like lives here in time, and in heaven +forever. + + +THE THIRD PETITION. + +=Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.= + + _That is_, + +The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; +but we pray in this petition that it may be done also among us. + +This is done when God brings to nothing all evil plans and purposes of +the devil, the world, and our own flesh, that would hinder the +hallowing of His name and the coming of His kingdom. + +On the other hand, it is the good and gracious will of God to strengthen +us and keep us steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death. + + _291. What do you pray for in the third petition?_ + +I pray that the will of God may be done among us on earth, as it is in +heaven. + + _292. What is the will of God?_ + +It is the will of God that all His rational creatures should praise +Him forever in perfect holiness and happiness. + + _293. Where is the will of God done in this manner?_ + +In heaven, where the holy angels praise God in undisturbed peace and +joy. + + =Ps. 103:20, 21. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in + strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of + his word.= + + =Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that + do his pleasure.= + + _294. When is the will of God done among us, as it is in heaven?_ + +When God brings to nothing all evil plans and purposes that would +hinder the hallowing of His name and the coming of His kingdom, and +when God strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in +faith, until death. + + _295. Who seek to prevent the will of God from being done among + us?_ + +The devil, the world, and our own flesh. + + _296. Who, on the other hand, will help us to do the will of God?_ + +God, who is merciful and faithful, will Himself help us to do His will. + + =1 Thess. 5:24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do + it.= + + +THE FOURTH PETITION. + +=Give us this day our daily bread.= + + _That is_, + +God gives daily bread indeed without our prayer even to the wicked; +but we pray in this petition that He would help us to appreciate His +benefits, that we may receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. + +By daily bread is meant all those things which are needed for our +support and well-being in life, as food and clothing, home and property, +happy family relations, a good government, favorable weather, peace and +health, faithful friends, good neighbors, and the like. + + _297. What do you pray for in the fourth petition?_ + +I pray God to give me daily bread. + + _298. What is meant by daily bread?_ + +By daily bread is meant all those things which are needed for our +support and well-being in life, as food and clothing, home and +property, etc. + + _299. Of what does the word "daily" remind you?_ + +I must be content with that which God gives me. + + =Prov. 30:8. Give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with + food convenient for me.= + + =1 Tim. 6:6. Godliness with contentment is great gain.= + + _300. Why are the words "this day" added?_ + +They are added that I should not be anxious for the morrow, but let +each day bear its own burdens. + + =Matt. 6:34.= + + _301. Does God give daily bread to those only who pray for it?_ + +No; He gives daily bread also to the wicked, but they receive it +without thanksgiving, and miss His blessing. + + =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.= + + _302. How should the children of God receive their daily bread?_ + +They should ask God to bless their daily bread, and return Him thanks +for it. + + =Prov. 10: 22. The blessing of the Lord maketh rich.= + + _303. Need we not work for our daily bread when we pray for it + every day?_ + +Yes; God wants us to be diligent, each in our calling, trusting in His +help. + + =Gen. 3:19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.= + + =2 Thess. 3: 10. If any would not work, neither should he eat.= + + +THE FIFTH PETITION. + +=And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass +against us.= + + _That is_, + +We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon +our sins, nor, on account of them, deny our prayer; for we are not +worthy of anything we ask, neither have we deserved it; but we pray +that He would give it to us out of His mercy; for we sin every day, +and deserve nothing but punishment. + +And we on our part will heartily forgive those who have sinned against +us, and return good for evil. + + _304. What do you pray for in the fifth petition?_ + +I pray God to forgive us our trespasses. + + _305. What is implied by the word "trespasses"?_ + +Thereby is implied our guilt or debt to God, which we have brought +upon ourselves by our sins. + + _306. Can we feel assured that God will forgive us this debt?_ + +Yes; Jesus Christ has paid for all our sins. + + _307. Why must the believer ask the forgiveness of sins every day?_ + +Because he sins every day, and is always in need of forgiveness. + + _308. What do we confess to God in this petition?_ + +We confess that we are not worthy of the least of that which we ask, +neither have we deserved it; but we pray that He would give it to us +out of His mercy. + + _309. What do we promise God in this petition, while asking His + forgiveness?_ + +We promise to forgive those who trespass against us, and return good +for evil. + + =Luke 6:37. Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, + and ye shall be forgiven.= + + =Matt. 18:23-35.= + + +THE SIXTH PETITION. + +=And lead us not into temptation.= + + _That is_, + +God indeed tempts no one, but we pray in this petition that He would +guard and keep us from the devil, the world, and our own flesh, that +we fall not, through their deceit, into unbelief, despair, or other +sins; but we pray that although we be thus tempted, we may overcome +the temptation, and remain victorious. + + _310. What do you pray for in this petition?_ + +I pray God not to lead us into temptation. + + _311. What is meant by temptation?_ + +By temptation is meant opportunities that invite to sin. + + _312. Does God give us such opportunities in order that we may + sin?_ + +By no means; God, who is holy and loving, does not tempt any one to sin. + + =James 1:13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of + God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any + man.= + + _313. Why then does God permit us to be tempted?_ + +God permits us to be tempted in order to try us, and in order that it +may be seen whether we have true faith, love, and patience. + + =Read Gen. 22:1-19.= + + _314. Who, on the other hand, tempt us to sin?_ + +The devil, the world, and our own flesh, tempt us to sin. + + _315. How does the devil tempt us?_ + +The devil tempts us by putting evil thoughts into our minds. + + _316. How does the world tempt us?_ + +The world tempts us by threats, attractive invitations, and bad example. + + =Prov. 1:10. My son if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.= + + _317. How does our flesh tempt us?_ + +Our own flesh tempts by its evil desires. + + =James 1:14. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his + own lust, and enticed.= + + _318. Can we ever be free from temptations in this world?_ + +No; the conditions of this present life are such that temptations must +follow, and we need them for our bringing up in the kingdom of God. + + =Matt. 18:7. It must needs be that offences come.= + + _319. What, then, do we mean when we ask God not to lead us into + temptation?_ + +We pray that when He finds it good for us to be tempted, He will guard +and keep us, so that we may in the end be victorious. + + =1 Cor. 10:13. God is faithful who will not suffer you to be + tempted above that ye are able.= + + _320. What are our weapons against temptation?_ + +We must use the Word of God, watch and pray, and take care not to +invite temptation. + + =Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.= + + =Eph. 6:13. Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be + able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to + stand.= + + +THE SEVENTH PETITION. + +=But deliver us from evil.= + + _That is_, + +We pray in this petition, in general, that our Father in heaven would +deliver us from all evil, affecting body and soul, property and honor, +and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this +world of sorrow to Himself in heaven. + + _321. What do you pray for in the seventh petition?_ + +I pray God to deliver us from evil. + + _322. From what evil do you pray God to deliver us in this + petition?_ + +I pray God to deliver us from all sin that still clings to us, and +from all the destructive effects of sin upon soul and body, property +and honor. + + _323. Can we expect to be entirely free from all evil while in + this world?_ + +No, we cannot; but we pray God in this petition to deliver us more and +more from all evil, and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously +take us from this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven. + + =Phil. 1:23. I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; + which is far better.= + + _324. What are the closing words of the Lord's Prayer?_ + +=For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and +ever. Amen.= + + _325. Of what do these words remind us?_ + +We should remember that God is able to answer our prayer, and that the +glory belongs to Him alone, when we get according to our prayer. + + _326. What is the meaning of the word "Amen"?_ + +Its meaning is, Surely; so be it. + + _327. Why is this word added?_ + +It is added in order that I may be fully assured that these petitions +are acceptable to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him. + + _328. How can I feel assured of this?_ + +God Himself has commanded us to pray, and has added this promise to +hear us: Amen, Amen; that is, Surely; so be it. + + _329. Does this promise hold good only when we use the Lord's + Prayer?_ + +No; God hears every prayer offered up according to His will. + + =Matt. 7:7. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall + find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.= + + _330. Does God always answer our prayer as we desire?_ + +No; He often answers our prayer by giving us something else and +something better than we ask or think. + + =Eph. 3:20. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that + we ask or think.= + + _331. Does God answer our prayer at once?_ + +Sometimes; but He often delays His answer in order to strengthen our +faith and our hope. + + _332. In speaking with God, should we only ask for the good + things which we like to get?_ + +No; we must also return Him thanks for the blessings which we have +received. + + =Eph. 5: 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the + Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.= + + + + +THE SACRAMENTS. + + + _333. What is a sacrament?_ + +A sacrament is a holy ordinance made by God Himself, in which He gives +and confirms His invisible grace through outward and visible means. + + _334. Which are the sacraments of the Christian church?_ + +They are Baptism and the Lord's Supper. + + + + +PART FOUR. + +THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM. + + + _335. What is Baptism?_ + +Baptism is not water alone, but it is water comprehended in God's +command, and united with His Word. + + _336. What is God's command concerning Baptism?_ + +It is given in the words of Christ in the last chapter of Matthew: + +"=All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, +and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and +of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things +whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even +unto the end of the world.=" + + _337. In whose name then are you baptized?_ + +I am baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the +Holy Ghost. + + _338. Explain this further._ + +In Baptism I have entered into fellowship with the triune God, the +Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; I have become His own, and have +been made heir of all His gracious gifts. + + _339. Is the baptism of little children in agreement with + Christ's command?_ + +Yes; Christ Himself has said: "Suffer the little children to come unto +me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." + + =Mark 10:14. John 3:5.= + + _340. Who should administer Baptism?_ + +Baptism should be administered by the minister of the church, but when +necessary it may be administered by any Christian. + + _341. What benefit do we have from Baptism?_ + +Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the +devil, and gives everlasting life to all who believe what the Word and +promise of God declare. + + _342. What is God's promise concerning Baptism?_ + +It is given in the words of Christ in the sixteenth chapter of Mark: + +"=He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that +believeth not shall be condemned.=" + + _343. How does Baptism save us from sin, death, and the devil?_ + +In Baptism we come into fellowship with Christ, and are made partakers +in His redemption. + + =Gal. 3:27. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have + put on Christ.= + + =Rom. 6:3, 4.= + + _344. How can water do such great things?_ + +It is not water indeed that does it, but the Word of God, which is in +and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the +water. + +For without the Word of God, the water is water alone, and no Baptism. +But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water +of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost. + + =Titus 3:5-7. 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 Savior;= + + =That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs + according to the hope of eternal life.= + + _345. Why is Baptism called the "washing of regeneration"?_ + +Because the Holy Spirit in Baptism cleanses us from sin, and gives us +a new spiritual life. + + =1 Pet. 3:21. Baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the + flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the + resurrection of Jesus Christ.= + + _346. Is not Baptism also called a covenant?_ + +Yes; Baptism is a covenant; in Baptism God gives us a new life and His +grace, and we promise Him to renounce the devil, and all His works, +and all his ways, and to believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy +Spirit. + + _347. Who enjoy the blessings that God promises in Baptism?_ + +All who remain in the covenant of their Baptism. + + _348. When does he who was baptized as a child confirm the + covenant of his Baptism?_ + +At his confirmation, when he renews the covenant of his Baptism in the +midst of the assembled congregation, having first been instructed in +God's Word. + + _349. Is it possible to remain in the covenant of Baptism?_ + +Yes; by the grace of God it is possible. + + =Phil. 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which + strengtheneth me.= + + _350. What must we do to remain in the grace of our Baptism?_ + +We must watch and pray, and make diligent use of the Word of God and +the Lord's Supper. + + _351. In what ways may we break the covenant of our Baptism?_ + +1. When we little by little forget our covenant, resist the Holy +Spirit, and neglect prayer, so that we become more and more +worldly-minded. + +2. When we fall in coarse and open sins. + + _352. Will not God again receive us when we have broken the + covenant of our Baptism?_ + +Yes; God has not broken His part of the covenant, and when we again +turn to Him, He is always glad to receive us. + + =Luke 15:20. He arose, and came to his father. But when he was + yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and + ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.= + + _353. How does a repentant sinner get courage to return to God?_ + +He gets courage from considering the tender Gospel invitation of +Christ, and from seeking God in prayer. + + =Matt. 11:28. Come unto me, all that labor and are heavy laden, + and I will give you rest.= + + _354. Does not also he who remains true to the covenant of his + Baptism need repentance?_ + +Yes; he needs daily repentance and daily renewal. =See 250.= + + _355. What does the baptizing with water signify?_ + +It signifies that the old man in us should, by daily sorrow and +repentance, be drowned and die, with all sins and evil desires; and +again a new man daily appear more and more, who shall live before God +in righteousness and purity forever. + + _356. What is meant by saying that the old man in us should die, + and the new man appear more and more?_ + +Sin should be rooted out from us through daily sorrow and repentance, +and our love to God and man should grow up within us more and more, so +that it may appear in all our conduct that we have the mind of Christ. + + =Rom. 6:4. We are buried with Christ by baptism into death: that + like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the + Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.= + + _357. What are the duties of sponsors?_ + +They should pray for the child whose baptism they have witnessed, they +should remember the covenant of their own Baptism, and afterwards, as +far as possible, see that the child is brought up in the fear of God. + + + + +PART FIVE. + +THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. + + + _358. What is the Lord's Supper?_ + +It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under bread and +wine, instituted by Christ Himself for Christians to eat and to drink. + + _359. Repeat the Words of Institution._ + +"=Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which He was betrayed, took +bread, and when He had given thanks, He brake it and gave it to his +disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you; +this do in remembrance of me.= + +"=After the same manner, also, when He had supped, He took the cup, +and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all +of it; this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for +you, and for many, for the remission of sins; this do, as oft as ye +drink it, in remembrance of me.=" + + _360. When did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper?_ + +In the night in which He was betrayed to death; it is therefore called +the Lord's Supper. + + _361. Is it important to note the time when Jesus instituted the + Lord's Supper?_ + +Yes; for it shows the loving care of our Savior, who just before His +suffering and death thought more of us than of Himself. + + _362. What do we receive in the Lord's Supper?_ + +In and with the bread and the wine we receive the body and blood of +Christ, which He gave up in death for us. + + _363. How do you know this?_ + +Christ says concerning the bread: "Take, eat; this is my body." + +Concerning the wine He says: "Drink ye all of it; this cup is the New +Testament in my blood." + + _364. What is meant by "New Testament" in this connection?_ + +Thereby is meant the new covenant which God has made and sealed with +the blood of Jesus. + + =1 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?= + + _365. What, therefore, makes the bread and the wine a sacrament + of the body and blood of Christ?_ + +God's own Word which is added to the bread and the wine; for as Luther +says, "Bread and wine alone are but bread and wine; but being united +with the Word of God, they are truly the body and blood of Christ. +For as the mouth of Christ speaks, so it is; He can neither lie nor +deceive." + + _366. For whom is the Lord's Supper intended?_ + +The Lord's Supper is intended for true Christians, who are of age and +understanding to prove themselves. + + =1 Cor. 11: 28. [R. V.] Let a man prove himself, and so let him + eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.= + + _367. What benefit do we have from the Lord's Supper?_ + +It is shown by these words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission +of sins;" namely, that in the sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and +salvation are given us through these words. For where there is +forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. + + _368. But does not the believer have the forgiveness of sins + before he partakes of the Lord's Supper?_ + +Yes; the believer has the forgiveness of sins through Baptism and the +Word. + + _369. How, then, can the forgiveness of sins in a particular + sense be connected with this sacrament?_ + +Because in the Lord's Supper we receive the body and blood of Christ, +which were offered up for us, as a sure pledge of the forgiveness of +sins. + + _370. In what way does the believer get life and salvation + through this sacrament?_ + +Through this sacrament the believer is brought into spiritual +fellowship with his Lord and Savior, who imparts Himself to him and +thus preserves and strengthens him in faith, hope, and love unto +eternal life. + + =John 6: 56. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, + dwelleth in me, and I in him.= + + _371. Does not the sacrament of the Lord's Supper also bring + about a more intimate fellowship between believers?_ + +Yes; believers are united in a closer fellowship through partaking in +common of the Lord Jesus and eternal life in Him. + + =1 Cor. 10:17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for + we are all partakers of that one bread.= + + _372. How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?_ + +It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does it, but the words +which stand here: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." +These words, together with the bodily eating and drinking, are the +chief thing in the sacrament; and He that believes these words, has +what they say and mean, namely, the forgiveness of sins. + + _373. Is it of little importance how we receive the Lord's Supper?_ + +By no means; we must be prepared when we go to partake of these +gifts. It is much worse to go to the Lord's Supper unprepared and +unworthily than not to go at all. + + _374. Who, then, receive this sacrament worthily?_ + +Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good outward practise; + +But he alone is truly worthy and well prepared, who believes these +words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." + +But he who believes not these words is unworthy and unprepared. The +words, "=for you=" require truly believing hearts. + + _375. Who, then, is rightly prepared to partake of the Lord's + Supper?_ + +He who believes these words: "Given and shed for you, for the +remission of sins." + + _376. What is meant by "believing" these words?_ + +Thereby is meant that we heartily feel our sin and unworthiness before +God, but also that we confidently accept for ourselves the grace of +our Lord Jesus Christ. + + _377. Who partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily?_ + +They who do not feel nor repent their sins, and who do not from their +heart believe in Jesus. + + =1 Cor. 11:29. He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and + drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.= + + _378. Why do such unconverted persons partake of the Lord's + Supper?_ + +They do so either from custom or habit, or because they are ashamed to +neglect the Lord's Supper, or again because they mean to please God by +this outward obedience. + + _379. Should such persons be admitted to the Lord's Supper?_ + +No. + + =Matt 7:6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither + cast ye your pearls before swine.= + + _380. What must we do in order that we may not partake of the + Lord's Supper unworthily?_ + +We must prayerfully search our own hearts as in the presence of God, +whether we repent our sins and believe in Jesus Christ, and whether we +have an honest purpose to abstain from even our bosom sins. + + =1 Cor. 11:28.= + + _381. How often should we partake of the Lord's Supper?_ + +Christ has not told us how often we should partake, but He has said, +"This do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me". + + _382. What should move us to partake of the Lord's Supper often?_ + +First of all, the command and promise of our Lord and Savior; then, +our own great need, which is the reason for our Father's tender +invitation and promise of grace. + + _383. What are the common causes for the neglect of the Lord's + Supper?_ + +Spiritual dullness and indifference, a worldly mind, pride, and +disregard for God's grace and ordinance. + + _384. Should the feeling of our own unworthiness keep us away + from the Lord's Supper?_ + +No; the more we feel our own unworthiness, and the more we sincerely +long for God's forgiveness, the more worthy are we to receive His grace. + + =Matt. 5:3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the + kingdom of heaven.= + + =1 Pet. 5:5. God giveth grace to the humble.= + + _385. What must we do when we receive the Lord's Supper?_ + +We must remember our Savior and His death. + + =Luke 22:19. This do in remembrance of me.= + + _386. How should we remember Christ's death?_ + +We should earnestly fix our mind upon the suffering and death of +Christ, so that we may be strengthened in faith and in love to Him, +who loved us unto death. + + =1 Cor. 11:26. As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, + ye do show the Lord's death till He come.= + + _387. What should be our conduct when we have received the Lord's + Supper?_ + +We should quietly think of the great love which God has shown us, and +heartily thank Him for it; not only for a few days, but always, keep +near to Jesus, show His death in word and act, and in a sanctified life +prove that the body and blood of Christ have power to cleanse from sin. + + =1 Pet. 2:24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on + the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto + rigtheousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.= + + _388. Is he who thus believes and lives in fellowship with Christ + sure to be saved?_ + +Yes; when he continues steadfast in faith until death. + + =Matt. 24:13. He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall + be saved.= + + =Rev. 2:10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a + crown of life.= + + + + +Transcriber's Note + + + * Obvious punctuation and spelling errors repaired. + + * Text enclosed between equal signs was in bold face in the + original (=bold=). + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Luther's Small Catechism, by H. U. Sverdrup + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM *** + +***** This file should be named 36081.txt or 36081.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/0/8/36081/ + +Produced by Larry B. 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